J Simmons
Registered User
- Feb 11, 2018
- 34
- 17
Cohen played Center at certain points during the year but he also needs lots of muscular development and defensive improvement to be a reliable Center man anywhere above the 3rd line. Which is why it’s not entirely out of question to assume he’s simply in need of way more development before jumping those roles. His base is something to look forward to because he’s able to set aside his size difference for the most part and still perform well, even as a rookie this past year. I should’ve elaborated and said that Cohen wasn’t YET ready for the role.Then take Lockhart off center too. He’s too small. Matter of fact, Rossi should switch positions too
You always sound too harsh in your assessment. We don’t know what these guys have been doing, especially in a hugely extended offseason. The team really is high on Cohen and have been since day 1. It’s not far-fetched to think he has a chance to be much more productive this year.
Similarly, Lockhart played wing majority of the year, despite having Center experience, he’s shown he can play Center, but arguably not as well as his performance as a winger. He’s also been with Tony Greco, a well known strength and development coach that’s known for results. He’s in an even better scenario for becoming a staple Center for Erie.. similarly to Cam Hillis. I’ll touch on that later. Marco Rossi is an entirely different case considering he’s an NHL ready prospect with the strength of a man that’s been a Center and a league staple as an offensive threat. Lockhart also has the skating ability and strong solid form, despite being even smaller than Cohen. However between the two, anything can happen in terms of development, they’re both 16-17 year old that have a ton of time to develop.
Cam hillis is another example. In his rookie years, showed he was ready to take a role higher than what he was given, despite his size. His development focused around 2 way play despite being arguably undersized. Most of his development being revolved around off ice strength and work on his defensive game.
I’m not gonna say Hoffmann is ready yet for a 2nd line role as Center but he’s got more of a chance of being ready come the beginning of the year. In advanced stats he’s Erie’s best forward defensively and somewhere around top 4-5 on the team as a whole. His offensive game is suffering a lot considering it’s pretty much the entire reason a 6’3 210+ Center man didn’t get a look in the draft. I’d say if he got 40 points he would’ve been drafted no doubt. But for now, his role on this team is SEVERELY impacted by his ability to produce offensively. That and he needs some better skating ability.