Quote:
Originally Posted by Boreal
Sure, conversation pieces can be fun to read.
My criticism of his work is that he puts an emphasis on elite game breaking talent in his assessments and evaluations.
Sure and he's clear about that.
In the salary cap era this is an oversimplification of drafting, assessing roster construction, and development.
Elite talent is vital and gets paid, but every roster optimally need a diversity of home grown skills that are appropriately paid replacement level talent.
When I read his work it seems like he assesses every mid-late round pick on its potential to be a Gaudreau/Datsyuk/Zetterberg Diamond in the rough.
This is why I rarely give his work much credence or find it useful.
To even compare him to Button is a long reach in my opinion.
Craig’s father started the NHL’s central scouting service and his scouting resume speaks for itself.
When I read the Art of Scouting by Shane Malloy Pronmon’s name or connections/mentors are never mentioned as far as I understand.
I’ve also never found or read anything of his evaluation rubric that touches on the fundamental player assessment criteria Malloy’s book details after discussions with numerous actual NHL scouts.
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That's all fair.
You have the option not to read him.
But what I don't understand is a criticism such as "I wish he was more like Bob". Why - that would just produce a very similar list. And that's not what he set out (or gets paid to do). Again - people are paying him for his opinion. That's the work he's doing.
It's just one perspective amongst many. The degree to which you think it's worth your time reading is completely up to you.
I agree he prioritizes offensive upside and potential highly. And my view is that teams should use the draft to select players that can be difference makers. I would be asking, regardless of round, "does this player have an opportunity to be a difference maker for us". If not - I wouldn't draft him. The impact of drafting an impact player is huge. Depth players can be found elsewhere.
Which I realize isn't your entire point, but just communicating my overall philosophy, as a fan, not an expert.