Because he's awesome, high character and isn't Russian.
When did Tarasenko morph into Yakupov? He's not that good
He was thought of as being the closest to Hall and Seguin offensively at the time of his draft, but the Russian factor really hit him hard because he was already signed for another 2 years. He possesses good speed, a great first step, an elite release, he's creative offensively, and he has always been a man among boys. Since being drafted he has been one of the best prospects in the world by captaining his country to gold in the WJC and by dominating the KHL in limited ice time in the regular season and playoffs. He has 30-30 potential written all over him...At least.
I know a lot about Tarasenko and he's awesome. But the way some people talk about him, I can only come to the conclusion most will be disappointed with him based on their expectations.
I know a lot about Tarasenko and he's awesome. But the way some people talk about him, I can only come to the conclusion most will be disappointed with him based on their expectations.
Just because some people think he'll be the next Ovechkin doesn't mean Schwartz is the better prospect. Both have 70 point potential, but one is much more likely to reach it even if it's only for one year. That's enough to be the most dangerous forward on the Blues...Shouldn't we be excited?
I voted Tarasenko. Best prospect that's never touched the NHL ice in my opinion. I think if you believe that Yakupov will be better this season than Tarasenko, you will be disappointed. Leading scorer on his original team, gets traded, put on the fourth line with barely over 10 minutes a game, and all he does is lead that team in playoff scoring, and rank among the best in the league despite playing an entire series less than the other leaders. The KHL is not a great league, but it's much better than the Canadian Junior leagues. Anyone who uses the phrase "because he's not Russian" to describe why one player is better than another is just absurd. The only reason Tarasenko wasn't drafted higher was because there was a fear that he would stay in the KHL his entire career. Now that he has decided to play in the NHL, and looking at the two players objectively, it's pretty clear that Tarasenko is the more skilled player. His hockey IQ is not through the roof like Schwartz, but it's not Cam Janssen either, and he's much more physically gifted than Schwartz.
I know a lot about Tarasenko and he's awesome. But the way some people talk about him, I can only come to the conclusion most will be disappointed with him based on their expectations.
Tarasenko will be similar to Bobby Ryan IMO.
When you bring up that fact that he is Russian, it suggests that you don't know much about him because he doesn't have the typical Russian attitude or playing style. Tarasenko's character is extremely high and is a great leader. He doesn't like the spotlight and he won WJC gold with cracked ribs.
I voted Tarasenko. Best prospect that's never touched the NHL ice in my opinion. I think if you believe that Yakupov will be better this season than Tarasenko, you will be disappointed. Leading scorer on his original team, gets traded, put on the fourth line with barely over 10 minutes a game, and all he does is lead that team in playoff scoring, and rank among the best in the league despite playing an entire series less than the other leaders. The KHL is not a great league, but it's much better than the Canadian Junior leagues. Anyone who uses the phrase "because he's not Russian" to describe why one player is better than another is just absurd. The only reason Tarasenko wasn't drafted higher was because there was a fear that he would stay in the KHL his entire career. Now that he has decided to play in the NHL, and looking at the two players objectively, it's pretty clear that Tarasenko is the more skilled player. His hockey IQ is not through the roof like Schwartz, but it's not Cam Janssen either, and he's much more physically gifted than Schwartz.
When you bring up that fact that he is Russian, it suggests that you don't know much about him because he doesn't have the typical Russian attitude or playing style. Tarasenko's character is extremely high and is a great leader. He doesn't like the spotlight and he won WJC gold with cracked ribs.
Him being russian relates to the KHL issues, not that he isn't good because he's just Russian.
Funny. I was planning on starting these polls this weekend. Feel free to do them if you really want to though. I don't know if we need to keep the polls open for 5 days though, especially the first 2 as it's going to be a landslide for Tarasenko here and then a likely landslide for Schwartz for 2nd.
There's not going to be a lot of drama in the first three guys:
1. Tarasenko
2. Schwartz
3. Rattie
Really wish we weren't including goalies in these, because either they become NHL #1s in which case they're at the very top of the list or they don't in which case they're list afterthoughts. They vary from year to year and most sit up in the top five, top ten, before inevitably sliding down the list as time passes. Within goalies-only, I think we know it's Allen and then it's completely guess-debatable between Karpowich, Binnington, Lundstrom, Tremblay.
I vote we start the next poll at #3 and put Tarasenko #1 and Schwartz #2 without needing to wait the several days to confirm the obvious.
No. I said that when he was drafted, there was a fear that he would stay in the KHL, so his draft stock dropped. It had nothing to do with his physical skills as a hockey player. Now that he has decided to play in the NHL, Schwartz and Tarasenko are basically equally likely to play in the NHL. So, take that out of the conversation and look at the players objectively. In my opinion, Tarasenko is the better player now, and has the higher upside. Clearly, your opinion of the players is different.
At this point, Tarasenko is ahead of Schwartz in development. Tarasenko has a lot more force in his skating and overall game. Schwartz has incredible vision and he's a smart player but Tarasenko is more offensively dynamic at this time. When Schwartz shows he's able to better handle NHL physicality then it'll be closer (and one of those "fun" debates like who's better between Perron and Oshie because they're both Blues).
I have to go with Tarasenko because he's the more prepared for NHL play at the moment, and has an upside at least as good as Schwartz's.I don't know if Rattie is a LOCK for #3. Allen might be considered ahead. Rattie's got a lot of work to do to get NHL ready. I say this DESPITE having such high hopes for him that I don't want him traded away in a Bouwmeester trade I want to happen.
Funny. I was planning on starting these polls this weekend. Feel free to do them if you really want to though. I don't know if we need to keep the polls open for 5 days though, especially the first 2 as it's going to be a landslide for Tarasenko here and then a likely landslide for Schwartz for 2nd.
Yeah, I figured I could close them early, if necessary. Sorry to steal your thunder though.
