bert
Registered User
No one would describe the play of any of those guys at their first tournament as all that great. I don't understand why Virtanen fans are trying to overstate how he did at the tournament. His performance was nothing special, no matter how much you want to insist otherwise.
I'm still a bit surprised that Crouse made it, but he filled a need of HC's where there was a space available. He did fine - about the same as Virtanen, tbh. The fact that Crouse made it doesn't stop it from being rare - only one or two draft eligible players make it a year.
Being critical that Marner didn't make WJC as a 17 year old is just ridiculous. I guess Strome should also be criticized for this failure. It's amazing that any team would take them so high in the draft (and before Crouse) when they didn't crack Team Canada during their draft year.
I think Crouse looked awesome in the tournament especially in the role he had, he played like a pro no shifts off hard on the puck. Virtanen also played very well he pushed the pace, played physical shot the puck and went to the net. He was a threat to score and to put the D man through the boards. Both Crouse and Virtanen made D men rush and make mistakes through strong physical play.
I think its hilarious that people are coming out and saying he was a bad pick at 6 when he came off an injury this past season and was still an impact player that showed some really fantastic physical tools. You cant judge a draft 1 year later they are still teenagers. Especially when you look at production in the CHL, plenty of small players lite up the league and never amount to anything its about how the players skill set translates and how he is developed from here on out.
I dont think its any coincidence after a certain blue teams draft how much of an emphasis scoring in jr is made around these parts. I will also say I really like the Marner pick and I would have taken him at 3 if I had the choice. I do think he will be an offensive catalyst for team Canada, I also think he needs to be more consistent in his effort level and his decision making needs to be less high risk when he is not in the offensive zone.
Ironically Virtanen maybe the perfect linemate for Marner at the upcoming WJC. I highly doubt leaf fans will be upset when he is blowing by D men and making room for Marner to work his magic. Especially when Marner dishes to him and he buries with his rocket snapper.