Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
This is an emotional argument from folks expecting an impact winger.
Never say never, but nothing points to him suddenly becoming something consistently, that he showed he was for one playoff series.
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I don't know what to expect from Ferland but I want to give him a chance to show it. It is totally emotional because Ferland has a lot of differences from the average NHL prospect. Starting real hockey at 17 with the WHL, having alcohol abuse problems at such a young age and working through them, showing up not even close to in shape got him sent to the WHL as an over-ager.
He might end up being a full on bust, or he might blossom at 25. I just argue against the idea that he is too old to gain anymore development and he is what he is. I think for all those reasons he has a lot more growing to do, and if he turns out to be an under-producing regular season guy and over-achieving playoff guy then he is totally an asset to hang on to.
Not arguing that he will ever be impact, just arguing that based on his circumstances, and yes his great playoff performance, that he deserves some rope and a couple years in the NHL before people write him off. He hasn't even seen 100 games yet.