I think at the pro level yes he needs to be faster, including pro minors. His speed was fine in junior.
First, he needs a good skating coach and work on his speed for the next two years. Technique goes a long ways, especially in the first few strides, as does strength.
And so, speaking of strength, I think the kid is strong, at least in his lower body. But, he's listed as 6 feet, 210 pounds. Unless he's 8% body fat at 210 pounds, he can and should get down to 200. That's still a brick of a guy if he's strong.
Now, Taresenko is the same height but almost 220, but you can know that he's mostly muscle. Sokolov can be 210-220 someday, but he needs to be lean-ish and still remain quick.
First, he needs a good skating coach and work on his speed for the next two years. Technique goes a long ways, especially in the first few strides, as does strength.
And so, speaking of strength, I think the kid is strong, at least in his lower body. But, he's listed as 6 feet, 210 pounds. Unless he's 8% body fat at 210 pounds, he can and should get down to 200. That's still a brick of a guy if he's strong.
Now, Taresenko is the same height but almost 220, but you can know that he's mostly muscle. Sokolov can be 210-220 someday, but he needs to be lean-ish and still remain quick.
