Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
I don't believe skating is a weakness for Nylander. What are you basing that on?
|
http://thehockeywriters.com/is-alex-...y-of-the-hype/
"he is not one of the fastest skaters. His propensity to be caught by opposing players on their back-check is troubling"
That article does praise his edgework/agility mind you.
Quote:
|
Stylistic comparison, you can't equate their numbers. And even if you could Hartnell has scored 30, 37 and 28 goals at the NHL level too, with three 60 point seasons. I'd happily take a 30g, 30a power forward out of this draft if we're drafting outside the top 3, who wouldn't? A 30g, 30a power forward is a more useful player a finesse forward who scores slightly more.
|
I didn't "equate" their numbers, 45-55 is what I see out of Tkachuk. But I have compared Tkachuk to be closer to a Landeskog type 50 point grinder-winger, and Hartnell is another guy who is the third wheel on his line. You can acquire third wheels, yes even physical ones, later in the draft than top 6-7. This early in the draft it's a waste of a pick to not get a 1A/1B forward.
I don't expect a 30/30/60 power forward out of Tkachuk. I see a 20/25/45 skilled grinder with only the occasional 30/30/60 career year.
Also Hartnell didn't hit 30 goals until he was in his
8th NHL season despite being a 6th overall pick. And this is a guy who played his younger years in the 06-09 era of good stats. Harnell also has a bigger frame than Tkachuk to play a power game in the NHL. His career averages point to a 22G / 26A / 48P winger. His age 34 year was actually a goal ahead of his career averages.
And what's more important is not aesthetics. Teams win playing a power game, teams win playing a skill/speed game. What matters is being able to defend and create and you can do that different ways. The biggest grinder on the Lightning is a washed up Ryan Callahan, and the Lightning are pretty damn good. The Sharks are up 3-1 on Lucic and the Kings right now, and while Joel Ward is a good power player he's their...seventh best forward. We still need our fourth best forward.