the Tkachuk thing ...
Stats are important for sure, so are height/weight etc for sure.
But for me I tend to ignore development camp and even Penticton and put more stock in where they are drafted and what is being said, and all that comes up very high in the plus column for Tkachuk making an impact as early as this fall.
Before I even had the nerve to drool about him coming to Calgary we heard his Mem Cup performance had him changing the dialogue in the draft from a top 3 to a top 4, it was clouding the draft somewhat.
Since then you read more as he's become a Calgary player and it's so consistent. Can't miss. Impact. Multi tool. Hates to lose. Won't be denied. Can beat you many ways.
It just adds up. So I don't look at stats alone on this kid.
Then past that league has changed a lot since the "rushing the kid" issues were prevalent. The league is pinched in the bottom half of their roster. Kids that can play on entry level deals are getting better looks because
a) they aren't as expensive
b) they are more skilled than 18 year old from the last generation
then on top of that contracts have changed somewhat. Blowing a year of the entry level deal isn't the end of the world. Look at the Bennett contract. Can't see him having the same leverage after a good season this year compared to having 50 point seasons both this and next then talking bridge deals. Really the 40 game UFA line is the bigger issue giving the team some flexibility in giving the player a longer look.
To me it's an open mind, see what he does, don't "Feaster him" by saying "we think he's the best pick in the draft" or "MacTavish him" by giving him a top six role before camp starts.
But if he comes ready and he's in your top 9 let him ride it out a while and see where he goes.
Why I'm writing books today I don't know ....
|