another Gilbert Brule question

okay, say there is a season next year, and the draft and everything goes on as planned, and say Gilbert Brule is drafted (seems as though he will be #2), would he be NHL ready? Like Crosby, Ovechkin and some others.

 

No! Don't get me wrong, he has magnificent talent, but is still around 5'10". If he gets taller and stonger he will need at least 2 more years to mature physically. If he doesn't grow, it will take longer.

Hagar

 

I think he will be ready, he plays an NHL style game now, and he is very strong on the ice, so there will be no questions about that issue with him. People put too much stock into size and that is why the game is the way it is now. Drafting 6'05 guys who can't move or skate well but they sure have that intimidation factor though.....woooow that will want me want to go watch the game. But Brule has every attribute to play in the NHL next year and the only thing people can point out on why he won't is because he is 5'10. But IMO that is not going to stop him from making it.

 

he will most dfinatley be ready. his skill is far beyond ready. he is a person that wants to be challenged and he will rip up the dub this year and play in the show the year after next. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!

 

It all depends on how much he physically develops in the next 16 months or so - it's quite possible he'll be 6'0, 205 points by that time, while being much faster, and much stronger. If that's the case, it's certainly possible.

Of course, it's also possible he doesn't mature as quickly, and doesn't crack the NHL until 2007.

 

If he grows too quickly he made need a year or so to fill out.

 

He's 5'11'' 180 pounds - already NHL size...

 

I have no doubt that Brule could play in the NHL with his current frame - hell, he could probably play right now. He's got a ton of physicality and a really solid build, kind of like Tuomo Ruutu (although Ruutu is a harder hitter). The only problem he might have is if he hits a growth spurt and ends up like Evgeni Malkin at 6'4 185 or something. Then he may need a bit of time to bulk up and adjust to his new frame. But if he ends up at about 6' give or take an inch then he's going to be a force right from the onset.

 

cool thanks for the input.

one of the reasons why i asked is because i am pretty "optimistic" that the caps will fall into the bottom five category again like last year. assuming they dont win the lottery two years in a row, i wanted to get any idea of how NHL ready some prospects for next year. other than these two players (brule/crosby), whom else are nearly surefire top 5 picks (specifically defensemen?)

thanks in advance

 

Brule is still growing and should top out at about 6' and 200 lbs when he is fully grown. Regardless, that kid can play, and will play in the NHL.