What characteristics affect NHL readiness? 
Prior to the NHL draft, several top prospects were made available to the media for interviews. And one of the first things I noticed was the difference between two top prospects who sat near each other -- Gabriel Landeskog and Jonathan Huberdeau.
Landeskog (No. 2, Colorado Avalanche) looked like a man who was ready to step into the NHL next season -- and he likely will. It wasn't just the size, although being 6-foot-1, 207 pounds doesn't hurt. He also carried himself like he was an NHLer even before he was drafted. Meanwhile, Huberdeau (No. 3, Florida Panthers) -- at 6-1, 168 -- looked like someone who was going to rush back to a cotton candy stand right after the interview session.
In this instance, the visual indications are correct: Landeskog will contribute more quickly than Huberdeau. But these generalizations of readiness are often incorrect -- or often overplayed based on erroneous factors. For example, when it comes to size, it isn't a great predictor of when a kid will reach the NHL.
To read more about which characteristics are important for NHL success and which countries produce the most NHL-ready players, you must be an ESPN Insider.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
NHL Draft Blog
Your home for in-depth reports on the NHL draft and its top prospects.
Follow the NHL Draft Blog on Twitter
Grant Sonier
Grant Sonier has scouted for six NHL organizations over the past 13 years, most recently for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season. He is a special contributor to ESPN Insider.
Follow Grant Sonier on Twitter
Victoria Matiash
Victoria Matiash has served as a Fantasy Hockey columnist for ESPN.com since 2007, and contributor to NHL Rumor Central since 2010. She lives in Toronto.
Follow Victoria Matiash on Twitter
