I know....no one likes to hear the truth around here. Hey I love the kid, he's such a bright spot in our abyss, if he can be as good as Ryan O'Reilly I'll be
- LeftCoaster

Here is the thing Lefty...you are wrong not the majority you have nothing to base your claims on. The eye test and statistical analysis don't support your argument.

Call me bat sh!t crazy but I don't think he has stopped developing
- CanuckDon

I don't think you're batsh!t crazy, I just don't agree with the type of development you believe can occur within the skillset of a 22yr old hockey player. He'll continue to develop within his skillset for sure, as most players do.

I don't think you're batsh!t crazy, I just don't agree with the type of development you believe can occur within the skillset of a 22yr old hockey player. He'll continue to develop within his skillset for sure, as most players do.
- DrChristianTroy

He will never be a brilliant playmaker...no arguments here. Kesler is considered an elite 2 C right? Well...Bo is tracking WAY better than kesler and he can string a few passes together

I don't think you're batsh!t crazy, I just don't agree with the type of development you believe can occur within the skillset of a 22yr old hockey player. He'll continue to develop within his skillset for sure, as most players do.
- DrChristianTroy

He isn't going to be the prolific goal scorer or playmaker we hope for. I do however believe he will be a solid 2way number two centre.

I'm sorry I haven't eaten yet. Only a half a bottle of wine.

I honestly don't think he has peaked. He will get better. Nobody worked harder and he makes the people around him better.
- thundachunk

I think he'll get slightly better as well, ROR had 18 goals 55 points his third year, then he had a 64 point year his next full season. Kinda plateaued there, that's where I see Horvats ceiling.

And I think the hockey community thinks very highly of O'Reillys hockey skills. Not so much of his personal skills though

He will never be a brilliant playmaker...no arguments here. Kesler is considered an elite 2 C right? Well...Bo is tracking WAY better than kesler and he can string a few passes together
- CanuckDon

Kesler could compete for 1c on a lot of teams, given his drive/nastiness. I don't see why Horvat can't be a Bergeron/Kesler/Coutourier type: a really good top 6 centre, regardless or 1 or 2

He will never be a brilliant playmaker...no arguments here. Kesler is considered an elite 2 C right? Well...Bo is tracking WAY better than kesler and he can string a few passes together
- CanuckDon

via GIPHY

He will never be a brilliant playmaker...no arguments here. Kesler is considered an elite 2 C right? Well...Bo is tracking WAY better than kesler and he can string a few passes together
- CanuckDon

I don't believe that Kesler an elite 2C... Dude it's just MY opinion & the way I'D build a roster. I believe a 2C should have a 1C skillset, except lack in a couple of areas that AREN'T offensive hockey IQ & vision. Those are musts.

I don't believe that Kesler an elite 2C... Dude it's just MY opinion & the way I'D build a roster. I believe a 2C should have a 1C skillset, except lack in a couple of areas that AREN'T offensive hockey IQ & vision. Those are musts.
- DrChristianTroy

then you haven't watched Anaheim in the last 2 years.

I don't believe that Kesler an elite 2C... Dude it's just MY opinion & the way I'D build a roster. I believe a 2C should have a 1C skillset, except lack in a couple of areas that AREN'T offensive hockey IQ & vision. Those are musts.
- DrChristianTroy

I think the vision is there.

Why couldn't he be on a good team where there aren't any centers better then him?
- Nuck4U

He can in the AHL, just not in the NHL.

I find it hilarious....half the fanbase sh!ts on our prospects and the other is dilusionally optimistic about them the truth lies in between
- CanuckDon

Then theres me, im the middle. The realist.

then you haven't watched Anaheim in the last 2 years.
- Crazybagoham

Selke is exactly what you need in a number 2 centre. This has been a good year for that.

Selke is exactly what you need in a number 2 centre. This has been a good year for that.
- thundachunk

Kesler is still so nasty! the Getzlaf/Kesler combo just killed the oilers

Kesler is still so nasty! the Getzlaf/Kesler combo just killed the oilers
- Crazybagoham

it went to game seven.

via GIPHY

- thundachunk

brilliant movie

Selke is exactly what you need in a number 2 centre. This has been a good year for that.
- thundachunk

Aren't the Selke's dead?


What kind of team you building there?

Selke is exactly what you need in a number 2 centre. This has been a good year for that.
- thundachunk

The difference is Kesler can check the other teams absolute best centers and still put up 58 points. Horvat is not that guy, he could be I suppose, but he's a long ways from that. Defensively his game needs some work.

Waking up every morning must be tough.
- thundachunk

I burn a dumpster

I don't believe that Kesler an elite 2C... Dude it's just MY opinion & the way I'D build a roster. I believe a 2C should have a 1C skillset, except lack in a couple of areas that AREN'T offensive hockey IQ & vision. Those are musts.
- DrChristianTroy

All good. I respect your opinion. I just don't think any team will ever have what you are aspiring for. Paying your 3C $6 million isn't sustainable solution. The only way that works is if you hit the lottery and draft a Stud center that can step in at the age of 20 and dominate. The salary cap era makes it close to impossible. Pittsburgh had Crosby malkin and Stall but that only lasted until Stall required a raise

it went to game seven.
- LeftCoaster

cool.

The difference is Kesler can check the other teams absolute best centers and still put up 58 points. Horvat is not that guy, he could be I suppose, but he's a long ways from that. Defensively his game needs some work.
- LeftCoaster

Do you recall kesler when he was 22? He wasn't close to Horvat at 22

Kesler is still so nasty! the Getzlaf/Kesler combo just killed the oilers
- Crazybagoham

I am not going to say Doc is wrong. He has his opinion on players which I respect but I can't say that Bo won't get to that level when all we have seen is improvement in all aspects of the game from him every season. They are different players yes but the potential is there.

I don't believe in can't or won't. Its not in my vocabulary. Its do your best not tryyour best. Trying is a cop out.

then you haven't watched Anaheim in the last 2 years.
- Crazybagoham

Let's see him win a championship as a 2C. Then I'll stand down. That's what my entire opinion is based on, but all you mother(frank)ers keep ignoring the context of my argument. It's about building a CHAMPIONSHIP roster.

Ideally, do I want Ryan Kelser centering the offensive line that all production falls upon if the opposition focuses on shutting down my top line? No, I don't. Do I want him playing Selke calibre 2-way hockey and shutting down the other team's top line while providing scoring outside my top 6? (frank) yes!

Do you recall kesler when he was 22? He wasn't close to Horvat at 22
- CanuckDon

In what sense? He was playing behind Henrik and Morrison and his role was much different. When Morrison left Kesler was thrust into more of the role Bo was/is in.