Quote:
Originally Posted by Saqe
Yep, much beyond his years. Not a physical player though despite his size.. same as OJ.
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Not in terms of delivering hits, but most of the players in the league already can't beat him on the boards.
He's primarily a playmaker. You can see his intelligence in the awareness of his linemates and in his ability to get the puck to them, not to mention in his overall game. Unfortunately there aren't many highlight reels of 'making good decisions with the puck'.
I assume he's the youngest player to get 20 goals in the history of the league, but that's not his main asset. He can beat goalies close to the net and one-on-one quite efficiently. Can't say to what extend Barkov's shot will develop as he gains strength, but it will, and I don't know if comparing the goal highlights of a 17-year-old and a 34-year-old NHL forward will reveal anything to us. Olli has a good shot but he is also the close-your-eyes-and-hope-for-the-best type while Barkov is more aware of the goalie. Even in shootouts Olli had his set moves but you can see Barkov reading the goalie when he goes in.