With Kaut running away with this, my take away is we have a clear-cut first "tier" of prospects (or, perhaps more accurately, a second tier behind Makar and Byram).
That one. Although Bowers is probably closer to this 2nd tier than the third tier...even if I'm not sold he has realistic 2C potential.
There was a lot of hype for him at that time too.Still can't believe it wasn't that long ago that Chris Bigras was the team's top defensive prospect...
There was a lot of hype for him at that time too.
The question is, does he sign with us? I like his upside too but him going back for a senior season might put a damper on his ranking here.Large miss by a number of us... should also be a huge cautionary tale about hype around prospects. Most of the time they actually disappoint.
The prospect who I don't think gets enough love is Morrison. He's not gonna be a top line guy or anything, but he's big, goes to dirty areas, and has good enough hands to make an impact.
I have a wild theory that Bowers is going to be one of those players that does better in the NHL due to the structure. The AHL seems like the wild west, and I don't think it helps players like Kaut and Bowers sometimes. Not to say they get nothing from it of course.
Interesting perspective. I never thought of it that way. This is where I'm disadvantaged in not understanding the offensive and defensive schemes that are utilized. I was reading something about Kaut and he said they were trying to encourage him to be selfish and shoot instead of looking to pass. IIRC he said this was due to the fact that he was used to playing in a system with more structure.
I agree with the structure theory as well. It’s why someone like Graves never looked great in the AHL was able to play better in the NHL. I’m of the mind that playing too long in the AHL one gets too used to the play down there and starts becoming a “good AHL player”, Kam is a good example of this who maybe got too used to the AHL and had trouble getting broken of it at the NHL level. Intelligent players can adapt quicker in the NHL and appreciate the structure, which is why waiting until they are perfect at the AHL level is dangerous.
It was actually a long time ago. If ever. Chris Bigras was never going to be an NHL asset.Still can't believe it wasn't that long ago that Chris Bigras was the team's top defensive prospect...
It’s funny he still got a two year NHL contract on day one of free agencyIt was actually a long time ago. If ever. Chris Bigras was never going to be an NHL asset.
It was actually a long time ago. If ever. Chris Bigras was never going to be an NHL asset.
It was actually a long time ago. If ever. Chris Bigras was never going to be an NHL asset.
It’s funny he still got a two year NHL contract on day one of free agency
I think Kam's ability to stay healthy in the NHL is his biggest weakness. If he could string together more then 25 games a season without shattering, that would definitely help him get a feeling for his teammates play. Jmo on old KamI agree with the structure theory as well. It’s why someone like Graves never looked great in the AHL was able to play better in the NHL. I’m of the mind that playing too long in the AHL one gets too used to the play down there and starts becoming a “good AHL player”, Kam is a good example of this who maybe got too used to the AHL and had trouble getting broken of it at the NHL level. Intelligent players can adapt quicker in the NHL and appreciate the structure, which is why waiting until they are perfect at the AHL level is dangerous.
I agree with the structure theory as well. It’s why someone like Graves never looked great in the AHL was able to play better in the NHL. I’m of the mind that playing too long in the AHL one gets too used to the play down there and starts becoming a “good AHL player”, Kam is a good example of this who maybe got too used to the AHL and had trouble getting broken of it at the NHL level. Intelligent players can adapt quicker in the NHL and appreciate the structure, which is why waiting until they are perfect at the AHL level is dangerous.
I think Kam's ability to stay healthy in the NHL is his biggest weakness. If he could string together more then 25 games a season without shattering, that would definitely help him get a feeling for his teammates play. Jmo on old Kam