Player Comparison

[LeafsFan1967]

Good day,

So I was looking at a couple of young stud players (Nate MacK vs Keller).

MacK had 101 pts in first 146 games (57 pt pace).

Keller has played 1 full season, plus 19 games (3 games in rookie year, 16 this year).

So Keller has had 79 pts in his first 101 games (64 pt pace).

So let's assume he plays at a similar pace in his next 45 games, he'll be 114 pts in first 146 games.

He's also born in July, 1998 vs MacK is born in Sept of 1995. Both super young guys obviously, but interesting that Keller is producing better than MacK did earlier in his career (with less surrounding talent).

MacK had a similar first full season to Keller, but then struggled some the next 3 seasons, and started beasting fully going into his 22 year old season (5th season).

Keller seems to be pacing better so far in his 2nd full season to what MacK did, so I'm curious to see where Keller is at next year and beyond.

Not saying he's going to get to the level of MacK, but he's just been really impressive already at such a young age.

I could see him jumping into that Top 5-10 scorer in the league level as he gets into his prime years, but for sure will be a Top 20 scorer consistently.

I know I've been sort of over-reactive to cold streaks by the likes of Keller and Boeser, but in looking at the numbers closer less reason to worry than I have.

After all, I get to sign Keller to 4 after this season, so I should own him when he hits that ppg threshold (he'll be 24 going into final year of contract).

[HonkyTonkMan]

Keller is a stud. Whether he gets to Mack level remains to be seen; but he will be a fantasy gem very very soon.

[LeafsFan1967]

Keller is a stud. Whether he gets to Mack level remains to be seen; but he will be a fantasy gem very very soon.

When you say fantasy gem, what are you expecting from him, 25-30 goals 60 assist upside? I know he's a pass first guy, but I'd like to see him shooting a bit more. His pace is lower than last year for sure so far.

[j0hn_d0e]

Great thread,LeafsFan1967! I really think that Keller has the potential to be a point per game player every season. He could do it this season I think.

[LeafsFan1967]

Great thread,LeafsFan1967! I really think that Keller has the potential to be a point per game player every season. He could do it this season I think.

Thanks! If not this season, or maybe next I say by 2020-21. I think he should get 60-70 this year, maybe 70+ next year?

[Axeman33]

I think he needs a better center to play with before he reaches a PPG rate. MacKinnon is a better player than Keller in my opinion but having someone like Rantanen on his line makes MacKinnon that much better too.

[LeafsFan1967]

I think he needs a better center to play with before he reaches a PPG rate. MacKinnon is a better player than Keller in my opinion but having someone like Rantanen on his line makes MacKinnon that much better too.

Even though he had 65 pts playing with less talent and at 19 vs more talent this year, and maturing?

[Sidenown]

Even though he had 65 pts playing with less talent and at 19 vs more talent this year, and maturing?

I think that this is a really interesting comparison that I wouldn't have considered. I think it stacks up pretty well but I do agree with Axeman. I think Mack is the better player, he had the better draft pedigree, which is overrated but not nothing, and the one big thing that has been left out is that while Mack did slump in his sophomore season, the 60+ points he put up in his first season was the year he was drafted, Keller didn't play until the year after he was drafted.

[LeafsFan1967]

I think that this is a really interesting comparison that I wouldn't have considered. I think it stacks up pretty well but I do agree with Axeman. I think Mack is the better player, he had the better draft pedigree, which is overrated but not nothing, and the one big thing that has been left out is that while Mack did slump in his sophomore season, the 60+ points he put up in his first season was the year he was drafted, Keller didn't play until the year after he was drafted.

True, didn't think of that last part. Either way, both fantastic players.

[HonkyTonkMan]

When you say fantasy gem, what are you expecting from him, 25-30 goals 60 assist upside? I know he's a pass first guy, but I'd like to see him shooting a bit more. His pace is lower than last year for sure so far.

80-90. Gaudreau/Panarin/Marner type player

[LeafsFan1967]

80-90. Gaudreau/Panarin/Marner type player

Good comparison for sure, will be interesting to see how he evolves!

[eppigram]

I dont see him as comparable to McKinnon but I agree with Gaurdreau. I'd lump him in with guys like Aho and Pasta rather than Marner and Panarin though...

[Sidenown]

I dont see him as comparable to McKinnon but I agree with Gaurdreau. I'd lump him in with guys like Aho and Pasta rather than Marner and Panarin though...

Sorry not to hijack the post but are we really at the point where we see Panarin as a tier below aho?

[eppigram]

Sorry not to hijack the post but are we really at the point where we see Panarin as a tier below aho?

I have Panarin and Marner as a tier above those guys as well as different style to them... I liken Kellers upside to Pasta/Aho

[Sidenown]

I have Panarin and Marner as a tier above those guys as well as different style to them... I liken Kellers upside to Pasta/Aho

Oh wow, surprised by your rankings, I think Pasta has shown he probably has the most upside of that bunch with Panarin proving already he can score at a higher level than either Marner or aho has shown so far (although yes he is older). Think I might start a new thread and see if I am way off in my opinion haha!