Quoting: AK_tune
Thanks for sharing the stats, but I don't think they're anywhere close to painting the whole picture. I doubt you'll be able to find anyone else on the planet that thinks Nurse = Parayko.
Stop trying to put words in my mouth - I never said "Nurse = Parayko." I do think that Nurse is on track to become what Parayko is, however, and demonstrated that he isn't as far behind as many (including you) think. If you choose to ignore the facts, that's your loss. I'm not sure what area you think Parayko is so much farther ahead that Nurse couldn't catch up in two years... I've demonstrated that he's nearly Parayko's equal offensively already, although I think Nurse needs to play a full season injury-free to improve his value and solidify his status as a bona-fide NHL defenceman rather than a prospect with potential. . Both have raw skills and haven't yet become the sum of their parts - whichever does this best becomes the better d-man, although clearly Parayko is ahead at this point. Remember what I said about two more years of development?
Here's a recent scouting report on Parayko:
Plus: Has excellent size, good mobility and plenty of offensive acumen from the back end. Displays all-around ability and can log a lot of minutes. His shot is deadly from the point.
Minus: Is still a bit raw and unrefined in most areas of the game, so he needs to fully hone his skills to maximize output in the NHL. Could also stand to be more physical and imposing.
Summary: Big, talented, all-round defenseman with some upside.
Here's a recent scouting report on Nurse:
Plus: Owns a huge frame and plenty of nastiness to his rock-solid defensive game. Is naturally athletic and displays plenty of shutdown prowess. Is also a willing pugilist, if need be. Skates very well.
Minus: Is not a natural point-producing defenseman, so he will make his living on the defensive side of the puck. At times, he can get caught out of position when seeking out the massive body check.
Summary: Talented shutdown defenseman with upside.
They aren't so dissimilar as you might think. Both men are big (Parayko 6'6, 226 / Nurse 6'4, 220) mobile young defenders with gobs of potential - Parayko is simply a little further along the development curve. Compare them at various ages, though - at 16, 18, 20, for instance - and it could easily be said that Nurse is the better player. We wait...