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.
|
You didn't prove the 'opposite' though. I would agree you just proved my point, in fact.
Palat wasn't rushed to the NHL. He spent 2 seasons in the AHL, and has had considerably more success than Baertschi in the AHL. He was nearly a PPG. That is the essence of my post, actually.
Tyler Johnson is another one. He spent 2 season in the AHL - going nearly a PPG, and then over a PPG, with a call-up in-between within his AHL career as well. Found a way to stick.
Gudas spent 3 full seasons in the AHL.
Brown spent 2 years in the NCAA, then got a cup of coffee (5 games) with Tampa, then played a full season in the AHL, then started in the AHL for 13 games before coming back up to the NHL.
Kucherov - stayed in the KHL for another year before coming over to the CHL, then started in the AHL for 17 games before joining the Lightning and sticking.
Panik - Stayed for two full years in Juniors post draft, then into the AHL and has been bouncing between the AHL and NHL. Looks like he is going to stick, but not a guarantee. Point is, he was a 2009 draft pick who still hasn't become a regular yet, though it is likely this season.
Actually, all the players you listed have ironically been brought up along slowly, for the most part been sent down to the AHL and then recalled when there was an opportunity. Isn't that what my entire post was really pointing at? How is this proving me wrong? In my opinion, this is how prospects SHOULD be brought along, and you just showed me a team that is on the upswing doing just that. Thanks!!