Quote:
Originally Posted by edslunch
Prior to camp there was a huge debate about whether Jankowski is trending to player or bust. His showing here doesn't prove he'll be a player but it does support the idea that he is trending towards one.
|
This is exactly what I would love everyone to remember in every draft.
There are no busts drafted on draft day. There are no superstars (maybe with the exception of those 'generational players' - but even then there was Daigle after all) drafted on draft day.
Anything can happen, and it is more important to actually see the players play and develop and see how they are trending, see if they are correcting their weaknesses, etc.
I remember when Gaudreau was drafted, and learning that on the road, opposing fans would sometimes chant: "Hit the midget!". People laughed when the Flames picked him - 135lbs? Are you kidding me??" As open minded as I USUALLY am, I had very big doubts as well. Thought "Oh, the Flames are probably just drafting one of those slick career AHL'ers to help develop other prospects on the farm". He has proved everyone wrong.
Jankowski was a project. People labeled him a bust very early on. Now he is at least showing that he does have very good potential, and his 'bust factor' is diminishing.
You look at a guy like Smith - passed over at the draft? Nothing but a meathead. Right? Kid has got some game.
Kanzig? Seriously? The Flames wasted a pick on a goon, when they can just sign one on the cheap any given off-season? Incredible character and the hardest worker in the entire organization - and BRIGHT!
Never write off a prospect until he actually busts. Never pencil one in until he pushes himself on there, but life is a lot better to live positively than negatively. At 17/18, 99.9% of us on these forums are making complete guesses, and nobody knows a bust.