Tkaczuk has established good chemistry, centering for Val Bure. Tkaczuk only played a total of 19 NHL games for the Flames, 13 years ago, no less. So, be skeptical of anybody claiming to have vivid memories of watching him play.
Can't find a lot of detail, but here's a report on him from when he was drafted:
http://cflames.tripod.com/draft/
Quote:
Scouting report: He is a high-scoring, two-way forward in his league. He is potentially a top two-way forward in the NHL. He has the skills to be a point-per-game player in the NHL. He will need to raise his play to an even higher level offensively next season, if he is going to be a legitimate offensive threat in the NHL.
Scouting notes: Offensive ability is very good; excels at offense through a good mixture of hard work and natural ability ... defensive play is very good; is a complete player including in his own end ... skating ability is good; skates well enough to effectively play his style of game ... physical play is good; became more physically aggressive as the season progressed ... attitude and work ethic is excellent; is a quality person on and off the ice.
|
So, where does the OP get "worse hockey sense" than Backlund? Then there was
Quote:
|
he didn't have the pure skill to be an offensive player and didn't have the jam or strength to be a defensive player.
|
The report above had him pegged as a top two-way forward. So, maybe pro scouts just don't know as much as somebody posting on message board.