Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I doubt anyone was saying Draisaitl was going to be a great player around the time of January 4th 2015...not even Oilers fans.
You say this as if all players just magically fix their mobility with power skating classes.
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You mean his rookie season? I mean, if we’re going to judge players based on their rookie season, I guess Joe Thornton’s career would’ve been a train wreck too.
That’s the thing about power forwards, sometimes they take more time to learn the NHL game. The thing that Draisaitl has always had is the ability to hold on to pucks and protect and shield it effectively. I like this element in centers and Monahan and Bennett do not have this trait. Draisaitl to his credit fixed his boots and it’s probably the main reason he’s launched himself into superstardom. Had his skating topped out as just adequate, then he’d probably be just a #1 center who can cycle and play a half court style game. But his skating improved so vastly that he’s also a major threat on the rush too and that’s made all the difference from elevating his game further.