Taylor vs. Tyler
As the 2010 NHL draft approaches, I thought I would give my take on the Taylor vs. Tyler debate for oiler fans. First, let me tell you that regardless of the Oilers pick on June 25th, both of these stars would be great additions to the oiler line-up and franchise.
Taylor Hall
On paper, hall looks like the better pick for the oilers and the more successful of the two prospects. In the last two years, hall has captured two back-to-back memorial cups with the Windsor Spitfires, back-to-back MVP trophies and WJC silver medal.
In 57 games for the Spitfires, Hall scored 40 goals and added 66 assists for 106 points, a point total that put him in a tie for first overall in OHL scoring with Tyler Seguin. Hall followed up his excellent regular season showing by leading the OHL in scoring in the OHL playoffs. He netted 17 goals and added 18 assists for 35 points in 19 games, helping to lead the Spitfires to a potential second consecutive Memorial Cup. Hall played for Team Canada at the 2010 Under-20 WJC, earning a silver medal at that tournament. He scored 6 goals and added 6 assists for 12 points in that tournament, helping him land a berth on the WJC All-Star Team. Hall played for Team Cherry at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game, picking up an assist in his team's 4-2 victory. Hall was named Team Cherry's Player of the Game. (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/taylor_hall)
I would like to point out that Taylor Hall also plays for a better team then Seguin. Taylor Hall plays with players such as Adam Henrique, Greg Nemisz, Ryan Ellis, and Cam Fowler all of which played in the 2009- 2010 World Juniors this past year. Taylor Hall has proven to be a power forward on the ice and able to dominate offensively, and be a physical force on the ice. He has also proven to be a warrior, with a target on his back when he steps on the ice he proves to push through with his skills and hockey knowledge. Hall has proven to be a leader on and off the ice, he shows leadership through his actions on the ice and his poise while having the spotlight on him off the ice.
As I said, on paper Hall is a top-notch player who has proven to be a leader and power winger. However, my question is how this will translate to the NHL with bigger, stronger, faster players and game. Will hall be able to be a dominating force on the ice against players like Chris Pronger or a Dustin Byfuglien?
“He’s prone to making bad turnovers in transition, and sometimes he makes poor decisions with the puck in the offensive zone as well. While his plus/minus rating has been very solid the past two seasons, he is susceptible to being caught out of position, leading one to wonder how much playing for a strong Windsor club is sheltering some defensive concerns in his game.”( http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-30-skaters/)
Overall Taylor Hall has immense potential and skill on the ice and has proven to be a warrior and a leader off the ice. However, like every player there are some concerns that i have. I am concerned that because he has been so hot in the OHL that it won't translate but the only way to know that is to see him play in the NHL so really its not a criticism that i can put towards my decision.
Over the past couple days, many have fought for Hall and what they say is true and i acknowledge that but really its looking at long term solutions not quick fixes.
Tyler Seguin
Some people call him the unknown or the underdog but this young player has proven his skill, leadership and perseverance. Many think that he has come out of the woodwork and made a big splash in the prospect pool. At 6'1, 186 lbs, this centreman has proven to be on the up and up, improving with every season and continuing to build his skill and strength. Yes, Tyler was cut from the world junior team and does not have the playoff or international hockey experience, he is still the leader in regular season scoring and points and picked up the CHL top prospect award.
In 63 games for the Whalers, Seguin scored 48 goals and chipped in 58 assists for 106 points, tying him for the first overall in OHL scoring with Taylor Hall. In 9 playoff games, Seguin scored 5 goals and added 5 assists for 10 points. Seguin won the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Player. He played for Team Orr at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game, and also played in the Canada-Russia Challenge and the OHL All-Star Game. (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/tyler_seguin)
Tyler seems like a complete player, I think it is harder for people to be behind Seguin because Taylor has had more exposure and more fans have had the opportunity to see him play. Tyler is always pushing himself to be better, bigger, and more consistent. I think that Tyler has a strong commitment to his play and recognizing the importance of continuing to push himself at this level.
At the draft combine Tyler put up above average scores. He worked through those tests like a true pro it was crazy to see. I mean you got the sense of his commitment again when he said in a post combine interview, "I did the combine for fun last summer with my trainer".
I think that tyler is dynamic and exciting power centre but more importantly he has great composure as a two way player. I don't like to make comparisons but I see a little Jonathan Toews in Seguin because he has that quiet nature but is really focussed and determined. I can see him being phenomenal for the oilers not only now but in the future i think he has the potential to be a top 2 centre man.
Concerns I have for Tyler is that he will fall into a slump like Sam Gagner, but the difference there is that he is used to playing on a team where he is a leader and having to take the initiative in plays offensively and defensively.
Those are my thoughts, like i said to begin with whichever player is chosen on June 25th will be the start of a rebuild for the Oilers and will be an impact player.
What are you thoughts? Who would you pick?
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