first rounder
Registered User
With Jake Gardiner just getting called up to the Leafs, and Morgan Rielly coming to the Marlies, this is an exciting and great opportunity for us to evaluate these two similar players.
Age aside, they have similar strengths (strong speedy skating and great offensive hockey IQ come to mind) and play the same role - an offensive defenceman. Just to compare the players, here is some information on both players, as per THN.
Jake Gardiner: Player Information
Morgan Rielly: Player Information
Obviously these are one websites opinions, but from watching videos of both players I would agree that these assets/flaws are more or less correct. Now, seeing that we have 2 players that are almost identical (in terms of potential and playing style), I think it would be safe to assume that one of them would be expendable in the right deal.
In our present situation its no secret that we need some help with the squad, most preferably a #1 center to play with Kessel (but we could also use a partner for Phaneuf, a proven goalie, etc.). If the right deal came our way to satisfy one of these needs and it was down to a decision to trade Gardiner or Rielly, which one would you keep?
EDIT: Lots of people want to keep both or can't make a decision (which is fair because we haven't seen alot of Gardiner with the Leafs, and Rielly with the Marlies this year). It would be optimal for the team to keep both of these awesome players, but the whole point of this is to pick the one player that you would want to keep long term. The other one would be part of a trade to address one of the teams primary needs (#1 center, etc.). Realistically, if we were to address one of these needs and trade for an elite player, either Gardiner or Rielly would more than likely have to be part of the deal.
Age aside, they have similar strengths (strong speedy skating and great offensive hockey IQ come to mind) and play the same role - an offensive defenceman. Just to compare the players, here is some information on both players, as per THN.
Jake Gardiner: Player Information
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 184 lbs
Shoots: L
Assets: Is a smart player with the puck. Skates well due to an effortless stride. Has offensive ability, likes to join the attack, and boasts all-round upside. Can quarterback a power play.
Flaws: Needs to fill out his relatively smallish 6-0 frame in order to withstand the rigors of the pro game. Must also become a little more assertive and aggressive, as well as keep his intensity level on high in defensive situations.
Morgan Rielly: Player Information
Age: 19
Height: 6'1/2"
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: L
Assets: Is a tremendous skater and possesses excellent offensive instincts for the game. At times, he can act as a fourth forward on the ice. Also knows how to run a power play effectively.
Flaws: Doesn't have ideal size for the National Hockey League game, so he must get physically stronger and prove capable of effectively defending against bigger professional forwards.
Obviously these are one websites opinions, but from watching videos of both players I would agree that these assets/flaws are more or less correct. Now, seeing that we have 2 players that are almost identical (in terms of potential and playing style), I think it would be safe to assume that one of them would be expendable in the right deal.
In our present situation its no secret that we need some help with the squad, most preferably a #1 center to play with Kessel (but we could also use a partner for Phaneuf, a proven goalie, etc.). If the right deal came our way to satisfy one of these needs and it was down to a decision to trade Gardiner or Rielly, which one would you keep?
EDIT: Lots of people want to keep both or can't make a decision (which is fair because we haven't seen alot of Gardiner with the Leafs, and Rielly with the Marlies this year). It would be optimal for the team to keep both of these awesome players, but the whole point of this is to pick the one player that you would want to keep long term. The other one would be part of a trade to address one of the teams primary needs (#1 center, etc.). Realistically, if we were to address one of these needs and trade for an elite player, either Gardiner or Rielly would more than likely have to be part of the deal.
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