2006 NHL Draft? Kessel vs. Toews?

Question

With Phil Kessel going up against Jonathan Toews last night I wondered who you think will have the better career of the two?

Then throw in J.Staal and Nic Backstrom- who has the best career of the 4 when all is said and done?

I leave out Johnson because he is a Dman.

alrct- Staal did score 29 goals last year and led the NHL in short-handed tallies as an 18 year old. Pretty good credentials.

Flames Fan- What does the team they have with them have to do with the price of tea in China? I think Nylander centers Ovechkin and Staal is not on with Crosby so I don't buy that. In fact, it probably works the OTHER WAY because Staal for instance sees VERY LITTLE PP time because guys like Crosby, Malkin etc. get the man advantage situations. Kessel gets more PP time than Staal.

Answer 1

First of all, I'm not impressed of what I see in Backstrom. He's very sluggish and looks lost at times. He's already had two sit-downs with McPhee and the season is only 2 weeks old. he is immensely talented, but I'm not convinced he's NHL material. He's #4

#3. I'm just so not a fan of Jordan Staal. I don't know why, he just rubs me the wrong way. I do feel he will have a better career than Backstrom (and not necessarily in points)

#2. I think the gap is huge between the above two and Phil Kessel. Kessel wowed me at the World Juniors 2-3 years back, certainly moreso than some dude named Toews did. I was surprised at Kessel's lack of production last year (It was an out-patient operation peoples) and after watching him last night, I am convinced that last year will be an aberration and Kessel will be a star.

#1. Toews. I don't really know a lot about this guy...but his name is cool. ;)

In the end, I think Erik Johnson is the class of the 2006 draft. He has a lot of poise for his age, and that is rare in a 19 yr old D-man. I also think that Peter Mueller in Phoenix and Milan Lucic in Boston will have something top say before their careers are over. Lucic and Kessel could theoretically provide Boston with a similar 1-2 punch that Chicago has woth Toews and Kane. Both pairs will represent Canada-US relations quite well.

Answer 2

Well, actually, Staal's gotten some powerplay time this season and he could get even more if Mark Recchi keeps sucking like whoa. (3 goals in 37 consecutive games? Ew.) I still hate Staal on a line with Crosby... Plus, Staal's just great in his own end and therefore great on the PK.

That being said, I think Toews or Staal might have the better careers. Phil Kessel, hmm, I just don't think he has as much talent as those two. I actually think Toews would be the most talented. Jordan will probably have a great career though too, and I would still think that even if he goes through a sophmore slump this season. After all, Eric may be an indication that these Staals bounce back.

I can't say much for where Backstrom figures in, because I haven't seen him play too much. Good question, but this might be a really great question next season, Bob. Lol.

Answer 3

I like what I've seen of Kessel so far this year. I think the cancer treatments last year may have left him a little weak and tired. Staal has impressed he huge in how he plays. He has good puck sense and he makes the most of his opportunities. Backstrom I haven't seen enough of but I have had my eye on Toews for a while and he has impressed me to the point of being vocal about it.
When it's all over Toews will have the longest career and will make the biggest impact. Whether he stays in Chicago or not is the only question. Hopefully for the Hawk fans, their dark days are behind them.

ADD: Anyone else think Lola is a drag queen?

Answer 4

I'm probably a bit biased because I live near Chicago and have seen Toews the most, but I love what I see from him more than the other 3. To me, he is the only one who has shown dominance on the ice so far where he is the guy you want to keep you eyes on and you get excited when he touches the puck.

Edit: Yeah, that's true, Staal has jumped in pretty well so far. I guess, I'm basing my answer off the fact I think Toews will do better over his first two years. Unfortunately, it probably hurts Staal in my eyes to have two other world class talents in Crosby and Malkin that draw attention away from him.

Answer 5

Jonathan Toews
Jordan Staal
Nic Backstrom
Phil Kessel


Jordan Staal and Backstrom ahead of Kessel only because of the team they have with them. (Crosby, Ovechkin, etc.)
And i think Jonathan Toews will lead the pts totals out of the 4 at the end of their careers.

Answer 6

Eli Manning. Vince youthful is over rated & heavily isn't an incredible NFL QB Phillip Rivers Mario Williams greater suited than Bush Larry Fitzgerald Kellen Winslow Antonio Cromarti Matt Leinart A.J. Hawk Joseph Addai Benjamin Watson Roy Williams Demeco Ryans Maurice Jones-Drew

Answer 7

I'm heavily biased when I say this, so it's Toews for me. The guy is ultra-talented. Not only that, out of the four, he will be a captain. Kessel looks too much like Peter Cetera (he used to be the leader of my dad's favorite band, Chicago).

Answer 8

i say
toews and staal because its tough to choose between them. but the other 2 i don't like very much.