haveandare
Registered User
That's all good to hear, thanks.He played really well when I saw him, he isn’t flashy, but played good defense and moved the puck well. Was the only plus defender for HFD. You don’t get CF% in the AHL, but he would have stood out positively for sure.
I think this is good for him. The big issue for him is more than anything else intensity and tempo related. The NHL game is just really really fast nowadays. So many more 150-170 lbs forwards that just takes off. Ds that can move the puck and spring those guys. Coaches that drill their team to make those plays. Guys like Faulk and Weber are struggling, and many others.
So between Traverse, preseason and the AHL he got what maybe 20 games in NA. I am sure he and we know what must be done for him to get to the NHL level. He just must become stronger and more explosive.
In a sense I think the KHL gives him better conditions to develop. A little less time on the buss etc. I think the downside especially is the net play. The NA forward just give a few percent more when there are loose pucks in the crease and so forth, are better in those areas.
It can take some time. I remember how Trotz hated Ekholm in Nashville his rookie year. After 2 games in the NHL they sent him back to the SHL at the same age Bereglazov is now. Trotz said:
http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2011/10/21/barry-trotz-if-youre-scared-of-playing-in-the-nhl-get-a-dog/amp/
Trotz also said that Ekholm should give up hockey and get a dog instead. Ekholm is a pretty good D for Nashville nowadays. When he returned to NA a year after he spent another year in the AHL. Then “year 3” he was a small role 6 D. Wasn’t really until “year 5” he started to do well in the NHL.
I'm glad we get another crack at him next year. As you said, maybe he'll develop more in the KHL knowing what the NHL game is like and he'll be back.
Crazy that Trotz said all that. Being honest is one thing, but beating up on a player your franchise is trying to make something of just seems petty and stupid.