My thoughts about this as well... I really don't think it's a coincidence that they took Rutger and now Barlow regarding the ongoing leadership and lockerroom issues. They want to make sure that their next generation isn't going down that path as well.
Really happy witht he pick. Watched a couple of recap and highlight videos and oh my is the kid skilled in shooting the puck. Wow. He must be the best shot we drafted since Laine. Especially his toedrag and wristshot velocity together with the quickness he releases it is nuts. But he apparently also has an accurate and hard onetimer as well.
Most other aspects of his game don't look that far developed but there is also nothing looking like it is below average and needs serious work either. IQ, mental, character and compete level should be very high up there according to everyone that knows him a bit better so yeah... Not sure why you wouldn't be happy with this guy.
I also liked his interview with WST, really sounded like he was genuinely happy to be drafted by the Jets. I know they all say it but I'm working in Marketing and PR for many years now and I think I have a very, very good sense about those things wether someone just gives the plain "obvious answer" or someone genuinely means and lives their spoken words.
*edit*
View attachment 723334
found this picture from 2019. Left is Kiefer Barlow (brother) and right is Colby Barlow. Maybe his family or at least some parts of his family actually are quite thrilled he got drafted by the Jets?
Source:
'A boy with a dream': Colby Barlow's journey to the NHL draft (scroll through the photo gallery)
