I'd be interested to know your expectations of how similar or dissimilar you'd expect Iginla's first 5 post draft years will compare to Max Domi's first 5 post draft years. I initially thought Domi would be a core leadership type player, but it seems he's settled in as a player who's more of temporary stopgap to fill a lineup spot but not likely to stay for more than 2-3 years before taking a similar role elsewhere. That would seem to be the floor of expectations for Iginla to turn out to be...but it seems most prospects usually end up closer to their floor than their ceiling.
Sam, the draft is crapshoot. No doubt about that. These are 17-18 year old players and there’s so much development left to be done. Much of it is scouting, a lot of it is development, and there’s definitely some luck. Bill Armstrong’s scouting and development staffs are far more robust than any other manager in franchise history has assembled. I believe he’s giving himself the best possible chance to be more right, more often than other teams. But it’s still very much a crapshoot for any team.
Max Domi is a great example of an early draft pick with high expectations. He didn’t end up as good as many hoped but he also ended up better than some feared. He’s a career 52pts per 82gp player in the NHL (ironic that he had 52pts in 81gp as an NHL rookie with Arizona). Solid career, but not a cornerstone piece.
He’s certainly ended up better than many of Arizona’s disappointing picks over the years. Brendan Perlini comes to mind. Then again, Domi’s frequent linemates in London, Bo Horvat and Mitch Marner have definitely lived up to expectations. Top 10 picks often work out how teams hope. I wouldn’t let Domi put a damper on Iginla. Domi is just one name of many we could select as a comp.
I think there are key differences in where each player is at this stage in their development that give me more hope for Iginla. Domi had to learn to play a pro style game. I believe Iginla already plays a pro style game. I find him more projectable. Domi was very much a 1 on 1, pure skill, junior style star. Iginla, to me, has a higher percentage approach. Domi was gritty (even violent) but mostly after the whistles. Iginla’s grit and motor are actually assets to his game during the course of play. I also don’t think Domi ever had that one single elite skill, that hallmark to his game. Iginla has the shot. Sometimes that defining, elite quality makes all the difference.
Thanks for reading and commenting!!!
I’d love to continue this conversation on our discord. It’s free and easy to sign up:
I'd be interested to know your expectations of how similar or dissimilar you'd expect Iginla's first 5 post draft years will compare to Max Domi's first 5 post draft years. I initially thought Domi would be a core leadership type player, but it seems he's settled in as a player who's more of temporary stopgap to fill a lineup spot but not likely to stay for more than 2-3 years before taking a similar role elsewhere. That would seem to be the floor of expectations for Iginla to turn out to be...but it seems most prospects usually end up closer to their floor than their ceiling.
Sam, the draft is crapshoot. No doubt about that. These are 17-18 year old players and there’s so much development left to be done. Much of it is scouting, a lot of it is development, and there’s definitely some luck. Bill Armstrong’s scouting and development staffs are far more robust than any other manager in franchise history has assembled. I believe he’s giving himself the best possible chance to be more right, more often than other teams. But it’s still very much a crapshoot for any team.
Max Domi is a great example of an early draft pick with high expectations. He didn’t end up as good as many hoped but he also ended up better than some feared. He’s a career 52pts per 82gp player in the NHL (ironic that he had 52pts in 81gp as an NHL rookie with Arizona). Solid career, but not a cornerstone piece.
He’s certainly ended up better than many of Arizona’s disappointing picks over the years. Brendan Perlini comes to mind. Then again, Domi’s frequent linemates in London, Bo Horvat and Mitch Marner have definitely lived up to expectations. Top 10 picks often work out how teams hope. I wouldn’t let Domi put a damper on Iginla. Domi is just one name of many we could select as a comp.
I think there are key differences in where each player is at this stage in their development that give me more hope for Iginla. Domi had to learn to play a pro style game. I believe Iginla already plays a pro style game. I find him more projectable. Domi was very much a 1 on 1, pure skill, junior style star. Iginla, to me, has a higher percentage approach. Domi was gritty (even violent) but mostly after the whistles. Iginla’s grit and motor are actually assets to his game during the course of play. I also don’t think Domi ever had that one single elite skill, that hallmark to his game. Iginla has the shot. Sometimes that defining, elite quality makes all the difference.
Thanks for reading and commenting!!!
I’d love to continue this conversation on our discord. It’s free and easy to sign up:
https://discord.gg/FhTV2Tn8