Not by a lot though, Suzuki plays a complete game just lacks the physical tools that Poehling has. He's a good bit better of a prospect imo then Poehling and I like Poehling a lot, just not a big fan of his skill level. Poehling would likely never come close to putting up almost 100 pts as a 17 year old.
This is how I see it at this point but we need another year to evaluate further.... Scale of 1-10 evaluation
Suzuki:
- Size and toughness factor (6 or 7)
- Skill (8 or 9)
- Skating (not sure but I assume is well above average... 8 or 9?)
- Overall 200' game (7). He can get pushed around in his own end
Poehling
- Size and toughness factor (8 or 9)
- Skill (6 or 7)
- Skating (7 or 8)
- Overall 200' game (8 or 9). He gained some muscle last off season and it showed.
Just depends what you value more. Of course anybody can comment on my evaluations and feel free. I don't believe I am far off. When I factor in everything, I have these two as equal prospects in value. Suzuki has to use his skill and not get pushed around when he turns pro. Poehling already has a NHL body. We have seen so many times where skilled junior players struggle when there is less time and space and they play against better overall competition and physical players. Not saying this happens to Suzuki but I'm not overlooking it either
