[Goodlad]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

That's the way I look at it as well. Also, Wotherspoon, if he even reaches his potential, is unlikely to be even a top 4 dman IMO. He's a classic low ceiling, low risk player... the definition of dime a dozen. Personally I see him as a decent depth defensemen who will play a lot of years in the league for a lot of different teams... nothing special, but useful. With McDonald, you're talking about bonafide starter potential, which is considerably more valuable than a depth defenseman. I suppose if you see something more in Wotherspoon, that's a different story... I just don't see it.

Personally, I think the whole argument of "he's closer to the NHL, he's played more pro games, etc" has muddled the debate. To me, I couldn't care less that Granlund and Wotherspoon have played in the NHL, or "are closer" when it appears they have middling potential compared to many of the others on the original list. So they are older, and thus have had the opportunity to establish themselves sooner than 18 and 19 year olds... well, whoop dee doo, that's quite the achievement. Someone has to be older, it doesn't mean anything.

It does mean something though, especially when comparing them to some of the higher risk prospects. It's true that they've had more time to establish themselves, but the key is that they've progressed throughout that time. A lot of guys don't. Potential is only part of the equation. The European leagues are riddled with guys that were drafted for potential but never showed the progression needed to be NHL'ers.