Two things this analysis made me realize:
1) Even the "Core" players are usually not contributing right away like our recent top-6 picks. We've been super-spoiled with Monahan, Tkachuk and even Bennett. The player the Flames pick at #16 will most likely not be contributing for a while. Even Tarasenko played two years post-draft before he played NHL. CP is not a patient bunch, so I'm already anticipating our #16 pick being dubbed a bust when he returns to Junior for his 19 year old season and then heads to the "A" for his 20 year old season! LOL
2) We don't really need to dwell or be upset with past management regarding our last picks in the 20s. Janko (#21 2012), Poirier (#22 2013) and Klimchuck (#28 2013) will probably end up slotting in right about what I'd expect the league average is for picks in the 20s. Hopefully a core piece, a support player and a bust but at least a support player, a tweener and a bust.
Bonus thing realized: I agree (and always agreed) that picks are far over-valued. The scenario that comes to mind, which will still pan-out over the next few years, was trading a 2nd round pick for Lazar. Some on these boards were PISSED that we'd trade something as valuable as #47th overall for a "Risk" on Lazar. I for one would MUCH rather have a 22-year-old who's already played 180 games in the NHL than the lottery ticket at #47. No waiting three or four years for development...and I'd guess less than a 10% chance that #47 pick ever plays even 100 NHL games.
Of course -> I don't want to trade all our picks and it sucks not having a 2nd or a 3rd rounder this year...but having Hamilton and Lazar will prove to be WAY better than #15 in 2015 and #47 in 2017. NHL roster players are valuable...especially when they're under 25 !
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