hockeymetrics
Registered User
All 4 of these guys had questions about them for different reasons when they were drafted. O'Sullivan had the family issues. Schremp and Kessel with their personality issues. Kopitar was questioned because Slovenia has no history of producing NHL players. What was NEVER questioned about these guys on draft day was their talent level. Why are teams so concerned with character and other factors (safe picks) above talent? O'Sullivan lasted to the 56th pick even though he was considered a top 10-15 talent. Schremp 25th even though he was considered a top 5-10 talent. Kopitar 11th even though he was considered around 5th or 6th best after sid, johnson, ryan, pouliot, and probably about even with brule. I see Kessel following in these players footsteps in becoming elite prospects after being questioned, but not about their talent. I guess he's a bit different because he was still drafted top 5, but this just bugs me. Imagine how well off your team would be if they had drafted a few of these guys. A lot of teams could have easily drafted 3 of these guys.
Yes, I know the Kings now have two of them, but imagine if the Kings had just drafted O'Sullivan with their 2nd rounder in 2003 instead of Konstantin Pushkarev and then traded Pavol Demitra for something else.
Yes, I know the Kings now have two of them, but imagine if the Kings had just drafted O'Sullivan with their 2nd rounder in 2003 instead of Konstantin Pushkarev and then traded Pavol Demitra for something else.