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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Unfair IMO. He's very skilled and its obvious watching him on the ice. Good stick handling, good vision, a very hard shot. Of course you probably haven't had as much opportunity to watch him so its not surprising you might be cautious with a projection.
The one thing about projecting his numbers is a guy with his size and skating has nothing to overcome at the NHL level now that he's finally added strength. He isn't disadvantaged due to size, in fact he has the size advantage. He isn't slow. There's nothing holding him back from projecting his numbers.
I dunno having watched him play in rookie camps, preseason, college, and AHL highlights to me he has obvious and undeniable top two line talent. I think his upside is 50-60+ points in his prime. I think he's a notch below Monahan/Bennett in upside but not as far behind those guys in upside as many might think. Big upside with this kid. Impressive skill in a 6'5, 200+ lb frame. No real handicaps in his game.
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I agree with all of this. His attributes are eye popping to me and now that's he's physically matured you see him putting it all together. The big question for me is what kind of role and linemates does he get?
IMO he needs to have an offensive role right off the bat just like Monahan did if you want to maximize his potential. He needs a top 9 spot and although I was not liking playing him on the wing initially I'm all for it now if it's 4L or the AHL instead.
To me he's doing exactly what Monahan did in his rookie year. With increasing difficulty in the opponent he keeps raising his play. No way should they stunt that growth by saddling him on 4L or playing lesser opponents in the minors.
I'm not a fan at all of Gulutzan's 40 40 talk (games in minors and NHL). Obviously coaches know best but he looks very good. I want to know how high he can go.