bradshaw2ben wrote:
I said Staal would be better?
I loved Staal's defensive game. A lot. Haven't followed his career since Pgh at all, can't say whay his story is.
I agree completely that Guentzel isn't strong enough to take a beating but he's more of a Gretzky player, anyhow-- a guy that can create and see the ice and anticipate plays. This is why I think he's going to continue the start and parlay it into hockey stardom. He doesn't have the pure skills nor size of Crosby/Malkin, but there's more than one way to skin a cat.
All Jake has done since his call up is score and make plays, even in the biggest situations vs great teams/players.
You said it wouldn't surprise you if he turned out to be better. That was about 6-7 years and three boards ago. If memory served you made a compelling argument as well. I remember you saying that Malkin and Crosby were already at their best and at the top of the league. Staal meanwhile was still growing and learning, developing his skills that one day might be better than 87/71.
I was thinking of writing one of those papers on 'what if Staal had accepted the Pens offer back in 2012 for 10 years at 60 million.'
It might have changed the course of the franchise. Probably would have made it difficult for the Pens to sign Letang and Kessel would never have happened. Then again Staal could have helped us to more cups.
Staal had a nice career in Pittsburgh but he chose wrong when he went to Carolina. Injuries and a lack of talent around him cursed him.
I like the Guentzel comparison to Gretzky. There is some truth in that. People always forget that Gretzky came to the NHL on a very talented(possibly the most talented roster ever) team. Certainly he was the focal point but he played with some of the best for sure. Guentzel doesn't have that pressure but playing next to Crosby is only going to help in his development.
The Pens knew early on that Guentzel was going to be a player so they took their time with him just like they are doing with Sprong.
Can you imagine if Guentzel and Sprong turn out to be 30 goal scorers each? Watch the fuck out NHL.