Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkGio
A lot of great players struggle their draft+year in the juniors. It's not like he's guaranteed to dominate at unprecedented levels. Maybe if he broke OHL records last year I could see your point, but he could still improve upon his performance.
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I get it's not guarantee.. hence the (hopefully).. but what is the point at playing at a slower, lower level when he has shown he has the skill to play in the NHL.
His skating has been up to the rest of the team. His strength hasn't been a problem. He is going to dirty areas and straight to the front of the net. Breaking Junior scoring records are just as meaningless when looking at NHL performance, lots of Jr stars who fizzled in the NHL. I look at 1 thing, can he compete in the NHL? If so then his best place to improve is with an NHL team, even in fourth line minutes.. it worked out just fine for Joe Thorton.
Everything people point out against him tend to be timing and experience. Playing against a junior defenseman is nothing compared to having to deal with the real deal. If it turns out he can't keep up then yes, absolutely send him down. But after 3 games he looks more effective than half of the team, I just don't see how playing weaker competition can help him improve on that more than playing against the best in the world.