Quote:
Originally Posted by kehatch
I am always very cautious in my projections. Centre is one of the most important positions in the game. There are 20 or so top players at the position. There are usually only a couple in every draft. Last draft Mackinnon is the only player I had projected as a top C.
If you expand the definition to a player that could play on a top line on some teams than I would project Reinhart at that level. But in my opinion we are trying to build a cup team.
That said, Reinhart (and Monahan) could exceed my expectations. None of us get paid to do this, and those that do are just making a slightly more educated guess!
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You haven't really answered the question though, except by summarizing that it is highly unlikely any prospect becomes a 1st line center. There is no reasoning beyond that, and it appears you are not looking at Reinhart at all, but are just basing your opinion on nothing more than just generalities of how likely prospects turn into high-impact players in the NHL.
When you compare Reinhart against the draft years of notable 1st line centers, he is at that level - higher than a lot of 1st line centers in the NHL, actually. His size is right there too. He is also not benefiting from playing on a powerhouse team - he is the 1st target for all shutdown attention in every game he plays in from opposing teams.
Factor in that he plays an extremely good complete game - works hard in all 3 zones and has tremendous IQ in doing so, which many other current 1st line centers have never done in Junior (so you would assume less time backchecking and the sheer energy expended would only pad their offensive stats, unlike what Reinhart is doing), and it becomes more difficult to say he does not project at that level. Factor in intangibles like leadership and a high-work ethic, and I am just perplexed at how people don't have that projection.
Is there anything about Reinhart as a prospect that I am not seeing that makes you think he is not 1st line center projection, other than the fact that low numbers of drafted players turn into one? What is your cut-off in stats, size, or whatever other factors you think separate projected 1st line centers from 2nd line centers at the junior level?
Also, I am not trying to 'attack' you or debate you, and I am not trying to force you to change your opinion - I am actually just curious what holes or what obstacles you think he will not overcome that limit your personal projections on him. Maybe there are things I am not seeing personally, and to me it seems like this kid is the definition of 'for sure' 1st line center given a few more years of development, especially considering that he doesn't really have any weaknesses to his game, and plays a very good defensive game already while still generating an obscene amount of offence.