mightyreasoner wrote on Tue, 06 October 2020 23:40

No offense taken. The comparison is Bob Stauffer's not my own. One thing to remember though - Reasoner was selected with the expectation of being a Top-6 center. And the more you compare them, there is a case to make: - Reasoner was playing in the U-20 World Juniors in his draft eligible year, Holloway was not. - Reasoner put up better PPG in the NCAA in his draft eligible year than Holloway. - Both Reasoner and Holloway were the #14 picks. - Scouting report on Reasoner: "“He is a very good player. His talent is undisputable.” - Both Reasoner and Holloway are listed at 6'1" - Reasoner was listed as 205 lbs vs. 203 for Holloway. - Reasoner had fewer PIMS (31) than Holloway (49) in his draft eligible year, but had 56 PIMS the following year. All this to say, Reasoner was drafted with the intention of being a Top-6 forward; it didn't work out that way, but he had a very solid career of 798 games, and was an effective bottom-six forward who could win face-offs and kill penalties. Holloway was drafted with the expectation of being a middle-six forward. The comparison may not be as inaccurate as we wish. But you never know how things will play out fully until they actually do. If Holloway has the career of Reasoner, that's a good career. It's just less than you hope for at the #14 spot. I wish the Oilers aimed higher because that player isn't necessarily an uncommon player. With all that said, I'm not sure who would be the alternative. Guhle? Zary? Other comparables I've seen: Riley Nash (another Bob Stauffer comparison) and Dylan Larkin (Sportsnet).

I meant no offense to your handle.

You're right, better alternatives to Holloway at #14 don't exactly jump out

Guhle would have been another D (left at that), and I'd rank Holloway higher than Zary.. based on skating alone.

[Updated on: Wed, 07 October 2020 18:34]

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