His skating is an issue. A very real question to ask is whether or not he has the speed to be a top player in the NHL. I like him, but that's a pretty big issue. I think skating can be improved, but if you're going to knock Bouchard for his skating you should be fair and recognize Zadina has a pretty big issue too. He's simply not very fast.
Their skating couldnt be any different actually. Zadina has incredible edgework and is very shifty. His skating is an absolute non issue whatsoever. He isnt a burner but he never was. He gets into scoring areas with his hockey sense and elusivness. Can turn on a dime while creating time and space. This take tells me you havent really watched the player and are basing it on his combine results. Thats why lists really should not change after the end of the season. Gaudreau and Kucherov arent burners but are shifty as it gets. Thats the type of player Zadina is.
Bouchard has a powerful stride but lacks lateral quickness and mobility.
From what ive seen Zadina thinks the game at a very elite level making plays in tight spaces while moving his feet with the puck. Thats what i look for in players. Not if they skate fast in a straight line.
My biggest knock on Bouchard is Zadinas strength. Making plays while moving the feet. Bouchards feet are never moving unless he is making and end to end rush when he is creating offense. That wont work in the nhl.
You need d men that can change direction opening up lanes. Ie schmidt, keith etc. Hughes is phenomenal at this for example.
