Yeah fingers crossed because if he figured things out that make managements life a lot easier. I wish the kid well I've just never seen "it" from him.
I much appreciate the realistic views and expectations for prospects here. The other board I used to frequent was basically a big circle jerk to anyone drafted by the Canucks.
Last board I was on it was either NHL star if they liked the prospect or he was an AHL lifer, if they disliked the prospect. Nothing in-between.
There are the occasional cases of
Verhaeghe's who didn't play an NHL game till 24 where he had 13 points in 52 games.
Hyman had 6 points in 16 games at 23 years old.
Vatrano played a couple half seasons at 21-22-23 finally at 24 after being traded played a full season and went .5 ppg.
I did come across a random tweet this morning
Jack Han
@JhanHky
The real lesson from Florida's win, I think, is that one's NHL career really starts at 23. Reinhart, Bennett, Montour, Forsling, Verhaeghe etc had all been dealt by at least one NHL org around that age. If you're elite like Barkov or early career OEL then 18-23 will be a productive time for you, but not always.
Podkolzin just turned 23 in June. The 3 I listed above all were dealt. Maybe Podz needs a fresh start.