In preparing for the NHL draft on June 27, Phoenix Coyotes general manager Don Maloney faces the age-old dilemma.
In fact it seems that Maloney and the other 29 GMs throughout the NHL ponder a similar predicament: drafting for talent versus need.
Because team officials are dealing with a rather significant time window, the answer may not be that difficult.
The issue here, and perhaps in all drafts, remains player development. There is no magic formula, no tried-and-true test pattern to determine a player's progression to the NHL level.
At best, players tend to be anywhere from three to five years on average away from skating at the major league level, and some may be on a faster track and greater acceleration.
“Because we’re dealing with players who are 17, 18, maybe 19 years old, you go for the best talent,” Maloney told reporters after an open house for Coyotes’ fans was held on June 5. “You’re looking at least to a three- to four-year development period. If there is a present need factor, that normally does not enter into the immediate selection process.”
Maloney concedes a player, fro ...
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Article written by Mark Brown
Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney Plans to Draft ‘Talent’ over ‘Need’
June 23rd, 2014 by Mark Brown Leave a reply »
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