Quoting: mtdavis311
I agree that the Jets likely don't make the trade, given their position in the standings. They're gonna be a buyer, and that's a sellers trade.
ZAR is in his first year in the AHL (he only played 10 games last year). He's not necessarily lighting it up (has 19 points in 32 games), but he's at a decent pace for a first year guy. ZAR won't be an impact top 6 winger, but I think he could find a solid role as a 3rd liner in a year or two. I saw a lot of his play in the preseason, and he has potential.
Simon generally put up the same numbers pace as ZAR is currently in the minors (45-50 points). He another guy I could see as a 3rd liner, but not a top 6 player (unless he's on Crosby's wing lol).
Hi mtdavis. Again we can have further look at these guys in a couple of years. But look at ZAR, it really doesn't make THAT much difference just because it's his first year in the NHL. Most hockey players stay in the NCAA for four yers because they aren't good enough to be NHLers. At 23, in hockey, unless you're in the NHL, generally you never make...unless it's bottom minutes (goalies excepted).
And you can take a look at top scorers in the AHL in the preceding decades. Many of them don't have a sniff at the NHL. It's a different skill set...mostly skating ability that keeps them in the AHL.
On the Marlies (Leaf farm team), Rychel is sometimes mentioned in trades. He might be the 3rd best LWer on the Marlies and is his 4th year of pro, hardly of real trading value in the an NHL trade. Believe Ben Smith age 27, is the highest scoring Marlie this year. He has played some in the NHL, but that door is now closed. He just isn't NHL good.
I watch the Marlies on TV and attend some Marlie games, so I think I have a feel for the Leaf prospects and see how the AHL works. Now that we have had this discussion about ZAR and Simon, I'll keep an keener eye out for them. Hey maybe they beat the odds and become NHLers. And thank you for your scouting report, you certainly know there playing ability more than me.