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Originally Posted by 868904
Have to wonder why Peters didn't play Lindholm with Aho and Teravainen in Carolina, which is what the Canes are doing with Ferland.
There is obviously a bit of luck for both Lindholm and Ferland this early in the season but both guys have always had the potential to be top line guys.
Ferland's skill is severely underrated on this board. Consistency and desire has always been his issue. Does he want to fulfill his potential or is he satisfied with what he has already accomplished (which is already a lot given what he has had to overcome, not trying to slight him at all).
Back to Lindholm, I remember watching his highlights and games in his draft year, and he looked like a poor mans' version of Peter Forsberg. The strength on the puck, the elusive turns, the puck handling, the physicality. I preferred him to Monahan at the draft.
I don't think Lindholm will be a point per game guy but will likely score in the 60 to 70 point range in his prime while playing a good two way game.
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I don't believe Peters had the depth in Carolina last year that he does now. He was basically forced to use Lindholm in a different line to avoid being a truely one line team. He is much more complete player than Ferland, and I think we are seeing that now, and was more versitile to anchor a second line. Carolina can add Ferland to the first line as a sniper without giving up lower down in the line-up, I don't think that they could have said the same thing last year.
Back to Ferland, I don't think his skill is underrated on this board at all, you nailed it about his consistency and I think most posters would agree. There are some detractors but overall I would say CP recognzied the skill and shot he had but it was constantly overshadowed by his consistency.
Lindholm's shot has suprised me the most. Not the power that Ferland has, but it is such a quick release and so much more accurate. From what I heard and read I expected the strong board play and good defensive instincts, but I expected another playmaker, not the goal scorer we have seen so far.
You are probably right with the point projections. But it wouldn't surprise me to see him pull a season as a PPG once or twice, especially playing with Gaudreau and Monahan.