Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Hard to see how Corronato could have played much more - he didn’t sign a contract until March 26. Pelletier played 100 games in the AHL, Zary has played about 130. It’s not uncommon for players drafted in their range to spend 1-2 seasons in the minors.
Here are the NHL games played by guys drafted around Zary in his class:
Lapierre 6
Foerster 8
Zary 0
Barron 46
Neighbours 52
And keep in mind Zary had some serious injury issues that slowed his development. Mavirk Bourque (drafted 6 places after Zary) is ranked as the Stars’ 2nd best prospect, and he’s played 0 NHL games.
NHL games by the guys drafted around Pelletier:
Tomassino 107
McMichael 75
Pelletier 25
Foote 19
Suzuki 0
Doesn’t seem egregiously out of line.
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It’s not out of line - these are mid-20s first round picks - they’re basically 2nd rounders at that point.
But you’re making our point - neither Zary or Pelletier are “That Guy”. They’re supporting players. If they were anything more, they’d be here already.
Jonathan Huberdeau is a wonderful hockey player. He is the most talented man in the entire organization. Nobody else comes close, even Lindholm. And if they lose Lindholm, the drop off in talent from Huberdeau to Kadri to Mangiapane/Dube/Pelletier/Backlund….
It’s vast. And it doesn’t get solved even if Coronato is Cole Caufield 2.0.
They need at least three or four more guys who are at, above, or at the very least close to Huberdeau’s level, and those guys have to be found in the draft.