Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
That's the premise that I have been taking issue with in this entire discussion: That Jankowski is a bad pick because there are players from his draft class who are playing in the NHL while he does not look close. My counter argument this entire time has been that it is too early to say, because he is such a long term project, and his early returns are quite likely not very indicative of his potential down the road.
I like Jankowski, but I'm not waiting with bated breath for him to break out and become the Flames next top-line centre. However, given his skill-set and size, I do think that the potential MIGHT be there, and am happy to simply wait and see for a couple more years.
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The counter argument to that is that it was a bad pick BECAUSE he isn't close to the NHL. There was no need to take a long term gamble on a player given the other players that were available.
The only way this pick is a win is if Jankowski makes the NHL AND is better than the players that the Flames passed on. Otherwise what was the point to the wait and the gamble?
I also take issue with the assumption that "his early returns are quite likely not very indicative of his potential down the road". Which is really the root of the argument. One camp feels that Jankowski is 'special' and we should accept that he will progress slower than most other prospects. I have yet to hear a compelling reason why he is special. Even if you consider this season as his draft +1 instead of +2 season because of his age and high school development path. This is still an underwhelming draft+1 season for a first rounder.