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Old 11-25-2023, 02:57 PM   #11489
Calgary4LIfe
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I like Sharangovich!



I would argue that defensively AND offensively, Sharangovich has high hockey IQ.


Offensively, he goes to the right areas. Playing under Lindy Ruff, he probably started erring on the side of caution as Ruff plays the same system as Hartley, and is only modestly less inclined to berate you when you miss your defensive assignment. Where on the ice doesn't he go? He seems to get himself open quite a lot in the offensive zone, but the pass doesn't make it to him. That's what I notice sometimes. The fact that he gets there and is open is what shows part of his offensive IQ. His ability to just escape and create space for himself to get that shot off - even if the pass doesn't make it to him - is a really strong example of having that IQ. His ability to act as a playmaker at times is underrated, and shows the other side of his offensive IQ. As we have seen from his breakaways/shootouts, he isn't a one-trick pony either - he has that fantastic shot, but he is comfortable deking as well.



If there is one single issue or weakness I have with Sharangovich, it is a combination of seemingly being a little weak, and of also not being aggressive enough. However, he still doesn't shy from the corners and playing along the boards. He is also fairly resilient, as I thought he took some big hits along the boards, but he manages to always keep playing. No reason to assume that he won't get a little bit stronger year-to-year. He also goes right to the front of the net and isn't afraid to attack the net.



I was disappointed with the trade originally until the end of the draft, when it became obvious that the market was what it was. It always had the chance to be a steal, now it seems that a steal for Calgary is actually the likely result. Flames got faster, younger, more dynamic and cheaper. That's a win. Suniev is the wildcard at this point. I would do that trade every day. Plus, this is Sharangovich's 4th season - I would argue that he is not a finished product, and will continue to improve, and Toffoli's best performances might already be behind him, though maybe he is still at his apex for a couple of more seasons. I didn't see Sharangovich closing the gap offensively on Toffoli so soon either.


I suspect that the issue with him is going to be consistency. That's probably where Ruff had his issues with him, and that's where Huska seemed to have his issues with him as well. He is playing well and has found a spot for himself, so hopefully he can get that consistency to his game that differentiates top 6 players from tweeners, at least offensively. Defensively at least, he is strong enough to find a home on the bottom 6 if consistency remains an issue for him.
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