Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
Has starting top prospects off as "third line centres" ever worked, for anyone?
The Oilers thought Draisaitl could be a third line centre for him, and that flopped and they sent him back to junior. The player didn't see success until he played top six with Hall in his sophomore season.
Monahan, despite the goalscoring numbers, had a pretty miserable rookie season as a third line centre.
Sam Bennett, we all remember his sophomore season.
What about Dylan Strome in Arizona? How did he look as the Coyotes' 3C?
I dunno, I just don't this is a good plan as you state it. Not because Cozens isn't talented, but because I don't think you put top prospects out of junior into that role and expect good results.
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Cozens has already gone back to junior for a season, as to not be rushed to the pro leagues. He is turning pro next year, one way or the other. As you listed, starting off a skilled center on the third line is generally considered a valid strategy by coaches. More often they are started on the wing with a veteran centre, to learn the ropes, like what happened with Dube this season.
If it will make the transition easier, then third line wing with pp time. It's really up to the coach. The point is, that he is not a fourth line player, and he will be given every opportunity to stick with an NHL club. That is pretty much a sure thing if he stays in Buffalo.
That's two years ahead of the development time of any draft pick this year. Cozens has more value to the Flames than the 8th.