Quote:
Originally Posted by VERVE
Anytime you put someone as young as Yakupov (18) playing less than 10 NHL games into important situations ie OT, his positive traits such as having acceptance of his task from his coach; being focus and determined to get open and score; having self-confident in his abilities and being responsible not to forget to play defensively are all part and parcel of having fine character.
A player can have all the talent and skill but if he lacks certain attributes (being calm under pressure, having awareness, hockey intelligent, trustworthy etc) along with his traits as mentioned above, then he would probably not finish around the net as well. These intangibles are as important as talent and skill.
How many times have one witnessed a great talented player falling off the precipice because he lacked character. Why do modern scouting methodology include interviews as one of its parameters in establishing an all around representation not only as a player but as an individual.
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I agree with what you said, other than the fact that IMO hockey awareness and intelligence are part of talent and skill, which I agree Yak has in spades. Where we dissagree is that a 4 on 3 overtime situation, where only 1 point is on the line and it's the 2nd week of the season does not actually create the situation to test the character elements I've bolded above. It's a pretty risk free, free wheel situation.
I'm not saying Yak doesn't have it, just saying that I don't believe what we've seen to date has tested it.