They've got more than enough d though. 2-3 scratched each game.


Well see.
- burn

Yeah but their PP has been dead recently and their leading scorer on D was Loov with 16pts in 50+ games.

nicely done.
I think McDavid is the next big thing, but I hate it when people try to diminish Crosby's career, or even Junior career.

I will say McDavid is in the same hype class as sid and lindros.
- mykokes

Can't argue with that.

the QMJHL average G/GP for each team in 2003-04 (Crosby's draft year) was 3.19. OHL this year is 3.52.


- PinkSock

Fair enough. See Marty? This is what it's like when people leave emotion out of it.

the only reason why it's not perceived as a close race for #1 pick in draft is bc Eichel is American and not Canadian.

and I absolutely dislike any type of American hype machines.. (hockey related or in other fields..)
- MaximusAurelius

Eichel has been excellent this season - no question.

But the difference that seems to be overlooked or glossed over in many if not most cases when comparing major junior to US College is schedule density, schedule length, travel requirement and (because there's no appropriate single english word to describe it) the "physical competitiveness" factor.

Majority of US college games are played on large ice but what can be fairly described as smaller players, even though they are younger. Those games much more resemble old Soviet era circle and posses games than they do NHL games. The major junior game in general is much more NHL like in it characteristics and demeanor (except the Q).

A player like McDavid has gone through the physical demands of major junior much much more for a longer season than any college player even comes close to. College teams travel long distance in a few instances during a season, generally not that far however. Compare that with a trip from Erie PA to the Sault.

This is not to say that every player from junior to every player from college - they aren't. But the college players - regardless of skill level - are nowhere near as battle tested.

@JasonGregor: "Jagr has been in the NHL longer than the Panthers franchise." @MarcMajeau Gold. #NHL

Yeah but their PP has been dead recently and their leading scorer on D was Loov with 16pts in 50+ games.
- 1979AD

for sure could use his Offense on the back end down there, sitting a few points out of the playoffs

Fair enough. See Marty? This is what it's like when people leave emotion out of it.
- Feeling Glucky?

nice recovery!

Brennan is back. Rebuild complete.

@JasonGregor: "Jagr has been in the NHL longer than the Panthers franchise." @MarcMajeau Gold. #NHL


- burn

That's amazing

Tradez

Yeah but their PP has been dead recently and their leading scorer on D was Loov with 16pts in 50+ games.
- 1979AD

I know.... and with added depth in the a the leafs can call up someone without hurting marlies

that was me.....man i've made some crazy calls on here eh?
- clark_griswold

don't worry Gris, I said 3 years ago Franson would end up on the Leafs top pair and was ridiculed mercilessly...

Brennan is back. Rebuild complete.
- TheMussel

Can't wait for Jerry D'Amigo...again.

for sure could use his Offense on the back end down there, sitting a few points out of the playoffs
- PinkSock

8pts I think

Not CIS. Not knocking the league...its very good hockey I played a part of a season..but nowhere close to the CHL.

NCAA vs mem cup champion is a toss up

Edit....it depends on the years..if theres a crosby involved etc or not...
- clark_griswold

Agreed - I played OHL and CIS and Mem Cup Champ for sure. We played an exhibition game one year vs. Michigan State (circa Shawn Horcoff years)when I was in CIS...got out to an early 1-0 lead...9-1 final.

Major Junior guys are that extra bit hungry...

don't worry Gris, I said 3 years ago Franson would end up on the Leafs top pair and was ridiculed mercilessly...
- aminnes

Yes, but is thinking like Carlyle really something you should take pride in?

Can't wait for Jerry D'Amigo...again.
- Woderwick

can we trade Frattin back for him?

Eichel has been excellent this season - no question.

But the difference that seems to be overlooked or glossed over in many if not most cases when comparing major junior to US College is schedule density, schedule length, travel requirement and (because there's no appropriate single english word to describe it) the "physical competitiveness" factor.

Majority of US college games are played on large ice but what can be fairly described as smaller players, even though they are younger. Those games much more resemble old Soviet era circle and posses games than they do NHL games. The major junior game in general is much more NHL like in it characteristics and demeanor (except the Q).

A player like McDavid has gone through the physical demands of major junior much much more for a longer season than any college player even comes close to. College teams travel long distance in a few instances during a season, generally not that far however. Compare that with a trip from Erie PA to the Sault.

This is not to say that every player from junior to every player from college - they aren't. But the college players - regardless of skill level - are nowhere near as battle tested.
- BorjeFan4Ever

Toews, Parise, Keith, Kesler, Suter, Backes off the top of my head seem to do all right in the NHL battle test department as any CHL player

Can't wait for Jerry D'Amigo...again.
- Woderwick

A little Zigomanis for faceoffs and Frank D'Angelo commercials too would be useful.

And that's no bull!

can we trade Frattin back for him?
- Feeling Glucky?

lol

Dennis Robertson is next after Jerry.

NCAA
- iTOLDu

not if you appropriately age limit it.

major junior up to age 20... any college players on NCAA teams below 20.

different outcome.

that's not the same debate as to whether which is a better development league or which has better teams... I would hope a team of young guys who have been together for 2-3 years on college team, with the seniors being 21+ years old could manage to stay competitive with a team comprised of a few 19 and 20 year olds and mostly 17 and 18 year olds.

Lupul + Polak for Bickell and Chicago's 1st rounder. Thank you and Goodnight

Pretty much every CIS player played junior till he was 20... lots played pro. Its a VERY high level of hockey and most teams would kick the living snot out of a bunch of teenagers on a CHL team.
- robin_steele264

Again..I played CIS...some played CHL...most played junior B or C. The gap between junior B/C and CHL is massive.

Agreed - I played OHL and CIS and Mem Cup Champ for sure. We played an exhibition game one year vs. Michigan State (circa Shawn Horcoff years)when I was in CIS...got out to an early 1-0 lead...9-1 final.

Major Junior guys are that extra bit hungry...
- Deeps27

You're the first to actually cite experience in this debate, so you win. What Uni team were you on that killed Mich. State?

Agreed - I played OHL and CIS and Mem Cup Champ for sure. We played an exhibition game one year vs. Michigan State (circa Shawn Horcoff years)when I was in CIS...got out to an early 1-0 lead...9-1 final.

Major Junior guys are that extra bit hungry...
- Deeps27

I dont think it matters what league a guy comes from, everyones different, softies who wont go in the corners and gritty 2 way guys come from all leagues and come in all shapes and sizes