Leaf Rumours

[Artnes]

I will agree with Mindz and jump on the Voracek train. The guy is crazy talented

 

[leafman101]

Eric is a lot better than Jordan.

 

[Artnes]

This is not fair for Jordan at all.

At 17, Eric Staal was also ~ PPG player. His numbers were almost identical to Jordan's at 17.

Eric's stat exploded at 18. At 18, Jordan was already playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in a checking / PK role.

And that's the role Jordan has all these years. He never developed his offensive game, but he's only 21.

Who's to say if Jordan played in the OHL at 18 he wouldn't have repeated Eric's numbers, just like he did at 17?

No to mention he scored 29 goals in that season as well. That's amazing considering the role he was playing.

 

[JaysCyYoung]

Jordan's not even in the same league as Eric offensively.

 

[Artnes]

No one will argue that but I think people are selling him short. Possibly because he is a "3rd liner"

 

[leafman101]

He's not a 3rd liner.

He plays almost 20 minutes a game, including 2-3 on the PP.

 

[axlsalinger]

A guy who centers the third line, is by definition, a third liner.

 

[Artnes]

With 3rd line players hence he is a 3rd liner.

 

[leafman101]

A guy who plays 20 minutes a game is, in reality, not a third liner.

 

[hockeylover]

A guy who centers the third line, is by definition, a third liner.

^ This logic is why we still haven't signed Kulemin.

 

[Artnes]

A guy who plays 20 minutes a game is, in reality, not a third liner.

Put him with 20 min per game players and you have an argument but not with 3rd line talent.

 

[axlsalinger]

^ This logic is why we still haven't signed Kulemin.

A joke about Jordan Staal is the reason? Really?

 

[hockeylover]

A joke about Jordan Staal is the reason? Really?

:lol I'm just saying that's the line his agent is using too.

 

[MindzEye]

This is not fair for Jordan at all.

At 17, Eric Staal was also ~ PPG player. His numbers were almost identical to Jordan's at 17.

Eric's stat exploded at 18. At 18, Jordan was already playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in a checking / PK role.

And that's the role Jordan has all these years. He never developed his offensive game, but he's only 21.

Who's to say if Jordan played in the OHL at 18 he wouldn't have repeated Eric's numbers, just like he did at 17?

2 things

1) Both Eric & Jordan played in the NHL in their 1st post draft seasons. The reason you're seeing a discrepancy in age is that Jordan's birthday is Sept 10 (so counted as the previous season), and Eric's is Oct 29 (counted as the current season)

In Eric's last season before the draft, he scored at a 1.48ppg rate
In Jordan's last season before the draft, he scored a a 1.00 ppg rate

They were the same age in relation, Eric was actually almost 2 months younger.

2) If/When Jordan scores 30 or 60 at the NHL level, I will amend the list to put Jordan with the 2nd group of players that all spent their first post draft season in the NHL/AHL or IHL

 

[leafman101]

Put him with 20 min per game players and you have an argument but not with 3rd line talent.

None of his "3rd line talent linemates" play 20 minutes a game.

Thats the difference between real 3rd liners and not 3rd liners. He plays more than them, without them.

 

[axlsalinger]

In other words, he's a super-elite third liner.

 

[leafman101]

In other words he's a first liner.

At least in terms of how much he plays. Not talent or level of play.

 

[axlsalinger]

I think M.E. described him best, something along the lines of: "fantastic two way second line center".

 

[Artnes]

but used in a primarily checking role so he's a 3rd liner

 

[leafman101]

Mike Richards plays 20 minutes a game, and is used in a checking role.

He's not a 3rd liner. He just doesn't suck offensively.