Letang fan 58
No More Fleury
If you weren`t impressed by Barker at the WJCs, it would seem to me that you aren`t watching carefully enough. Barker is not one of those guys that will grab your attention and get you out of your seat. He is not one of those guys that is going to throw the highlight reel hit, score on a rocket slapshot from the point or fly at full speed from end to end. He is extremely calm, very patient with the puck, would rather the throw a quick wrister on net than take a huge slapshot, and does not waste any energy out on the ice. You really have to watch him to truely appreciate how good he is. Believe me I was not a huge Cam Barker fan after the Hawks drafted him. But after watching him quite a bit in the last year I have really come to appreciate what he brings. The WJCs last year were what really made me a believer. There was a reason he wasn`t on the ice for any goals against. This kid is one of the best players positionally I have ever seen. Watch him very closely the next time you see him and you will see what I mean.
As I mentioned........ive seen him aprox 40 times.........thats live.........not even including the world juniors........he really looks like hes overrated to me........if your going to tell me its his defensive game that has you horned up for him then ill tell you there are TONS of better prospects defensively............he wasnt on the ice for even strength goals........not no goals........he was on for a few pp goals.........he is pretty good positionally.........he isnt tough..........wont hit........doesnt skate that well.........has a decent wrist shot but not a great slap shot.........and he did next to nothing offensively for canada in the juniors..........his draft year was his best year IMO..........he went downhill from there........it seemed once drafted he just didnt care as much.