Quote:
Originally Posted by mrdonkey
Honest question, what is it about Valimaki that makes him so untouchable? He’s a nice prospect but is he really that much of a blue-chipper that you don’t even consider moving him for a 26-year-old player who’s already an established star? The way he’s talked about you’d think he was lighting the AHL on fire.
For all we know he tops out as a 2nd pairing dman or becomes the next Tim Erixon. Which is far more likely than becoming the heir apparent to a Norris-caliber defenseman.
Not meaning this as a slight against the player, just not understanding the level of hype and value he seems to carry with him.
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It's a fair question. And the bottom line is that nothing is guaranteed, ever. But his attributes are pretty solid:
1) great skater
2) great offensive instincts
3) great defensive instincts
4) leader
5) poise (highly under-rated as a skill for D men)
6) size
7) progression
He continues to show, every year, great progression and pretty elite skills at every level. He was taking a regular shift as a 20 year old in the NHL, without AHL time. Usually, the only guys doing that at this age or younger, end up being top pairing guys at a very young age.