Quote:
Originally Posted by $ven27
May be a stupid question, but why is it that picking the Dman in the top of the draft is such a risk compared to the forwards? Is it simply because their game is harder to translate to the NHL level?
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In my opinion:
1) It takes longer for a Dman to reach their potential compared a Forward, so you have to project farther into the future. It's even farther out with goalies, who's results are even more erratic. Great forwards tend to transition to the NHL much faster, and start making an impact almost right away. I think picking a Dman at 18 would be like picking a forward at 15-16. Or a goalie at 12, ha.
2) I think it's a much more subtle position, so it's not as obvious to see who will translate well to the NHL. The difference between a great dman and an average one isn't as obviously apparent compared an elite forward vs an average one.