Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkGio
I really like watching Roy. I don't think he's a bad as defensively as he was when he was drafted. But he's got an elite offensive ability IMO.
Before last year, Ferland was almost immediately a bust. Going from the AHL back to juniors raised some red flags and I'm too skeptical to jump on a bandwagon over a few games last year. So what, he fights? Taylor Hall was drafted as a kid who likes to fight but has since removed that from his game, for obvious reasons. Its a nostalgic pipe dream that isn't used anymore by star players.
|
Yes, before last year, Ferland nearly busted. Absolutely right. However, shouldn't you be complimenting him for coming back, showing his commitment and determination to making it? His conditioning was the biggest issue, and last season he did a fantastic job of fixing it. Also, take the 'almost busting' out of the equation (again, conditioning issue) and take a look at his entire junior season and pro season to date. There is lots to be excited about.
Not sure what the heck you are trying to imply with the Taylor Hall comparison. Did you expect him to play a rough and physical game at the NHL level, and drop the gloves? If you did, you were probably the only one. Baertschi looks like a kid who needs to stop being so gritty and learn to be more elusive like Gaudreau in order to have a long career. Of course guys like that are not going to be playing overly-physical or include fighting (though Hall did) into their game. The big and tough players will, but nobody imagined Hall would.
Ferland, IIRC, was unbeaten in Juniors in fights. Maybe some decisions here, but I can't recall him losing a fight off the top of my head. He took on legitimate heavyweights and made them look silly. Do you really believe guys like Lucic are valuable ONLY because he scores 20 goals? No. It is because guys like Lucic have the whole package. Ferland is a guy much like that - he can skate well, he is AWESOME in the corners and at protecting the puck, plays physical, intimidates out there, has a very good NHL shot, huge underrated passing ability (plays don't die on his stick), has a great hockey IQ and yes, he fights. You make it sound like that is the only thing Ferland has shown as a prospect. Nobody is expecting him to be a 'star player' like Hall and compete for the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies here.
Ferland is an extremely valuable piece of the puzzle if he puts it together. One poor season where he vastly underestimated the pro-game, doesn't make him a bust, especially when the next season he came in very determined and prepared, and decided to go on a great run until his injury. Will be bust? What sort of impact will he have? Who knows. Guys like Ferland that make it, however, are fan favorites and valuable pieces towards a championship. Nobody expects him to lead the team, so really don't understand the Taylor Hall comparison at all.
What nostalgic pipe dream are you talking about? Star players don't fight? Iginla, Perry, Thornton as well as many others have all dropped the gloves at times, but I still fail to see where you are going with this when referencing someone like Ferland. Who said he is going to be some elite star from that category? Valuable piece does not equate to elite star.
