You cant just trade for size
Who is going to trade a Seabrook/Hedman/Weber/Chara for a small winger?
Explain to me that
Skill and size aren't mutually exclusive. Just like size and grit are not the same at all.
Most guys with skill AND size come off the board in round 1. After that, it's pretty much either or, and if a guy with skill and size drops out, there's usually some massive flaw (character, terrible skater, etc) that brings up red flags, much like lack of size is for pure skill guys or lack of skill for pure size guys. So basically, when drafting in later rounds, it's either:
A. Draft skill over size and tell him to put on weight to survive NHL brutality
B. Draft size over skill and hope the guy is able to develop NHL level skills or be able to skate.
C. Draft a physical freak (size, skating, big shot) and teach him how to play pro hockey and think the game at the pro level
Look at some notable later round size guys:
- Lucic: Was pretty much a big hitter with little skill, then was able to develop skills to suit his game
- Weber: Big guy with a big shot who developed all around skills to become an elite d-man
- Chara: The definition of a physical freak project that worked out. People forget how late he bloomed.
- Hedman: He was drafted 2nd overall for a reason. Had the complete package of size and skill right away.
- Seabrook: Again, top 10 pick for a reason. Size and skill.
That said, I do like drafting skill simply because size is big a factor as the player makes it to be. If the player plays a soft perimeter game and doesn't use his size to hit, shield the puck, or even reach on pokes, then it really is a non-factor. To me, it's not so much "how big are you?" as much as it is "how big do you play?". I'd rather have a skill guy that makes the most of his frame than a size guy that plays like he's half a foot shorter.
Oh, and we do have a big core piece. It's JVR. And just because he isn't a heavy hitter doesn't mean he doesn't use his size. Same with Sundin last decade.