Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Why do you think Smith is at least a 3 year project? Is it because of his size? Do you think because he's 6'7" that he is therefore similar to Kanzig?
Kanzig is a prospect because of his size. And especially being a defenseman, he has a very long learning curve ahead if him if he is going to make it.
Smith has size, but that's not all - he has good speed, solid hockey IQ, and soft hands.
He is not a 'size' project, he is a legitimate prospect. I would assume his development is on a similar pace with most other forwards.
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Yes, he's a legitimate prospect, one that went undrafted the year prior and had a big jump in numbers this year. Dude went from 1 point in the 2 prior seasons getting limited playing time due to injuries and coaching decisions, to scoring 40 points in 64 games, mostly goals. To me all that tells me he's a little behind the kids his age in terms of development. Last year was the first year he got real minutes and a chance to contribute more than just punching faces. He showed he could possibly do a lot more, but there's a lot to be proven and worked on for him to be a legitimate NHL player.
The good news is he has some nice raw tools to work with, and with good development he will be a guy like Ferland (not quite as good) who will need at least another year in junior, and likely 2 in the AHL before he is ready to contribute. Hence, 3 year project.
The NHL is a tough league to crack. Just ask Max Reinhart, Sven Baertschi, Corban Knight etc.