|
|
Post by Yeti on Jun 22, 2003 10:13:00 GMT -5
After reading this, I think we had no choice but to pick him the fourth round:
A 5-81/2 conundrum Corey Locke's size will turn off many
NHL teams on draft day, but it's hard to ignore the 67's star's stats, reports Allen Panzeri.
Allen Panzeri
The Ottawa Citizen
Thursday, June 19, 2003
CREDIT: Jean Levac, The Ottawa Citizen
Corey Locke topped Canadian junior hockey scoring last year, but is ranked 61st among North American skaters going into the draft.
ADVERTISEMENT
It's a familiar story, one that gets replayed at just about every NHL draft, and this year Corey Locke finds himself the central character in it.
It's the story of a great talent in a small package who's trying to break into the big man's world.
The Ottawa 67's star centre may have been named the Canadian Hockey League's player of the year. He may have led the country's three junior leagues in scoring, with 63 goals and 88 assists in 66 games, and he may have followed up with another 19 goals and 19 assists in 23 playoff games.
But the statistic that still carries the greater currency in today's NHL is just to the side of those gaudy scoring stats.
It's the one that lists Locke's height -- 5-81/2 -- and his weight -- 175 pounds.
To put this in perspective, that's along the lines of Canadian golfer Mike Weir, who is 5-9 and 155.
Which is why, more than anything else, Locke was ranked 61st among North American skaters in the final ranking by the NHL's Central Scouting.
That means he'll probably be lucky to be picked in Saturday's first three rounds and may have to suffer the agony of returning to the Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Centre for the final six rounds on Sunday.
Players with lesser skills in a bigger package will go first. That's just the way it is, especially in a draft year that is as deep as this one, which has also conspired to push Locke back.
But in the end, believes Brian Kilrea, the 67's Hall of Fame coach, Locke is going to be tough to ignore and teams will be nervous about passing him by.
"A lot of guys can't match his talent, but obviously in the NHL today, size matters," said Kilrea. "Unless you're big and can hook and hold, you have to be an exceptional talent, and he'll have to work harder than the rest to make up for his size.
"But the main thing is, he has got great vision, great hand-eye co-ordination and great finishing ability. He has got everything and he does everything you want.
"Where he is (in the rankings), he'll be a great pick. Teams will know that he has another year (in junior) and that he'll get better and will be ready."
Frank Bonello, the director of the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, agrees that teams will have to think carefully about Locke.
"(Size) is the only negative thing, and to some people that may not be a big deal," said Bonello. "You certainly have to respect his ability and the way he played this year, scoring almost a goal a game. And he's such an intelligent player at the same time.
"Yes, personally, size for the NHL is an issue. But having said that, I've seen other players make it, and I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Corey Locke does. You have to have a lot of respect for his talent."
For his part, Locke isn't worried about Central Scouting's ranking. Now 19, he could have opted for the draft last year, but he decided to wait for this year. That was a good move, since his rookie season was shortened by injury and he would probably have been a late pick.
"They see something at Central Scouting and that's where they think I will go in North America," he said from his home outside Toronto.
"I have no control over what they think. ... They have the right to their opinion."
Other than his size, another drawback is his quickness. His lack of it put him among the first cuts from the Canadian junior team last December, and Locke knows he has to pick up the pace if he hopes to keep up in the NHL.
"I want to improve on my skating and get a more powerful stride and quickness," he said. "Usually when you're really small, you're really quick, and that's not me, either. Hopefully, teams see past that and will give me a chance to work on it and become a player in the NHL."
Kilrea said that when Locke gets drafted is not as important as by whom, and that's what Locke is looking at, too.
If he's drafted by a team that already has a string of established centres, he'll probably find himself forever on the fringes. But if he gets drafted by a team that needs centres and can give him a chance - as the Senators did when they signed 5-10 Todd White three years ago -- he'll have a good chance to prove himself.
Locke talked to about half of the 30 teams during an NHL testing and interview session in Toronto two weeks ago, but didn't get any hints that one team or another was interested.
Like everyone else, he'll just have to wait.
"Obviously, you want to go as high as possible," he said. "But for me, it's not when I go, it's where I go. I'd like to go to a team that sees me in their future."
|
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 22, 2003 10:21:34 GMT -5
We are a team that needs centres in our system. I'm glad we picked him. He weighs the same as Ribeiro, but is 4" shorter. Skating and defensive play can be improved with work. Scoring touch is God-given. *** Is Corey Locke getting a fair look? Locke, the Canadian Hockey League's player of the year and top scorer, is ranked No. 61 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. How can this be? He's five-foot-10, 180-pounds so he's not the biggest guy in the world. "In junior hockey you can do your thing in one end and just get by in the other and nobody's really going to take that much note of it,” said an NHL scout. “Those guys tend not to get coached as much so it's a real development, learning curve for them (in pro hockey)." This is what a NHL scout said about Locke. So clearly they're worried about his defensive play. I've played hockey and I've watched hockey, I personally believe the one thing you can not teach is touch in the offensive zone and Locke has that touch. One thing you can do in hockey is teach kids how to play a defensive game and it's not that difficult. The trap is everywhere because of this and NHL coaches know defence is easier to teach then touch or offense so my question is simple. What's going on here? Are NHL scouts miss caculating when it comes to Locke? He reminds me of a young Doug Gilmour so much offensive talent but didn't even know the meaning of defence when he came into the NHL. Notice Doug Gilmour was one of te best 2 way players in hockey when he was in his prime so I think the scouts have messed up here. - boards.sportsnet.ca/article.pl?sid=03/06/18/1541240&tid=92 |
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 22, 2003 13:08:11 GMT -5
This is a great pick intended to cushion my loss at not getting Hudler last year. Locke is no Hudler, but I agree 100% with taking a chance on a 5'8" kid who scored in bunches. The upside is another Henri Richard, Fran Huck, Yvon Cournoyer, or Jacques Lemaire. The downside is a waste of a pick that could have brought us an Uber Goon who would have a career of 11 NHL games and 600 PIM. We're talking about the 113th pick here, not a major risk in my opinion for a proven scorer.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldhabsfan on Jun 22, 2003 14:18:10 GMT -5
Can anyone give us the lowdown on Locke's skating, just how good or bad it is now? Particularly, is it any better than Ribeiro's? How does his defensive play compare?
Locke's statistics seem much like Ribeiro's at the same age, in a league in which it's probably harder to score. He is the same weight as Ribeiro who is 4 years older, so it's reasonable to suppose he might end up 10 pounds heavier.
The fact that he definitely wants to improve his skating speaks well for him.
Given that Ribeiro just might make it in the NHL (though not necessarily with Montreal), and given that Locke looks like he might be a notch above Ribeiro, this looks like a good pick.
|
|
|
|
Post by GoMtl on Jun 22, 2003 14:34:16 GMT -5
i couldnt be more excited about this pick, he might not be the biggest guy, but but locke's offensive potential is unlimited, personally i think he's going to be one of the few little guys u see every once in a while that makes it regardless of their size, i've already seen comparisons to him and martin st louis on coach's corner, if he improves his skating like he says he will, then i think this guy could be tremendous for us. is there any way you guys think we could move him to the wing? we're already so small down the middle as it is. i think locke will soon become our 2nd best prospect from the 2003 draft.
|
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 22, 2003 14:41:46 GMT -5
«On ne pouvait laisser passer pareille occasion en quatrième ronde», a expliqué Trevor Timmins, responsable du repêchage chez le Canadien. «Il joue dans ma ville et j'ai souvent eu l'occasion de le voir à l'oeuvre. Il est très talentueux. Mais il est aussi très engagé envers son équipe. Ses habitudes de travail sont très bonnes.»<br> --- "We couldn't pass up the opportunity in the fourth round", explained Trevor Timmins, the man in charge of the draft for the Canadiens. "He plays in my hometown and I often had a chance to see him at work. He's very talented. But he's also very committed to his team. His work habits are very good." - www.cyberpresse.ca/sports/article/1,154,1881,062003,345878.shtml |
|
|
|
Post by Thomas on Jun 22, 2003 14:42:39 GMT -5
i couldnt be more excited about this pick, he might not be the biggest guy, but but locke's offensive potential is unlimited, personally i think he's going to be one of the few little guys u see every once in a while that makes it regardless of their size, i've already seen comparisons to him and martin st louis on coach's corner, if he improves his skating like he says he will, then i think this guy could be tremendous for us. is there any way you guys think we could move him to the wing? we're already so small down the middle as it is. i think locke will soon become our 2nd best prospect from the 2003 draft. Very well said. I think Urqhart may suprise some of us, when RDS asked AS to comment on Urqhart his eyes lit up and said "Hands, Hands, Hands, Hands", I have never seen AS in that state before. Moving him to the wing is a possibility, or you could stick players like Zednik and Ward on his sides and make a damn nice second line. It seems like we have a lot of top 6th depth after this draft with Kastsitsyn being pretty mure a sure first liner, and Urqhart and Locke capable of 2nd line duties hopefully. With Koivu, Zednik, Higgins, Perezhogin, Hossa, Kastsitsyn, Locke, Urqhart and Ward all possible top 6 forwards we seem to have great depth there now. Putting Perezhogin on Koivu's left with Kastsitsyn on the right wouldnt be such a bad first line, while if ever Locke becomes a good center, Ward and Zednik would be great linemates bringing size and finishing. |
|
|
|
Post by GoMtl on Jun 22, 2003 14:45:59 GMT -5
Very well said. I think Urqhart may suprise some of us, when RDS asked AS to comment on Urqhart his eyes lit up and said "Hands, Hands, Hands, Hands", I have never seen AS in that state before. Moving him to the wing is a possibility, or you could stick players like Zednik and Ward on his sides and make a drats nice second line. It seems like we have a lot of top 6th depth after this draft with Kastsitsyn being pretty mure a sure first liner, and Urqhart and Locke capable of 2nd line duties hopefully. With Koivu, Zednik, Higgins, Perezhogin, Hossa, Kastsitsyn, Locke, Urqhart and Ward all possible top 6 forwards we seem to have great depth there now. Putting Perezhogin on Koivu's left with Kastsitsyn on the right wouldnt be such a bad first line, while if ever Locke becomes a good center, Ward and Zednik would be great linemates bringing size and finishing. Definitely... And we still have Bulis, Higgins, Hossa, and Sundstrom who should all be top 3 line players in the NHL... with our crop of young talent and prospects the line possibilities are endless, and i like it that way ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on Jun 22, 2003 15:39:14 GMT -5
Locke is nothing more than a player that will shuttle between the AHL and NHL for his entire career. He'll just get called up in case of injury, and probably won't embarass himself for a few games here and there.
There's absoultely no place to play him other than a top scoring line, and that more than his lack of size dictated where he was drafted.
Not a horrible pick, just nothing worth writing home about. A junior star that won't translate his game to the NHL, but could be a solid AHL player.
|
|
|
|
Post by GARB08 on Jun 22, 2003 15:40:28 GMT -5
Locke is an amazing skater he only had two knocks this year, his size and he was a year older then everyone else. I think that he may have gotten alot of his points this year because of Foy so it would be good to see how he does on a line with a big center.
|
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 22, 2003 19:28:27 GMT -5
"I think I've shown that my size isn't important" Sunday June 22 2003 - Nashville, Tenn. (PC) - The Canadiens can congratulate themselves for having selected the Canadian Junior Player of the Year. Corey Locke, a center for the Ottawa 67s, was the Tricolore's fifth choice at the entry draft in Nashville. "We couldn't let him get away in the fourth round", explained Trevor Timmins, in charge of the draft for the Canadiens. "He plays in my home town and I've had many chances to see him play. He is very talented. But he's also very committed to his team. His work habits are also very good." Locke racks up points by the ton. This season, he scored 63 goals and collected 151 points in 66 games, tops in Canada. Why were the Canadiens able to claim him in the fourth round? HIs small size is his principal handicap. At five feet eight inches and half and 175 pounds, Locke was ranked 61st among North-American players by the CSB. Moreover, his skating is poor for a player of his size. One also wonders about his capacity to play three games in four nights. It still remains that he has a lot of talent. In that sense he makes one think of Mike Ribeiro. "I've had to respond to questions concerning my size since I began playing hockey, says the 19 year old Torontonian. I think I've shown that my size isn't important. "I know that I must improve my skating. I don't have good acceleration, he admits. I also should improve my play without the puck." Nevertheless Locke sees himself being able to reach the NHL. "Last season gave me confidence. I gained consistency, he says. In the end, my draft ranking means little. I only want to have the chance to prove myself." Timmins recognizes that Locke is not big and that he must improve his skating. "Pierre-Marc Bouchard played in the NHL this year and they are similar in size", he stated. Locke intends to train hard during the summer. He will take part in the Canadiens development camp from July 2nd to 12th at Martin Lapointe arena. He should then take part the rookie camp in August and perhaps even make it to the main camp in September. "I will play another season in junior. Then I'll be able to take aim at the NHL." - translated from www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/HOCKEYLNHCAN3EF618E4.html
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 22, 2003 19:44:51 GMT -5
There is a remarkable resemblence to Ribeiro. Smallish, extremely gifted offensively and creative but saddled with that bane of small players...lack of quickness and top end speed. There are also a couple of differences. Ribeiro went in the 2nd round, Locke in the 4th, perhaps more like where Mikey should have gone, or the 3rd at best. Secondly, Locke makes no excuses for his weaknesses. He doesn't say he's going to grow 5 inches, but he realizes he has to improve his quickness. Timmins says he has an excellent work ethic, (is that another difference?...I'm not going there) so in all, it appears a good gamble. You want your first and 2nd rounders to have legitimate NHL potential and in a deep draft your 3rd rounders. After that, roll the dice baby.
|
|
|
|
Post by Habsolution on Jun 22, 2003 20:27:48 GMT -5
Wether he makes it or not it was a very good bet and for numerous reasons IMO. First if he ever improves his speed than he could be another Martin St-Louis which would be a total steal in the fifth round. If he doesn't I think he can become an AHL veteran star which is always good to have. It makes the club more competitive. And if like Timmins said his work ethic is great than he's just another good exemple. An inspiration for guys like Hossa who have everything but the fire. Guys like Locke and Bouillon are always good to have around the team.
|
|
|
|
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jun 23, 2003 4:19:22 GMT -5
From the Habs newsgroup:
I saw him probably 7 or 8 times. He isn`t very fast. What Corey has is that
ability to see the ice and a tremendous amount of antcipation. I hate to use
the term Gretzky-like... (he is no Wayne!!) but he has some of this
qualities. Smart player. Tough. He took a puck in the mouth in the playoffs
and barely missed a beat. He could become an NHL`er but the odds are against
him, I think. You have to be so damn good when you are so small. But he`s
the kind of guy who makes it hard to bet against him.
|
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 23, 2003 7:11:55 GMT -5
I think this is a great pick. When a guy is talented enough to put up a goal a game, and more than 2 points per game, in the OHL you have to give the kid a chance. Corey said all the right things in interviews after the draft. You can tell he wanted to go earlier, but was honest in his self assessment. He may never have the blazing speed a smaller player should, but there are hundreds of drills that can be done to improve his first step and top end speed. This is a very worthwhile gamble. By all accounts this kid has the heart to make it. Which is more than I can say for Ribs. If Kilrea officially gives a kid his endorsement, let alone has him on his team, the kid has something. To play for Killer you have to be willing to get your nose a little dirty.
If guys like Fluery, Briere and St Louis can make it so can Locke. Yes they are faster, but give the kid a chance. Hockey sense, can make up for some of that. One need only look at Petrov and Bashkirov. Both players have blazing speed, but lack a lot of hockey sense (particularly the latter). If he pans out to be nothing more than a very compitent AHLer, who sells tickets, it was a good pick. I for one think that determination, hard work, and compitent coaching can make up for any short comings.
|
|
|
|
Post by HFTO on Jun 23, 2003 7:24:17 GMT -5
You could really see the dsappoinment in his interview not bein drafted by Montreal,but having sliped so far in the draft.i tink we'll be hearing from this kid just a gut.I hope he makes it to some degree.
HFTO
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Stanley on Jun 23, 2003 7:33:47 GMT -5
I think this is a great pick. When a guy is talented enough to put up a goal a game, and more than 2 points per game, in the OHL you have to give the kid a chance. Corey said all the right things in interviews after the draft. You can tell he wanted to go earlier, but was honest in his self assessment. He may never have the blazing speed a smaller player should, but there are hundreds of drills that can be done to improve his first step and top end speed. This is a very worthwhile gamble. By all accounts this kid has the heart to make it. Which is more than I can say for Ribs. If Kilrea officially gives a kid his endorsement, let alone has him on his team, the kid has something. To play for Killer you have to be willing to get your nose a little dirty. If guys like Fluery, Briere and St Louis can make it so can Locke. Yes they are faster, but give the kid a chance. Hockey sense, can make up for some of that. One need only look at Petrov and Bashkirov. Both players have blazing speed, but lack a lot of hockey sense (particularly the latter). If he pans out to be nothing more than a very compitent AHLer, who sells tickets, it was a good pick. I for one think that determination, hard work, and compitent coaching can make up for any short comings. You got it right..I think Locke could very well be another version of Briere. St-Louis and Fleury are not the same type of players, they both have dazzling speed which the other two don't have. But Briere and Locke have extraordinay vision and playmaking skills... Some people asked if he could be a good Winger...I don't think so..I think he is a little too much on the small size to be a winger. He doesn't have the speed Fleury or St-Louis have so he can't get out of the corner fast enought either...I really think the best scenario for this kid is to leave him at center with scoring wingers (which we might have when(if) this guy makes it) Freak |
|
|
|
Post by rocky on Jun 23, 2003 7:36:02 GMT -5
One night this past season on Sportsnet I watched Locke play, and play he did, I think that he had 4 or 5 pts was all over the ice. I remember saying to myself, ' i wonder who owns this kid' as i thought that he was already drafted. He's good, very good. Nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 23, 2003 8:07:29 GMT -5
You got it right..I think Locke could very well be another version of Briere. St-Louis and Fleury are not the same type of players, they both have dazzling speed which the other two don't have. But Briere and Locke have extraordinay vision and playmaking skills... Freak Agreed. I wasn't so much comparing their games, as I was their size and the fact that they made it. |
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 23, 2003 9:09:16 GMT -5
Small... weak skater... outstanding vision... racks up points in junior levels...
Sounds like Mike Ribeiro.
|
|
|
|
Post by TheHabsfan on Jun 23, 2003 9:27:26 GMT -5
Small... weak skater... outstanding vision... racks up points in junior levels... Sounds like Mike Ribeiro. Indeed..but with one important qualifier....Tireless Worker! This could be THE difference! THF |
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 23, 2003 9:35:06 GMT -5
Indeed..but with one important qualifier....Tireless Worker! This could be THE difference! THF Well, I think Ribeiro's lack of effort knock has been an unfair one of late. Perhaps when he was younger, and simply dominated with talent, but not now, in my opinion. By most accounts, ever since he had a kid he has settled down and really matured. But even before that... They asked him to put on weight, and he did. But it slowed him down, so they asked him to take it off. So he did. They asked him to work on his first step acceleration, and he has. He certainly isn't great, but it has improved. They asked him to be more physical and he was (though he tends to just bounce off people). They asked him to work on his faceoffs, and he did, to the point where he was probably second on the team, behind league leader Yanic Perrault. He never complains, he always says the right things, he always comes to camp in great shape (why else do you think he always gets off to such great starts?) and he generally does everything that is asked of him. I am not a huge Ribeiro fan - indeed, I have always said he would be a lot like Perrault, decent 2nd line center on a poor team - but I hate to see guys slagged with reputations that they don't deserve. And I am not sure Ribeiro deserves the slacker reputation. |
|
|
|
Post by BillPickles on Jun 23, 2003 9:56:14 GMT -5
Wether he makes it or not it was a very good bet and for numerous reasons IMO. First if he ever improves his speed than he could be another Martin St-Louis which would be a total steal in the fifth round. If he doesn't I think he can become an AHL veteran star which is always good to have. It makes the club more competitive. And if like Timmins said his work ethic is great than he's just another good exemple. An inspiration for guys like Hossa who have everything but the fire. Guys like Locke and Bouillon are always good to have around the team. That's an excellent point, Habsolution. With his size it's going to be difficult getting him in the lineup considering the other prospects we've got trying to make it. Other notable small players: Scott Gomez, Steve Sullivan and Marc Savard. |
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 23, 2003 10:11:19 GMT -5
Other notable small players: Scott Gomez, Steve Sullivan and Marc Savard. .... John Madden, Brian Gionta .... |
|
|
|
Post by MPLABBE on Jun 23, 2003 10:29:09 GMT -5
.... John Madden, Brian Gionta .... Mark Recchi... |
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jun 23, 2003 10:36:09 GMT -5
One difference (between Ribs and Locke) could be build.
Ribeiro is a skinny, skinny kid. I've never seen him in a dressing room or anything, but i remember some clips on RDS where he was walking into the Habs dressing room in his "street clothes"...he looked ridiculously skinny; kind of how i looked at 15. Ribs looks like he's about 6'0" and maybe 170...and that's at 23.
Locke, on the other hand, is said to be about 5'9" and 175. I haven't seen much of this kid, but if he can play at say 5'9" or 5'10" and 185, then he might be ok.
Strength is the key here. I say get Locke in touch with Bouillon. Frankie's a short guy that is said to be, pound for pound, one of the Habs stronger players. Maybe Bouillon can show this kid how to put on weight and get stronger while not losing any of his foot speed.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2003 10:42:01 GMT -5
One difference (between Ribs and Locke) could be build. Ribeiro is a skinny, skinny kid. I've never seen him in a dressing room or anything, but i remember some clips on RDS where he was walking into the Habs dressing room in his "street clothes"...he looked ridiculously skinny; kind of how i looked at 15. Ribs looks like he's about 6'0" and maybe 170...and that's at 23. Locke, on the other hand, is said to be about 5'9" and 175. I haven't seen much of this kid, but if he can play at say 5'9" or 5'10" and 185, then he might be ok. Strength is the key here. I say get Locke in touch with Bouillon. Frankie's a short guy that is said to be, pound for pound, one of the Habs stronger players. Maybe Bouillon can show this kid how to put on weight and get stronger while not losing any of his foot speed. Great points. I also like what I have seen of this kid's determination. In that interview after he was drafted, he looked like he had something to prove. That is always great to see in a player. I just can't see this kid rolling over and quiting. To put up those numbers as an under-sized player in the OHL, he has to come to play each and every game. He and Bouillon are sounding more similar every day. |
|
|
|
Post by TheHabsfan on Jun 23, 2003 11:03:44 GMT -5
Well, I think Ribeiro's lack of effort knock has been an unfair one of late. Perhaps when he was younger, and simply dominated with talent, but not now, in my opinion. By most accounts, ever since he had a kid he has settled down and really matured. But even before that... They asked him to put on weight, and he did. But it slowed him down, so they asked him to take it off. So he did. They asked him to work on his first step acceleration, and he has. He certainly isn't great, but it has improved. They asked him to be more physical and he was (though he tends to just bounce off people). They asked him to work on his faceoffs, and he did, to the point where he was probably second on the team, behind league leader Yanic Perrault. He never complains, he always says the right things, he always comes to camp in great shape (why else do you think he always gets off to such great starts?) and he generally does everything that is asked of him. I am not a huge Ribeiro fan - indeed, I have always said he would be a lot like Perrault, decent 2nd line center on a poor team - but I hate to see guys slagged with reputations that they don't deserve. And I am not sure Ribeiro deserves the slacker reputation. Lets be fair now, I don't consider Ribs a slacker. He is putting some effort into getting better...I just said that Locke is a tireless worker, meaning that every shift is a 100% effort. Can we say that Ribs gave it his all, every shift this year? Some games, you barely noticed he was out there. According to many scouts, you always notice Locke on the ice, and he is always creating something, every single shift. Also, if you want to compare Ribs and Locke, you have to look at both's junior accomplishments. I agree with you that Ribs really came on at the end of the season giving a charge to the pro-Ribs fans to dump Perreault. That's great for Ribs and the Habs. But, I am looking at what Locke is doing now, without a kid to make him mature. I think that this quality gives him an edge. To be honest, I have never been a huge Ribs fan especially since he would wow us in TC then die down for the season, and this ever since we brought him up. But I am willing to be patient with him, and hope that he will (like he did at the end of this season) grow out of it. cheers, THF |
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 23, 2003 11:40:36 GMT -5
Locke and Ribiero Comparison:
Locke is a little smaller (yes it is possible)
Locke is a little slower (yes it is possible)
Both had outstanding scoring records as juniors.
Both had determination to overcome their physical limitations.
Ribiero made it to the NHL and has shown he can produce his wizardry at the NHL level.
Ribeiro grew after his 18th birthday.
Locke will make it even better than Ribs did and will become another Koivu, not another Ribs. The main thing for him to work on is his strength and speed conditioning.
Ribeiro, Koivu and Locke is not the same as Ward, Stewart and Bernier. More talent, less size.
Overall I'm really satisfied with the upside potential of Locke and Kostsitsyn. It's the kind of chance the team has to take. I'm a lot more pleased than Hickey.
I'm trying to see Hickey's point of view, but I'm not flexible enough and I can't get my head up my ass!
|
|
|
|
Post by Forum Ghost on Jun 23, 2003 13:39:30 GMT -5
Donald Audette...  |
|
