[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Hope you don't mind that I always jump in...

Rehkopf is listed on some sites as being 6'1", but he's actually 6'3", and uses that size well on the forecheck, on the cycle, and in physical battles. He can out-muscle most opponents, and finishes his checks. Very effective below the goal-line. He possesses excellent speed, and knows what to do without the puck- he finds the soft spots in coverage, and goes to the danger areas where he can release his shot, which comes with elite velocity, and deception. Great release. He pays attention to his defensive duties, and is considered a good two-way player, with the reach and strength to break up plays.

Many think he will play at wing, as opposed to C, because he's a far more adept shooter than distributor- he could use a little work on his playmaking, although he likes to attack the middle of the ice. He's also not so hot in the faceoff circle. He's also touted to be more of a complimentary player than line-driver, and he doesn't carry the puck too often. I've read that he's more of a PP guy, and needs to better 5-on-5- he needs to find room at even-strength. I think he'll be more of a middle-six player in the NHL, but still has a very high ceiling- right now, he plays on a very middling team (13th out of 20 teams, 9th in goals-scored), and of course, he looked great in the Prospects Game. Another kid that I like, and I think he'll go early in the second round.

This kid could be a difference maker. I like the size, the scoring, the hitting.