Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
I never said being 6'7" reduces your chances of being an NHLer. I said it reduces your chances of becoming an impact forward.
I'm now seeing people calling me defensive. I don't know why. Nothing in my posts so far have been defensive.
Also seeing Lucic brought up as a comparable. Lucic is 4 inches shorter than Smith and does not play the same game. (Lucic also has Scheuermann's disease which is an unbelievably unique situation for an NHLer).
When you are 6 foot 7, the game you play changes, especially as a forward. It is truly difficult for forwards of than height to make an impact beyond fighting and sitting in front of the net on the powerplay. Maybe this is what the Flames wanted, but I don't know what else Hunter Smith could possibly become.
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I think he would be hell on the forecheck too and in the corners.
Sure he is not going to be dangling through center ice or carrying the puck much but if he has a decent shot, can get in front of the net, and is relentless on the forecheck then he can be a productive NHLer.
I think the fact that a 6'7" forward is rare is that A) 6'7" people aren't that common to begin with and B) If you are 6' 7" and can play hockey every coach in the world wants you as a d-man that can clear the front of your own net.
Smith is a rare prospect in this regard since you rarely see a 6'7" forward who is close to a PPG to begin with, just doesn't happen.