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Zoller · 07-24-2019, 01:41 PM

I'm fine with Adam Fox being ahead of Valimaki. Fox plays the right side, put up insane stats in the NCAA, and held his own at the world championship playing against professionals. Adam Fox will most likely seamlessly transition to the NHL as a powerplay specialist. His defensive zone game, while not physical, is above average. His stick positioning will be key.

Valimaki still has some growth to his game. He won't be as offensive as Adam Fox, which is probably why he is ranked lower. But his defensive side of the game surely has more potential than Adam Fox, especially in the physical aspect. Valimaki was a fully grown man at 17. He doesn't lay down bone crushing hits, but he is able to separate player from puck using his body, something that Fox struggles with. His defensive stick work and positioning will only get better with time. He is also a surprisingly dynamic skater with the puck which bodes well for our style of play. We need our defence to be able to jump into and sometimes lead the rush. He may not be the fastest skater but he is able to control and handle the puck at full speed, which is something we do not have nearly enough of as evidenced by Nathan Mackinnon skating circles around the team.

I like Valimaki and I think he is our future #1 LHD. But I have no problem with Fox being ahead of him.

07-24-2019, 01:41 PM	#26
Zoller Scoring Winger Join Date: Feb 2016 Exp:	I'm fine with Adam Fox being ahead of Valimaki. Fox plays the right side, put up insane stats in the NCAA, and held his own at the world championship playing against professionals. Adam Fox will most likely seamlessly transition to the NHL as a powerplay specialist. His defensive zone game, while not physical, is above average. His stick positioning will be key. Valimaki still has some growth to his game. He won't be as offensive as Adam Fox, which is probably why he is ranked lower. But his defensive side of the game surely has more potential than Adam Fox, especially in the physical aspect. Valimaki was a fully grown man at 17. He doesn't lay down bone crushing hits, but he is able to separate player from puck using his body, something that Fox struggles with. His defensive stick work and positioning will only get better with time. He is also a surprisingly dynamic skater with the puck which bodes well for our style of play. We need our defence to be able to jump into and sometimes lead the rush. He may not be the fastest skater but he is able to control and handle the puck at full speed, which is something we do not have nearly enough of as evidenced by Nathan Mackinnon skating circles around the team. I like Valimaki and I think he is our future #1 LHD. But I have no problem with Fox being ahead of him.