What makes you say that? Draft position? They are both in their first year in the AHL (Terry is less than a year older) and Terry is outproducing Rubtsov by a good amount. I'm not saying you're wrong, but what makes you think Rubtsov has 'much higher upside' other than being drafted in the 1st round?
Rubstov is out for the year and has been for a couple weeks. Production comparisons don’t have any value in this. Ruby in his time is used as a PK specialist and shut down man. ZSR% shows his defensive usage, but Gordon allows him to show what he has in the Ozone.
Draft position has nothing to gauging value.
I saw a report on multiple scouts for upgrading ceiling and floors for some prospects and his name came up.
Said something along the lines of Terry’s floor being an AHL player and a ceiling of a 3rd line winger. Reminded me of Jordan Weal Who is productive when on. 2-way player that some biased fans may say “playmaker or sniper” after looking up 1 scouting report on him. The thing I like about him best is his skating. Every team needs a good North-South skater that can make a clean pass in the B6 along with effort in each shift. He seems to be that type of player. I think the ANH reporter I read from completely overrated his projection for points. I highly doubt he’s a 25 goal scoring 30 assist player, but he looks to be able to pit some goals and create scoring chances. Every team needs B6 depth and he looks to be that.
Rubtsovs best ability is his defense. Regarded as a top, if not the best, defensive forward in his draft year (2016). Throughout JR. and his short time in the AHL, his defensive prowess has been noticed.
The only problem with his play is if his offensive game could pan out to the NHL level. During JR. we could see that his offensive was nowhere, but Gordon (AHL coach) focused his game in driving play rather than protecting it. His ceiling is a top 6 Center (Couturier-lite is a very good in-house comparable. He won’t ever be Couts, but his play is reminiscent). Most likely a 2C. Probably puts a line of (10G - 25A - 35TP) and shuts down opponents. Very poor mans Couturier and a rich mans Laughton. His floor is likely a 3rd liner whether that’s a winger or center. Safe bet for the mid 6 role in the NHL. If his offense picks up, like it has in the AHL this year, he won’t be moved. Philly can’t give him a T6 role with the likes of Couturier, Patrick, and Frost in development. He looks to be put down in a 3rd line role which could do him good, but I think our organization won’t utilize him as well.
Rubtsov has higher upside.
