Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
I like Schwindt, but I don't think he showed anything special in pre-season games that would warrant him earning a spot on the team.
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Schwindt was an intriguing prospect a couple years ago. But his development has flatlined and aside from NHL size he doesn't have much else that is NHL calibre at this stage. What is most apparent is his inability to read plays and his lack of foot speed. This combination puts him consistently a step behind, if not several steps. This glaring shortcoming could be mitigated with better positioning, but I have yet to see any progress from him on this front. It also doesn't help that he doesn't have great hands. So even carving out a bottom six defensive role at the NHL level is a tall order.
Lavoie, who I have liked since his draft year, by comparison doesn't have great foot speed either. But the difference is Lavoie anticipates the play much better and goes to the difficult areas. He has a nose for the net and is adept at getting his stick on loose pucks. He still projects as a bottom six at this point, but a bottom six that can pot 10-15 garbage goals a season is still an asset. He also uses his size to create space on the ice. Where Schwindt is usually chasing the play, so any space he could conceivably create is an afterthought.
Not trying to come down on a 22 year old too hard here. Just not seeing enough here to warrant him still contending for a roster spot at the NHL level.
