Comparing Players : Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Redwings

Nov 18, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens left wing Jiri Sekac (26) shots on Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Riley Sheahan vs Jiri Sekac

What do teams look for in young promising forwards? Well if I was a GM I would be looking for speed, scoring touch, the ability to create offense with a healthy mix of grit and determination to make their name known. These two candidates still have a lot to prove to their respective teams, but the upside is there, and frankly it’s easy to see.

I’m not sure how Detroit does it… they seem to be able to find draft gems and Riley Sheahan is no exception. He’s got quick feet and hands that are perfect for playing an up-tempo game, but he’s got some grit in him that makes him potentially a power forward in the making. Averaging just under 15 minutes a game he’s averaging 0.5 points/game at the moment, while hitting the net just under 2 times per game. You would like to see him hit the net more frequently, but that will come once he gets a few more minutes per game as he matures.

Lured by the Montreal Canadiens in what can only be called a wonder coup for their GM, Jiri Sekac instantly filled a hole in their offense schemes. He’s playing just over 14 minutes a game, which isn’t bad considering that Micheal Therrien doesn’t really play his youngsters much. He’s producing at a .48 points/game clip right now, after having missed 7 games while sitting in the pressbox. He has shown some tremendous skill in small samples, able to undress his opponent with ease. Could he be the next big thing? Perhaps, but for now the Habs would sure like him to hit the net a little more frequently, as he’s averaging just over one shot a game. More ice-time would help, but sometimes you have to make it known that you can’t be denied before the coach will give you anything more than you already have.

Here’s a look at their individual stats;

So who do you prefer? The slightly more established power forward in the making or the new to the NHL skilled offensive threat?