MarkusNaslund19
Registered User
- Dec 28, 2005
- 5,443
- 7,745
Serious hockey fans develop their own little theories on players, and often (right or wrong) we think that we see a star developing whether it's a diamond in the rough, or a projected star who takes a little while to adjust. So my question is, whose success leaves you feeling vindicated because you KNEW it would happen, and secondly, who were you wrong about?
For myself:
Right:
Martin Straka: even though there were years where he struggled, I always thought that his combination of skill and hustle would win out.
Alex Kovalev: I know that he was never on the verge of falling out of the league but there were a lot of years where people were disappointed in his production, I was happy to see him do well in Pittsburgh.
Markus Naslund: I can claim to be one of the few people who actually knew the moment it happened, that we had fleeced Pittsburgh (giving up Stojanov for Nazzy), however, I can not claim that I knew he would become THIS good.
Pavol Demitra: Remember watching him in a few games early in his career with Ottawa and knew that with his natural skill level if he ever developed a better attitude he'd have a good career.
Zigmund Palffy: I have really liked him since the lockout shortened 94-95 (when I first started really watching hockey).
Derek Roy: He hasn't really had a phase of struggling but I certainly recall hoping against hope that the Canucks would draft him, as I thought he was underrated at the draft.
Maxim Afinogenov: probably my favorite player next to Markus Naslund. He hasn't fully put it together yet by any stretch, but he's having a decent year. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
I was WRONG on:
Zdenek Nedved: I don't even know if anyone else will remember him, but early in 95-96 he started the year with the Leafs (he was playing in that game when Domi sucker punched Ulf Samuelsson) well, I thought I saw a bright future for him...I was wrong.
Pavel Rosa: I recall watching the memorial cup on tv in...I think it was 97 when him and Christiian Dube were lighting it up for the Hull Olympiques. Sadly, his career was not to be. Not enough speed I think.
Alexandre Daigle: Yup, like many others I was taken in by his blazing speed and playmaking abilities. I stuck with him long after others had hopped off of the bandwagon as well. However, even though he's been sent to the minors recently I'm glad to see that he's got his career back on track to a degree.
Brandon Reid: perhaps, PERHAPS, it's not too late for this guy yet but...I recall watching him in junior, and feeling that we (canucks) had pulled a major coup in getting this guy in the 7th round of the draft...my confidence in him was buoyed by his performance in 02-03 against St. Louis in the playoffs...not looking great right now though.
There are other successes and failures that I have had to be sure, but these are the ones that spring to mind. Just thought this might be a fun thread, and if this has been done before than I apologize in advance.
For myself:
Right:
Martin Straka: even though there were years where he struggled, I always thought that his combination of skill and hustle would win out.
Alex Kovalev: I know that he was never on the verge of falling out of the league but there were a lot of years where people were disappointed in his production, I was happy to see him do well in Pittsburgh.
Markus Naslund: I can claim to be one of the few people who actually knew the moment it happened, that we had fleeced Pittsburgh (giving up Stojanov for Nazzy), however, I can not claim that I knew he would become THIS good.
Pavol Demitra: Remember watching him in a few games early in his career with Ottawa and knew that with his natural skill level if he ever developed a better attitude he'd have a good career.
Zigmund Palffy: I have really liked him since the lockout shortened 94-95 (when I first started really watching hockey).
Derek Roy: He hasn't really had a phase of struggling but I certainly recall hoping against hope that the Canucks would draft him, as I thought he was underrated at the draft.
Maxim Afinogenov: probably my favorite player next to Markus Naslund. He hasn't fully put it together yet by any stretch, but he's having a decent year. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
I was WRONG on:
Zdenek Nedved: I don't even know if anyone else will remember him, but early in 95-96 he started the year with the Leafs (he was playing in that game when Domi sucker punched Ulf Samuelsson) well, I thought I saw a bright future for him...I was wrong.
Pavel Rosa: I recall watching the memorial cup on tv in...I think it was 97 when him and Christiian Dube were lighting it up for the Hull Olympiques. Sadly, his career was not to be. Not enough speed I think.
Alexandre Daigle: Yup, like many others I was taken in by his blazing speed and playmaking abilities. I stuck with him long after others had hopped off of the bandwagon as well. However, even though he's been sent to the minors recently I'm glad to see that he's got his career back on track to a degree.
Brandon Reid: perhaps, PERHAPS, it's not too late for this guy yet but...I recall watching him in junior, and feeling that we (canucks) had pulled a major coup in getting this guy in the 7th round of the draft...my confidence in him was buoyed by his performance in 02-03 against St. Louis in the playoffs...not looking great right now though.
There are other successes and failures that I have had to be sure, but these are the ones that spring to mind. Just thought this might be a fun thread, and if this has been done before than I apologize in advance.
