Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
Honzek is now below a point per game (30 points in 31 games).
This has been an abysmal season for him.
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Honzek's D+1 season is the most disappointing for a Flames first round pick since Pelech in 2005, Krahn in 2000, and Tkaczuk in 1997. Honorable mentions to Jankowski in 2012 and Nystrom in 2002.
I believe that Honzek's statistical regression is the third worst after Tkaczuk and and Nystrom (they are the only other two who regressed in their D+1 year, if I'm not mistaken). With Tkaczuk, most of the players taken after him in the first round also ended up being busts. The problem with Honzek is that most of the players taken after him are looking fantastic. However, I would say that Stramel (Minnesota) and Sale (Seattle) are looking worse.
I don't know if Honzek's extensive injury history should be viewed as a positive or negative. It's possible that he plays much better if he fully heals. But it's also possible that the injuries have taken a serious toll on him.
Congrats to Lipinski for straight up having better production than Honzek despite being taken way later. He's also larger, plays center, healthier, younger, and more aggressive. Really, Lipinski is quite all around.