Quote:
Originally Posted by activeStick
I know it's not impossible, but I really don't understand why some people insist on placing Valimaki in their mock lineups, and in the Top 4, to boot for some.
He's a great prospect, I agree. Had a very good year in the WHL, I agree. But prospects take time and the odds that he makes the jump this October into the Flames opening day lineup, let alone cracking the Top 4 are extremely low. He was drafted less than 12 months ago.
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Because some of us feel he's a top prospect and right up there with Andersson as the most NHL ready of our young dmen. Jacob Chychrun was drafted around the same area and stepped into the NHL immediately. Regehr didn't really see any AHL time after his junior career. McAvoy went straight to the NHL from college. Top prospects don't usually need as much or any time in the minors.
What is holding Valimaki back? He has NHL size, strength, skating and skill it would appear. So he may be NHL ready as this fall. I wouldn't bet my house on it but I certainly wouldn't bet my house against it either. IMO he's a lot closer to the NHL than Kylington or Fox. I think he's a strong contender to make the NHL club and potentially a reason why Treliving may feel comfortable trading one of Hamilton, Brodie or Stone.
I guess in the end how close Treliving feels Valimaki and Andersson are and what their upside is will determine if we have an excess of dmen immediately that can be dealt from or if he wants one more summer before dealing a top 4 dman. I'm not convinced Andersson will be a top 4 guy. But I am convinced Valimaki will, and could even be a top pairing guy within 2 years.