The last player to do what Gaudreau is doing was Paul Kariya. He's a special prospect.
I am however I'm not expecting him to come into the NHL and dominate right away. He's too small and it will take time like it took for St. Louis. He simply hasn't faced anywhere near NHL caliber defensemen. They may be men in college but they aren't close to the level of hockey as the NHL.
His brother has only played in 1 game for BC... 1 goal in 1 game.
Is that going to be enough to get Johnny G. to go pro at the end of this season? or will he really want to play with his brother?
Hard to imagine him not picking his NHL team if he stays the whole 4 years at BC and becomes a UFA.
Flames have to sign him at the end of this year or look hard to trade him.
Arnold is a senior and from his stats line is having a great year. Any insights on how committed he is to being a Flame? Or How committed the Flames are to signing him?
Gaudreau would have to wait until the middle of August of 2015 to reach free agency, and then he is still held to the entry level contract. There is no benefit for him to consider this. In fact, it would limit his options more than if he signed with Calgary. How many teams would be willing to give him the same opportunities that would be afforded him here in Calgary? Very few if any. He's been consistently coming to prospect camp, on his own dime, and staying in as close contact as he can, with the NCAA rules. There is no indication he would roll the dice on free agency.
I think Arnold will be here as well. The Flames have left three professional contract slots hanging out there and I don't think itis all for flexibility during the season. I think they want Gaudreau, Arnold and Agostino signed as soon as their college seasons are done. Interestingly enough, both Arnold and Agostino are seniors and can wait the four months after graduation to achieve UFA status. Can we expect some handwringing on these two as well? Both may not be as high profile as Gaudreau, but they are both very good prospects in their own right and would garner interest from multiple teams.
The last player to do what Gaudreau is doing was Paul Kariya. He's a special prospect.
As much as I like the Kariya reference, remember that Kariya did what Gaudreau did last game against Army every single game, no matter who he was playing. As awesome as Gaudreau is, Kariya was on even another level in NCAA. Seriously, who gets 100 points in their first 39 college games? Gaudreau got to 100 in 82 games, which is a big feat in itself, but just isn't the same.
Mind you, this Kariya college highlight looks quite similar to Gaudreau's constant highlights:
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As much as I like the Kariya reference, remember that Kariya did what Gaudreau did last game against Army every single game, no matter who he was playing. As awesome as Gaudreau is, Kariya was on even another level in NCAA. Seriously, who gets 100 points in their first 39 college games? Gaudreau got to 100 in 82 games, which is a big feat in itself, but just isn't the same.
Mind you, this Kariya college highlight looks quite similar to Gaudreau's constant highlights:
Pretty sure Kariya was considered a better prospect than Gaudreau because of his skating. Gaudreau's a good skater don't get me wrong but Kariya was next level.
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That was a different time too. Looking at that Maine team, the first 9 players were above point a game pace. Seems way less likely these days. But certainly not at the Kariya level though. A reason he was drafted 4th overall.
The level of competition that Gaudreau is facing is much better than what Kariya faced. There are more programs and more excellent programs than there was 20 years ago.
Many more NCAA kids make the NHL today than did 20 years ago as well.
That's not to say Gaudreau is a Kariya level prospect, but it does give some perspective.
__________________ I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love." - John Steinbeck
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The level of competition that Gaudreau is facing is much better than what Kariya faced. There are more programs and more excellent programs than there was 20 years ago.
Many more NCAA kids make the NHL today than did 20 years ago as well.
That's not to say Gaudreau is a Kariya level prospect, but it does give some perspective.
I was going to say the same thing. I think the level of competition has increased over the years.
I wonder if Gaudreau would be on the radar at all for hockey USA for the Olympics. Probably wouldn't make the team without some injuries but as a emergency player to get a taste of the experience. I honestly haven't looked at the US roster, just thinking out loud.
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For todays level of competition, Gaudreau is looking pretty Kariya-esque I would say. He is pretty darn special and I've watched him enough to confidently say so. It's not some illusion. If he can be as elusive on the ice at the next level, then watch out. Kid just seems entirely unique to his own style for his stature. Even St Louis was bulky and could muscle guys. Johnny just can't be touched.
It's really hard to project Gaudreau. He can blow around guys in the NCAA and not get touched, but is he fast enough to do that to NHL defensemen?
As for his size, it's not just his height, it's his small frame. St. Louis has legs like tree trunks. So did Fleury. Kariya had a small frame, but he had excellent conditioning (and he settled in at 5'10 and 180 lbs). Patrick Kane is also 5'10, 180. Gaudreau makes Kane look like Alexander Ovechkin.
It's impossible to say how he'll stand up against NHL players until he's on the ice with them. I'm guessing he'll need at least a season in the AHL to bulk up.
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As much as I like the Kariya reference, remember that Kariya did what Gaudreau did last game against Army every single game, no matter who he was playing. As awesome as Gaudreau is, Kariya was on even another level in NCAA. Seriously, who gets 100 points in their first 39 college games? Gaudreau got to 100 in 82 games, which is a big feat in itself, but just isn't the same.
Mind you, this Kariya college highlight looks quite similar to Gaudreau's constant highlights:
It would also be fair to say that the competition and quality of players that Kariya played against back then in NCAA isn't the same as it is today.
LOL. Why's that? Or are you just trying to troll us. He's probably one of the two most skilled prospects we've drafted in the last 3 decades.
It's not a troll comment to say that a guy who is 5,8, 160 lbs is a longshot to make the NHL, regardless of how talented he is. He could get 100 points in the NCAA this year and he'll still be a longshot. Nobody is questioning Gaudreau's skill, but it's almost unheard of for a player his size to stick in the NHL.
As fans, we can hope it will happen without assuming it will, and without mocking anyone pointing out the long odds of a guy that small making it.
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Having participated on this forum in varying incarnations for over 16 years, I feel very comfortable in saying that if Gaudreau were a Kings prospect or a Blackhawks prospect or a Stars prospect there would be much less skepticism here about whether he's got what it takes to make it in the NHL or not.
Very comfortable.
__________________ I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love." - John Steinbeck
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Having participated on this forum in varying incarnations for over 16 years, I feel very comfortable in saying that if Gaudreau were a Kings prospect or a Blackhawks prospect or a Stars prospect there would be much less skepticism here about whether he's got what it takes to make it in the NHL or not.
Can you name some of these 5'8, 160 lb Kings, Hawks, or Stars prospects that few people had any skepticism about?
