Really liking the picks last couple of years. Real boom type players and it's looking like we might of hit on another. Only gripe seems to be that he's not toe dragging half the team to score goals. Good thing that's not a prerequisite to play top 6 minutes on this team; Leon, Connor and Nuge (under rated but has some of the dirties inside out moves) will do that for you.
Kid's got impressive speed and shot, he'll be a significant addition to our team with the way he forechecks and goes after the play. He's like a super charged Yamamoto, skill, speed and grit, a real competitor; a lot of times that's what's required to win games.
If as you suggest ...top 6 minutes or McDavid's LW....
then most of the necessary tools are there however in watching the two games its obvious he has some growing to do.
His vision and puck handling are ok...but just okay...its definitely something that could use some focus.
His passing coming off the wall along with going to the slot or net should be practiced daily.
He has two years and him man strength to come yet but he needs 7 or 8 lbs of lean muscle to continue to play his game at the NHL level. Also here this maybe will help him stay on his feet a little better-- he loses an edge in the two games 4 or 6 times ....
I was somewhat pessimistic right after the pick....but the more I learn about this kid the more I believe ....his potential is quite high. Watching his shifts from the two games ....he is almost like a cross between Paddy Maroon and Chris Tierney, both being players we could have used.
If he continues to play centre and we get him to play 3C he will be a scoring one and will need a good playmaker ....
Maybe he saves Benson's career.
a third potential line of
Benson....Holloway.....Puljujarvi
Fantasy i realize but fun to surmise....Holloway is a couple years away at best and might not develop to his full potential.
