GDT: Game 14: Sharks vs. Blue Jackets 7:30pm NBCSCA Return of the Mack

[Barrie22]

Smith is a player if he gets to his top potential offensively to be a 40-40 player and maybe for career year a 40-50 or 50-40 player.

 

[Hobocop]

When Thompson came over last year and I watched him with the Cuda, I was thinking that he had the feel of a Jason Demers or Justin Braun late-round gem that could develop into something more.

Braun really took that next step when he locked in and hired a skating coach. He was a solid bottom pairing guy before that, but his skating jumping from good to great made a world of difference for him. I think Thompson's brain and hands are there. If he got a step faster and a bit stronger, I think we're talking about a real player.

Thompson's defensive zone play was absolutely woeful last season and that's the part that concerned me about him. I dunno if it's the coaching change or just him getting better in that area, but his improvement there has made him a much more legit prospect.

 

[pappaf2]

That's a little unfair considering Malhotra had a severe eye injury in 2011 that very much helped that rapid fall off. (Also Malhotra only played one year as a Shark)

Good call I forgot about the eye. I looked back and saw it was only a year with the sharks. Funny for some reason I felt like it was a couple years.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Thompson's defensive zone play was absolutely woeful last season and that's the part that concerned me about him. I dunno if it's the coaching change or just him getting better in that area, but his improvement there has made him a much more legit prospect.

Braun was the same way, didn't really become a strong defensive player until he was already an NHLer. The Cuda (and the Sharks) were such a mess last year that I took everyone with a grain of salt, too.

 

[Jargon]

If Thompson becomes a legit player that’s a hell of a trade by Grier.