Asked:
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Originally Posted by Bonded
I think the biggest risk is more injuries. I’m not sure if it’s his play style or foot speed but he still seems like he needs to learn how to take a hit
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Answered:
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Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I think it's less about size and just that his decision making and reflexes are still tuned to the speed and aggression of the junior level. Being a second or half a second off can mean the difference between making a bad play, getting pinned in your zone, and worst of all. getting pummeled/injured. These aren't "mistakes".
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Every prospect has to adjust to the speed of the NHL by making quicker decisions, and that means learning both in practice and in games until the decisions become intuitive. It's when Parekh hesitates that the freight train catches him on the tracks.
Seems to me the coaches need him to work his bag off in practice with the specific goal of eliminating that moment of hesitation, and meanwhile, give him sheltered minutes on the third pairing and PP.
He'll be fine, I'm sure.