I just see this kid getting better and better. He is faster than people giver him credit for, deceptive speed, absolutely phenomenal hands and shot, tremendous vision and leadership. nd most of all loves to win.
I think (and no i'm not saying this casue he's Canadian) that Heater is far more valuable a player than KOvalchuk.
I just see this kid getting better and better. He is faster than people giver him credit for, deceptive speed, absolutely phenomenal hands and shot, tremendous vision and leadership. nd most of all loves to win.
I think (and no i'm not saying this casue he's Canadian) that Heater is far more valuable a player than KOvalchuk.
Thought and opinions?
Keep in mind that Kovalchuk is almost 2 years younger than Heatley. No doubt that Heatley has been impressive, and has done lots to stake his claim as a big part of the NHL's future, but Kovalchuk hasn't been a slouch either, with 29 goals in his rookie season that was cut short by injury, and 38 goals in his second season. He's shown more committment to defense under Hartley than Heatley has so far, as well. All the traits that you've mentioned with Heatley can be applied to Kovalchuk as well, with the the possible exception of leadership, which I don't think he's had to many opportunities to demonstrate yet.
Keep in mind that Kovalchuk is almost 2 years younger than Heatley. No doubt that Heatley has been impressive, and has done lots to stake his claim as a big part of the NHL's future, but Kovalchuk hasn't been a slouch either, with 29 goals in his rookie season that was cut short by injury, and 38 goals in his second season. He's shown more committment to defense under Hartley than Heatley has so far, as well. All the traits that you've mentioned with Heatley can be applied to Kovalchuk as well, with the the possible exception of leadership, which I don't think he's had to many opportunities to demonstrate yet.
i'll take heatley, hossa, and richards for the future, thanks
Those comparisons are atrocious. You say Kovalchuk = bure, then say heatley=sakic, yet Kovalchuk and Heatley are about equal defensively, if anything Kovalchuk has an edge. Ilya has emotion, he has incredible ability, and incredible drive. Second of all, Lindros in his prime was better than anyone on that list and if you think Thorton is going to be as good as Lindros (which he won't be), then he'd be the best player. Also, to even list richards with those players shows stupidity. I don't like a single comparison that you made and don't believe any of those young players resemble those older players are that much. I think Thorton, Kovalchuk, Gaborik, Heatley, and Hossa will be very comparable players, all will be stars (though i prefer Ilya and Joe, myself). Lecavalier still has a lot to prove and Richards doesn't belong in this class. There are young players not on this list who are better than Richards (havlat, gagne, samsonov to name a few)
Also, to even list richards with those players shows stupidity.There are young players not on this list who are better than Richards (havlat, gagne, samsonov to name a few)
stupidity, huh? how so? the guy has averaged .81 pts/gm through 3 full seasons without ever serving time in the minors; what are you talking about?
It's my opinion that Thornton is the best player in the league right now, and I don't see that changing in the next 2-3 years. After Joe, I would put Kovalchuk, Gaborik and Heatley(in that order).
Kovalchuk = bure, then say heatley=sakic, yet Kovalchuk and Heatley are about equal defensively, if anything Kovalchuk has an edge.
Equal defensively!!!
Ilya has freaky ass talent, but he doesn't even know there is a defensive zone as of yet!
Ilya is more gifted, but he doesn't have the all around game of Heatley just yet.
I'll vote:
Heatley, Thornton, Gaborik....Zetterberg, Spezza, etc. will be coming on hard.
Kovalchuk = bure, then say heatley=sakic, yet Kovalchuk and Heatley are about equal defensively, if anything Kovalchuk has an edge.
Equal defensively!!!
Ilya has freaky ass talent, but he doesn't even know there is a defensive zone as of yet!
Ilya is more gifted, but he doesn't have the all around game of Heatley just yet.
What are you basing this on. I didn't see too many Atlanta games last year, but the ones that I did, both were pretty horrible defensively. I've seen Atlanta fans post that since Hartley came on board though, that Kovalchuk had improved defensively, while Heatley continued at the same rate. I'm inclined to listen to fans who watch the two play on a regular basis.
In 2-3 years (assuming the NHL looked the same personnel-wise), the best all-around young players will be Gaborik, Heatley, Havlat and Spezza... in that order. Thornton has too many years of experience over these guys to be grouped with them....
That said, I see several veteran players being as good or better than these "young guns" at that time; one of them is Thornton. The others include Foresberg, Sakic, Hejduk, Naslund, Hossa, and Mike Modano.
Pittsburgh's #1 pick next year might also be in that top list.
