19 replies to this topic

[Duck304]

For those that don't know.. John Tavares is known as the next phenom, the next Sidney Crosby. At a young age, he was so good that he was drafted in the CHL's OHL an entire year early. He is currently playing for the Oshawa Generals in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League), playing with kids older than him.

He completely tore the OHL to pieces the last few years, and he has put up Crosby-like numbers in the Junior level. (He also improved tremendously over the last year.)

At 15 years old: 65 GP, 45 g, 32 a, 77 pts, 72 PIM
At 16 years old: 67 GP, 72 g, 62 a, 134 pts, 60 PIM

The problem is, he was born five days after the cutoff date of eligabilty, meaning he has to wait an extra year to be drafted.

What do you think? Should he be eligible for the 2008 draft?

..............................

What I think:

I think he needs to wait that extra year. I really hope Bettman doesn't choke and allow him to be drafted a year early to "Increase excitement in the league". Soon after that the nets will be replaced with soccer goals.

Ovechkin was born two days after the cutoff date and was older in his draft class. Why should John be an exception? Ovechkin was "good" enough...

I think being in the OHL the next few years would be a mistake, the kid has nothing to prove there. He should play in a european league with men to really raise his game to a new level. Maybe the Swedish Elite League or something.


His family is going to try to get him drafted early like they did in the CHL... They will try again.

[Captain-Crunch]

This situation sounds ever so familiar to me...


He should just wait. Don't be a primadonna like the rest of 'em.

[Duck304]

This situation sounds ever so familiar to me...


He should just wait. Don't be a primadonna like the rest of 'em.

I think he's kind of making him self look bad, you know... like... "I should be drafted early because I'm John Tavares."

[Captain-Crunch]

This situation sounds ever so familiar to me...


He should just wait. Don't be a primadonna like the rest of 'em.

I think he's kind of making him self look bad, you know... like... "I should be drafted early because I'm John Tavares."

Exactly. Besides, in my opinion always finish, never start early. It almost always makes the difference in how easy a player transcends into the NHL. Besides, he still has to grow into his frame. He's 6-1, 190. Yeah being light is great, but he needs more weight for his frame to really survive.

[Duck304]

This situation sounds ever so familiar to me...


He should just wait. Don't be a primadonna like the rest of 'em.

I think he's kind of making him self look bad, you know... like... "I should be drafted early because I'm John Tavares."

Exactly. Besides, in my opinion always finish, never start early. It almost always makes the difference in how easy a player transcends into the NHL. Besides, he still has to grow into his frame. He's 6-1, 190. Yeah being light is great, but he needs more weight for his frame to really survive.

He is a little on the light side, I mean, the guys in the NHL that are 6-1 are 205-230 pounds depending on their style of play.

I think Pat Kane is going to get clobbered in the NHL... now theres a guy that needs to get some muscle mass. I can't even imagine the treatment Pat Kane would get in the NHL.

[drew15]

Sure, he's 6'1", 190.... but he's frickin 16. He might not even be done growing. I don't know about you guys... but at 16, I didn't have 190 pounds of muscle.

[hockey2k]

I think he should wait. If he's that good then there is no need to rush. The scouts will just get another year of watching the kid, and that will only increase his draft stock. At least finish high school before worrying about the draft!

[Captain-Crunch]

Sure, he's 6'1", 190.... but he's frickin 16. He might not even be done growing. I don't know about you guys... but at 16, I didn't have 190 pounds of muscle.

Which is why he needs to wait longer.

This situation sounds ever so familiar to me...


He should just wait. Don't be a primadonna like the rest of 'em.

I think he's kind of making him self look bad, you know... like... "I should be drafted early because I'm John Tavares."

Exactly. Besides, in my opinion always finish, never start early. It almost always makes the difference in how easy a player transcends into the NHL. Besides, he still has to grow into his frame. He's 6-1, 190. Yeah being light is great, but he needs more weight for his frame to really survive.

He is a little on the light side, I mean, the guys in the NHL that are 6-1 are 205-230 pounds depending on their style of play.

I think Pat Kane is going to get clobbered in the NHL... now theres a guy that needs to get some muscle mass. I can't even imagine the treatment Pat Kane would get in the NHL.

Derrick Brassard as well. You need to fill out before you jump in.

[Duck304]

Sure, he's 6'1", 190.... but he's frickin 16. He might not even be done growing. I don't know about you guys... but at 16, I didn't have 190 pounds of muscle.

I play right defenceman and I'm 5'11" 150... He definately is stronger than most, but most of us at 16 weren't outclassing the CHL.

[Captain-Crunch]

You need weight to stand up and in. That's why speedsters can't fight. You see Mac trying to stand up, and he can't do much. And in Tavares case, he's targeted. You need a big thick frame to absorb checks and power through. And if you add muscle it won't slow you down.

[Duck304]

You need weight to stand up and in. That's why speedsters can't fight. You see Mac trying to stand up, and he can't do much. And in Tavares case, he's targeted. You need a big thick frame to absorb checks and power through. And if you add muscle it won't slow you down.

The seasoned NHL'ers love to show the new guys the grind, too... especially if they are a coveted prospect. For example, Jack Johnson got destroyed by Bulis in his first game.

[Captain-Crunch]

You need weight to stand up and in. That's why speedsters can't fight. You see Mac trying to stand up, and he can't do much. And in Tavares case, he's targeted. You need a big thick frame to absorb checks and power through. And if you add muscle it won't slow you down.

NHL'ers love to show the new guys the grind, too... especially if they are a coveted prospect. For example, Jack Johnson got destroyed by Bulis in his first game.

Ah, that was embarrassing to say the least. But I love watching Johnson. Him and Kopi are just about the only Kings I don't hate in any way. But yes, and Crosby took the beating from the Flyers. That was fun to watch...

[Duck304]

You need weight to stand up and in. That's why speedsters can't fight. You see Mac trying to stand up, and he can't do much. And in Tavares case, he's targeted. You need a big thick frame to absorb checks and power through. And if you add muscle it won't slow you down.

NHL'ers love to show the new guys the grind, too... especially if they are a coveted prospect. For example, Jack Johnson got destroyed by Bulis in his first game.

Ah, that was embarrassing to say the least. But I love watching Johnson. Him and Kopi are just about the only Kings I don't hate in any way. But yes, and Crosby took the beating from the Flyers. That was fun to watch...

Sad to admit, but the Kings have a fascinating young core that I love to follow, I watched most of theirs games last year. As much as I hate the logo and the team it represents, Kopitar is great to watch if you have the time.

Didn't Sidney get his first hat trick against the Flyers this year? Revenge!

[Captain-Crunch]

Sad to admit, but the Kings have a fascinating young core that I love to follow, I watched most of theirs games last year. As much as I hate the logo and the team it represents, Kopitar is great to watch if you have the time.

Indeed. And it only gets better with the hundreds of draft picks they keep piling up. They are gonna be a team to watch down the road. Kopitar is like Robitaille reborn. Only foreign and a center...but you get the point.

[MrsBevo]

What's the rush?! A little maturity is always a good thing, and that usually requires time. Or does he need the million dollar contract at this young age?

[Captain-Crunch]

What's the rush?! A little maturity is always a good thing, and that usually requires time. Or does he need the million dollar contract at this young age?

He probably needs it so he can buy his first car. And proms can be expensive nowadays!

[Duck304]

I think he is in a rush because he is just so excited to play in the NHL, thats all. He is dissapointed that he was born five days too late. Probably is sad he can't shoot for the "Youngest player to..." records, maybe. He would probably love to have a ton of attention that young phenoms get, too.

That extra year will just make him more prepared for the National League, it's a blessing in disguise.

[Captain-Crunch]

shoot for the "Youngest player to..." records.

*Cough* Crosby *Cough* *Cough*

[Duck304]

shoot for the "Youngest player to..." records.

*Cough* Crosby *Cough* *Cough*

He's great friends with Crosby, too. You know he's just itching to play with him.

[Captain-Crunch]

shoot for the "Youngest player to..." records.

*Cough* Crosby *Cough* *Cough*

He's great friends with Crosby, too. You know he's just itching to play with him.

I just imagined this commercial:

Sitting in the living room playing NHL 08, Crosby and Tavares argue...

Crosby: Oh, you're getting owned!
Tavares: Shutup, I'm not in the NHL yet!
Crosby: Yeah, haha you're 5 days too young!
Tavares: Wh-!? B-b-but it's not fair!
Crosby: Relax, you should take your time.
Tavares: Oh, and you did?
Long silence, Crosby angrily glares at the TV...
Crosby: *pumps fist into the air* Yeah, Crosby scores the OT winner!
Tavares: Aw man...It's too hard...Not like the CHL...
Crosby: In due time kiddo...
Tavares glares angrily at Crosby...

Fades out.

Announcer: NHL 08, now out for video game consoles everywhere.