I really tried to avoid getting dragged into this nonsense, but oh well. Some people are making the argument that Hagg has never shown any ability as a puck moving defenseman. This is demostrably false:
Robert Hagg latest Swedish blueline cherry
... a methodical, two-way defenseman; skilled and highly cerebral .. approaches the game not unlike New Jersey pick Adam Larsson in that he is able to control the tempo and speed of the game through the quality of his decision making .. his skating doesn't immediately impress - doesn't overwhelm with speed or explosiveness, yet he rarely loses the foot races thanks to a smooth, comfortable stride .. his pace is more based on being calculating and swift in his movements .. what sets him apart is an uncanny hockey sense that features a knack for being able to sense and react to pressure .. easily shakes off initial checking pressure and finds his outlets .. a strong, accurate passer - can make a blinding-fast first pass from anywhere on the ice, while his point shot is an absolute rocket .. does not shy away from physical contact either, as he will push back - and backed by astute positional sense .. supports the puck exceptionally well in all zones .. knows how to utilize his athletic good-sized frame (6-2/195) to productively create space and separation .. there is still some immaturity in his game however that will iron out as he gains experience .. must be cognisant of going overboard as he is prone to taking emotional, undisciplined penalties .. can handle the pace of a game when it intensifies - an attribute which makes him attractive as a potential universal, top-four NHL defenseman.
Hockey's Future - Robert Hagg
Hagg is generally sound in most aspects of the game, but doesn’t have any dominant traits nor has he been consistent in his effort, which plagued him in his first AHL season. He keeps things simple, but can sometimes miss assignments in his own zone and a choppy stride prevents him from controlling the play on the rush. He can play the point on the powerplay, and he makes a sound breakout pass. He has a great frame, is not shy of the rough stuff, and looks like he can be molded into a punishing defender. ... He projects as a sound, two-way defenseman.
NHL Draft prospects: No. 24 Robert Hagg - Sportsnet.ca
Hagg plays well at both ends of the ice, but mostly makes an impact in the offensive zone. He’s an adept puck-handler and passer, and excels with the puck on his stick. He has a good shot and can be a weapon on the man advantage due to his ability to put the puck on net, or on his teammates’ sticks. Hagg plays with swagger and a confident demeanor, but is sometimes downgraded due to inconsistencies in his game.
“A very interesting prospect, Hagg has very good two-way potential and stands out most because of his ability to skate with the puck,” says Ross MacLean, head scout for International Scouting Services. “He can be risky but also has a strong shot and is always a dangerous shooting option from the point. He needs to be more consistent defensively and improve his transitional skating on the defensive side.”
"Sometimes, he plays very aloof. Sometimes, he gives the appearance that he doesn’t care. He has all the skill in the world, just sometimes he doesn’t apply himself."
The Hockey News
ASSETS:
Is a tremendous puck mover with a smooth skating stride. Can play an effective shutdown role, mostly because of an extremely active stick. Can log huge amounts of ice time.
FLAWS:
Has the size NHL scouts love, but he must learn how to use it more effectively (and more often) to maximize output at the highest level. Is not a natural point producer.
CAREER POTENTIAL:
Smooth, reliable defenseman with some upside.
2013 Draft Prospect Profile #25: Robert Hägg
He is a high-end skater, possessing an effortless stride and quick acceleration. He appears to glide when he is on the ice, with a high amount of offensive ability.
He makes quality rushes, and he displays great puck movement in every zone. He is not a flashy puck handler, but he has good subtle hands, with the ability to make open ice maneuvers. He has a big shot from the point, and several NHL sources indicate that he frequently relies on that asset. Scouts are divided on Hagg's defensive play. One thinks it is his best asset, while another calls him a very well-rounded player, and yet others say his defense needs work. From my assessment, I do not think he is an exceptional defensive player. He is quality in his own end, but he does make the odd bad decision here and there. Still, there is a lot to like about Hagg. He has a great hockey brain, mobility, and solid physicality.
Robert Hägg
Hägg has been on draft radars for several years now as the young defender has captivated hockey scouts with his fluid mobile skating ability and poised approach that many veterans do not even possess. Hägg is a cerebral player who slows the game down with his exceptional puck moving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. He owns a good sized frame and projects to be a top-four defender that can log both offensive and defensive minutes.
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So the scouting reports on Hagg were generally consistent, positives being his skill as a puck mover, negatives being questionable defense and inconsistancy. I believe someone in the thread made the argument (in defense of Sanheim or Ghost, or maybe both) that it's easier to learn defense than offense. Apparently Hagg has learned defense. If you've really followed Hagg over the years then you should know that the general opinion of him has always, always, always been:
Great tools, questionable toolbox.
WJC highlights:
Pretty consistent with the scouting reports. Not flashy but makes good reads, quick passes, skates the puck well, big shot. To say that Hagg has never shown ability as a puck moving defenseman is simply not true. Now, if you want to make the argument that his offensive game has not translated to the North American game, I would say that's a fair argument. I would even be tempted to agree. But that is a completely different argument than claiming that he never had that ability to begin with. But if you want to make the failure of translation argument then you have wonder is that Hagg's failing, is it a failure of coaching/development in the Flyers organization, or is it just what they want him to do?
I wanted the Flyers to draft him, I was hoping they would trade for a 2nd 1st rounder that year (didn't think he'd be available in the 2nd), so I've been watching him pretty closely since he came to North America. My feeling right now is he's doing fine for a rookie defenseman who hasn't even played half a season in the toughest hockey league in the world. I was expecting more offense (based on what I saw during the WJC and from the scouting reports) but I am impressed with his play in the defensive zone. If in two or three years he is the worst defenseman on Flyers roster then the Flyers will probably have a pretty damn good blue line.
Apologies for the length of this post, I know some people like them short and sweet.
