Ahhh, the Urbom hype train was awesome. He was our big, fast #1 PMD with a rocket from the point.
Then he stepped on the ice.
Not quite sure i'd ever use that word to describe Urbom; although it's probably a bit premature to write him off entirely. He seemed reasonably decent offensively in his short stints with us, but coned defensively on multiple occasions by faster/skilled forwards.
Still, he might eventually find himself a role in the NHL, though i do remember some of the more optimistic expectations for him I think at this point i'd settle for him being a solid bottom pairing guy, although with our logjam on defence and Merrill, Larsson, Gelinas and others passing him on our prospect depth chart at the same position; it's increasing unlikely he'll ever get a real shot with us.
Not quite sure i'd ever use that word to describe Urbom; although it's probably a bit premature to write him off entirely. He seemed reasonably decent offensively in his short stints with us, but coned defensively on multiple occasions by faster/skilled forwards.
Still, he might eventually find himself a role in the NHL, though i do remember some of the more optimistic expectations for him I think at this point i'd settle for him being a solid bottom pairing guy, although with our logjam on defence and Merrill, Larsson, Gelinas and others passing him on our prospect depth chart at the same position; it's increasing unlikely he'll ever get a real shot with us.
I could be wrong, but was Urbom not in a top-pairing, shut-down role for us? Doesn't seem like Gelinas has surpassed him. Merrill hasn't even played pro yet.
To be fair, part of the Urbom hypetrain was due to comments made by Lou and Lemaire that identified him as our best prospect. If we can't go by their judgment, whose can we trust?
LOL@ people who think Urbom is a bust. HE'S 21! It takes years for defensemen to develop, people. I don't think any of Urbom, Gelinas, or Burlon will get a spot on the roster for at least 2 years. Not being able to make a Stanley Cup contending team as a 21 or 22 year old isn't the end of the world, guys. My prediction is that Urbom becomes a slightly less mobile and more physical Tallinder in his prime and Gelinas becomes a number 4 or 5 defenseman who can play the PP. Both will be big parts of this team in the future in my opinion.
Urbom is a lock to be a smooth skating shutdown defenseman that can move the puck, in my opinion. Tallinder's actually a great comp.
I'd be very happy with that result, although I think Urbom is more aggressive in his mentality than Tallinder. He loves to pinch deep, and has the skating ability to do it. In DeBoer's system he could thrive.
I think at this point i'd settle for him being a solid bottom pairing guy, although with our logjam on defence and Merrill, Larsson, Gelinas and others passing him on our prospect depth chart at the same position; it's increasing unlikely he'll ever get a real shot with us.
