Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodlad
It does mean something though, especially when comparing them to some of the higher risk prospects. It's true that they've had more time to establish themselves, but the key is that they've progressed throughout that time. A lot of guys don't. Potential is only part of the equation. The European leagues are riddled with guys that were drafted for potential but never showed the progression needed to be NHL'ers.
|
I guess it's just different ways of looking at things. Yes, progression is very important lest a prospect become the next Howse or Nemisz... but some progression (eventual mastery of the AHL) is expected. It's like the bare minimum. It's great that Granlund and Wotherspoon looked great in the AHL, I would hope they would. However, I just haven't been impressed with either of them watching them in NHL action, which makes me feel like unless they take some sort of unexpected quantum leap forward, I just can't see them becoming much more than depth players at this level. Not that it's a bad thing, I just think we have much more intriguing prospects.
Basically two different types of prospect
Type A- 19-20 years old with no pro experience. It's all about potential with these guys, most fans have never even seen them. Where the team drafts them is indicative of their value for a year or two unless the player regresses (unless you don't trust the team's scouting).
Type B- 21-23 years old with minimum 1 year pro experience. Potential becomes ability over this time period for most. Players evaluated are at least holding their own in their respective pro league, with growth year over year, or they won't be prospects for long. NHL 'cups of coffee' happen during this time.
Really hard to compare and value the two types against each other.
