derbyfan
Registered User
In person that is. Went to the Brampton-Sudbury game, that Brampton led the whole way until the last minute, then went down in a shootout.
I went specifically to check out Aliu, who impressed me in the Top Prospects game.
I understand why many scouts say he could go anywhere from the 1st to the 4th round. He's a very frustrating guy to watch out there.
Now, I will concede that this was just ONE game, and he was likely a bit down after being pumped for the top prospects game the night before.
That being said, here's my analysis:
1) Talented. No doubt about it, he's got potential. You can see he's got some moves, and a real long reach with the stick. Had a couple of golden chances he couldn't quite put away, but positionally was good in the offensive zone.
2) Big. 6'3, 209. He looks it out there, especially when he skates. Big long strides. You can see he's still growing into that big body, and sometimes looks a bit awkward.
3) Coasts. Sometimes he just stopped skating, especially on the backcheck. He doesn't keep his feet moving, and I noticed he has a disturbing habit of making long, casual turns, rather than making a quick cross-over and heading back up ice.
4) Not much Defense. He just seemed disinterested. Failed to cover his man that led to the 3rd Brampton goal. And as previously mentioned, he really takes his time getting back on D. A few times a play was broken up around the Brampton blue line, and as the play went to the other end he casually turned and made his way back.
5) Not too physical. Is he always like this? A couple of times he could have just levelled a Battalion player, but didn't bother. I'm talking head down, headed right towards him. He could have made a statement, but let them off. I had two scouts sitting a few seats over from me, and I heard one say to the other "You've gotta make that hit!"
At 6'3, I was expecting him to be a bit meaner.
Once again, this was just one game. But I focused on Aliu each shift he had, and that was my impression. Would I take him? Based on this one game, no way in the first round, maybe not the second. I would like to see more of him to make a better (and probably fairer) analysis.
You can see he has first round talent, and if properly motivated would be right up there with the top guys.
For anyone who sees him more regularly, did I just see a bad game, or is this what the drawbacks seem to be with Aliu?
I went specifically to check out Aliu, who impressed me in the Top Prospects game.
I understand why many scouts say he could go anywhere from the 1st to the 4th round. He's a very frustrating guy to watch out there.
Now, I will concede that this was just ONE game, and he was likely a bit down after being pumped for the top prospects game the night before.
That being said, here's my analysis:
1) Talented. No doubt about it, he's got potential. You can see he's got some moves, and a real long reach with the stick. Had a couple of golden chances he couldn't quite put away, but positionally was good in the offensive zone.
2) Big. 6'3, 209. He looks it out there, especially when he skates. Big long strides. You can see he's still growing into that big body, and sometimes looks a bit awkward.
3) Coasts. Sometimes he just stopped skating, especially on the backcheck. He doesn't keep his feet moving, and I noticed he has a disturbing habit of making long, casual turns, rather than making a quick cross-over and heading back up ice.
4) Not much Defense. He just seemed disinterested. Failed to cover his man that led to the 3rd Brampton goal. And as previously mentioned, he really takes his time getting back on D. A few times a play was broken up around the Brampton blue line, and as the play went to the other end he casually turned and made his way back.
5) Not too physical. Is he always like this? A couple of times he could have just levelled a Battalion player, but didn't bother. I'm talking head down, headed right towards him. He could have made a statement, but let them off. I had two scouts sitting a few seats over from me, and I heard one say to the other "You've gotta make that hit!"
At 6'3, I was expecting him to be a bit meaner.
Once again, this was just one game. But I focused on Aliu each shift he had, and that was my impression. Would I take him? Based on this one game, no way in the first round, maybe not the second. I would like to see more of him to make a better (and probably fairer) analysis.
You can see he has first round talent, and if properly motivated would be right up there with the top guys.
For anyone who sees him more regularly, did I just see a bad game, or is this what the drawbacks seem to be with Aliu?
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