Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Puljujarvi is the consummate example of a player with all the tools but with no toolbox. He skates well, he shoots well, and he has tremendous size that he also can use well. Yet with all these gifts he has since the day he arrived in Edmonton looked like he doesn't even understand the fundamental elements of the game. I think the NHL game moves way too fast for him, and his brain cannot keep up with the pace of the play.
I am sure that a change of venue would do him well—Edmonton is the home of failure. But I remain highly sceptical that he wil ever come close to fulfilling his draft projections. He will always tantalize with his god-given physical talents, but will continue to underwhelm because of his inability to read the game.
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From the trade/spec thread.
Honestly, I would bet that Pool turns it around. I feel like a lot of players in Edmonton look like they don't understand the fundamentals of hockey, especially younger players, because Edmonton (organization wide) is just so exceptionally poor at hockey.
Look at Hall. He had the same marks against him regarding his intelligence and hockey IQ. He is (of course) a much much better player than Pool, but I tend to think he has a similar type of career uptick, especially playing for a great organization instead of a terrible one.
I don't think Edmonton's negative effect on players can be understated. I think even McDavid could be Gretzky-esque if not (ironically) for the Edmonton Oilers.