Quote:
Originally Posted by Royle9
I’m not saying draft rankings are accurate and the gospel.
But go watch his game play and tell me his upside is better than those that were still available.
He’s a “safe” pick and was bigger than most kids in the WHL so he was able to put muscle a lot of them just based on size.
His stride is awkward, he’s not fast, he’s not flashy and he doesn’t have a hard shot.
He plays small for his size, there’s just so many things that don’t translate, but hey the flames seem to think he’s the next Rantanen, I’ll happy eat crow if that happens but I’m pretty confident he’s borderline 3rd liner.
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That's 100% fine if you have other specific players in mind that you really wanted, but what you are describing Honzek as is simply not what is seen in any of the videos or what is being described by scouting outlets (at least the few I read about).
He is wispy. He is 'bigger' in height, but he is absolutely NOT out-muscling anyone. He did have a couple of big hits in some of those packages, but if anything, he leaves you feeling like he isn't using his size and strength nearly enough. He is producing with skill, not strength.
His shot is good. Great accuracy, he is also patient with his shot, and he can also get it off in a real hurry. Some of the highlights explicitly shows a shot that is quick off the stick, at a high velocity, and accurate. There were a few shots he made that I thought was absolutely elite.
100% right on his stride - it is absolutely awkward... but he is FAST, and he has really great edges too. Apparently most of his stride will be fixed naturally as he gains strength (or so I heard on one of those videos posted). He regularly beats defencemen and is elusive on his edges. So awkward? Yep. However, he is fast and strong on his edges. Best comparison would be Emile Poirier back in the day - really, really fast with fantastic edge-work, but super awkward looking as well.
Yes, you are right - plays small for his size (so I am not sure why you stated that he out-muscled players), but that's largely because he is really thin still. Like I posted above, he made some big hits too, so it isn't like he is shy. He had a big open-ice hit and really blew the guy up. Jankowski was a real beanpole as well, but had really strong IQ, great skating, and fantastic skills. Why didn't he pan out? IMO, it had a lot to do with a seeming unwillingness to play 'strong' hockey. Honzek is willing - at least so far he is.
I can understand that you are not in the mood to look through all the material posted so far (and go looking for more), but it is all there. Hopefully this post will make you feel better about him, and if not, that's ok too. Nobody can ever know for sure if someone is making it, and if they make it, how good of a career they will have. At the end of the day, you still don't have to like this pick, especially if after you analyze it with a bit more of an open mind after seeing firsthand what type of player he is. We all have our preferences, and we all have our biases. Cheers.