Quote:
Originally Posted by bax
I'm not sold on his game translating because he's been physically mature his entire junior career and therefore been able to dominate with his strength. Things are going to be much different at the NHL level.
Once again, not saying that he's not going to be good, just that for the flames needs I would rather have one of the 3 centers
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I think there would be something to worry about IF Ekblad hadn't scored at nearly a PPG clip over the course of the season. In 58 games he scored 23 goals, 30 assists for 53 points. That is impressive to me, and makes me wonder why certain media outlets are questioning Ekblad's dynamism.
These people go on and on about Ekblad being 'no Seth Jones'. Jones, who is also 6'4" and has similar physical gifts, played 61 games & scored 14 goals and 42 assists for 56 points in his only season in the CHL. Very similar numbers, but on a Portland team that was stacked.
At worst Ekblad looks like he'll be the shutdown presence on a good team's 1st pairing. If his offence doesn't translate (which is ludicrous considering the cannon of a slapshot he possesses) he still has the physical and mental gifts to be a pretty special defenceman.