Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
Anyone watching the U-18’s? Brady Martin has practically been the best player there. He’s farmboy strong, and when opponents try to hit him, they bounce off. He’s been outskating everybody too. Button keeps saying, don’t be surprised if he’s picked in the top five, and I agree. Get him away from the Greyhounds, and he looks like a world-beater.
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I always worry about the guys who can dominate physically against other kids their age. It makes them look like they are more talented than they are, when much of it is simply that they are stronger. Well, they won't be stronger in the NHL.
I have a theory that one of the reasons larger players tend to underperform their draft slotting is that they are over-rated, simply
because they have a physical advantage at 18 (which they won't have in the NHL).
Let me be clear: I am fully in the 'you need size as well as skill to win in the NHL' camp. I'm just saying that when you watch 18 year olds, some are men and some are boys, and the men are going to look more talented than they are, and will get over-rated.