Anthony Mauro
DraftBuzz Hockey
As the year passed, it is laudable to recognize Zagrapan for coming over to NA and playing in the CHL and the QMJHL. But was it better for him than staying in Slovakia? He's ranked anywhere from 8-18 on most lists and while that is not bad something tells me if he was a true Slovakian offensive whiz coming off a great year in the men's league, like Gaborik, he would be considered top 5 maybe even jockeying for the 3rd overall slot.
It almost seems like Crosby, and to a lesser extent Bourret and Latendresse took the shine off of Zagrapan's very good season. If he had played this year out in Slovakia he would have major appeal, and would be a sexy pick something that helped Gaborik get picked 3rd overall. The mystery of taking a guy(for example Slovakian sniper) that hasn't played on NA rinks is appealing. Does anyone think that MZ's move to the Q was not the best way to go?
It almost seems like Crosby, and to a lesser extent Bourret and Latendresse took the shine off of Zagrapan's very good season. If he had played this year out in Slovakia he would have major appeal, and would be a sexy pick something that helped Gaborik get picked 3rd overall. The mystery of taking a guy(for example Slovakian sniper) that hasn't played on NA rinks is appealing. Does anyone think that MZ's move to the Q was not the best way to go?