Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
Just to point out an example a little opposite that of C4L.
Tampa had 6 rookies play more than 50 games last season. Palat, Johnson, Gudas, Brown, Kucherov, and Panik. Most of these players played more than 70 games. Palat and Johnson emerged in particular as very good young players who weren't given much thought by most outside of Tampa.
Most people didn't think that Tampa would perform as strongly as they did last season. The Lightning didn't go out in free agency and fill all roster spots with veterans. Of course, key injuries (Stamkos) and cocaine (Malone) played a role in giving these young players more opportunities, ultimately, the team far exceed expectations.
So let's not act like the Senators or the Oilers are the only possible outcomes. We currently have one 21 year old rookie who dominated the NCAA on the roster. If we're extreme in one direction, it's being conservative.
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Yes, and Palat was 22 and had spent 2 years in the A.
And Johnson was 23 and had also spent significant time in the A.
And as you mentioned, injuries.
I would expect that sooner or later, people will be talking about all the young rookies in the Flames lineup too.