Theo really produced.
I doubt you will find thousands like that:
1985–86 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 72 43 65 108
1986–87 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 66 61 68 129
1987–88 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 65 68 92 160
I remember thinking at draft time that it was illogical to discount him so much because of size ... given that smaller guys like Guy LaFleur .. it wouldn't have made any difference if he was even smaller. He was still considered a longshot for NHL after he tied Sacic with the 160 pts. Fleury's point was that this was done against some very talented, rugged and prepared opposition in WHL - best mimicking NHL type of obstacles.... so why discount him so much.
In hindsight the US and European experiments by Flames were relatively unproductive.
Now it seems there is less of a discount for small players that have produced in competitive areas. Hudler was chosen much higher and yet still seems like was a bargain.
There seems to be more NHL hope for tiny guy like John Gaudreau.
Did not Fleury pave the way a little bit ?
I use specific examples because I admit that I don't want to do a comprehensive analysis. But it seems to me like a pattern over the years. Do others not see it ?
|