Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
That is a concern though.
Acceleration and edge work are two of the most important factors for defensemen at the NHL level in terms of defending. What good is top end speed for a defenseman with very limited puck skills and poor offensive instincts? He will very rarely ever get the opportunity to get up to full speed at that level, so that part of his game will become inconsequential. If he had a better first step he would likely be an impact player at the NHL level by now.
With that said he still has the ability in him to succeed because of his mean streak, physicality, reach, and positioning. I think he can easily be a serviceable bottom pairing defender, but due to his foot speed with struggle playing significant minutes against the best players in the world.
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Have you watched him skate or not?
I've seen him live and his skating was fine to me. He's very mobile for his size.