Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
Sure but his coach isn't going to come out and say something that prevents him from being drafted as a high as possible. It's good for his coaches when a guy has success at the NHL level including getting drafted.
It may have improved, but it's still the biggest red flag that he will have to overcome.
I generally think drafting anyone high that is a poor skater is risky.
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Recall when that was the buzz around Tkachuk for months too and that proved to be a big pile of plop.
High end skill, tenacity and IQ make up for a lot of the skating deficiencies. Also, things change when bodies mature as these prospects get older and stronger. Working with NCAA/CHL/NHL skating coaches goes a lot further than say anyone they might be working with as younger players as well.