I dont think Hall got tagged in his third year. Remember he also played in the AHL, and while the competition is less than the NHL, he did produce playing against pros and men. I expect Monahan to be a bonafide 2 way player in the NHL, but till he does that in the NHL, its disingenuous at best to be comparing him to players that have already succeeded in the NHL.
You do realize that Nuge got his injury from smashing into the boards. I am assuming you implied that he got crushed from a hit another player had on him. Say that he is weak that his body cant hold up to the NHL grind, but to say that he got crushed is once again disingenuous. Here is a report stating that his on ice awareness is off the charts, which I choose to interpret that he can use it to be elusive:
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallasstars/...gent-hopkins-2
Wow, I dont think anyone would say no to a Kovalchuk calibre player on their team. How about I ask my Oiler fans friends what they think about Yak... oh wait a sec, they love that guy and his "celebrations". I think there are very few oilers fans that dislike the guy. But then again, he could bolt to the KHL, but then again so could Nichushkin.
Heck, I would find it hard to defend flames prospects especially considering they've not played an NHL game yet. I am optimistic that our picks will play well, but to bring down other teams and sometimes fabricate faults... not cool.