Player Discussion Adam Larsson Part II - The Right Hand (Mod Warning Post #1)

[VoidCreature]

Devils fan here. I don't know how much offensive potential Larsson has, but I think people are focusing on that aspect of his game a little too much.

Ken Daneyko didn't provide much offense either, but his number is still in the rafters. You guys got a good one. If there's another player in the game he reminds me of it's Anton Stralman from the Lightning.

 

[Fourier]

Excellent skater, good puck mover in all 3 zones. Solid hockey sense but prone to gaffes in D zone at times (being a young D). More of a two way D as he doesnt have killer offensive instincts in offensive zone but will still jump in on the rush and can handle the puck. Also not a rock defensively, but can more than handle himself defensively

For notable comparables- Id used Ryan McDonaugh for play style

I think theyll be a great fit because they are both smart, mobile D. Larsson will be able to jump in offensively as Klefbom has played the defensive role when paired with Schultz. Klefbom will be also be more engaged as Larsson is a rock defensively and cover him there. I actually think they are pretty similar D (Larsson has had leash on offensively so tough to compare there)

The pair might have some shy offensive numbers tho. Cant see either posting over 30-35. But theyll be more than good in transitioning puck and from D side of things.

I am giddy thinking about this pairing tho

We don't really know what Klefbom's offensive ceiling will be. He was drafted as an offensive defenseman and from that point on was concentrating primarily on the defensive side of the game. But he does have 27 ES points in his last 82 games played. TO put that in perspective Barrie had 26 ES pts in 78 games last year. Now Barrie had 37 ES points the year before so I am not saying he is as good offensively as Barrie but rather that he has quietly put up some very good numbers of late. If he plays with Larsson he will be able to take more chances and he should be able to maintain his ES scoring. This is one way in which I think Larsson actually adds to the Oilers offense.

 

[PossessedHockeyCard*]

I'm not expecting to be impressed by Larsson, but I damn sure hope he does, actually more excited about Klefbom playing with Larsson. Wish the season started tomorrow

 

[Blitzago*]

We don't really know what Klefbom's offensive ceiling will be. He was drafted as an offensive defenseman and from that point on was concentrating primarily on the defensive side of the game. But he does have 27 ES points in his last 82 games played. TO put that in perspective Barrie had 26 ES pts in 78 games last year. Now Barrie had 37 ES points the year before so I am not saying he is as good offensively as Barrie but rather that he has quietly put up some very good numbers of late. If he plays with Larsson he will be able to take more chances and he should be able to maintain his ES scoring. This is one way in which I think Larsson actually adds to the Oilers offense.

No he wasn't drafted as an offensive d man??

 

[Aerrol]

No he wasn't drafted as an offensive d man??

I remember him being drafted as an offensive dman, but a quick google suggest 'toolsy' is a better phrase. Here are some reports I found with a quick google:

"Klefbom is a raw, tantalizing talent. He has great size for a rearguard, is an excellent skater, and has tremendous natural offensive instincts. This combination of size, speed, and skill had scouts salivating over him in the 2011 draft. He has work to do on his positioning, his defensive play, and generally on the finer aspects of the game and will be given every opportunity to develop those abilities"
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/oscar_klefbom/

"Sweden’s top puck rusher is Brodin’s teammate in Farjestad and is a much flashier prospect because he zooms up the ice like he’s been shot from a cannon, fires the puck hard and plays a more aggressive, dynamic style. He may not be Brodin’s equal defensively or even in how he processes and thinks the game, but we love the way he activates at the right time and will jump into the play."
http://thehockeywriters.com/the-nex...rospect-profile-the-other-swedish-defenseman/

"A very good skater with great size (6-3" 200lbs) and with the fire in his game to play physical, Klefbom game should translate well from Europe to North America. In addition to his size and physical play, he has the ability to rush the puck up the ice and also has a hard shot.

While he does have to continue refining his game and to learn how to simplify his game, he has size, mobility and offensive potential to make any of the top 15 teams taking a long look at Klefbom."
http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2011/6/20/2229519/hw-2011-prospects-oscar-klefbom

 

[doubledown99]

I know this thread is about Larsson but there are some posts about Klefbom. Klef was definitely a very intriguing pick heading into the 2011 NHL draft. Kirk Luedke (who ran at the time a very informative draft blog) had some really good things to say about Klef and thought he could be the best dman in the 2011 draft (if everything went well with development):

If the Bruins were to draft Klefbom ninth, it would certainly be a debated, even criticized pick. However, with his impressive offensive ceiling, exuberance and willingness to work at his shortcomings, this is one of those swing-for-the-fences type picks.

Klefbom Scouting report:

Strengths: Excellent size and athleticism; will play at 215-220 pounds when he reaches his physical maturity. Very good skater with quick burst, speed and smooth lateral movement and footwork. Powerful leg drive; has a long stride and is strong on his skates. Aggressive, dynamic puck rusher loves to take the puck up ice. Heavy booming slap shot with good release. Effective in puck distribution, especially when on the power play, but a better triggerman because of his big blast. Also possesses a hard wrister that he uses effectively. Loves to shoot the puck from just about anywhere on the ice. Good bodychecker; likes to go for the big hit and plays with gusto along the walls, taking every chance he can to initiate contact. Passionate, exuberant player who brings one of the most outgoing and engaging personalities to the draft class. Speaks excellent English- is easy going yet highly competitive. Carries himself with the confident air of a natural leader. A captain and winner.

Weaknesses: Undisciplined; attacking style lands him in trouble when he pinches at wrong times. Not an overly instinctive player- succeeds because he has size and mobility on his side, but will sometimes run around and try to do too much. Hockey sense may not be good enough for him to reach the production levels his pure talent would allow for. Rough around the edges and has to guard against taking bad penalties, but no major flaws in his game.

http://bruins2011draftwatch.blogspot.ca/search/label/Oscar Klefbom

Here's what Red Line Report had to say about Klefbom in the 2011 Draft Guide: Could turn out to be the top d-man from this class. Needs to work on positional play and defensive awareness- gets lost in coverage at times. But overall, great upside. Team captain is a confident, take-charge guy and obvious team leader. Red Line also compared Klefbom style-wise to Brent Burns.

 

[doubledown99]

Here is Larsson's scouting report from Kirk:

Scouting report:

Strengths: Excellent size with room to fill out and long limbs. Powerful skater who is smooth with his stride and footwork. Smooth and graceful in his movements; quick acceleration and fine speed. Moves well laterally and backwards. Very good puckhandler and passer from the back end. Makes the crisp breakouts and quick clears. When in control, has as much poise and skill as anyone...can confidently move the puck out on his own and will jump into the play. Good, hard shot-- getting more involved offensively as the games go on. Larsson has very good hands and vision for advancing the puck and hitting teammates with speed coming out of their zone. He plays a smart positional game and has a big shot. He can run the power play effectively as both a distributor and triggerman. He showed off his powerful stride and ability to move well laterally, and was especially good at moving the puck and making outlet passes. Larsson is a smart guy who sees the ice well and has a high panic point, meaning he'll hold onto the puck until the last possible second for his teammates to get open, meaning he often takes a good amount of hits over the course of a game and season. He also has a booming shot and can score his share of them from the point.

Weaknesses:Struggled with injuries this year- missing time because of an injury and he got banged up in a March 22 playoff game against Luleå, injuring his shoulder and not dressing for the next contest. With forecheckers in his grill, his decision-making deteriorates and he turns the puck over. Like most players, disrupt his time/space and he starts to make mistakes. As many with late birthdates who emerge as draft frontrunners early, he's had his game nitpicked and some wonder if he can truly be a legitimate No. 1 two-way cornerstone at the NHL level, but he has all the tools to be very, very good regardless. Needs to improve upper body strength, but will do so when he gets on an NHL strength and conditioning program.

http://bruins2011draftwatch.blogspot.ca/search/label/Adam Larsson

 

[MoneyGuy]

Devils fan here. I don't know how much offensive potential Larsson has, but I think people are focusing on that aspect of his game a little too much....

I agree. I grew up with old-time hockey, and I believe that defencemen should be defenders first (usually, guys like Orr and Coffey are notable exceptions). If Larsson is as good as promised defensively, I think we have a good one.

I'm not expecting to be impressed by Larsson....

I am.

 

[snipes]

I agree. I grew up with old-time hockey, and I believe that defencemen should be defenders first (usually, guys like Orr and Coffey are notable exceptions). If Larsson is as good as promised defensively, I think we have a good one.

This.

Defensive responsibilities first, and an ability to calmly under pressure make the first pass to begin a breakout out of the defensive zone. Larsson has a very good and crisp first pass.

It was absurd how often throughout a game our D would panic under the forecheck and give the puck away by blindly firing it up the boards only to be picked off and keep us hemmed in. It happened over and over again every game.

 

[Forgot About Drai]

I truly think that Klefboms game will go the next level playing with Larsson. Its a match made in heaven.

For once, Klefa wont have to be the "responsible" d partner and put out all the fires. Knowing you have a reliable defensive stalwart as your D partner will do wonders for Klefa's on-ice confidence and overall play.

 

[Replacement*]

Agreed. Klefbom is a far better, smoother skater than Larsson right now although Larsson improved his skating from 2 seasons ago. Klef has better offensive zone instincts as well while Larsson has a better outlet pass.
Larsson is a far more polished defensive player. In fact, I'd rate him as a top 10 defensive player right now. His shutdown ability is top notch. Fantastic positioning and stickwork, he added a physical dimension last season as his confidence grew.

Again, how does anybody here know what kind of skater Klefbom is since his severe foot infection issues? As for reports he lost appreciable tissue in the foot as well due to the infection.

Is it just assumed this serious infection isn't going to impact at all going forward?

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

I think as a defense pairing Larsson and Klefbom makes a tonne of sense. Klefbom's strong skating ability should help support Larsson, and Larsson's defensive ability should help support Klefbom. As a pairing to go up against the other team's best players these two could really excel together. They should defend well and have the ability to counter punch with their strong passing ability and Klefbom's ability to skate the puck out.

I'm curious to see how basically adding a brand new top-4 pairing affects the other d-men. Should allow Sekera to show his strengths a little more and hopefully it positively affects the younger guys like Davidson, Reinhart, Oesterle and Nurse. Aside from Nurse they seemed to get better down the stretch with more responsibility. Hopefully that continues with more sheltered minutes. Should be interesting to see which guys earn the bottom few spots.

 

[Aerchon]

Again, how does anybody here know what kind of skater Klefbom is since his severe foot infection issues? As for reports he lost appreciable tissue in the foot as well due to the infection.

Is it just assumed this serious infection isn't going to impact at all going forward?

While I highly doubt the organization or Klefbom himself would outline and publicly state the potential lingering or permanent damage/discomfort he will have moving forward all the reports from the organization and himself say he is 100%.

He has been in the public eye a bit more this year than previous and no comments have been made towards any lingering issues.

We will just have to wait and see if he has lost a step.

I am extremly stoked about a Larsson Klefbom pairing. Like others have said they seem to be a pairing made in heaven. What one is slightly lacking the other provides. Very cool.

 

[Aerrol]

While I highly doubt the organization or Klefbom himself would outline and publicly state the potential lingering or permanent damage/discomfort he will have moving forward all the reports from the organization and himself say he is 100%.

He has been in the public eye a bit more this year than previous and no comments have been made towards any lingering issues.

We will just have to wait and see if he has lost a step.

I am extremly stoked about a Larsson Klefbom pairing. Like others have said they seem to be a pairing made in heaven. What one is slightly lacking the other provides. Very cool.

I refuse to let myself get excited about anything Oilers related except McDavid until we actually start showing it, but I agree that on paper it looks like a hell of a pairing.

Just a lot has to go right for that to actually translate into reality.

 

[Jejune]

I refuse to let myself get excited about anything Oilers related except McDavid until we actually start showing it, but I agree that on paper it looks like a hell of a pairing.

Just a lot has to go right for that to actually translate into reality.

Yeah. I remember looking forward to Nikitin-Fayne. Good god was I off on that one.

Realistically these guys won't disappoint like that, but things never turn out quite like you expect.

 

[Aerchon]

I refuse to let myself get excited about anything Oilers related except McDavid until we actually start showing it, but I agree that on paper it looks like a hell of a pairing.

Just a lot has to go right for that to actually translate into reality.

Disagree.

Very little has to go right for the pairing to do well. Healthy, which is easier said than done in oil country but one shouldn't plan for injuries to its top pairing even with Klefs history. But both have proven themselves against NHL top competition, albiet Klefbom small sample, and both young with upside.

The ever mysterious "chemistry" could botch things but that again is unplannable.

It really doesn't get any better for "planning" a young top 4 pairing.

I understand your concerns and share them to some extent but at some point you got to let go of all those bad years and realize. Holy ****, that's a real team we are fielding for the first time in ten years!

It may not work out, and historically it hasn't, but I think we go into this season with no real question marks in our line up... Besides a PP right shooting specialist I suppose and a questionable back up. But that's really getting into the minor details.

Depth in all positions, strength down the middle, solid starting goalie...

I am a going a bit overboard and predicting a playoff spot myself but I don't see how this line up doesn't claw its way into the mix this year at its worst.

 

[Aerchon]

Yeah. I remember looking forward to Nikitin-Fayne. Good god was I off on that one.

Realistically these guys won't disappoint like that, but things never turn out quite like you expect.

Exactly. Nikita Fayne was wishful thinking they could handle regular top four duties with their history but it was "possible" so we hoped.

Realistically these guys shouldn't disappoint in roles they have already shown success.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

Yeah. I remember looking forward to Nikitin-Fayne. Good god was I off on that one.

Realistically these guys won't disappoint like that, but things never turn out quite like you expect.

Low risk high reward that Nikitin

 

[Aerrol]

Disagree.

Very little has to go right for the pairing to do well. Healthy, which is easier said than done in oil country but one shouldn't plan for injuries to its top pairing even with Klefs history. But both have proven themselves against NHL top competition, albiet Klefbom small sample, and both young with upside.

The ever mysterious "chemistry" could botch things but that again is unplannable.

It really doesn't get any better for "planning" a young top 4 pairing.

I understand your concerns and share them to some extent but at some point you got to let go of all those bad years and realize. Holy ****, that's a real team we are fielding for the first time in ten years!

It may not work out, and historically it hasn't, but I think we go into this season with no real question marks in our line up... Besides a PP right shooting specialist I suppose and a questionable back up. But that's really getting into the minor details.

Depth in all positions, strength down the middle, solid starting goalie...

I am a going a bit overboard and predicting a playoff spot myself but I don't see how this line up doesn't claw its way into the mix this year at its worst.

Re: bolded, I agree. At some point you do have to let go of the negativity... That point for me is after I see them in real NHL games .

As for not a lot, the length of your explanation says otherwise for me: stay healthy, not regress under the most pressure they've ever seen (especially Larsson), show chemistry. It's definitely possible, but I personally don't see it as more than 50/50 odds at best.

 

[PBandJ]

I just hope Oilers fans (this board specifically) don't get all over him when he makes a mistake just because he was the player we traded Hall for. This board will be intolerable (if it isn't already...haha).

If he shows up and plays his position effectively, he'll be fine.

He's not special, no player is above criticism.

 

[duul]

Re: bolded, I agree. At some point you do have to let go of the negativity... That point for me is after I see them in real NHL games .

As for not a lot, the length of your explanation says otherwise for me: stay healthy, not regress under the most pressure they've ever seen (especially Larsson), show chemistry. It's definitely possible, but I personally don't see it as more than 50/50 odds at best.

If the team stays healthy I think we are playoff bound. We can afford to lose a forward or two but losing one of Klef/Larsson/Davidson/Sekera for a prolonged period of time will mean someone like Nurse or Fayne has to play big minutes. That would be our downfall.

 

[iCanada]

Larsson is about as technically sound a skater as you can find. He isn't however McDavid, his acceleration and his top speed are average; not poor by any means but he isn't fast.

I think conversations about Skating are my biggest pet peeve.

"Skating" is such a general thing to talk about. Saying someone is a good skater is kind of like saying someone is a "good offender." What does that mean; Is he good at finding dangerous areas of the ice? Is he good at shooting? Is he good at passing? Is he good at controlling the puck? Is he good at producing points? Is he good at creating space for his linemates? Is he good at deking?

No one talks about offensive skills in absolutes, but for some reason skating seems to be considered this one attribute when someones ability to skate has just as many facets as scoring is:
What is your top speed?
How well do you accelerate?
Can you skate in a number of different gears?
What kind of edgework do you have; Are you a "smooth" skater? How well do you change directions while skating?

No one recognizes there are multiple facets of "skating." You'll be having a discussion and someone will say "man Draisaitl is a **** skater!" and someone else will say "No, Draisaitl has good skating!" and they both think they are talking about the same thing but they are actually talking about different things.



For example:

McDavid is a penultimate skater. He is good at it all.

Hemsky was a technically good skater, but his top speed was mediocre.

Hall is a hella fast skater with good acceleration but his edgework leaves something to desire.

RNH has very strong edgework and acceleration, but his top speed is mediocre.

Draistatl has mediocre edgework; a technically sound skater with great top speed, but his acceleration is terrible and he has trouble blowing by people with the puck because he has trouble cutting to the net at top flight.

Penner had sloppy skating in that he had very poor edgework, probably one of the least "smooth" top line NHL players ever seen, but by all accounts he had good acceleration and top speed. His ability to get around wasn't really a big problem.

 

[Oilking83]

Larsson is about as technically sound a skater as you can find. He isn't however McDavid, his acceleration and his top speed are average; not poor by any means but he isn't fast.

I think conversations about Skating are my biggest pet peeve.

"Skating" is such a general thing to talk about. Saying someone is a good skater is kind of like saying someone is a "good offender." What does that mean; Is he good at finding dangerous areas of the ice? Is he good at shooting? Is he good at passing? Is he good at controlling the puck? Is he good at producing points? Is he good at creating space for his linemates? Is he good at deking?

No one talks about offensive skills in absolutes, but for some reason skating seems to be considered this one attribute when someones ability to skate has just as many facets as scoring is:
What is your top speed?
How well do you accelerate?
Can you skate in a number of different gears?
What kind of edgework do you have; Are you a "smooth" skater? How well do you change directions while skating?

No one recognizes there are multiple facets of "skating." You'll be having a discussion and someone will say "man Draisaitl is a **** skater!" and someone else will say "No, Draisaitl has good skating!" and they both think they are talking about the same thing but they are actually talking about different things.



For example:

McDavid is a penultimate skater. He is good at it all.

Hemsky was a technically good skater, but his top speed was mediocre.

Hall is a hella fast skater with good acceleration but his edgework leaves something to desire.

RNH has very strong edgework and acceleration, but his top speed is mediocre.

Draistatl has mediocre edgework; a technically sound skater with great top speed, but his acceleration is terrible and he has trouble blowing by people with the puck because he has trouble cutting to the net at top flight.

Penner had sloppy skating in that he had very poor edgework, probably one of the least "smooth" top line NHL players ever seen, but by all accounts he had good acceleration and top speed. His ability to get around wasn't really a big problem.

Hemsky's top speed was average? News to me. You could say maybe his edge work wasn't the best, but his top speed was really good.

Anyways with Larsson his acceleration and top speed seem average but his lateral movement is there.

 

[Blitzago*]

Hemsky's top speed was average? News to me. You could say maybe his edge work wasn't the best, but his top speed was really good.

Anyways with Larsson his acceleration and top speed seem average but his lateral movement is there.

I don't know what hemsky the poster you quoted was watching, he had a very good top speed.

 

[iCanada]

Hemsky's top speed was average? News to me. You could say maybe his edge work wasn't the best, but his top speed was really good.

Anyways with Larsson his acceleration and top speed seem average but his lateral movement is there.

Hemsky had elite acceleration, average to slightly above average top speed. Average might be the poor word for it, he was faster top end than the average NHL player, but compared to his top 6 peers, I would certainly call average an apt word.

If he had a strong top speed he would have had more break-aways in his prime, and he wouldn't have lost fasted skater competitions to guys like Horcoff or Stoll who were in no means speedsters. He never really blew by kids with shear speed, more of a come in slow and change gears faster than they can. Thats not really speed, it is more is acceleration. Hemsky got from A to B faster than most players, but if you gave most players enough time they'd overtake him.

But, we are talking about a guy I havn't really watched play in years, so i could be mis-remembering.

And agreed, Larsson's lateral movement is beautiful.