Quote:
Originally Posted by heep223
It really depends how you define A and B prospects. In your mind, is an A prospect someone who is likely going to become a regular NHLer? Or someone who has high potential to be top line/top pair?
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Typically I would suggest this.
A+ (bluechipper) - potential to be a franchise player or season all star on a consistent basis. Star player guaranteed.
A - top player at his position for his team (best center, best wing, best defenseman). Guaranteed to play and be successful in the NHL.
B - Top six forward, top four defenseman, starting goaltender (goaltenders rarely achieve A status as they are voodoo!). Has a better than 50% of playing in the show for more than a season.
C - Middle six to bottom six forward, bottom four defenseman, backup goaltender. Might play in the NHL for stretches.
D - Bottom of the NHL roster to top end AHL player. Fills gaps here and there.
F - Career minor leaguer with major flaws in their game that will prevent them from getting to the NHL without a ticket.
The Flames do not have an A+ or an A player in their system. A lot of teams don't in my estimation. The best prospects on teams in the bottom half of the league will struggle to achieve the hype. So many things have to go right for a player to get to the pinnacle of their sport. Hockey is really hard because there are so few jobs available, even on the bad teams. The system just doesn't allow for players to find their way into the NHL without being exceptional at something and at least average at everything. If you're going to be a star (A player) you need to be above average to exceptional at almost everything (no holes in your game).