My league just finished its 3-round entry draft (26 teams), and one of our top drafters went last... so naturally I dive into this player, a defenseman where there is a premium on skilled blueliners.
As I’m researching this kid I see lots of standard DMan jargon, but I do come across this quote that stays with me:
"But they (the scouted kid’s teammates) think if they make one good pass and maybe the NHL might like you, too," Coach said of the rest of the team. "It just doesn't work that way. They try to do something heroic where the simple play is there. In the end, the NHL guy thinks, 'That guy can't play hockey. He had a simple play and he tried something heroic.'"
This is exactly how I see Edler... he was more dynamic when he was younger and that was exciting even though there was risk. But he’s as steady as they come now, eating tough minutes and contributing where he can... he no longer has to shoulder the entire offensive responsibilities from the back end. Him making the simple play allows our skilled players to be dynamic.
I am happy he’s there to mentor the new Canucks... carrying on a strong tradition from the Sedins, Linden, et al. Horvat and EP40 take the mantle once Alex retires.