Quote:
Originally Posted by nmhen
re: Granlund. His game and his physique were simply not suited to the NHL last season. The team did him no favors by penciling him right onto the 2nd line, by-passing the AHL, too. Once he got down there (last season) he evidently took it to heart and really took a mature approach to adapting himself to the NHL/north-american style.
As Henry Fool mentioned, his training regiment this summer (as reported) is a perfect manifestation of that mature approach to adaptation. That alone is impressive about the kid.
The team has done a better job of managing expectations about him, and you can see his confidence improving almost every game. His goal against the Devils - first of the season - was from the apex of the crease. I don't recall ever seeing him in that spot last season. And his passing is incredible. Great vision.
I don't think he's a 100 point guy, but he could be worth 40 apples in a year if they keep playing him with finishers.
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Iīve been really impressed by his defensive game. The way he backchecks (or finishes checks generally) and blocks shots is something I really didnīt expect. Also what Iīve seen he has been pretty good in face-offs.