Kritty said:
I don't see how you can say Shish in a second. How many NHL games does he have under his belt? Not many, if any at all. Chistov on the other hand had a solid rookie season and showed what he will be capable of. Yes, he had a down year last year but really heated up at the end of the AHL season. Chistov ceiling is huge. Will he hit it, no, I don't think so. But I still see him as a very good scorer in this league, somewhere in the 30-45 range.
As for Shish, ya, I'm a fan but his upside isn't as high. I think he'll end up being a very good 2nd liner who could possibly play the 1st line.
My choice, Chistov.
Frankly, I don't care what Chistov did in his first year. He has gone completely backwards since.
Sophmore slump? Well that doesn't exactly explain this year now does it. I understand the Cincy Duck suck donkey balls, but that's when guys like Chistov and Lupul need to step it up.
The real problem that Chistov has run across is a crisis of confidence. He was always so dominant until he came to the NHL, that now he's questioning his abilities, and rightly so. Until he can learn to keep his game simple, and accept his new role, I'm afraid he's going to be nothing more than footnote.
Shishkanov may not be the best prospect in the world, but he does have somethings working for him. He's got great hands, and good size. He may not be a great skater, but his skating is definitely on par with most NHLer's.
The main thing he needs to work on is his consistency. He needs to bring the same intensity that he does when he's a force every night. But hey, that's what the NHL is for.