DeBrincat and Keller have much better NHL potential, but no, at this point in time in a Junior tournament a 19 year old Garland is better than those 17 years olds (and everyone in the CHL).
Garland plays with a guy who had 43pts last year (undrafted), and a no name 19 year old Euro (undrafted). DeBrincat plays with Mitch Marner, who IMO is the only current CHL player who can give Garland a run for his money when it comes to an offensive game at the CHL level. A guy like Garland is without a doubt a HUGE advantage to have on the PP.
as I said, I am not against Garland one ounce and I feel his ass should be at camp...just trying to give perspective to what team USA does...they do this crap every year. The list that I can compile over the past 8 years could make anyone throw up over snubs. Hell, they even snubbed Jack Johnson for the love of God.
It is my opinion that DeBrincat and Keller are better, right now. Draft position isn't a tell all, but Garland did get passed over in his first year of eligibility and did not go as high as I had hoped last year..In contrast, DeBrincat can go inside the top 15 this year and Keller, well this kid can go inside the top 10 if a team sees the light. Debrincat is a sniper, and plays with grit. What he is doing at the OHL almost 2 years younger than Garland is ridiculous.
Keller is just amazing. Has been for years and now he is finally getting his due. I like both over Garland right now and nothing will change that view. USA Hockey feels the same. Garland plays little to no defense and honestly has been double and triple shifted more times than I can ever remember..USA Hockey likely got scared by that knowing this kid is used to a certain amount of ice time and role currently..if he didn't get that role would he just vanish or have such a hard time adjusting? I don't really know and we never will, but there are concerns over Garland and have been for years.
DeBrincat and Keller are small skilled players like Garland, but both kids will get picked inside the top 30 and possibly much higher..that does show a lot to just how good they are and what they are doing at younger ages than Garland. Garland is a great player and I hope he makes the show, but I can live without him on this team knowing Keller and DeBrincat are here. I just feel they will handle the role better...and yes I have seen all three kids play, no agenda or bias here.
Garland plays with Askew who was not some scrub 17 year old...kid was one of the most touted and hyped Americans in his birth year. He came on slow last year, similar to Garland in his first season in the Q...tough league to adjust for most US kids...now Askew looks like a player again and I am sure Garland has a lot to do with it but Askew was something and many of us followed him for years.
I also love Yan out of the Q as well, he has another year to make a case for this team again next year.
I was reading the Marner thread before this so that must have been on my mind.
