I remember people saying the same thing about PK when some we're saying he had the goods to be the best D man in the league or even top 5. Galchenyuk will be better than Staal. Book it AINEC.
I just want to keep saying how great he is so I can gloat about it afterwards and if he doesn't it's no big deal. Win win!
I totally understand why people don't want to get ahead of themselves but what is it about AG's game that makes you think he can't get to Malkin like levels? I'm legitimately curious.
I think the answer to the question comes down to size and skating. Malkin is a ridiculously smooth skater with a heavy frame, a combination Galchenyuk simply can't have. When Malkin is going, he just looks unstoppable. That, and it's probably downright unfair to expect anyone to be Malkin. He's had injuries that slowed him down in a couple of his seasons, but at his best he is otherwordly dominant in a way I don't see from anyone else in the league today, a one man army.
At this stage, Galchenyuk is proving he has what it takes to be a scorer in this league at a young age, and is doing everything he can to get dat ice time, but as much as I love his hands, shot and IQ, I think Malkin's physical package, combined with the tools, is something that will be hard to overcome in this hypothetical debate.
Still, even if I don't think Galchenyuk will get to Malkin's level, I don't think it could be considered a criticism. I suppose it is up to Galchenyuk to take it up another couple notches, but even if he doesn't, I think this franchise should still be more than happy. We haven't had a natural centreman with his skill set since the Classical Era.
To answer the poll.......I'll go with Subban for now. Already at or near the top of his position, plays big minutes, impact player all around.