Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan
Again, I'm not sure that's the case at all. That was Culkin's first pro season and he's still just 21. Pretty early to be declaring his window closing. Kulak is also just 21 and it was technically his first pro year last year too outside of a 6 game period at the end of his junior career.
Also:
1) Wotherspoon is ahead because he's a year older and had a season's experience in both the AHL and NHL in his first pro year. I'd be worried if he didn't look better.
2) Hickey made a big jump going from the AJHL to a top college team, and he did very well in his first year. I would like to see a larger sample size and some pro games before I declare him better, but I agree he has very good skills that are NHL capable.
3) Kylington's skills are elite, but the way he thinks the game and reads plays needs a LOT of work. That scares me for a defenseman, but I think he can become better with a lot of coaching and time in the lower leagues.
There's just a lot of unknowns here to begin declaring very young prospect's windows closed. Often it's the guy who works the hardest at his game who makes it to the NHL. See: Josh Jooris, or Mark Giordano.
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It's awesome that we are debating about having too many good young defensive prospects crowding each other out.