Why is Holtz' talent not translate to a sure thing as an NHL goal scorer, but other prospects will translate to a sure thing at the NHL level? That's that inequality in thought that I don't get. Again, Central Scouting EU has Holtz ranked as the 2nd best prospect, above Raymond.
Against men, Holtz did better than Raymond.
Raymond: 33 games, 4 goals (16th on team), 6 assists (18th), and 10 points (17th)
Holtz: 35 games, 9 goals (5th on team), 7 (14th), and 16 points (10th)
The most goals scored was 17 goals for both teams, 38-year old Joel Lundqvist for Raymond's team and 32-year old Patrick Berglund for Holtz' team. DD denoted the reason Holtz adapted better than Raymond was because Holtz was able to get more physical. His coach and scouts reiterate Holtz' motor/drive is very high and that's the huge reason why he'll be produce. Again, DD noticed this watching Holtz' season and saw that growth due to his motor.
Between Raymond and Holtz, we already know Holtz has already adapted faster against men, though not possessing the high ceiling talent of Raymond. That high ceiling rating was seen readily against players Raymond's age. DD stated that Raymond was the superior player in the junior league, but that flipped at a men's league (SHL). If Holtz produced better than Raymond at the same level of play against men, then why does Holtz get a knock? Holtz also produced more assists than Raymond too.
The CHL isn't played against men. It's more difficult to tell if players will adapt to playing against men.
We all can fall in love with potential, but do we put the actuality of reaching that potential? Playing in the SHL does give us better insight on that transition. That's a big factor as to why Stutzle is being looked at possibly being selected #2 overall, though he played at the DEL.
If fans love Teemu, then why isn't Holtz a viable prospect for the Ducks? Scoring a lot of goals and PP goals aren't valued factors? We're deprived at scoring ES goals as well as PP goals with only Brayden Tracey as a possible goal scorer, but a majority of this board is already down on Tracey.
What if Raymond doesn't bulk up? What if Perfetti's skating doesn't get fixed? I like Rossi, but Holtz is 8-month younger. Thus, Holtz might have more to his game than Rossi as Holtz continues to fill out (because DD noticed Holtz did increase his mass playing at the SHL level). I enjoy the high floor that Holtz brings and displayed at the SHL level. There's youtube videos on tracking both Raymond and Holtz. Holtz identifies the differences between playing against juniors and mens, which probably made him adapt faster knowing there is a huge jump, more structure, and more work involved.
But Anaheim has a lot of playmakers within their org, but no finishers. Is Tracey enough to bank upon? I don't think so.
Again, I don't mind if Anaheim does select another player, but dismissing Holtz as a possibility has me scratching my head. Trading for a known NHL goal scorer will cost more than a 6th overall pick. This kid has been known to be a goal scorer for a few years now and hasn't disappointed. Why is that? Probably because he keeps working on it - which can be attributed to his motor/drive.
The draft is a gamble and we're projecting who those players can become. Part of that process is assessing the probability of becoming that player at the NHL level. Playing at the SHL/DEL/Liiga helps to create a better projection. Remember, playing in the NHL means playing in a more physical atmosphere. Holtz is much closer to playing at the NHL level than Raymond. With Raymond, we're going to have to wait a while and hope he does pan out to his potential against men. A lot of scouts project Holtz as a first line wing, 30-goal scorer. I didn't say this, but I am repeating it. What's wrong with that?