LD Adam Burt
THE FINESSE GAME
Were it not for the injuries which forced him to miss a quarter of the season, Burt's season would have gone down into the books as his best. He was reliable night in and night out, he played a strong physical game, and he improved his ability to bring the puck out of the zone.
Burt was more involved offensively last season, but he hasn't yet tapped his full potential. He is used on the power play but it not a top-flight point man. Confidence is a major factor, and more experience should bump up his power play contributions this season.
An excellent one-on-one defender on a transition defense, Burt will strip the puck from a player using a poke check and stand up skaters at the blue line.
Burt has evolved into a pretty smart defenseman. He makes much better decisions with the puck and has limited his mental mistakes. He moves the puck smartly without creating opportunities for the opposing team -- once one of his grave weaknesses -- and has cut down on the turnovers.
THE PHYSICAL GAME
Big but not strong, Burt works hard off the ice to gain more upper body and leg strength. He does not consistently control his man along the wall, nor does he drive people off the puck as well as a player of his size should. Burt is aware that his team needs him to establish a more physical presence, and he combines a willingness to hit with the desire to build himself up so he can be a legimate thrasher.
A more uptempo physical game will give him more room to move, and more time to make better plays -- an asset, since his hand and foot speed is only average.
Fighting does not come naturally to Burt, but he will do it and hold his own in order to make a point or aid a teammate.
THE INTANGIBLES
Burt is a coach's favourite, since no one ever has to worry about whether or not he will show up every night. He does. He is never going to accumulate showy point totals -- 50 points in a healthy, full season should be his max -- but Burt will be a steady defenseman who can contribute in all zones. His attitude is upbear, and he is quick to learn and improve.[/