The gap is narrowing. Toews would really accelerate the hype even more if he made team Canada and performed well. That's where it will likely come down too, the WJC's.
So no, the gap is not huge, and I agree that would be a bold and off base claim.
I'm not disputing there is an intersting battle for the #1 spot possibly now, but there is also no way one could watch last weekends games and say that Toews is ahead of Kessel at this point.
Even last year, Kessel was dominating the U-20's, while Toews was dominating the U-17's. One can't forget Kessel's accomplishments and simply jump on the Toews wagon and say he's ahead of Kessel IMO.
Lets not forget, Kessel thrives on the big stage. While some players play thier best games in their teams biggest games, he plays his best when the spotlight is on him, wich it will be at the WJC's. I expect him to be a monster at the WJC this year. In the past, he had performed his best hockey of the year at international events and I expect his draft year to be no different.
What if he pulls a Zherdev though and bombs?....while Frolik rebounds from a puzzing U-18's and is one of the Czechs best offensive players and shows that Havlat esq play.. And Toews makes team Canada, and turns into one of their top two centers, and runs the powerplay from the half-wall much like he does in ND and shows his incredible poise and vision, and his underated shooting arsenal?
Then yes, it will get very interesting.
But I fully expect Kessel not to let anyone down at the WJC's. I also expect Toews to leapfrog Frolik as the drafts 2nd best prospect.
Lets not write off Peter Mueller either. 6-4 physical centerman who can create are a hot comidity, he could be a big riser.
I'm also catching the USNTDP this Friday and i'm anxiously awaiting to see Eric Johnson, and Nigel Williams amongst others.
IMO, Kessel and Toews are very similar to Ovechkin and Malkin. Two players from the same league (RSL and now the NCAA). Kessel and Ovechkin are clearly better players now, but what about in the long run. Some will argue that mabey Toews will be better in the long run. Yet others (like me at this point) will say" Will how much better can Kessel be?"
And BTW, i'm not a Kessel jock rider, check out some other posts, but watching the two at this point, i'm not going to jump off the bridge with Pierre McGuire on this one just yet.
But i'll remain flexible