Quote:
Originally Posted by Commandant
One of the site commentators did a huge amount of statistical work on this draft and submitted an article about it (I asked him to be a regular writer, but he doesn't have the time). Anyways today he takes a look at PPG, GPG, EV strength production, strength of team, and other factors in a prospects draft year and the success it correlates to in the NHL. Also includes 2015 Eligibles to try and predict their potential success. He looks at the WHL & OHL. For anyone into stats, its really, really interesting.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2014/06/...whl-big-board/
His analysis indicates that Ritchie is amongst the best prospects in this draft and is right there with the top 5 elite goal scorers of the last 10 drafts. All of whom went on to be NHL superstars. |
Wow, that's huge praise. So the statistics are actually suggesting that Richie is in the same company as Kane, Stamkos, etc.?
I said it in a different thread, but there are very few weaknesses in Richie's game. People think power forward and have this idea that they're all slow, powerful, mean, possibly undisciplined, garbage-goal-getters. This isn't the case whatsoever with Richie. He's quick, strong, can snipe it, he's a great passer and has a high hockey IQ.
His two biggest weaknesses are his conditioning and durability. Conditioning comes with time, effort, maturity and keeping proper company. His durability issues are a huge question mark. He can't seem to stay healthy, which is concerning considering his style of play, but it's a risk I'd be willing to take.
With that said, I'd prefer Draisaitl because good centres are hard to come, but I wouldn't be heart broken at all if they took Richie.