In the recent World junior U-18, he was asked to play in a supporting role as a off-puck defensive 4th line pressure player, who used his feet stick and size with some pace to pester, absorb contact, extend possession, and also go back for retrivals. He was given different line assignemnts as the tournament continued, ones that highlight the speed he can muster and fly off the baords to the middle, and evade defenders with cuts on his edges. This kid kid is smart in his game play, can release on the fly, and is good at getting open in the attack zone. There is more power than quickness and pace to his skating stride and game. He has a shot, some deception on the attack and clearly enough skill to be a pro. My question comes back to where he eventually projects: 3rd liner, checking line role or AHL physical first liner?He needs more foot explosion when he wrests pucks along the wall, as he needs a bit more steam to get escape the first defenders closing down. You would love to see his stride continue to get more fluid and easy, and gain additional creativity and playmaking ability. Better decision making may hone his scoring package, but there is clearly a nice shot there, but his defensive game is what has him on the radar.
–Bill Placzek–
