Thoughts on de la Rose? Upside? Potential 2nd or 3rd liner? Is Backes a good comparison?
I think the big problem with prospects or peoples expectations for them, is all players not named Gretzky, Orr, Beliveau or Mario Lemieux, just need time to evolve their game to the NHL level. Galchenyuk has been brought along slowly on the 3rd line as all Hab future stars were like Lafleur. When their game becomes both defensively sound to match the offensive attributes or specialties, then they are cut loose to create.
Too much expectations too quickly can ruin young aspiring hockey players, the Habs have done their fair share of this in the past, therefore Quebec coaches are very aware of this. Therrien is one of the best at this job, as witnessed by his work in Pittsburgh, Eller, Gallagher & Galchenyuk are prime examples of learning the right way. As is Plekanec one of the best two-way forwards in hockey since the Jacques Lemaire days.
DLR will be a good pro capable of playing any position in the top nine, if necessary as will most of Timmins 1st round picks IMO. The development, or proper development takes time, and comparisons to acknowledged stars like David Backes, while accurate just puts more pressure on these youngsters.
Sit back and watch their development into solid young pros, and leave their progress to guys like Rick Dudley, Martin Lapointe, and the pros as they bring our prospects to fruition. This is where they earn their money and rightfully so, a lifetime of hardwork in hockey gives them insight that most people only glimpse rarely.
Let McCarron, Crisp, Lehkonen, Hudon et al learn the ropes, so to speak, from the best minds Bergevin can hire and he does seem to find the best.