If a player is a top 6 scorer in juniors, that the scouts and teams don't think will be a top 6 scorer in the NHL, then he is not considered a top 6 scorer in terms of draft position. Simple as that. Player who were top 6 scorers in juniors can be projected to be lesser players at the NHL level, in which case a team will take the player in later rounds. That's what you're missing.
- MJL

I haven't mentioned top-6 in junior being the benchmark at all -- that was all you.

When I'm talking about projections, I'm talking about scouts' opinions of upside, nothing else.

I agree all except for players who were projected lower, turning out to be much better players, being once a decade ouliers.
- MJL

We're talking specifically about players project as 4th-line players at best. I'm not even sure if Lucic and Tocchet even fit that criteria -- I'm assuming the scouts for the Flyers and Bruins projected that they were capable of more.

I haven't mentioned top-6 in junior being the benchmark at all -- that was all you.

When I'm talking about projections, I'm talking about scouts' opinions of upside, nothing else.



- Tomahawk

Didn't have to mention it. I know what you're talking about, which is why you were off base. I did not mention top 6 in juniors as the benchmark, my opinion is based on how players project in the NHL, so you're wrong about that. Players projected to be top 6 scorers at the NHL level, aren't part of the premise of the conversation. The discussion was about drafting strategy in later rounds.

We're talking specifically about players project as 4th-line players at best. I'm not even sure if Lucic and Tocchet even fit that criteria -- I'm assuming the scouts for the Flyers and Bruins projected that they were capable of more.
- Tomahawk

That's incorrect, we weren't just talking specifically about players that project as 4th line players at best. Might want to review. Again, similar to only looking at "knucklehead" type of players, you're trying to inject parameters into the discussion. You were clearly focused on a certain type of player, which is why you brought up Lucic. The premise involves a wide range of type of players in regards to draft strategy. If scouts for the Flyers projected that Tocchet was capable of more, they would've drafted him earlier. He was a 6th round pick.

That's incorrect, we weren't just talking specifically about players that project as 4th line players at best. Might want to review.
- MJL

Your original post:

... because sometimes that safe pick who is projected as a 4th liner, turns out to be better than that.
- MJL

And... we're done.

Your original post:




And... we're done.
- Tomahawk

LOL, It was one example given to illustrate the point being made. If you took that as limiting the conversation to 4th line players, that is your misunderstanding of the conversation. The conversation is about draft strategy in later rounds. Since when is drafting limited to only forwards? The same premise I'm offering can apply to forwards, defenseman, and even goalies to some extent.