Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I think it made sense as recently as the mid-2000s because the talent pool just wasn't there (due to weaker scouting, development, and a less global game).
I also think it's fair that some players fall into the Linden Vey category of "not good enough offensively to beat NHL defenses, but also not good enough in other areas to make an impact any other way" but I think you have to get a sample size of evaluation in place. Early in Andrew Mangiapane's career people here on CP had made that assessment about him too.
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And I think Mangiapane is a good example. He's bigger, but not NHL sized, did well in the AHL, and was a 6th round pick.
He got the look after basically two full seasons in the AHL and did something with it.
Phillips is on year five now, so certainly behind Mangiapane ... but also through a strange covid window of less games played.
I think he deserves a look for sure. But I think they need a top nine injury or a Ruzicka face plant to make it happen.