I'll admit I nearly fell out of my chair when Howson selected someone that was not a defenseman with offensive skill. While I thought it was an interesting thought on Michael Arace's part when he mentioned Ryan Johansen in a recent commentary in the Dispatch, I was convinced the Jackets would take Gormley or Fowler. That said, the Jackets organization needs a play making center, and that is what Howson got. Aaron Portzline reports that Howson did try to trade down with the idea of taking Johansen in the 7-8-9 area, but couldn't make it happen. That he took the player he wanted with the pick he had says a lot about how highly the organization regarded Johansen.
The editors here at JR will do an Around the Boards feature in the next couple of days to get everyone's opinion on the entire draft, but for now here is an interview with Johansen moments after being drafted. Carry the Flag.
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I love this pick. Johansen is interesting for a few reasons -- his passion for playing with a goal scorer is intriguing. His linemate had more than 40 goals this season, so he clearly has some ability to set people up. The thing I find most intriguing is his physical development -- generally speaking, athletes that are "late bloomers" benefit from having to be exceptionally skilled and competitive as smaller players, and when they can complement those assets with suddenly increased size, they have the opportunity to become dominant players. His quick rise in the scouting rankings is testament to the potential he holds. Last, I think the drafting of Johansen gives Brassard just a little more incentive to deliver on his potential this year. I can't wait to see development camp this year.
ReplyDeleteI tended to think we needed one of the "closer to ready" defensemen, but it's hard to argue with Johansen's potential (and a lack of anyone that fits his "potential" development expectations currently in our system).
ReplyDeleteLast, I think the drafting of Johansen gives Brassard just a little more incentive to deliver on his potential this year.
Agreed, and it also sets the "expectations ceiling" for Brass a little lower. Perhaps he plays better without the mantle of being expected to be the #1 centerman who stirs Nash's drink for the rest of time.
The thing I find most intriguing is his physical development -- generally speaking, athletes that are "late bloomers" benefit from having to be exceptionally skilled and competitive as smaller players, and when they can complement those assets with suddenly increased size, they have the opportunity to become dominant players.
Again, agreed. If size is the only thing holding you back, and then all of a sudden you have it... the sky really is the limit.
For this pick at the end of the day:
Best-case scenario - Johansen fills out, plays like Joe Thornton, and in 2012 we're talking about a Voracek-Johansen-Nash "Legion of Doom" kind of line for 3-5 years.
Worst-case scenario - Johansen's another Alex Picard-type who never does anything and Fowler/Gorlmey are perennial all-stars and we're again left in the wilderness gnashing our teeth.
In other words, there's A LOT of gray area in there. :-)
Get the real Cheap Leather Jackets on sale..
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