It basically means that he's got a lot of tools, but hasn't developed them to the point where scouts feel they can safely say what he will end up as.

In Nurse's case, it means he's thrived by simply using his physical abilities, rather than hockey techniques.
- Jsaquella

i interpret that phrase to mean the prospect needs A LOT of development, which i then interpret to be an exaggeration because of his likely high draft position. i see it used enough that for me it waters down the criticism and seems like a vague catch-all phrase that loses its value when describing someone's potential.

i interpret that phrase to mean the prospect needs A LOT of development, which i then interpret to be an exaggeration because of his likely high draft position. i see it used enough that for me it waters down the criticism and seems like a vague catch-all phrase that loses its value when describing someone's potential.
- hammarby31

Yes, I see.

Exactly.

Yet do they really go out of their way to find talent on the back end in the draft? Or go with the safer choice by taking a forward.

Perfect example being taking Coots over Hamilton. I wouldnt be in favour of completely reaching for a player just to fill a need but its not a huge reach to begin with a lot of the time.

This is a what have you done for me lately kind of league. Yet since the "new NHL" this team hasnt realised the importance of developing its own D. They knew perfectly well that Pronger wouldnt be around forever, and neither will Timonen. To me they did pretty damn close to nothing to try and fix the situation, before it got to where it has.

Some may say otherwise, but what I am getting at here. Is in terms of developing a team, or building one, especially the defense. I would say the Flyers havent caught up with the "new NHL". The old days of buying a team or trading to fill such important needs are dead.
- flyer_nutter

The team drafted 4 defenseman in the last draft. So I don't know how that leads to saying that they haven't realized the importance of developing it's onw defenseman.

The team drafted 4 defenseman in the last draft. So I don't know how that leads to saying that they haven't realized the importance of developing it's onw defenseman.
- MJL

I think it's the continued failure of ever taking D men in the first two rounds that is the actual thing people take issue with.

If the Flyers miss out on the top three of Jones Drouin and MacKinnon(which is fairly likely) and Nurse or Nichushkin are on the board I take one of those guys. If those 5 are off the board I seriously consider trading the pick depending on who is available.
- hereticpride

I hope no one in the Flyers front office thinks like that.

- Winning

Well poop

I think it's the continued failure of ever taking D men in the first two rounds that is the actual thing people take issue with.
- hereticpride

I think everyone is aware of what the Flyers draft philosophy is.