So far, I only read something about a "lower body injury". Not on the ice for today's practice in Bridgeport.Any word on his injury?
I only watched a handful of games last year so I don't have a full season to compare it to but from what I've seen the difference has really been his positioning and play along the boards. He does seem to be stronger along the boards but more importantly he's playing more down low (almost in the Anders Lee spot) and has been great at it. As good as his shot is, unfortunately his problem the last two years is he isn't able to get it off fast enough. As far as his skating, I don't see too much difference from what I saw last year. Would love to hear more thoughts from others who have the AHL package this year though.
Thanks for the update. It is disappointing to hear his skating hasn't really improved. MDC is not as big as Lee and will not make a living in the NHL by standing in front of the net. If he can't skate better and learn to get his shot off I don't see him playing in the NHL.
Anyone who has watched more games have anything more to offer?
Matt Moulson did it. He wasn't as physical as Lee but he got a lot of his points down low off of slop where he could get his shot off quickly.
Ask Anders Lee.Moulson despite all his flaws had great hand eye coordination. It's not like any player can just stand infront of the net and mimic that. I wonder how much being 2 sport players help in stuff like that(Moulson was good at lacrosse)
I’ve seeen four games and it to me is confidence, he just looks more confident with puck and making plays. I think the success early has helped his confidence. I never gave up on him as his skating isn’t good but he also isn’t slow per say. He is so big and not physical he was compared to Nash but he isn’t skater Nash was. He has gotten more involved physically this year, noticeably in fact and I think that has helped his game overall. I think he can be a third line forward who can play on PP and score 20 in NHL on a good year(cheap replacement for Ladd)Thanks for the update. It is disappointing to hear his skating hasn't really improved. MDC is not as big as Lee and will not make a living in the NHL by standing in front of the net. If he can't skate better and learn to get his shot off I don't see him playing in the NHL.
Anyone who has watched more games have anything more to offer?
We'll take ANY replacement for Ladd.I’ve seeen four games and it to me is confidence, he just looks more confident with puck and making plays. I think the success early has helped his confidence. I never gave up on him as his skating isn’t good but he also isn’t slow per say. He is so big and not physical he was compared to Nash but he isn’t skater Nash was. He has gotten more involved physically this year, noticeably in fact and I think that has helped his game overall. I think he can be a third line forward who can play on PP and score 20 in NHL on a good year(cheap replacement for Ladd)
If MDC can be Patrick Sharp then it will work out. Sharp did not make NHL until he is 24 and did have quite a few productive seasons with the Hawks during his prime.Lol players that need to 25 to be NHL ready don't help. Remember most fans don't want to even sign a guy who is 28 because he's to old.
Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Really upbeat guy considering where he came from.
It would not surprise me to see him have a Josh Bailey trajectory. I’m not necessarily comparing their statistical upside, but I can see Dal Colle slowly progressing each season until he’s finally a useful and appreciated player.
Both are high character guys with good IQ, drafted high and have been questioned in the early parts of their career.
Lol players that need to 25 to be NHL ready don't help. Remember most fans don't want to even sign a guy who is 28 because he's to old.
Micheal will never have the beautiful eyes that Taylor had.Good for him. Maybe he has turned a corner; let’s see what he can do st the NHL ranks.
At this point maybe, just maybe, he can carve out a bottom 6 niche ala a slower Taylor Pyatt (now there’s a blast from that past).
Which is like rooting for General Motors or IBM.Thought he did too until I read that he's a Pats fan.
Lol players that need to 25 to be NHL ready don't help. Remember most fans don't want to even sign a guy who is 28 because he's to old.
Fans don't want to sign guys who are 28 when they're looking for monster deals that will end up badly for the team. Late bloomers can be locked up for cheap so the age thing isn't nearly as big of a concern. Nice try though.
Do you have a source?He got called up. Micheal it’s your time now all in or nothing.