db23
Guest
How about a handful of players taken in the first round that should have gone higher except for circumstances that can be overcome in the future?
For me, I would start with Evgeni Malkin even though he could only have been taken one spot higher. Fourthly things will make him ultimately a better player than Ovechkin. First, the fact that he is nearly a full year younger. Secondly the fact that his draft season was interrupted by a serious concussion, which affected his play and his offensive production. Who knows what he could have done with the games he missed along with those that he was less than 1005. As it was his point per game average was very close to Ovechkin's. Thirdly, Malkin is a natural centre with a good all round game, which is the most valuable commodity in the game. Finally, he wins on character. He is a better team player, a natural leader and will be less likely to submit to his own ego over the long haul.
Rotislav Olesz. Once again, a natural centre with a good all round game. Once again had his status affected by a serious concussion. Once again, an unselfish character player and team leader. Should have gone third overall.
A.J. Thelen. If he and Cam Barker were playing in the same league, Thelen would be the easy choice as top defenceman. He has all the same tools as Barker and a better toolbox to carry them in. Fourth pick.
Kyle Chipchura. Another all round centre whose draft year was diminish by a long term impact injury, in his case a torn groin. A year ago, faced with the same situation, Johan Fansson chose to opt out fo the draft rather than face the prospect of being taken much later than he felt he deserved. Chipchura came back in 3 weeks, but hardly scored at all over the second half of the season. He was tied in points with 4th overall pick Andrew Ladd at the time of his injury. shoudl have gone behind the guys above and the Finns Tukonen and Nokelainen.
Robbie Schremp. So, Robbie's bored with junior hockey and already looking ahead. Considering how far ahead of most of his pers he is talent wise, that is not so surprising or disturbing. Once he is playing for the big bucks, I think that Schremp will approach the game quite differently. I would have a hard time risking my knees each time out for $500 a week when I knew there was millions waiting as long as I stayed healthy for a few more months as well.
For me, I would start with Evgeni Malkin even though he could only have been taken one spot higher. Fourthly things will make him ultimately a better player than Ovechkin. First, the fact that he is nearly a full year younger. Secondly the fact that his draft season was interrupted by a serious concussion, which affected his play and his offensive production. Who knows what he could have done with the games he missed along with those that he was less than 1005. As it was his point per game average was very close to Ovechkin's. Thirdly, Malkin is a natural centre with a good all round game, which is the most valuable commodity in the game. Finally, he wins on character. He is a better team player, a natural leader and will be less likely to submit to his own ego over the long haul.
Rotislav Olesz. Once again, a natural centre with a good all round game. Once again had his status affected by a serious concussion. Once again, an unselfish character player and team leader. Should have gone third overall.
A.J. Thelen. If he and Cam Barker were playing in the same league, Thelen would be the easy choice as top defenceman. He has all the same tools as Barker and a better toolbox to carry them in. Fourth pick.
Kyle Chipchura. Another all round centre whose draft year was diminish by a long term impact injury, in his case a torn groin. A year ago, faced with the same situation, Johan Fansson chose to opt out fo the draft rather than face the prospect of being taken much later than he felt he deserved. Chipchura came back in 3 weeks, but hardly scored at all over the second half of the season. He was tied in points with 4th overall pick Andrew Ladd at the time of his injury. shoudl have gone behind the guys above and the Finns Tukonen and Nokelainen.
Robbie Schremp. So, Robbie's bored with junior hockey and already looking ahead. Considering how far ahead of most of his pers he is talent wise, that is not so surprising or disturbing. Once he is playing for the big bucks, I think that Schremp will approach the game quite differently. I would have a hard time risking my knees each time out for $500 a week when I knew there was millions waiting as long as I stayed healthy for a few more months as well.
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