Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Disagree here. I think that is what interviews are for. I remember in the draft leading up to Baertschi, that he Flames talked to the coach, trainers, teammates, etc. Add to that the fact that he was a 'last minute' change at the draft table. How much more interviewing and information gathering did the Flames do with the guy they were at first intent on drafting?
I think IF (you nor I who don't know the kid simply don't know for sure) the Flames felt that Shinkaruk was a headcase, then yes - great move to completely cross him off the list. Unless we know the prospect and/or family, we simply don't know for sure. However, some posters here did know him and/or his family and commented on it. Some former teammates have commented apparently. There is enough reason to make me think he was a headcase, but I myself don't know for sure as rumors are rumors (even if the Kabanov one).
Flames interview and follow-up with the people around the kid - including their families. Good on them for crossing him off the list even though at the time he seemed like the 'no-brainer' pick, if at the end of their research they did end up determining he had character issues.
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Sure but Getzlaf was a guy with character issues at the draft and he seemed to overcome them. Kane had character issues as well and he turned out okay.
It can certainly go both ways and my point is that at 18 I think you have to be careful to dismiss kids as sometimes those supposed character issues are things that can easily be fixed with maturity/change of scenery/coaching etc.
Crossing guys off the list seems to me to be a way to miss out on some talented players with issues that can be fixed sometimes very easily.