19bruins19 said:
If Kesler is 11, and going by your logic, Stuart should be higher than 28th. He is a safe pick to make the NHL and has improved since the draft. (Not what I think, just going by his logic.)
Seriously, Kesler is too high. Vanek, Richards, and Getzlaf all have higher potential then Kesler and will probably outscore Kesler.
My logic is that Kesler is a kid pegged to be a defensive center who is already putting up a point a game in the AHL and this makes him a much better prospect than he was a year and half ago. He was a safe bet to be a regular NHL player without contributing much on offense. Now that he is manifesting offensive acumen--something that the Canucks hoped for but sort of in the wishful thinking way when they drafted him; he must now be better. Moreover, other prospects that were ranked above Kesler or in his vicinity have not improved their resumes.
I don't disagree with you that Vanek should score more than Kesler and is probably a better prospect (I didn't
agree with Orca's list; I disagreed with the criticism of Kesler as a 10-15 pick from the draft). In his first AHL season, Vanek (8 mths older than Kesler), has not disappointed, scoring 15 goals. But here's the deal: Kesler has 14 goals. Vanek is pegged to be a sniper; Kesler a checker. Vanek is playing up to his expectations at this young stage of his career; Kesler is exceeding his--and pushing his ceiling higher. Does Vanek have a higher ceiling to score goals than Kesler? Absolutely; this is still true. But we aren't looking at Ryan Kesler the grinder with a 10 year career anymore; we are looking at Kesler the Peca/Madden/Draper: solid defense, plus speed, and the ability to score 20 goals at the NHL level. Vanek's upside is still a 40 goal sniper--a legitimate first line player. But is Kesler more likely to clone Madden than Vanek clone Palffy? You bet.
As for Getzalf and Richards, you know what I think of Richards. Since being drafted (and drafted too high), Richards has had a season and a half of unimproved production in juniors, coupled with a nondeveloping skill set (sure, he still gets "smarter" and has great "vision" and is a terrific "leader"). Add to that an ho hum 2005 WJC, and he looks to be a prospect whose stock has taken a serious hit since being drafted.
Getzalf had the season everyone expected last year after being drafted, but is only a point a game guy in this his 4th season in juniors. Nonetheless, he has the size (esp. when he fills out) and shot to score in the NHL. Moreover, playing with Canada's best, he played very well. Still, there are plenty of flaws to Getzalf's game (hands, speed, first step). His stock is about where it was when he was drafted, I would think.
No debate from me here 
