This is getting harder, not easier.
For me, this is between Wotherspoon, Jankowski and Reinhart.
Wotherspoon just keeps exceeding all expectations. I think he will end up being a 'core' player down the line, but as a second pairing defender. Seems like a player you will be able to throw out in any situation, and will make good decisions with the puck and with his own positioning.
Reinhart also just keeps breaking whatever ceiling you place on him. He is just so mart out there in every zone. Teams win with guys like Reinhart, IMO. Still has to get stronger and hopefully a little bit faster (he is not slow at all, but hopefully he gets a bit faster. With his IQ he would be a forechecking nightmare to go up against). I could see him legitimately become a 2nd line center, but thanks with the depth on the Flames, he may even have to shift over to the wing.
Jankowski - I decided to go with Jankowski. He was picked so high because of his ceiling. In Providence, he is becoming a well-rounded player. What does this mean?
Well, to me, Jankowski could be another Nieuwendyk with his ceiling, or even another Joel Otto 'lite'. Now, he will never have Otto's nastiness. He will probably end up having Otto's size, and is gaining Otto's defensive acumen and faceoff ability. To me, he is quickly becoming less likely to bust (which was the fears of most that didn't like Jankowski). He may never realize his full potential - Nieuwendyk is NOT a level that is easily attainable. Otto isn't either, and I will not say "at least he will be another Joel Otto". I think the Flames don't win the cup without Otto, along with Gilmour and Nieuwendyk.
What I am saying is that having a 6'4" center with his IQ and skating ability will help the Flames be harder to match up against, and he may be the guy tasked with defending against other big centers in a shut-down role (which he seems to be doing now in Providence!).
Is he developing? Well, stat lines show nothing. Please don't compare prospects on different teams in different roles trying to show that Jankowski is not developing. Kevin Hayes developed on an offensive juggernaut in BC. Same goes for Knight. Same goes for a LOT of other NCAA players. Jankowski was much younger and much more 'raw'. Instead of debating and finding comparisons and arguing non-stop about how these comparisons fit, just take a moment and step back and see where Jankowski is.
Leamen (who is considered one of the best coaches and program builders in the NCAA) throws Jankowski out at the last moments of a game to either preserve their one goal lead, or try and tie the game up. You don't throw out someone in those situations you don't trust time and again.
Jankowski's 'floor' was 'bust'. I think his floor is quickly rising. Aside from needing time to grow physically, his biggest flaws were defensive acumen and systems play. He is getting that in spades now, and is already a guy that the coach relies on. If that isn't development, then I have no idea what development is. Stat lines are only useful to a point - and though Jankowski's offensive stats has been a little underwhelming, there has been improvement every year. Given the circumstances of the overall picture of him as a prospect.
To me, if he can step in and become a very good defensive player (which he is at Providence), and can win faceoffs (which he is at Providence) and can skate and help shut down opposing teams (which he is at Providence), then he will be a huge piece for the Flames. Watch him play, and he has moments where he absolutely dazzles you with his vision and his skill level. The ceiling is still there, and the floor is quickly rising too!
Jankowski by a hair between Wotherspoon and Reinhart for me. How close they are to the NHL is irrelevant to me - I pick according to how valuable they will be to the team long-term - and having a 6'4" center that skates very well and has his IQ, vision, hands, faceoff ability and defensive acumen (if he keeps gaining as he has so far done) will make him an extremely valuable piece for the Flames moving forward.
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