Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
We do have to be careful when comparing a guy like Hunter Smith to Ferland.
In my opinion, if NHL teams felt confident that Ferland's head would be where it is today at this age when he was drafted...He would have been a 2nd round pick at the latest. I don't think teams ever questioned his physical skills and ability, but there was always risk associate with the off ice stuff. Today he seems to be on a great path in terms of the off ice stuff and has himself set up to be a really successful NHL player if he can stay on that path.
Hunter Smith still went in the 2nd round in his draft year. I think his character and work ethic has been less of a concern to NHL teams as his NHL level skills. At this point the AHL in my opinion is the place where he needs to be for skill development.
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Ferland was drafted after 1 season - 61 WHL games 28 pts and 15 playoff games 4 pts.
Hunter Smith 3 seasons - 109 OHL games 42 pts and 17 playoff games 11 pts
Hunter Smith also has the "jankowski" factor being 6-6 as a 17 year old. If he grows as much as Jankowski has to he will be playing in the NHL at 240-250. Ferland is just normal big, Smith is scary big.