To Mission's post above.
I think McLeod is a good example.
No his stats are not what you'd hope considering his draft position. And at the time I would have taken Brown, but McLeod's physical attribute's, most specifically his speed (but also his size), is the thing I've always hung my hat on when I look at that pick. I won't worry so much about his points because I know he fits exactly what we want to do. Which goes back to the point above about environment. We want to play fast, he plays fast.
I think his compete level is supposed to be a strong point as well, which is as big a key as the speed itself, so he fits right in that Wood, Coleman, even Taylor Hall, mold. But time will tell if and when that compete level is ready for NHL hockey.
I thought a negative on McLeod's ledger was a lack of puck skills, but in the scrimmage he had a couple moments where his hands looked really slick. Anecdotal sure, but still something which impressed me. I do think working on his shot mechanics will be key.
End of the day, he like all prospects, and even current NHL players, he needs to improve, he needs to develop his skills, develop a better understanding of the game.
Back to Coleman, as an example, was able to make significant jumps in his development. He did it when he went from 16 points to 92 points in the USHL. He did it when he went from .5 ppg to a point per game in the college, and he did it this past season in the NHL. His first 50 or so games in the league he had 6 points. In his next 50 ish he had 20.
