I've become incredibly confused by Kondratiev.
While he was over in Russia and when we drafted him, we heard about a strong, physical stay at home defenseman who was going to have a chance to be a rock, lower potential defenseman in the NHL.
The Kondratiev that has been at Leafs camp this year, is the exact and complete opposite. He's been a force offensively, controlling the point, showing great will to carry the puck. But his defensive zone coverage has been poor and his level of physical play a bit of a concern.
WHo is the real Kondratiev here?
Could we be dealing with another Sergei Gonchar type of situation. Gonchar if you remember was drafted and labeled a stay at home defenseman. And well in the NHL, obviously thats not the case.
The only other thing i can think of is Kondratiev is trying to impress Leafs brass with his first camp by really going full tilt offensively. Maybe feeling the pressure to perform at that end?