It's hockey day and i'm a couple beers in already so thought i'd chime in on OJ.
Like many others, i wanted Tkachuk at the draft as I thought he was a slam dunk and was exactly what this team lacked and has been lacking for years..... a gritty top 6 fwd who can piss off the other team and fill the net.
Although OJ wasn't the guy I would've gone with, there's a lot to like about the kid. I think if you are taking a D high in the draft, they have to think the game well above all else... which is OJ's #1 strength. The offence and physicality can come with maturity but if you don't have that high IQ to start with, you won't know how to use those tools to your best potential. He's a competitor and a proven winner, and with a lot of hard work down the road, there's a great chance for this kid to be our #1 for years. We all see what Tkachuk is doing now and want that instant gratification, but I hope we stay patient with him and allow him to grow into the player he can be.