I see John Scott coming up as a comparable, and I think it is a horrible one. Scott was a forward, and he didn't get points. Scott is not a 'smart' player out there. Let's face it, he is JUST a goon, and nothing more. He isn't even a playable goon. McGrattan is a much better hockey player than Scott.
Kanzig is not 'just a goon'. Goons don't really get invited to special tournaments. Goons don't play heavy minutes against the other teams' top lines consistently. Kanzig's lack of offence is a bit disconcerting and you do have to wonder what his future success might be in the NHL, but to say John Scott is a comparable is comparison made blindly on stats only. Kanzig is a very good shut-down d-man that is developing really nicely.
From what one poster has said, which seems to coincide with scouting reports done, Kanzig had a terrible 1st year in the WHL. His second season was really good, as he shot up to the top pairing and was a rock on the defensive side of things. This year, he is continuing his solid defensively play, and I hoped he would start increasing his offence, but that hasn't happened yet.
I think Kanzig is a tough prospect to project. He looked really great in the prospect camp - much more mobile and smart out there than I ever thought he would be. He looked like a legitimate defensive prospect, not a goon.
edit: Scott plays both wing and defence, and he was used more as a defencemen in the NCAA. Still don't think it is a good comparison as his hockey IQ is non-existent.
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