Quoting: MTLaveragefan
Dude... there is a big step between the NCAA and the OHL... Leonard would have 70 in the OHL.
The fact that Leonard > Xhekaj doesn't mean that Xhekaj is bad... they are not at the same level.
That explains the high volume of NCAA players jumping over to the NHL directly . . .O wait
I guess thats mostly Junior players from Canada doing that Historically , isnt it ?
Its why Matthews went to Europe, Kane came to Canada to play most famously for former 1st OA picks
They chose Canadian Junior or Pro's in Europe because NCAA doesnt prepare a player to jump straight to the NHL for a 82 game season + playoffs
NCAA has its use and purpose as the path for the player who's growing into his role a little slower just look at the Barron Family
Morgan failed to make the cut for QMJHL so he went BC where a lot of the Collegiate Scouting for Canadian Players goes through before finding a USHL team which got him a NCAA Offer.
Justin made the QMJHL first shot playing 4 years as a top guy and ending his Tenure as the Captain of their Hometown Halifax Mooseheads.
Morgans first NHL game ? 2020-21
Justins first NHL games ? 2021-22
3 years Younger and basically made it to the NHL at the same time
Not all Canadian Junior Players obviously can jump to the NHL like Suzuki or Xhekaj
But i felt the Barron's illustrate Perfectly the difference in paths and their timelines
Doesnt mean NCAA bad it just means CHL>NCAA when it comes to NHL Ready Prospects and IMO provides a higher Quality of Superstar
I'll put our McDavid, Crosby, Gretzky ext against any top 3 NCAA players