Erik Johnson, is he the best D at WJC?

What do you guys think of Robbie Schremp saying that EJ is their best D, even better than Jack Johnson? The two of them are paired up. I believe that this could be a true statement as both EJ and JJ are the two best D in the tournament in my opinion. Also I believe that EJ had 2 goals in USA's 5-1 victiry over Norway in their exhibition game. Also Erik may have the possibility to go pro next year, right out of NTDP what do people think about this?

i've never seen the guy play but i've got my doubts he is the best d-man at this tourney,he's in his draft year and those guys are rarely the best d-man over the 19 year old studs at this tourney.He may not even be top 5-7 at this tourney this year.We'll see,he's sure taking a step up in competition here at this event from any he's ever played.

I admit I've seldom seen him play but to be better than Smid, Barker, Johnson, Bourdon, etc. he must be pretty special and I'd think he'd be rated as a top 3 prospect in the draft if he were better than all 4 of those already

Potential wise perhaps, but he's still only an '88. Right now he's not even close to being the best D-man at the WJC. If he was he'd be a shoo-in for #1 on '06.

Actually depending on what source you look at he is top pick in the draft the lowest I have seen in number 5 overall. He is the best D in the draft and some people say that he could rival Kessel if a team wants a D, and I am not kidding. Also they say that he could go pro next yer depending on the team, this was the same for JJ, but the canes wanted him to play one year NCAA. Plus he is 6'5'' 225 lbs, fast, physical, smart, makes good hard passes and a heavy shot that is very asccurate. JJ is faster by a little and a little bit more physical, but EJ has more potential I think and is a lot bigger. He is suppose to be pronger with more offensive ability and a smarter player.

If as EJ is the best defenseman in the tournament this year, he would have to be considered the number one overall pick for the upcoming draft. You have Barker, who was 3rd overall in 2004 and JJ who was 3rd overall in 2005. If he is already better then those two players, how could he not be projected as the number one pick this year by a wide margin.

I don't know if it is a trend the past couple of years, but American prospects seem to be getting a lot of hype, especially those in the NTDP.

As for racking up points against Norway, I wouldn't necessarily take that as an indicator of anything.

no more hype then their canada counterparts get, or russia for that matter.

Maybe if you only count Canadian and American players...

Actually depending on what source you look at he is top pick in the draft the lowest I have seen in number 5 overall. He is the best D in the draft and some people say that he could rival Kessel if a team wants a D, and I am not kidding. Also they say that he could go pro next yer depending on the team, this was the same for JJ, but the canes wanted him to play one year NCAA. Plus he is 6'5'' 225 lbs, fast, physical, smart, makes good hard passes and a heavy shot that is very asccurate. JJ is faster by a little and a little bit more physical, but EJ has more potential I think and is a lot bigger. He is suppose to be pronger with more offensive ability and a smarter player.
if he's smarter then Pronger he's a bone fide defensive genuis the likes of which the game has rarely seen.what scout made this call?Pretty f'in bold i'd say.

no more hype then their canada counterparts get, or russia for that matter.
i can't remember the last Russian or Canadian d-man in their draft year anyone was going on about as being the pre-eminent d-man at the WJC.Hey,it's from Robbie Schremp,not exactly David Conte or anything.It's his job to build up his teamates.let's not go overboard until we see how the guy does this tourney.My guess is that there will be defensemen(maybe several) who will outplay the kid this year.Now,next year will be a different story.

What do you guys think of Robbie Schremp saying that EJ is their best D, even better than Jack Johnson? The two of them are paired up. I believe that this could be a true statement as both EJ and JJ are the two best D in the tournament in my opinion. Also I believe that EJ had 2 goals in USA's 5-1 victiry over Norway in their exhibition game. Also Erik may have the possibility to go pro next year, right out of NTDP what do people think about this?

Any point being made that starts with Robbie Schremp says ....

Will need to be taking with a grain of salt .. This is like take Sean Avery or Jeremy Roenick at their word at face value ..

Eric Johnson is good .. but Eric is not Jack Johnson good ..

Eric Johnson gave a lackluster performance in Wisconsin a few weeks ago, and I want to see more before I give him all the hype he is receiving.

Aside from a big shot from the point, he's nothing special offensively.

He's already a grown man, tremendous size, and has skill and is very physical and agressive.

But at this point I would still take Jack Johnson over him any day.

Actually depending on what source you look at he is top pick in the draft the lowest I have seen in number 5 overall. He is the best D in the draft and some people say that he could rival Kessel if a team wants a D, and I am not kidding. Also they say that he could go pro next yer depending on the team, this was the same for JJ, but the canes wanted him to play one year NCAA. Plus he is 6'5'' 225 lbs, fast, physical, smart, makes good hard passes and a heavy shot that is very asccurate. JJ is faster by a little and a little bit more physical, but EJ has more potential I think and is a lot bigger. He is suppose to be pronger with more offensive ability and a smarter player.

A few things, Eric doesn't jump out at me as a smart player. He turned the puck over twice right in front of his own goalie against the Badgers.

He also sat there square in front of Palmer when no opposition was around and tried to glove the puck out of mid air on a point shot, and he tipped it in his own net.

He also gets careless with the puck at times.

IMO, if he simplifies his game and works his tail off at the WJC's, he could really catch alot of attention, because his upside is tremendous.

But to say he's all those things you're hyping him to be, makes me wonder if you're not his long lost brother or something.


More offensive ability then Progner? Wow. Now we are getting out of hand.

Don't tell me his outlet decisions are better then Lidstrom now.

Sharkie, I have seen that U-18 team play several times and I can tell you that was Johnson's only bad game of the season. Every other time I have seen him he has been outstanding. You can't tag him for all that because of one game against the best team in the nation. I think he will show some people when this WJC gets going. That Wisconsin game was not a good evaluation of him, he wasn't at his best, thats all.

I saw both of them play against Sweden and I would love to have Jack Johnson... He played better than Eric during the game I saw.... JJ has a mean streak and brings the puck out of his zone very nicely

He is suppose to be pronger with more offensive ability and a smarter player.

A more offensive and smarter version of Chris Pronger vs Phil Kessell. Gee, I wonder who I would take there. Give me a player who has potential to be the next Chris Pronger, and I'm still taking him over Phil Kessell, nevermind the next better version of Chris Pronger. If that was really the case, I'm wondering why he isn't the consensus number 1 for this years draft.

Sharkie, I have seen that U-18 team play several times and I can tell you that was Johnson's only bad game of the season. Every other time I have seen him he has been outstanding. You can't tag him for all that because of one game against the best team in the nation. I think he will show some people when this WJC gets going. That Wisconsin game was not a good evaluation of him, he wasn't at his best, thats all.

Yeah that's what I thought was likely the case, because at that game there was a lot of untapped upside being shown and little maturity.


That's why i'm not saying he isn't a top 5 pick, but saying he's the next Chris Progner with more offensive upside (so is he going to have 70 point seasons?) is a big stretch.

I'm arms wide open if he shows me the offensive upside that people keep talking about at the WJC's, and if he minimizes his turn overs. His defensive game was impressive vs. Wisconsin and he layed out two Badgers with awe inspiring open ice hits.

But from what i've seen of him, the hype is a bit exagerated, but i'm all eyes and ears, because one live viewing isn't a lot ot go by. Like I said, i've only seen him live once, so this tournament will show me what he's really like.

He is suppose to be pronger with more offensive ability and a smarter player.

I think you're exaggerating just a tad.

But from what i've seen of him, the hype is a bit exagerated, but i'm all eyes and ears, because one live viewing isn't a lot ot go by. Like I said, i've only seen him live once, so this tournament will show me what he's really like.

X-Sharkie: I was at that Badger game and although I saw some of the same upside I've seen from E. Johnson in the past, I have yet to see anything that puts him in the running for the top overall pick. That kind of talk is just crazy at this point in time. He might prove me wrong as the draft year progresses but there's just nothing to base that on at this point in time. Kessel and Toews are on a different level from everyone else right now.

Pipeandin: I don't discount what you're saying. I just have yet to see it. E. Johnson's offensive game needs development IMHO before he can be hyped as much as some are hyping him. If the draft were today, I'd have a hard time not taking Sweden's Backstrom over E. Johnson. Backstrom's a guy who could really climb my draft board this year. We'll see. Here's hoping E. Johnson makes me look bad at the WJC's!

X-Sharkie: I was at that Badger game and although I saw some of the same upside I've seen from E. Johnson in the past, I have yet to see anything that puts him in the running for the top overall pick. That kind of talk is just crazy at this point in time. He might prove me wrong as the draft year progresses but there's just nothing to base that on at this point in time. Kessel and Toews are on a different level from everyone else right now.

Pipeandin: I don't discount what you're saying. I just have yet to see it. E. Johnson's offensive game needs development IMHO before he can be hyped as much as some are hyping him. If the draft were today, I'd have a hard time not taking Sweden's Backstrom over E. Johnson. Backstrom's a guy who could really climb my draft board this year. We'll see. Here's hoping E. Johnson makes me look bad at the WJC's!

Thank you! Someone agrees with me. I know it's hard to stand pat and say he's not in the same league as Toews and Kessel with all the recent hype train (mainly Redline) but from what i've seen he's just not with those two yet.

He is in the second tier though with Staal,Mueller,Sheppard, and Backstrom for sure.

I'm with Chief, untill he shows me at the WJC's, i'm going to say he's not worth a top 2 pick.... but i'm all eyes and ears.

Jack Johnson > Erik Johnson

I don't think Erik Johnson will be the best defenseman in this tournament, but he could very well end up the best player in the future. He's a virtual lock to be the first defenseman chosen in the draft, is a highly probable top three pick, and possesses all the facets to his game that you would want in a top-flight prospect: skating, size, shot, passing, physicality, you name it. The Pronger comparisons aren't far off, although Johnson has a lot to live up to to reach that level. Similar style though. I think he'll open alot of eyes in this tournament, especially being paired with a guy like Jack Johnson. I don't think the U.S. has ever had a defensive pairing this good.

Rabid Ranger I think you're right. He will show some people in this tournament. Although I don't think he will need to use his offensive ability as much because of how star studded the US forwards are. I don't think he will be the best D in this tournament. He will be good though. Guys like Jack Johnson, Barker, and Smid will be the top guys.

I'm sure he'll show his talent here.Everyones(mostly everyones) point (and yours too) is that it is expecting a lot for a draft eligible age d-man to come in and be THE dominant d-man at the tourney.I can't remember the last time(if ever) that happened.

I'm sure he'll show his talent here.Everyones(mostly everyones) point (and yours too) is that it is expecting a lot for a draft eligible age d-man to come in and be THE dominant d-man at the tourney.I can't remember the last time(if ever) that happened.

Honestly, the most dominating defenseman in his draft year i've seen at the WJC's was Joni Pitkanen.


Rabid is right, he may have the most potential of any D-Man here, but he won't be the best at the tourney likely.

BTW, he will have his numbers boosted if he plays with Jack Johnson, it's a great way to keep the hype train rolling playing with that stud.

Honestly, the most dominating defenseman in his draft year i've seen at the WJC's was Joni Pitkanen.


Rabid is right, he may have the most potential of any D-Man here, but he won't be the best at the tourney likely.

BTW, he will have his numbers boosted if he plays with Jack Johnson, it's a great way to keep the hype train rolling playing with that stud.
Pitkanen yeah,good memory...............he was very good in his draft year.I agree also....................playing with J.J won't hurt him,it'll make him look real good.i'm sure he's good on his own right but i would suspect from what i've heard of J.J's game..........................he'll benefit a heck of a lot playing with him.I ecpext J.J to be their top defensman not E.J.We'll see though.

If as EJ is the best defenseman in the tournament this year, he would have to be considered the number one overall pick for the upcoming draft. You have Barker, who was 3rd overall in 2004 and JJ who was 3rd overall in 2005. If he is already better then those two players, how could he not be projected as the number one pick this year by a wide margin.

I don't know if it is a trend the past couple of years, but American prospects seem to be getting a lot of hype, especially those in the NTDP.

As for racking up points against Norway, I wouldn't necessarily take that as an indicator of anything.

EJ is DEFINATELY better than Barker and will be better than JJ.

He's probably top 5 in the WJCs in terms of defensemen.

How many guys do you see coming around with EJ's size, toughness and skill package? He is a rare commodity in any draft.

To me, EJ is the real deal and underhyped for whatever reason. Maybe because the NTDP plays four lines of D through-out the year he doesn't get the extra exposure.

Also, I wouldn't overstate what JJ can do for EJ. Walt Kyle wouldn't put EJ on the top line if he didn't think he deserved it. EJ is very offensively gifted, especially for his size and age, not just a big, tough guy.

We'll see how he plays over this tourney, but I wouldn't be surprised if he exceeds expectations.

Just to continue this...Erik Johnson had an outstanding game today. Of course, most of the US team looked good while pasting the Norweigans, but EJ stood out more than any other Team US defender. I'd get into more detail, but it's 1:40 am.

Both Johnson's played very well.

Just to continue this...Erik Johnson had an outstanding game today. Of course, most of the US team looked good while pasting the Norweigans, but EJ stood out more than any other Team US defender. I'd get into more detail, but it's 1:40 am.

Both Johnson's played very well.
I'll take that into consideration.First game though and against.......................well i don't wanna say anything,i might get their names wrong!!

Yeah, first game and against non-competition.

I don't think EJ will be #1 D in the tourney. But I think what may happen is that rather than Toews closing the gap on Kessel as some speculate, EJ may make a solid case for himself at #2.

I've only seen him play a few times, but I really like what I've seen. I don't think he's a developmental year behind JJ. But that's tough to compare because JJ brings some intangibles such as hockey sense that can't really be measured in terms of years of experience.

Yeah, first game and against non-competition.

I don't think EJ will be #1 D in the tourney. But I think what may happen is that rather than Toews closing the gap on Kessel as some speculate, EJ may make a solid case for himself at #2.

I've only seen him play a few times, but I really like what I've seen. I don't think he's a developmental year behind JJ. But that's tough to compare because JJ brings some intangibles such as hockey sense that can't really be measured in terms of years of experience.
Number two? can he pull it off?

what did you see in that game that makes you think that? Is he that impressive?

Better yet (and i know it's Norway) but where could a team exploit this American squad from what you saw? ?Goaltending?.............................that would be nice.Still not easy with a dominant team but if a dominant team is gonna have a weakness................it might as well be between the pipes!!

I was at the game last night, and although practically every player on the US squad looked half decent against Norway, I personally thought Erik was the better of the two Johnon's.

Erik was able to carry the puck smoothly up ice, with control, and poise, while Jack tried to do the same but was unsuccessful on many chances.

The only step up Jack had on Erik, IMO, was his overall ability to lay down a thunderous hit, though he might have gone looking a few too many times, something that could burn him against the likes of Andrew Cogliano, or a Lauri Tukonen at this tournament.

Watching Eric play Norway right now, digesting the game.

Impressive.

Well, you'll never know if you listen to the games. Both Johnson's were on the ice during PP's & the radio guy never identified which 1 passed or shot...Very confusing. :amazed:

E.J looks impressive enough in this game.

After watching the game on CI's tape delay, Erik's play was about equal to Jack's. Jack had trouble holding the puck at the point on the power play on two occasions, but that happens. Erik had one end-to-end rush to set up a goal that got Pierre McGuire all weepy. Both looked quite strong against a badly mismatched Norway team. It should be a treat to see them play against a more evenly matched opponent.

Eric didn't show me any of this end to end stuff in Wisconsin :dunno: it's great to see though.

His outlet game is still average, but he has very good puck protection and is very sturdy on his feet.

His puck puck protection is also superb.

I like the offensive game, I've already seen enough to say he'll be a physical defensive defenseman but the offensive game is also quite good.

#3 pick looks within definite reach....although i'll waite and see before I put him ahead of some others, because it was just against Norway.


I'm glad I stood by Kessel in the midst of all this Toews hype.... Wow.

I came here to start a thread about just this player.

E. Johnson...dropped my jaw, overall. He's huge, he's got a nice offensive game, a great physical and positional game...I can't wait to see him against a better team, because he looked dominant out there against Norway.

X - It's funny you say that. Because the more I see Kessel the more I find myself waiting to see what makes this kid the consensus number one overall pick. I'm not saying he shouldn't be, obviously the attention and hype around him isn't going to be wrong. I'm just saying I haven't seen it yet.

X - It's funny you say that. Because the more I see Kessel the more I find myself waiting to see what makes this kid the consensus number one overall pick. I'm not saying he shouldn't be, obviously the attention and hype around him isn't going to be wrong. I'm just saying I haven't seen it yet.
Really? I think he's real dynamic myself.What makes you think so?

I'm glad I stood by Kessel in the midst of all this Toews hype.... Wow.
I'd much rather have Kessel than Toews. Don't get me wrong both are going to be excellent NHL players some day but Kessel is so much more dominant out there.

Does neone else think that Cam Barker looks overrated. He sure dosnt look all that good, maybe he just had a bad game idunno.

X - It's funny you say that. Because the more I see Kessel the more I find myself waiting to see what makes this kid the consensus number one overall pick. I'm not saying he shouldn't be, obviously the attention and hype around him isn't going to be wrong. I'm just saying I haven't seen it yet.

What more does the kid have to do to prove it? Everywhere he has gone he has outshined the guys that are his own age and he is highly productive. Particularly on the international stage. Isn't that the definition of being a consensus #1 pick? I mean, a guy is just coming off a 5 assist game. I don't know what more he has to do. :dunno:

I have seen Toews play a number of times this year and I think he'll make a good pro. But he isn't on Kessel's level in terms of production or explosiveness. Kessel has doubled the point total of Toews in college to this point. If Toews is considered the main rival for the #1 pick and his offensive production against similar competition is being doubled by Kessel, I don't see much of an argument on who should be the top pick.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that I think someone else is better than Kessel.

He just has hasn't done very much that makes me think, wow, this is a first overall pick that's going to be a superstar in the NHL.

Yes, he got 5 assists last night. But like I said in my EJ comments, it's tough to take too much from a game that was so lopsided.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that I think someone else is better than Kessel.

He just has hasn't done very much that makes me think, wow, this is a first overall pick that's going to be a superstar in the NHL.

Yes, he got 5 assists last night. But like I said in my EJ comments, it's tough to take too much from a game that was so lopsided.


Could be some residual effects of the Crosby/Ovechkin comparisions which has led to some lofty expectations. Kessel isn't a generational talent, but he knows what to do with the puck and has been a top scorer at every level. I think he can carry that ability to the next level. Is he head and shoulders above everyone else in his draft class? Potential-wise, probably not, but production-wise he appears to be, and that has to count for something.

I came here to start a thread about just this player.

E. Johnson...dropped my jaw, overall. He's huge, he's got a nice offensive game, a great physical and positional game...I can't wait to see him against a better team, because he looked dominant out there against Norway.

I've seen him twice now, left me wanting more vs. Wisconsin, and left my jaw on the floor at times vs. Norway.

Finland should be a good test.

Could be some residual effects of the Crosby/Ovechkin comparisions which has led to some lofty expectations. Kessel isn't a generational talent, but he knows what to do with the puck and has been a top scorer at every level. I think he can carry that ability to the next level. Is he head and shoulders above everyone else in his draft class? Potential-wise, probably not, but proeduction-wise he appears to be, and that has to count for something.

You just vocalized what I didn't want to say (turning it into a AO/Crosby vs Kessel thing).

Could be some residual effects of the Crosby/Ovechkin comparisions which has led to some lofty expectations. Kessel isn't a generational talent, but he knows what to do with the puck and has been a top scorer at every level. I think he can carry that ability to the next level. Is he head and shoulders above everyone else in his draft class? Potential-wise, probably not, but proeduction-wise he appears to be, and that has to count for something.


The other thing that Kessel has against him is he is still kind of raw in his all around game. People saw Crosby and AO and saw two young men that needed some polishing around the edges. Kessel still needs good ol hockey work. IMO he still has a lot to learn and another year in the NCAA might be a bad thing. He has not totally dominated the league. He is more than holding his own. He is still getting noticably better in every game. Kessel right now is not the Kessel that will play in the NHL. He will be better. Most people see him in a game think thats what will translate. Or at least that waht it seems like. People are left wanting more, thats what i hear the most. Well there is more coming, and thats a scary thought.

EJ is DEFINATELY better than Barker and will be better than JJ.

He's probably top 5 in the WJCs in terms of defensemen.

EJ looked very strong against Norway, but it might be a little premature to name him top 5 until he faces some actual competition. Sweden and Norway aren't exactly the best teams to judge a player's level of ability against. If he can maintain that level against Russia, Canada and the Czech Repulic, I might agree with you that he is worthy of being named among the top 5 defenseman in the tournament.

He definitely looked stronger then Mueller out there. I wouldn't be surprised if he is drafted in the top 3 this year if he keeps it up.

You just vocalized what I didn't want to say (turning it into a AO/Crosby vs Kessel thing).

Well, the media (especially American media) has turned it into a AO/Crosby vs Kessel thing, so the comparisons are inevitable, and a bit unfair at this point. Like I've said before, at Kessel's age Crosby and Ovechkin had much more well-rounded games and were more physically mature. That puts both players a step up on Kessel IMO. That doesn't mean Kessel isn't a great prospect, because he is, and it doesn't mean that Kessel doesn't have a leg up on both players in certain areas, because he does (such as his speed).

It is inevitable, but I can still try to avoid it. :)

The problem is too many people seem to want to take another person saying "Player Y isn't as good as player X" as inferring that somehow that means Player Y is garbage.

From what I have seen, it is obvious that Phil Kessel is not on Sidney Crosby's level (I'll leave AO out of it because I haven't seen him live). But you're right, he has some things over Crosby (such as, for example, his speed). But as an overall package, especially in terms of "ready now", he is not at that level.

He's still a special player.

It is inevitable, but I can still try to avoid it. :)

The problem is too many people seem to want to take another person saying "Player Y isn't as good as player X" as inferring that somehow that means Player Y is garbage.

From what I have seen, it is obvious that Phil Kessel is not on Sidney Crosby's level (I'll leave AO out of it because I haven't seen him live). But you're right, he has some things over Crosby (such as, for example, his speed). But as an overall package, especially in terms of "ready now", he is not at that level.

He's still a special player.


I have no problem with that. As is, Phil Kessel is not on Crosby's level, and probably never will be.

Jack Johnson is much better than Erik Johnson.

Jack Johnson is much better than Erik Johnson.


maybe now...but something tells me in the long run...maybe not.

maybe now...but something tells me in the long run...maybe not.

Jack's only 3 inches shorter, is more gifted on the powerplay and is nastier too. Size can be overrated sometimes - EJ is a classic example.

I do not know if Jack is better Eric or vice versa. They both bring different styles. Eric has the better shot. I can remember Eric when he played the gophers here last year, do some kind of 360 twirl and keep the puck and get it in the zone. 6'4 guys are not supposed to be able to do that and neither are teen age defensmen supposed to be that agile. Jack on the other hand is no slouch skating wise and is faster. Jack will hit anything that moves wearing the wrong color. Erik is not as physical but when he hits you, you will know. So it will come down who can keep it up at the next level. If Erik can still play physical and keep it up offensivley he will be hard to pass by anyone outthere. If Jack can intimadate others and keep up is offensive play he will be hard to pass up.

Top potential you have Bourque vs Pronger.

On paper Jack may be 3 inches shorter, but i think its just on paper. At least last year seeing them side by side Erik is noticably much taller, more so than 3 inches.

Jack's only 3 inches shorter, is more gifted on the powerplay and is nastier too. Size can be overrated sometimes - EJ is a classic example.

Just as a note, having stood right beside both of them within the past week or so, I feel very confident in saying that the size difference between the two is greater than just three inches. It's closer to 4-5 inches and about 25 lbs.

Just as a note, having stood right beside both of them within the past week or so, I feel very confident in saying that the size difference between the two is greater than just three inches. It's closer to 4-5 inches and about 25 lbs.


Agreed. Jack Johnson is not 6'2''.

Jack's only 3 inches shorter, is more gifted on the powerplay and is nastier too. Size can be overrated sometimes - EJ is a classic example.

Haha, I'm sure you've seen EJ play SOO much.

Well from what I hear Jack Johnson is 6'1 and Erik Johnson is 6'4. That would be three inches unless EJ is 6'5 or JJ is 6'0. Not that it matters much, they are a scary team.

Potential wise perhaps, but he's still only an '88. Right now he's not even close to being the best D-man at the WJC. If he was he'd be a shoo-in for #1 on '06.

TSN is saying he has the potential to be taken over Kessell...

I might take EJ over Kessel even. And I'm a huge PK fan.

IMHO Jack Johnson was much better against Finland than Erik Johnson.

I have to admit I didn't expect E. Johnson to be this good. Being an '88, I thought he'd be riding the pine at the WJC. Just the fact that he's playing a significant role for the U.S. says a lot. You don't see that too often. :yo:

Just as a note, having stood right beside both of them within the past week or so, I feel very confident in saying that the size difference between the two is greater than just three inches. It's closer to 4-5 inches and about 25 lbs.

I was at the States/Norway game - there's no way EJ is 5 inches taller than JJ. Anyways they're both pretty damn good. Oh and theres no way Jonathan Toews can challenge Phil Kessel for the #1 overall pick, so shut the hell up James Duthie/Pierre Mcguire.

Emelin seems to be making a case for himself. I haven't seen him play today though (and I suspect nobody did), so this is just-report based. I've seen him plenty in Lada though.

IMHO Jack Johnson was much better against Finland than Erik Johnson.
I agree. None of the puck carrying that we saw Erik doing against Norway was happening against Finland, and he wasn't nearly as physically dominant. He's still a great prospect, but I personally don't think he's close to Jack yet.

I was at the States/Norway game - there's no way EJ is 5 inches taller than JJ. Anyways they're both pretty damn good. Oh and theres no way Jonathan Toews can challenge Phil Kessel for the #1 overall pick, so shut the hell up James Duthie/Pierre Mcguire.

There is no way it is a three inch difference. I have stood directly beside both of them recently. There is a massive size difference between them. Jack Johnson is a normal sized pro hockey player, basically at 6', 200-205. A little more muscled for his age. EJ is a monster. He's a genetically gifted young man.

It's not really about whether or not EJ is better NOW. It's about whether he WILL be. I'm not sure he will, but his size is a significant item here. It's going to be quite difficult for a guy JJ's size to be the scary, physically dominant D-man he is at this level. 6' even, 200-205 guys, aren't typically the imposing beast he is at this level.

Emelin seems to be making a case for himself. I haven't seen him play today though (and I suspect nobody did), so this is just-report based. I've seen him plenty in Lada though.

1G 2A, player of the game. He's -1 in that game but meh ( +1 for the tournament ). Lead the tournament in points for a Defense with 5points ( 1G 4A ).

I've never seen him play unfortunately, hope he come to NA to play for Hamilton in the AHL next year. Habs really could use another D.

It's nice to see another crop of dominating defensemen coming into the league as opposed to all these offensive talents. Offensive talents are great, and the truly great are more than generational, but to me, the superstar defensemen is the rarest commodity.

Phaneuf, Suter, Seabrook, JJ, EJ, Ballard, Michelek, etc. etc.

This generation's Stevens, Leetch, Pronger, Blake, Foote, neidermeyer, zubov etc.

All we need is someone to fill lidstrom's place...