Quote:
Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen
Connolly was 6th overall and was nearly 23 when he was traded (well according to NHL stats but anyone who's seen Connolly knows he's about 40). Drouin isn't 21 yet and has already bested any of Connolly's seasons. He's a year and a half removed from putting up 2.4 points per game in the QMJHL. If he doesn't find his game in the NHL in the next 2 years then he'll be on the same path as Connolly, but right now he still has huge potential.
And I mean, even with his struggles, he put up 32 points in 70 games as a 19 year old last season. Bennett is on pace for 31. Completely different players, far from complete, but Drouin isn't some bust just yet.
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Fair enough but really, how much more valuable than Connolly is Drouin? Twice as much? Two 2nds vs... what? Klimchuk+Poirier+2nd? There is no way he worth a potential lotto pick unless TB adds IMO.
Connolly will at the very least be a 3rd/4th liner with top 6 upside. Drouin is top 6 or bust with a remote (in my opinion anyway) chance at becoming elite.
This time next year Drouin is in the same boat as Connolly was if he doesn't turn it around. Waiver eligibility just over the horizon with time running out for him to realize his potential. At that point, he will be closer to Baertschi than Connolly given his trade request and limited versatility.