Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
You seem to underestimate how easy it is for a 6'2 200+ LB defenceman to physically manhandle, shut down and contain 5'10 forwards.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard was a game changing talent one draft year and Minnesota took him top 10. He's ended up as a power play specialist and often times 4th liner.
Have you been a fan of hockey a long time? Many smaller guys just don't translate their game changing skill into the NHL. The ones who do are the exceptions.
|
All my life man. Watch about 140 games a season and read about hockey an hour plus every day. Others with more hockey knowledge than either of us agree with me, and others with more hockey knowledge than either of us agree with you. I'd appreciate you not being obnoxiously condescending.
There are disappointments - and downright busts - of all shapes, sizes and positions. Your example does not change my personal view as to incorrect priorities in NHL scouting generally.
Individual examples don't really impress me very much... for example, I'll note that Shane O'Brien is a 6'3 210lb defenseman who would not, I don't think, find it very easy to manhandle 5'10'' Pavel Datsyuk. Tyler Johnson is more promising up and coming centers in the league at 5'9''. Lots of examples you can look to to try to prove any point you like, but it doesn't really add any more to the discussion than trying to imply that the person you disagree with is somehow new to the sport.