Look at what happened to Gaudreau today, absolutely obliterated from one solid hit.
Patrik Laine is 6'4''.
It's likely impossible to count how many times 6'3'', 230-pound Jaromir Jagr has been destroyed by a big body check. Below are 13 examples.
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I agree that size plays a role in determining whether a player can make the NHL; if an individual is undersized, then they require a high degree of skill to be effective. That said, if a player is worthy of being selected in the first round of the NHL draft, then they most likely possess the skill to overcome the obstacle of being undersized.
Size plays a greater factor for the bottom-six positions. A small forward might have more difficulty playing the checking role that is required of those players. Thus, if a small player is not skilled enough to be an offensive forward, they might not have a place with the team unless they possess enough strength to play a checking game. Jordin Tootoo is an example of a short player who has no trouble playing a bottom-six role. He is 5'9'', but he weighs 194 lbs and is stocky.
Jordan Schroeder is a lightweight, on the other hand. A player of his size needs to be skilled enough to be an offensive contributor -- otherwise, they will struggle to find a role.
Smaller forwards tend not to be as versatile as larger forwards.
Kailer Yamamoto is a top-six or bust type of player. At 5'9'', 160 lbs, he would not be deemed ideal for a bottom-six role.
