I think we often overlook the importance of self confidence for these kids and how quickly it can take a hit. I'm sure for some it starts on draft day when they slide past their supposed position.
Yep, especially for guys like Liljegren, who specialize in the offensive side of the game and takes risks in his game instead of playing like Gormley. Someone needs to move the puck from their own zone to the offensive zone, a job thats very crucial on confidence. At least, that's how i see it.
funny I loved how many Nux fans were calling him a bust before he stepped on NA ice, based on him dropping in the draft, and let's be honest probably hadn't seen him play one shift in Europe, but the truth is he's an 18 yr old kid playing in the AHL has notched 3 points in 4 games takes a middle pairing shift and plays the PP. It doesn't mean he's going to become a first pair D in the NHL, but it does mean he's exceeding as a teenager in a very tough professional league.
Leafs fans have every right to be high on the kid. You've insinuated that Leafs fans have called the kid a bust, I haven't seen that anywhere, not saying it didn't happen, but I'm die hard and I haven't seen it
I didn't suggest that leafs fans called him a bust, the majority of this thread during that time period was people hating on Liljegren. Whether it were leafs fans or not, i don't know.
As for the first paragraph though, it works both ways with how people took shots at Petterssons 4 game showing at the WJSS, (Not saying any fanbase specifically.) Now when he's been absolutely brilliant in the SHL with 7 pts in 8 games (2x the sample size of the WJSS) the thread goes all quiet.
Back to Liljegren though. Like with the pre-season though, it's a very impressive start but we'll see if he keeps it up. Has had an impressive start to the season though, 7 pts in 9 games so far in the season excluding the pre-season. (Can't find stats.)