I agree with this. But I feel like Steve Yzerman as an 18 year old wouldn't make our team. Am I wrong for thinking this? It seems like regardless they will say " the kid needs,size,be better on the PK, experience etc"
Yzerman was a top 5 pick, he would probably make this team, although in this modern era he might have been sent back to be less rail thin. Yzerman played at a stunning weight his first pro season, probably around 155 to 160 lbs.
My point was am I wrong for thinking Sergei Fedorov or Pavel Bure would not make this team as an 18 year old? ( those aren't top ten anymore) I just want to know what the board thinks about this...
Fedorov and Bure are more examples of the Russian factor of yesteryear, they along with Mogilny had tons of hype and were thought to be among the best players in the world before ever stepping on ice. They fell because of concerns over the ability to get them to American/Canada, keep in mind the literally smuggled Fedorov into Ilitch's car to get him in the fold as early as they could.
We just haven't had many shots at the kind of players you put right in, Holland always says that.
A better example would probably be a Ryan O'Reilly (He went lower and came right in) if we draft him he doesn't come in right away and maybe he could. But we have a good team and aren't drafting the real cream of the crop. I am curious if Jurco just starts setting the world on fire to start next year, kind of like how he finished this year, or Ouellet makes a quick transition how long they sit down there.