Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.
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I think he could. Players like him that have that drive and play with that edge to their game usually find their place fairly well. They just find a way to out-compete opposing players.
For instance, Gallagher, or Marchand, or even our very own Bennett.
It is the big guys who play physical, but don't have that high level of compete that worry me. For instance, I still think Nick Ritchie is a much better prospect than Gauthier, even if Gauthier has been putting more pucks in the net at the same age. Mantha is an 'easy' guy to point at given his size and skill, but lower compete level.
Players like these have almost have to be nasty in a way, and with a high compete level. Corey Perry is a good example (not that he is a draft-day comparable - just that drive and bit of nastiness that Perry plays with). Tkachuk has the smarts and hands to give him a really good shot at being a very good top-line winger, but what sets him apart is and makes him highly regarded is that willingness to play on that edge and out-compete other players.
I am not sure where I rank him - I personally prefer Dubois over him - but I wouldn't for a second be upset if the Flames take him at 4th or lower.