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Originally Posted by Bonded
True! I am reading way too much into Conroy's comment about needing more size in the system lol
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I do think you need size. You can't have a team of small players. I think the Canes are actually an interesting test case that is playing out in real time. They have spent a ton of draft capital on under-sized, skilled players (though somehow overlooked Stankoven) and we'll see how many of them translate into NHL players.
Ultimately my view is that you should always prioritize upside. Focus on drafting players that you think can play up in your line-up. That can be a mix of shapes, sizes and skill basis - but I would focus on guys that at least have a defining quality that makes you think they could get there.
A lot of the NHL is based on how you create time and space and separation from defenders. You can do that with size, skating or hockey sense (to be simplistic about it). But it's also why you see smaller guys that aren't great skaters fall - because it's hard to see how they will create the separation they need to succeed. But then again - there are always exceptions.