Hi folks,
I've always wondered this but never asked. For some reason got inspiration to ask now. Do you guys know why both of these guys were taken so late? Especially a guy like Datsyuk. You have to think that his sick stickhandling was on display when he was 18. When he was drafted it seems like a time that Russians could be drafted high. 1998 was long after the Soviet Union fell, so there was no reason to worry about players playing in the NHL. It was also before the current "Russian factor". I seem to think I remember reading that Datsyuk played in a lower level league. However, you get guys from High School with far less skill drafted in the middle of the first round. I know American HS and lower league in Russia is a big difference, but is it 6 rounds big?
Also, I realize this was a while back, so the internet wasn't as big then, but does anyone know if these 2 guys were considered really promising prospects after the draft? I mean, right now the Rangers have a promising young Swedish prospect we're following named Jesper Fasth who was taken in the 6th round in I think 2010 (if he turns out half the player these guys are I'd be thrilled). I wonder if there were reports on 2 possible steals playing Europe taken late, in Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
I've always wondered this but never asked. For some reason got inspiration to ask now. Do you guys know why both of these guys were taken so late? Especially a guy like Datsyuk. You have to think that his sick stickhandling was on display when he was 18. When he was drafted it seems like a time that Russians could be drafted high. 1998 was long after the Soviet Union fell, so there was no reason to worry about players playing in the NHL. It was also before the current "Russian factor". I seem to think I remember reading that Datsyuk played in a lower level league. However, you get guys from High School with far less skill drafted in the middle of the first round. I know American HS and lower league in Russia is a big difference, but is it 6 rounds big?
Also, I realize this was a while back, so the internet wasn't as big then, but does anyone know if these 2 guys were considered really promising prospects after the draft? I mean, right now the Rangers have a promising young Swedish prospect we're following named Jesper Fasth who was taken in the 6th round in I think 2010 (if he turns out half the player these guys are I'd be thrilled). I wonder if there were reports on 2 possible steals playing Europe taken late, in Datsyuk and Zetterberg.