Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I have little trouble sorting out my order from existing prospects, but I have no idea when McDonald, Smith or even Hickey work into this list. Normally the 2nd rounders from the recent draft year kick in when you're through the 7 guys that you think are actual prospects.
The depth of the list this summer suggests we're not there yet, and may not be for some time.
Bennett you graduate as a combination of potential, where he's picked, and a really high liklihood to work out.
But Smith et al vs guys developing in the system is a really tough call.
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Yeah, I see what you are saying about the guys drafted this year.
I was hoping we were going to pick Hunter Smith with our first 2nd rounder (34th overall) because I didn't think he would be there at 54.
After listening to his coach, (OHL coach of the year) DJ Smith (no relation) rave about the strides in Hunters game last season before the NHL draft got me hoping we would get him.
6'6", 16 goals, 40 pts, +11 and 100 PIM's last season after having 2 pts in 45 games the 2 seasons combined before that.
But the best part of Hunter Smiths season he saved for the playoffs. 3 goals, 8 assists for 11 pts in 12 games. 25 PIMs. Coach DJ Smith claims he and Micheal Dal Colle were far and away his best playoff performers. He also claims something has "clicked" with Hunter this year.
I'm just not sold on Agostino/Hanowski/Arnold/Knight ever becoming regular NHL players, where I can see a 6'6" guy who is ever improving make his way to the NHL. I see more potential in Hunter than most of the guys left.