Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
Very well said.
I like the player, and hope he settles things down in his own zone to the point that he can become a regular.
But to date I've seen the following ...
- good wheels but doesn't use the wheels to beat anyone when carrying the puck (rarely).
- not big and has some trouble in his own zone defensively.
but the thing that really stood out for me in the second half of last season was an almost paralysis when he had the puck from a D partner on a break out. If he didn't see an option he almost froze.
With wheels like he has just move! Things will open up!
But lots of skill there if he can make that jump to use his boots with the puck more often.
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This.
One thing you cannot teach is natural speed and agility. He has it in spades. Along with that speed he has to be able to think the game faster as well because he is simply moving faster. That's where his issues are and where the inconsistency pops up. And most of those times are in the d zone when he has the puck and needs to move it...either by foot or by pass. Coaching can only do so much in that kind of scenario and on top of that, this club (whether you agree or disagree) thinks of itself as a win-now team, and simply do not have the time to allow repeated mistakes that could cost them. Thats what the AHL is for, and again, why i believe (along with the 2 way deal) he starts the season with that squad where ever it may be located.
He can always come into camp and show management that he has it figured out, and wouldn't that be optimal?, but at this point....it just hasn't been proven yet and it may never materialize as we wish.