Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry Fool
Barkov will have the one-on-one strength that will enable him to play his game in NA (if he doesn't already), but he does need enough explosiveness to get to those battles. On the other hand, the boards are closer in NA.
Here's a good clip of Barkov's skating and boardplay (linked on hfboards), easy to spot because of the golden helmet:
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When watching that, keep in mind that NHL defensemen are bigger and faster. Yes, Barkov can use his size and skill to dominate in the Finnish league, but it will be very different in the NHL where he won't have a size or speed advantage.
And to those who look at his size and drool, he is NOT a Mark Messier type. He is more of a Sundin or Jokinen type - big, but not overly physical, and without dominant speed.
I have a very bad feeling that Barkov is going to be nothing more than a decent, 2nd line type player in the NHL. It is just an opinion, but I am praying that they stay away from him.
MacKinnon's skills are far better suited to creating a dominant NHLer