There has been lot of talk in this thread about Granlund vs Barkov at 16. I remember seeing Granlund play before the WJC 2009 with the U20 team against mestis teams. What was noteworthy about Granlund back then was his ability control the flow of the game, like it is now. He was playin against Sport in same line with Toni Rajala (noteworthy that i remember Pulkkinen being in that game aswell, but in different line). He flat out dominated in that game and that made me think that he would have a chance to make the WJC team back then as an 16 y-o. He still had many issues like for skating, acceleration (I remember Pulkkinen being a better skater, but I reckon that was before his notorius injury spree).
Barkov played at Ivan Hlinca as an 15 y-o, and had amazing chemistry with undersized Juuso Ikonen and Teuvo Teräväinen. That first line was able to keep the puck in the offesive zone mostly because of Barkovs insane ability to anticipate puck movements of opponent, and use his stick to make a takeaway. That combined to Ikonen skating, and the overall skill level that Teräväinen provided, made a great line that will have a chance to play again this spring in the wjc u-18. Barkov hasent yet shown that much in the u20 international level, but he has proven himself in the SM-liiga, as an 16 y-o. That is an amazing feat and should not be taken litely, considering, that Kärpät did not want to play Granlund at same age eventhou I think they might have if Granlund was the same size as Barkov.
Having seen Barkov play many times this season made me think even if it would be beneficial for him to play more physical, cause it might hinder his pokechecking ability during game. Barkovs greatest weakneses are his skating, and overall mobilily which is funny because that was allso Granlunds greatest flaw, but in Granlunds case it was said that a player of his size would need an better acceleration. A guy with Barkovs size does not need to be the fastest skater on the block to be effective at the highest level. The thing about Granlund is that he has managed to add to his game every year, in his draft year he focused on bettering his offensive traits as a winger, second he worked lot on his skating and defensive game, which aloud him to play center, this year he can just flatout score against any goalie. Its obious that both have top hockey minds, Granlund focuses more on creating more offensive chances for his team while Barkov tries to limit to offensive opportunies of the opposing team. In the world of scouting it does not matter who is better at 16, guys dont stop developing at that age. Perhaps in the future when they play in the NHL against eachother will we know who will be better.
don't misunderstand when you read my posts. I don't expect Barkov to do much at WJC since he is 16 year old. Maybe couple points and just solid game. I expect Granlund to dominate WJC. I say it again it's not fair to compare 16 year old to best prospect in the world. Barkov at 16 is obviously much better than Granlund at 16 but Granlund have developed with huge leaps after that. Only time will tell if Barkov can catch him. IMO Barkov is about 1 and half years ahead of Granlund(at 16) at the developement . If you don't have anything smart to post just be quiet or argue with real arguments and without misunderstanding my posts.
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Barkov is different calibre of prospect but at this tournament i expect Zibanejad to pot up more points than Barkov you're right.
