Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaskal
Certain people with size just don't tend to use it or a while, they have to really introduce it into their game slowly. But it can be done; this past year I've seen bigger players on our team (nameably Dougie and Colborne) who have started to play more physical in front of the net and on the boards. So it isn't a reach to say Brown can be taught the same.
Not every player can just flip a switch and hit everything in sight when told to like Regehr, but they can still be taught how to use their size and strength properly.
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Logan Brown's stats are actually perfectly fine as far as successful taller 17 year old forwards from the CHL go, too, so it's not like he's failing to produce:
Former Columbus Blue Jackets And Other Big Forwards
The three guys omitted from that list are Spezza/LeCavalier who were a tier above this group at that age; and Jeff Carter, who was a full tier below.
The questions about Brown aren't his skating, production or skill (well, other than he doesn't appear as absolutely skilled as Keller IMO) - they seem to be how long it'll take to get his his
motor / shift-to-shift consistency / two-way play /willingness to shoot - things of that sort up to an NHL level. If the Flames scouts see enough progression in this area to think he can develop fine - then he's a very good gamble. With his mobility he can keep up with Bennett just fine. If not however, then you do not take him because players who lack motor will always be frustrating trade bait.