Quote:
Originally Posted by Royle9
Pumped!
Posted this about a week ago: shocked he was there at 9.
I’ve been watching him for the last few years, mostly because a close family friend is very close with his family. No BIAS here but just someone who’s followed significant scouting of his since he was 13.
There’s not a defensive prospect that’s put up the numbers he has in the NHL today. That’s how good he’s been even as a 16 year old rookie, he carried his team never playing a junior game.
It’s pretty remarkable when the only comparison to him is Bobby Orr… the model can’t even find someone relevant in the modern era, that alone is crazy.
The kid is very humble and his family’s story is pretty special.
I don’t see him making it to 9, but if he did this team has easily landed its best defenseman since Al MacInnis. His skating, awareness, puck carrying ability/stick-handling, offensive instinct and shot are elite. For those who seemingly stress about his defensive game look no further than Googlyeye up in Edmonton and the numbers he’s put up while being an absolute train wreck defensively. Ekholm has basically let him flourish as sad as it is to say and Parekh currently looks to eclipse his skill.
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Appreciate the post and most of what you've said has been echoed by others since the pick. Solid pick.
Please pump the brakes on this Bobby Orr stuff though.