This is only NA, so doesn't take into account Euro. But this definitely looks like a good draft to find our 2C behind Bo(or possible upgrade) or even another solid D for the future. With all the centers int he draft, some defense may slip. - Retinalz
Even if you combine the two the top 14 is still heavy on centers, only 2 D though.
He has played well, no doubt.
But i refuse to put those lofty titles on a guy that's played 50 NHL games.
Yes, he has potential, but i haven't seen anything to indicate he's Pronger-esque or a #1D, or a potential superstar.
He looks like a great pick, solid #4D.
And that's awesome.
As for the play, it was good, not spectacular.
I suspect he was given that kind of space and time because the opposition was used to him making the safe play and dumping the puck up the boards and he surprised them.
I would not expect him to turn into a Karlson and begin regularly rushing the puck up ice like that. - dbot
remember pronger himself the 1st few years was deemed a bust by burke (who drafted him) and traded to st louis where he later became a superstar.
Tree has been so much better in his 1st year
we shall see what he becomes but he has the tools needed
Location: Auckland -Burn it all down Joined: 10.22.2008
Jan 18 @ 5:21 PM ET
remember pronger himself the 1st few years was deemed a bust by burke (who drafted him) and traded to st louis where he later became a superstar.
Tree has been so much better in his 1st year
we shall see what he becomes but he has the tools needed - SMBDragon
I don't know why we're comparing him to pronger though.
He was 18 when he entered the league.
Tryakin was what, 22?
He has played well, no doubt.
But i refuse to put those lofty titles on a guy that's played 50 NHL games.
Yes, he has potential, but i haven't seen anything to indicate he's Pronger-esque or a #1D, or a potential superstar.
He looks like a great pick, solid #4D.
And that's awesome.
As for the play, it was good, not spectacular.
I suspect he was given that kind of space and time because the opposition was used to him making the safe play and dumping the puck up the boards and he surprised them.
I would not expect him to turn into a Karlson and begin regularly rushing the puck up ice like that. - dbot
Location: This message is Marwood approved! Joined: 11.30.2011
Jan 18 @ 5:23 PM ET
remember pronger himself the 1st few years was deemed a bust by burke (who drafted him) and traded to st louis where he later became a superstar.
Tree has been so much better in his 1st year
we shall see what he becomes but he has the tools needed - SMBDragon
He scored 30 points as an 18 year old Dman. Tree turns 23 this year.
He has played well, no doubt.
But i refuse to put those lofty titles on a guy that's played 50 NHL games.
Yes, he has potential, but i haven't seen anything to indicate he's Pronger-esque or a #1D, or a potential superstar.
He looks like a great pick, solid #4D.
And that's awesome.
As for the play, it was good, not spectacular.
I suspect he was given that kind of space and time because the opposition was used to him making the safe play and dumping the puck up the boards and he surprised them.
I would not expect him to turn into a Karlson and begin regularly rushing the puck up ice like that. - dbot
I get what you are saying. We can temper enthusiasm too. But young guys that are developing and showing some tools and abilities that are rare you never know. Look at Bo no one would say he could be a 1C and now that's a realistic expectation. Not mere hope. Where you are now with Tree as a 4D is that not a bottom? The ceiling still unknown?
He has played well, no doubt.
But i refuse to put those lofty titles on a guy that's played 50 NHL games.
Yes, he has potential, but i haven't seen anything to indicate he's Pronger-esque or a #1D, or a potential superstar.
He looks like a great pick, solid #4D.
And that's awesome.
As for the play, it was good, not spectacular.
I suspect he was given that kind of space and time because the opposition was used to him making the safe play and dumping the puck up the boards and he surprised them.
I would not expect him to turn into a Karlson and begin regularly rushing the puck up ice like that. - dbot
I think people are getting excited because we haven't seen anything like him in Vancouver for years. He definitely has a huge upside and even though its only been 50 games he looks quite comfortable.
Not sure if you mean he's a top 4d now or if you think thats his ceiling? I wouldn't limit him to that - I think he could be 1 or 2 in the future easily.
As for the couple times he rushed the puck, he did it with his speed and strength - he created that space by himself. The more comfortable he becomes, the more we'll see him rush the puck. He's been playing safe to gain the confidence of the coaches and himself. I'd imagine WD is pumped that he's starting to rush and i doubt he'll be held back. Although I don't think he'll be rushing as much as Karlsson or Doughty. I understand you're trying to curb your enthusiasm but its ok to get a little excited once in awhile.
Location: I stay away from the completely crazy rumours on the internet.I will occasionally debunk them-Eklund Joined: 04.18.2010
Jan 18 @ 5:33 PM ET
remember pronger himself the 1st few years was deemed a bust by burke (who drafted him) and traded to st louis where he later became a superstar.
Tree has been so much better in his 1st year
we shall see what he becomes but he has the tools needed - SMBDragon
pronger was never deemed a bust.
he was traded for brendan shanahan. it was a young star for young star deal.
btw, burke drafted him 2nd over all but left the whalers after his only season there so he was not the one to trade him.
Seen him play a few times, draft position doesn't concern me as much now. We're still not a playoff team though. - VanHockeyGuy
That's good. JB will get quality on draft. You are right too on playoffs. That's what a bubble team looks like. Not good enough. But with a chance perhaps. Plenty of company there this season.
I am sure Tree wants to take a pay cut to head back to the K 
