To gauge something like that, I'd say it comes down to which one would be worth more in free agency. Because GM's know how to account for all the variables that you mention.
With that said, scoring is always one of the highest criteria for rating a forward. So Granlund.
Yea, the offensive potential of Granlund at his peak would be hard to pass up. I'm certainly not trying to downplay Granlund at all. I think the kid is going to be a force in the NHL for years. Just pointing out that "better" is all relevant, and is usually different in the eye of each beholder.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Saunacrew
Heheh. Came in other conclusions after thinking a bit and seems like edited my post too late. Yes I agree that Schenn will be the better shutdown forward with scoring touch so yes, elite two-way forward.
Both will have good careers. Also it depends on need which I would choose. On a team like Sabres I'd take Schenn over Granlund any day due to lack of size in top6 but in a team like Wild you have already that shutdown center with Koivu and you are missing skill.
Also I'm afraid that Granlund could become the second Bouchard. Smaller guys tend to get more concussions. This is like comparing Jordan Staal with Henrik Sedin.
The size of Granlund would be a bit of a concern, but his skill level should be able to overcome any deficiencies in that area. I mean, he's never gonna be a physical force, but the way the league is today, smaller players have a much better chance to not only survive, but thrive.
Like I said, both young players have elite potential, it's just two different skillsets, which makes answering the question of who will be "better" difficult to answer without qualifying it.
I have zero argument with anyone that picks one over the other.
I haven't seen Schenn nearly enough to actually say which will be better, but with all the talk of how Schenn is the two-way guy and Granlund the offensive guy, I have to say that everyone in Finland (media, sportspeople,players) are raving over how complete a player he is, offensively and defensively. At least in SM-liiga he's become more of a two-way center than a pure offensive forward, he's playing PP and PK and he's very good at both.
Yea, as I stated earlier, it's not fair to say that Granlund can't be as good, or an even better, two-way player as Schenn in the future. I haven't been able to see enough of Granlund to make that call, and two-way ability can be learned over time. No one really knows until we get an extended look at him on NA ice.
All projections that I've ever seen, and of all the viewings I've seen of Schenn, call for him to be an elite two-way forward if he hits his potential. He also has a physical side to his game that scouts love. That doesn't mean Granlund can't or won't be an elite two-way player, or that Granlund won't be better than Schenn in every single area. Way too early to tell at this point.
Even the defensive styles of these players will be different. If Granlund becomes becomes a two-way force it will be along the lines of datsyuk(i.e. good stick and positioning but no overly physical) where as Schenn will lay big hits, grind it out on the boards and layout to block shots.
The other thing to factor in is the franchises each player plays for and the talent they are surrounded by. Can't deny the fact that Schenn has a better chance of reaching his ceiling simply because he plays on a better team with better players. In order for Granlund to reach his, he's going to need some better teammates than what's currently available in Minnesota. I think Minnesota is getting better and that there are some real terrific players in the pipe line, but the fact is, the Flyers have the better talent. Teams simply can't afford to focus on Schenn because of Giroux, Hartnell, Jagr, Voracek, JVR, Simmonds, Couturier, Read, etc.......Granlund won't have that same luxury. He and Koivu have a real big task ahead of them in getting Minnesota to the next level. It might be that reason why Granlund might not have the same impact that Schenn will have. I hope I'm wrong and I hope Granlund has a wonderful career, but the road ahead of him is going to be real tough.
The other thing to factor in is the franchises each player plays for and the talent they are surrounded by. Can't deny the fact that Schenn has a better chance of reaching his ceiling simply because he plays on a better team with better players. In order for Granlund to reach his, he's going to need some better teammates than what's currently available in Minnesota. I think Minnesota is getting better and that there are some real terrific players in the pipe line, but the fact is, the Flyers have the better talent. Teams simply can't afford to focus on Schenn because of Giroux, Hartnell, Jagr, Voracek, JVR, Simmonds, Couturier, Read, etc.......Granlund won't have that same luxury. He and Koivu have a real big task ahead of them in getting Minnesota to the next level. It might be that reason why Granlund might not have the same impact that Schenn will have. I hope I'm wrong and I hope Granlund has a wonderful career, but the road ahead of him is going to be real tough.
That's why we went and drafted guys like Jonas Brodin, Jason Zucker, Erik Haula, Johan Larsson and Acquired Charlie Coyle.
The common trend there is that they will all play in the NHL, Coyle and Larsson could both be top 6 ers but will atleast be top 9 guys.
Brodin should at worst be a bottom pairing guy.
So the talent is coming, add in a top 10 pick again this year, and we're getting there.
