Yup. This'll be the only post I make on McLeod until the draft.
The argument for his lower ranking as the U-18's came and went was his lack of offense. Which is fine. BUt There's really only maybe 2-3 players in this draft that have a better good foundation to their game.
You read with Nylander his game is all offense which is awesome and one of the most skilled players in the draft but not the best in the defensive zone. McLeod is an accomplished 200ft player and I think if I read things properly, one of the top 3 in this draft in that department.
People question Tkachuks skating over the majority of the top ten picks where he ranks maybe somehwere in the middle, McLeod is easily top 5 in this draft for skating.
People question Dubois aptitude as a C and as the McKeens guy points out, less than 40% on the faceoffs, McLeod is the go to guy for all faceoff scenarios and does it well.
Folks question Browns drive and compete, McLeod's MO on all reports is non stop motor and compete.
People don't like the size of Nylander, Tkachuk, Keller, Jost, Mcleod is Monahans size. Same height and weight in their respective draft years.
Hockey IQ is slightly above average. Something that folks have pinned as an issue on Chychrun.
He has more going for him than a lot of prospects except for offensive output, but if you're a believer in development and believe that taking the player with the most solid foundation overall to grow, McLeod has to be one of the most well rounded prospects in this entire draft. Perhaps he is like a few prospects where he spent too much time focusing on the 200ft game instead of putting up goals and assists, which isn't a problem IMO, He's doubled his output from his rookie season in his 2nd year.
Anyways, I like McLeod, everyone knows. I just believe he has such a sound all around package to bring to the table and he'll be one of the better players from this draft down the road.
|