I cannot compare him to a 15 year old modano. But I can compare him to many of the kids I have seen come out of Toronto over the last decade or more and not to many are as fast as him. But I do remember jersey flapping Modano.Faster than Modano? Jersey-flapping Mike Modano?
I think Vierling is gonna surprise and could be up there as well.I really like his game. I think that he'll seriously challenge Lafreniere for #1OA.
Faster than Modano? Jersey-flapping Mike Modano?
I think Vierling is gonna surprise and could be up there as well.
It is hard to see such a huge frame fly around like that and not think about Lindros. How would you guys describe him as a scorer? Is he more of a playmaker or a goal scorer?
Next year will be a big one. Could very well be a case of a kid who is bigger and stronger than everyone his age. You wont find out till next year. But, that highlight real was fun to watch
My first thought was Lindros because of his sheer dominance and size against his peers, but he is no Lindros.It is hard to see such a huge frame fly around like that and not think about Lindros. How would you guys describe him as a scorer? Is he more of a playmaker or a goal scorer?
I'm not getting my hopes up given Sudbury's recent track records with high picks : Levin, McFarland etc .
Quality points. From what I've heard from people I trust, he isn't comparable to the very high-end of GTA players to come along in recent years. No one is McDavid, but Byfield is also behind the JT's and Stamkos's at a comparable age. He's a good prospect, but people are starting to get ahead of themselves when it comes to him. I'm not sure if he's better than other recent 1OA's like Chychrun at 15. He obviously has sky-high potential, but people are getting way too far ahead predicting he'll easily challenge Lafreniere.If you make a highlight pack of any player they will look good. If you look at OHL Cup as whole it was not his most dominant week. He was outplayed by his team mate Evan Vierling all week. Byfield finished tied for 17th in tournament scoring and was not selected to the tournament all star team while Vierling was. He was good but not great and with his skill set and size advantage when playing Minor Midget, he should have been better against top competition. This makes me think it is too much to ask for him to dominate the OHL next year like many are predicting. I think it will be at least 2 years before he becomes a dominant player in the league.
As someone who watched him all year I can concur that he did not have a strong showing in the OHL cup. He showed flashes of brilliance but the team was a better team because of Vierling in that tournament. Vierling did not play above his head either. Thats how he played all year.If you make a highlight pack of any player they will look good. If you look at OHL Cup as whole it was not his most dominant week. He was outplayed by his team mate Evan Vierling all week. Byfield finished tied for 17th in tournament scoring with 7 points in 6 games (3 in that one game against the Reps which left him with 3 points in the other 5 games) and was not selected to the tournament all star team while Vierling was. He was good but not great and with his skill set and size advantage when playing Minor Midget, he should have been better against top competition. This makes me think it is too much to ask for him to dominate the OHL next year like many are predicting. I think it will be at least 2 years before he becomes a dominant player in the league.
Always iffy with big forwards. If he indeed has the IQ as well good chance he becomes a good player but if not he will end up just like the McFarland, Bjugstad, players with ''all the tools '' yet somehow turned into disappointments. Many of his weaknesses if he has them will become apparent at the next level. Aimlessly flying around with good speed will only work at the junior level ( see Yakupov ) . I haven't watched him but I'm hoping he is a smart player.
I don't think Bjugstad is a good comparable. He's a productive top six forward that still has upside.
All I know is that I am definitely rooting for this kid to make it. What do you guys think would be a good rookie OHL season for him? Do you think 50-60 points would be a good 1st season for him?