I see this said a lot. He seems to be pigeon-holed into this every time I read something about him on HF, like there's a glass ceiling. Can I ask why?
He's been better than a PPG player in the OHL for 2 seasons now, with nearly 100 career goals in around 170 games and most of that came on a poor team, right?
I know OHL stats aren't everything, but is there a reason his 'top 6' ability being seemingly ruled out? Is it just because he plays two ways so we presume he's got more of a checking role or is there something else precluding him from that discussion? Is it his skating?
It seems to me that many of our non-PP lines now are made up of 2 skilled guys and then that +1 who does the hustle and can chip in a goal or two. Karlsson strikes me as that kind of guy and he's played plenty in the top 6, so why can't Sadowy? If he's got a nose for the dirty areas, works hard and can score, couldn't he play that role up in the top 6?
I see a 3rd round pick producing consistently right now. I am genuinely confused why he seems to be the less-creditworthy prospect while Labanc at 5'11'' and 180lbs seems to be more highly regarded about his NHL future. I will admit I don't see either play that much but if we're talking about measurables, I'd have presumed Labanc to be more of a risky transition?
Not being faceitious. Genuinely interested in the discussion on this guy.
I'd say Sadowy's skating is average (at best) and outside of being very good at scoring "dirty" goals his offensive game is a bit lacking (puck skills, passing, creativity, etc.) so he's not a guy that's going to create much offense.
Sadowy can play a bit of an agitating game, he's strong on the forecheck & in battles, a majority of his goals are scored within about 10 feet of the net, he's very good defensively & very smart.
Lebanc's puck skills, playmaking abilities, shot, vision & skating are all much better than Sadowy's which is why I'd say Lebanc could be a middle 6 guy.
I don't consider a guy like Karlsson a top 6 forward. Yes, he can fill in in the top 6 in a complementary role at times and not look too out of place but on his own, to me he's a 3rd liner.
It's possible Sadowy can be a complementary top 6 guy but considering his skillset my guess is the org will look for him to grow into an energy guy with some scoring pop that can kill penalties & maybe be a net front guy on the PP.
If you asked me, as of right now, which of Lebanc & Sadowy is more likely to carve out a NHL career I'd say Sadowy but Lebanc has the higher ceiling.