Vagrant
The Czech Condor
As has been said, it's hard to compare a player who is two years ahead of another player in development. The fact that we're having this discussion at all means that both players are great defensive prospects and both should be regarded as only that until they prove something in professional hockey.
From my simple observations, as i've only seen highlight packages and the even more rare sample tapes of Jack Johnson, i'm going to have to say that as of this moment Phaneuf is by far more ready for the NHL than is Jack Johnson. As he should be considering he has a few years on Johnson. I've watched a pretty decent number of Red Deer games while trying to nitpick Cam Ward's game and have noticed quite a few things that make me regard Phaneuf in a higher light than Johnson, but as i've said I haven't seen a lot of in game action from Johnson.
Right now, easily Phaneuf. Next year, easily Phaneuf. Five years from now, it's a complete and total toss up and anybody who tells you differantly has their own interest in mind.
From my simple observations, as i've only seen highlight packages and the even more rare sample tapes of Jack Johnson, i'm going to have to say that as of this moment Phaneuf is by far more ready for the NHL than is Jack Johnson. As he should be considering he has a few years on Johnson. I've watched a pretty decent number of Red Deer games while trying to nitpick Cam Ward's game and have noticed quite a few things that make me regard Phaneuf in a higher light than Johnson, but as i've said I haven't seen a lot of in game action from Johnson.
Right now, easily Phaneuf. Next year, easily Phaneuf. Five years from now, it's a complete and total toss up and anybody who tells you differantly has their own interest in mind.