Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
Don't think it's Phillips' skating — I think they move very similarly. It's just the inscrutable fact that he's three inches shorter (and less impactful defensively).
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I fully acknowledge you have a much better handle on Phillips than I do - I’m basing this entirely on highlights and a viewing at the development camp a few years ago.
The skills and vision and eye hand are all there. That’s undeniable.
But he doesn’t look fast in the AHL - he looks about as quick in a straight line as anyone else. His stride seems a bit chunky, and his top speed doesn’t appear to be anything to write home about.
That’ll make it very difficult to back defenders off in the NHL if he can’t threaten them with speed.
Pelletier, just from that highlight, had a smoothness and fluidity to his movement and cornering on the ice that hopefully translates at the next level.
I dunno - the height plays a roll, for sure, and if you’re not defensively reliable, there aren’t many coaches who’ll play you in the NHL.
Small players have to be elite skaters at this level, and I just don’t see an elite skater in Phillips at this point.