Habnot
Registered User
Angelo wont get the criticism on here like Kessel did either. One, because no one ever compared him to Crosby and that he is canadien.
Angelo wont get the criticism on here like Kessel did either. One, because no one ever compared him to Crosby and that he is canadien.
Angelo wont get the criticism on here like Kessel did either. One, because no one ever compared him to Crosby and that he is canadien.
The reason Esposito won't get as critisized is because he doesn't deserve it. Esposito has performed in tougher competetion, is a leader (captain U18), has won the Memorial Cup. All things that Kessel has never done. The problem with players like Kessel is that they do not get exposed to intense competition before they are declared phenom's. Espo has elevated his game at every level so far and I expect that progression to continue.
The reason Esposito won't get as critisized is because he doesn't deserve it. Esposito has performed in tougher competetion, is a leader (captain U18), has won the Memorial Cup. All things that Kessel has never done. The problem with players like Kessel is that they do not get exposed to intense competition before they are declared phenom's. Espo has elevated his game at every level so far and I expect that progression to continue.
Competing and winning two U18 championships, competing at two U20 WJC's, playing against older competition (NCAA teams) as a member of the USNTDP, and doing very well as a freshman in a tough conference (all before being drafted) doesn't qualify as "intense" competition? You don't have ANY idea what you're talking about.
Intense is playing a 72 game schedule regular season, WJC training camp, 4 series 4 out of 7 playoff, and Memorial Cup to boot. That's NHL type grind. I'm not downplaying Kessel, but Espo has already played more games as a 16 year old in one season that Kessel has in the two years you describe.
And by the way, no need to be dispresctful because we have different opinions.
You said that Kessel hasn't faced intense competition, I vehemently disagree.
You said that Kessel hasn't faced intense competition, I vehemently disagree.
i agree esposito will not be the 1st overall pick. i think couture or backlund have better shots.
The reason Esposito won't get as critisized is because he doesn't deserve it. Esposito has performed in tougher competetion, is a leader (captain U18), has won the Memorial Cup. All things that Kessel has never done. The problem with players like Kessel is that they do not get exposed to intense competition before they are declared phenom's. Espo has elevated his game at every level so far and I expect that progression to continue.
Intense is playing a 72 game schedule regular season, WJC training camp, 4 series 4 out of 7 playoff, and Memorial Cup to boot. That's NHL type grind. I'm not downplaying Kessel, but Espo has already played more games as a 16 year old in one season that Kessel has in the two years you describe.
And by the way, no need to be dispresctful because we have different opinions.
Yep Holy Cross!
He's in the toughest league in college hockey right now.
Oh and this is neither here nor there, and Im not trying to cause a problem, but if you are the same HABNOT that used to post at the old rumor mill board I find it quite amusing that you would call someone out for being disrespectful, cuz I remember that was your whole style from way back then. You used to rip PTHC or whatever that guy's handle was and were pretty darn disrespectful about it as well (although it was funny).
I used to post there all the time also and Im sure you'd remember me by my old handle.
If that isnt you, disregard the above and carry on.
Ok, I'm a pretty regular customer here and in the past month or so since surgery I've been basically living on the boards.
I'm suprised I haven't heard much (if anything) about Drayson Bowman. I've read tons on Esposito and a bit on other 2007 top prospects, but Bowman doesn't ring a bell.
Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.
Drayson Bowman
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid[]=82947
34 pts last season for Spokane in the 'Dub
Angelo Esposito
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid[]=82947
98 pts for Quebec in the Q.
At least there's some info on them.
Sorry - not the same.
I know where you're coming from on this, and I'd probably take Esposito if I had to choose right now as well, but once you see more of Drayson you'll see he is a dynamic hockey player.Angelo Esposito for me
wow they were born the same day and have the same size .. it's eerie!
Bowman's play was much better than the 34 points he put down as a rookie, good enough for 3rd in WHL rookie scorers as far as 16's go. To me its hard to compare if youre looking at points. Espo got to play with Radulov, while Bowman was cursed with players who couldnt finish if their lives depended on it. Having said all that seeing Bowman all year long here in Spokane, Id consider him a player who should be ranked in the middle half of the 1st round, right now. If he does step up and puts up 60+ points, which is very possible considering the good young talent, it wouldnt surprise me if he was ranked 5-10 at the end of the year.I was a bit disappointed in Esposito's year because of the cold second half but I don't think that warrants comparing him with a 34 point player. Bowman hasn't even proven to be a top flight WHL player never mind a top 5 draft pick. Any 16 year old that can play regularly is unusual and I will watch for him next year, but there are tons of kids with "all the tools" that never even become solid junior stars so he has to really make a jump to validate any possibility of future stardom.
It is quite possible that Espo won't play a game in the NHL so there are certainly no guarantees he will be better than Bowman over the long haul but based on last season I don't see Bowman has established that he is a comparable talent yet. He has to have that breakout year first,and have established some level of dominance.
Look at Devin Setoguchi at the same age. In hindsight not a player I would have taken 8th overall but possibly a comparable. 80 points will get him a top 5 draft position. If Esposito scores less than 110 points his #1 forward ranking might be in trouble.
I will go out on a limb and say we will see both these guys at the WJCs.