Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fonz
I think Ritchie falls, gets drafted in the 12-16 spot.
There's gotta be concern over his determination. At 230 lbs, he's fat. That's the same weight as 6'7''-Chris Breen, and 6'8''-Tyler Meyers. And if he's not physically fit, that would explain why so many scouts say he's a beast one minute then taking shifts off the next.
He could have all the tools to be great, except for that desire to do what it takes, which in that case he'd just be a big, skilled, lazy, inconsistent player.
I've dropped him out of my top 10.
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Keegan Kanzig was 6'5", and 245lbs - and apparently was a fitness freak and had a physique that Conroy compared to Schwarzenegger.
It can go both ways though - he may indeed be fat. However, put him in Calgary's system that preaches fitness, and has trainers taking the kids to the grocery store even (like they did with Howse), and go through some Hartley camps - development can be equally as important as scouting. From the scouting reports I have heard, Ritchie is fast, tough and very skilled - add his size into the equation and he is easily a top 10 draft pick I think.
If Calgary is really interested in him, they will be scouting him a lot, grill him in the interviews about his commitment, and will also be talking to his coaches, trainers and teammates.
He isn't amongst my favorites for the Flames to draft, but I wouldn't hate the pick I think - but I do wish I have had more of a chance to watch him more. I just have him lumped-in with that second tier of prospects, but I have no idea where.