Dazed and Confused
Ludicrous speed, GO!
I appreciate your confidence in Haas. Have you seen him play?
I am just curious as to why you are so confident.
Admittedly not a ton, but I did watch a couple Swiss games from the WC this year. I remember him having a good game against Sweden. At the time admittedly, I though he was just a decent scorer, but the more high-lights and scouting reports I've seen, the more I like him as a #3C.
Now I don't see as an amazing player, or a long term solution; he's not Backlund, but I think there is a Calle Järnkrok-type player there: undersized-but-speedy, decent to strong 2-way play, solid hands, but Haas has a better shot. (thus also the poorman's Silfverberg comparison). Is Järnkrok an ideal #3? In my book, no. But he is serviceable in the role, which is more than I can say about the rest of the names this team has for the #3 centre position (Gagner, Granlund, Khaira, Marody, Cave, Brodizak...)
Biggest thing I've liked about his highlights is there's no bobbles with the puck, nor does he stick-handle himself into corners. Everything's very clean and methodically, plays that leave you saying that can work at the NHL level. Plus I do like that he can score in a variety of different ways: on the rush, grabbing rebounds, using a bit of flair and creativity, or just beating goalies clean by sniping from all over the ice.
I compare that to Nygård (whom I admittedly haven't watched in games), who looks far more choppy when handling the puck. Semi reminds me of a younger MPS, who struggled to keep the puck on his stick in traffic at the NHL level. Nor do I see Nygård capitalise on/create things that aren't broken plays/scrambles. He could be like Hagelin, but Carl has better shot imo, is better at getting the puck to teammates, and his most defining aspect: an absolute demon on the forecheck (which is a harder aspect to measure, as that's as much about mentality as it is speed; nor do people make highlight videos of that...). Admittedly though, I can see see him stealing a spot from Granlund if he shows well.
That's the other reason I'm liking Haas' chances; Nygård and the other wingers have to go through a fair bit of competition to win a spot, while the #3 centre is open for the taking.
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