That is quite impressive to have so many young future Sioux players available. I believe the case with Stafford is similar to Montoya's of Michigan. He is first eligible for 2004, but because he is accelerated and is going to be playing this fall before his first eligible draft year, he cannot opt-in in 2004 because he will lose his NCAA eligibility. Therefore he is slated for 2005. He is already ranked I believe by Redline 21st overall for next years draft, if he decides to forego his NCAA eligibility. So I am guessing Stafford should be a really high pick, especially after two years of NCAA. Montoya is not going to opt-in in this June's draft and will return to Michigan for next season I believe.
As far as Murray, sure he and Zach are similar in size, but Zach has strength like a bull and will get in the corners and will compete with everything he's got to gain possession. Brady is more of a perimeter player, and relies on his linemates to battle for possession. I'm not saying Brady is not strong, he can definitely go with biggest, but I believe Zach has better "NHL" strength as well as competitiveness, which he obviously will continue to work on. For this upcoming season though, I think Zach needs a linemate or two who are willing to create space for him and get the puck to him so he doesn't have to waste all of his energy digging for it himself. As strong as he his on his feet, the fact is still that a bigger player's body can take more. And in turn, Zach won't wear down as quickly as he seemed to this past season. He just needed help.
Well it seems like the Sioux should be well represented in the next few years drafts and they seem to have a pretty bright future ahead of them. We'll see!
