I like this guy, I really do.
Poirier competes hard along the boards, consistently finds weaknesses to eploit in coverage with his positioning, generally processes the game well, owns a good shot with basically an NHL-level release already; and despite not being the most gifted or natural puck-carrier/distributor himself Poirier can still makes plays while also being a good puck-possession, rush and transition player.
But then I took a closer look at Poirier's attributes as a player, and from the couple games I watched (against Halifax and Chicoutimi) it immediately became apparent to me that he is missing the mobility right now to play the type of game that makes him successful in the QMJHL at the NHL level, moreso given his diminutive stature/small reach, and lack of truly elite tools at his disposal.
Worse though is that I also think Poirier is a bit of an early-bloomer physically despite his being a young September-birthday compared to his cohort. Which, if true, puts into question whether or not there is much room for improvement for him skating-wise since in that scenario most gains would come purely through practice and refining mechanics/technique, unlike less physically-mature prospects.
So yeah, with those flaws of his, and an uneven defensive game from what I saw, I think that teams should not invest a high pick on Poirier in this year's draft.
But I still think Justin Poirier deserves a mid-rounds selection at the draft, and could actually develop into a nice middle-6 goalscoring forward if a couple of things go right for him.
i disagree.
If i was a gm and had a late 1st, i'd pick him in the 1st round
there isn't many better goal scorers in this draft what Poirier
and you can't teach that, you either have the ability to score, or you don't
i also disagree that he wouldn't have elite tools, i think he does have all
the tools what is required
its easy to question small players skating (as it is for a really big guy)
because its hard to tell, usually smaller players skating at this age looks
different, looks like its lacking stuff, or what ever, but the reality is quite different
(i'm pulling out the DeBrincat card for like the millionth time but.. about 85% said
that, how his skating wasn't nearly as good what it should be and his lack of this
and that will give him troubles making it to the NHL...)
there will be again, be many 1st rounders this year (like at every draft) that will
bust and there will be (once again) later drafted players what would go in the 1st round
in a re-draft
do i think he'll go first round? no, but should he in my mind? yes
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