[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I think that lineage is an advantage for sure. Tkachuk grew up around NHLers, and absorbed a lot of their hockey wisdom. It's why his hockey IQ is elite.

I would say the exact same thing about Vaddy Jr. and Bichette.

But the problem I have with this debate, and with TrentCrimm's arguments in particular, is taking this fact, and applying it in absolute terms, without nuance.

Is it an advantage? Yes, often. Is it always an advantage? No, there are far too many variables here, including and especially, personalities.

So to say: "we should draft Iggy, because lineage" is just not a valid argument, even though the premise (that lineage can be an advantage) may have some validity.

It's the conclusions that are usually a problem: people take something - a fact like this, or a comment from Friedman, or whatever - and draw conclusions that aren't warranted. There is a lot more grey in teh world, than there is black and white.

Ryan Sittler grew up around the game too. If Iginla is the player they think is best take him. But his last name is irrelevant to me.