I'm a huge fan of Price and I really think he'll be a great goaler but I don't think we can debate on this question right now. While Price prove to be a very very very good prospect and he probably had the best junior season by a goaler, I wouldn't not open a debate on who's the best pick between Price & Crosby simply because Crosby proof to be an awesome player in the top league. Finishing top scorer of the NHL in his second season, and should I remember you that he's not even 20 years old, his something that not many players have done. Crosby, if he can stay healthy, will probably be the top scorer for many years. Price hasn't prove anything yet in the NHL, and I don't think he's gonna own the NHL after 1 season like Crosby. He will be a terrific goaler one day, probably a top 5 in the league for many years, but there's no way right now that he could possibly be a best pick than Crosby until he show us what he can do in the NHL.
I remember quite well how everything was 6 to 12 months
BEFORE Crosby played in his first NHL game. There was still a
bit of uncertainty (we all know that everyone said he was/is a great/excellent player & just might be the "next one" & all that), but/and...some were wondering
when will he produce? and just how good will he be at first? Will he be a 80 pt player in his 1st NHL season, since he's still so young? 100 pt player? 120 pt+ player (& maybe "sky is the limit" ?), OR...will he need 1, 2 or 3 seasons before dominating?? (Like Lecavalier's time frame or similar). Well, as we all know...Crosby didn't need too much time to say "NHL! Here I am & I'm the real thing".
My point?! Not everyone was 100% sure, yet ('cause he had never played in 1 NHL game). Some (maybe only a few, but...) wanted to be a little cautious...only natural ('cause of Crosby's very young age).
Price has proven all that he can in the WHL, WJC, AHL playoffs...and I really believe that Price has MAJOR potential to be a great, franchise goalie for the HABS, it's just a matter of when will we see him get that chance in the NHL? (and I don't believe Price will need a lot of time to get used to the NHL). He's (imo) NHL material RIGHT NOW, it's just a matter of a bit of time before he adjusts to the NHL. Dominate or be as good as Brodeur, Roy...??? I'll let Price do the talking/playing...
(time for me to be quiet!).
He was already a big man (for a 19 year-old) among boys in the AHL playoffs...
Once in awhile (maybe every 5 or 10 years) you'll get a (19 year-old) goalie is who is way more ready than other 19-20 year-old goalies, and (imo) Price is that kind of goalie. I better stop writing before I get cocky/arrogant...
(just a huuuge HAB fan who is obviously excited about Price!! maybe too excited!!).
Just my opinion (I'm not a hockey scout or GM! I'm an anxious HAB fan!
).