I was a big fan of both of them, but to call Gardiner and Schultz two possible franchise defensemen means Vatanen is, and Fowler is, and seeing Lindholm now, he'd fall into that category too. That's uh... a lot of franchise defensemen. Kind of dilutes the term.
Ok relax people. Top pairing defensemen more realistic?
Definitely, and I think they all have potential. It may or may not be reached, but they should both turn into good NHL players. Franchise is another level entirely though.
Edit: I don't think we were offended. It's just the statement seems a stretch. Vatanen is as talented as either of them. Fowler is someone I'd say is more talented. Lindholm has the potential to be the best in all three zones. That's five defensemen Anaheim has drafted recently, all of them very talented, but to claim those two have franchise potential kind of pulls the rest into the same category and I just don't see how that can be true.
Definitely, and I think they all have potential. It may or may not be reached, but they should both turn into good NHL players. Franchise is another level entirely though.
Schulz is very dynamic--exactly what the Oilers needed. Franchise potential or not, he's got lots of potential to be a quality NHL defensemen that will add a lot of punch to our PP>
Silver lining of a lockout is that Schultz can ease into the pro game, which has bee good for his development IMO.
I agree with this but people have to remember that he is 22 already and he is closer to his ceiling than the boatload of top Dmen that got drafted this past summer as well.
I agree with this but people have to remember that he is 22 already and he is closer to his ceiling than the boatload of top Dmen that got drafted this past summer as well.
Which, I admit, is why it's a great pick up for Edmonton. They have great need for him now. He's already got polish, and he did most of his developing as an Anaheim prospect. Edmonton gets to taste the fruit, so to speak, that Anaheim was waiting to ripen.
Ok relax people. Top pairing defensemen more realistic?
Didn't mean to offend Ducks fans, just some really bad luck.
No worries. As Sojourn said it sounded like a bit of a reach. To be honest, I think Schultz could achieve franchise status at some point in his career.
lol when Gardiner and Schultz were ducks prospects nobody was throwing the F word around...I don't care Vatanen will be better than both...
Ehh. It is what it is. The Ducks just don't have as big of a fanbase as Toronto and Edmonton, so don't expect to ever here Ducks prospects talked about a ton. Personally, I like it that our prospects fly under the radar. It makes it easier to deal with when they bust, and all the more enjoyable when they breakout.
As for the Vatanen being better than both of them...I just don't know about that. I think Sami is and is going to be great, but better than Gardiner and Schultz? I'm not so sure. I would not be surprised either way...
the kid was already pro ready at the backend of last season and maybe even earlier than that depending on your view if you have followed him as a prospect, he 22 he basically finished as prospect now in terms of his game and really should be honing his tools at the top level
It sucks for Anaheim that they seem to have lost 2 beauties in Gardiner and Schultz, but their scouts certainly know what theyre looking for when they pick Dmen. Impressive
