I don't think it's overhyped to much, because small players with big hearts, and sick skill levels still have a place in the NHL.
On one hand you can say....IN the 2004 draft the first 15 picks or so were players that were 6-1 and higher....Players are just getting biger and biger.
Now I have to admit....Size is a great thing to have.. I love a prospect with size, but I rather have skill....Thats why it's great to find players with great size and skill (Milan Michalek
)
Ovechkin 6-2, Malkin 6-3, Barker 6-3, Ladd 6-2, Wheeler 6-5, Montoya 6-2, Olesz 6-2, Picard 6-2, Smid 6-3, Valabik 6-6, Tukonen 6-2, Thelen 6-4, Stafford 6-2, Dubnyk 6-6.
In those cases, I think for the most part it wasn't because of size that they were picked, but it definitly sweetens the deal.
I think only Wheeler, Valabik, and Dubnyk were picked so high because of there size...or arguably the main reason they were.
THink Blake Wheeler is a top 5 pick if he's only 5-11? HECK NO.
SO Size is an important role, but there is still room for the little man.
But lets be honest, you much rather have the 6-2 prospect over the 5-9 one.