Big Lithuanian forward with solid straight line jump and solid off-puck instincts and, ability to get pucks to his attacking teammates, although not a big creator/play driver. His elevation to Genève-Servette HC, has lead to his new club throwing him in as a to forward, and is asked to play wing and centre to use his size to make contact, compete strong on the board puck battles, and crash the net front, his big frame disrupting the peace there.His overall skating will be where he must show improvement. His size does allow him to display some feint as he barrels down against defenders, but I see an inconsistent motor, and although many areas and toolbox elements exist, they may not be close to NHL level at the low-pace with which he “flashes.” And although he can be connective and stretch offensive plays, his puck skills hardly stand out. He is defensively engaged, will throw the occasional big hit, and if he is to stick as a NHL centre, his skill set most grow exponentially, or he is never going to have the creativity to be more than a complementary top six player.
–Bill Placzek–
