He can really protect the puck along the boards. That, combined with his love and ability to throw thunderous checks, will make him an NHLer.
His skating speed is simply not as bad as some people claim - I wonder if they are being swayed by his style, which is less than pretty.
As for conditioning and the 3rd period, sure, there is some getting used to the NHL pace. But I think part of it too is that, right now, he is trying to make the most of every shift. After 10 wrecking ball shifts, he's spent. When he settles in and starts to pick his spots a bit, he'll be fine.
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