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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Well if he's a PP QB then you can't really call him a defensive defensemen. He's clearly a two-way defenseman that can play in all situations.
Talked to a guy who travelled to the WJC in Sweden. He thought after Ekblad took a couple games to adapt that he was their best defensemen. He also thought Reinhart was pretty much a non-factor in that tourney. Take it for what its worth.
I think scouts always thought Ekblad was good defensively and I think coming into this year his offense was a question mark. Well its a question mark no longer and thats why most of them believe he's a future top pairing guy. If you look at the rankings he's the majority #1 so far. Might change based on the playoffs.
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Sorry - should have clarified that statement - he could end up being a PP quarterback.
Ekblad hasn't silenced the critics when it comes to his offence due to the vastly disproportionate ratio of EV vs PP points he has been putting up. It does, however, force people to ask questions such as "Does Ekblad have a much higher offensive ceiling than previously thought?". He could very well be developing his offensive game, and he could very well end up becoming a legitimate #1 defencemen. I do think you can play him in all situations. In summary, it is a huge positive to see him getting that offence, but there is still some lingering questions due to his disproportionate PP vs EV points it seems.
As for Reinhart - was this guy a scout? The only reason I ask is because many people just notice the 'flash' in the prospects. Reinhart will rarely blow you away with his flashiness, much like Monahan will not impress you in that way (though he does have his moments as youtube highlight reels can attest to). He just makes everything so simple, and he plays such an effective game. For instance, it is SIMILAR (and in no way am I directly comparing them, but just wanting to explain my point through a bit of an example) to Crosby vs Spezza (or maybe a better comparison is Toews vs Spezza, though I think Reinhart has a bit more of an offensive flair than Toews). Crosby is all 'smarts' and hard work. He won't often stun you with a flashy play (though at times, he does in fact do this). Spezza on the other hand seems to have a lot more 'flash' to his game, and gets noticed more (well, at least when he is actually 'on' his game).
I find it difficult to describe Reinhart - but I think he comes in underrated essentially because he doesn't have that 'flash appeal' that is often synonymous with '1st line elite center' prospect. RNH had that 'flash', Reinhart doesn't as often, and therefore I think he is less noticeable out there.
However, I thought Ekblad had a very good tourney, and is very deserving of all the accolades he has received for it. Don't get me wrong - I don't think Ekblad is a bad prospect in any way - I think he will be a very valuable player to whatever team ends up drafting him. I just personally feel Reinhart is the best prospect at this point. I can see why some posters think it is Ekblad, and to me there isn't a huge argument with it. Would I be 'disappointed' if the Flames won the lottery and draft Ekblad? I would be for exactly 15 seconds before I get up and start doing my dance of joy.