Quote:
Originally Posted by DAChampion
I've always wondered if the 2005 lockout contributed to the success of the 2003 draft.
|
It definitely did. I look at Eric Staal as the perfect example. Skinny kid, not ready for the NHL, but still thrown to the wolves as a youngster. Pretty rough rookie season, then the lockout happens. He beefs up, gains major confidence, and has a monster season, leading Carolina to the Stanley Cup.
Off the top of my head, guys like Vanek, Parise, Richards and Carter all benefited from playing in the AHL during the lockout. Who knows if they would have made the jump straight to the NHL if there was a season though.