Quoting: Db1899
I don’t think it gets talked about enough how bad his coach/linemates were in liiga. The system was awful and he played with the equivalent of 4th line grinders who don’t know how to do anything besides dump and chase. Obviously passing/transition play are his strengths , but he has an underrated shot and it will likely get better as he fills out. He’s one of those players who needs at least one linemate who can see the game the way he sees it. Barzal is the same way, I see a lot of similarities in their games.
And like I said before his defense isn’t bad and when he’s trusted his work ethic is solid. Assuming he’s developed as a center, he has a decent chance of being a top 3 player in the draft. He has star 1C upside.
Yeah but Eklund shouldn’t escape criticism for his lack of production so why should Lambert?
Eklund had a poor team and similar poor situations and he kept at it; didn’t produce as much as we would have liked. Doesn’t me he should escape criticism for not performing against competition he should have been better against if he wants to be held to a high standard. As lambert wants to be held to a high standard.
I completely agree about Lamberts upside but it doesn’t make him a Ryan Merkley’esc pick.
Again I can also provide examples of Gushchin; playing on the worst team in the OHL and that didn’t stop his spectacular play nor did he let it hamper his production.
If you’re going to hold Lambert, Eklund to high standards - they each need to be better. As if they have 1C/1LW potential; they shouldn’t be held back from high standards.
Lambert needs time to season and grow. My only major criticism that thinks he will fail is if he is put in the NHL this year. That’s all I’ve really held strong onto.
Quoting: LeafsFanForSomeReason
I think you're overstating the detriment of his areas of improvement and undervaluing the merit of his strengths. I guess only time will tell, but I hope you're right... I'd sleep easier.
If it so happens that I'm right about what Lambert can become, then yes, I absolutely can criticize that move the Leafs made. Passing up the opportunity to draft that caliber of player to dump that contract is lunacy.
Sorry shouldn’t have worded it as can’t criticize.
I think the leafs made a good move but poor selection imo. They should have went with someone like Trikozov to make up for not picking the guy in Lambert.