Stanley’s skating was not considered an asset whatsoever during his draft, he moves reasonably well for his size was about as good as it got. His 6’7 frame was the selling point.
From Brock Otten 2016
Strengths
- Logan Stanley is 6’7 and 220 pounds and he actually moves reasonably well. He’s worked very hard to improve his skating, and his stride is a lot more fluid and powerful.
Weakensses
- His lateral and backwards agility still need work, and he needs to keep his feet moving off the rush.
- There is a lot to like and the progression he’s shown this year is incredibly impressive. I just don’t like the track record of using high picks on players like Stanley — that being huge defenders who project as stay at home defenders at the next level. The game is evolving, and while size will likely always be king, it’s built on speed more than anything now. I think that negates some of the impact that a guy like Stanley can have at the NHL level.
I have noticed that part I bolded. A lot of bigger prospects aren't afforded the same patience they might have been in the past. Teams are still willing to give them a look but they have been quick to move on from them over recent years. Hunter Smith was drafted as an over age prospect by Calgary and he was listed at 6'7. Once he finished his ELC the Flames let him walk. Justin Auger (6'6) was drafted by LA, he even earned a few NHL games but was let go after his ELC. Justin Brazeau (6'6) was a CHL free agent who had a dominant season and he could only get an AHL contract and played last season in the ECHL. I had asked one of the Sens reporters if the Sens were interested in signing him and they said they didn't like his skating. Curtis Douglas (6'8) was drafted by Dallas and has put up solid stats in the OHL. The Stars decided the let his draft rights expire, he wasn't drafted this year and he hasn't signed a deal with any NHL team at this point.
There are likely way more examples than that. Skating may have not been the issue with the players I mentioned but it appears to be an issue with some of them. In the past teams would have been happy to get bigger prospects that could put up the points they did but now they struggle to get a look.
With regards to your comment about using high draft picks on players like Stanley, Samuel Morin and Dylan Mcilrath come to mind. Morin (6'6) was drafted 11th overall by Philadelphia and Miclrath (6'5) was drafted 10th overall by New York. So far neither have really panned out. Morin has had a bunch of injuries and Mcilrath wasn't qualified by New York and is now with Detroit. I guess a counter argument could be Tyler Myers (6'8) and Jamie Oleksiak (6'7). Both are good players and have panned out in different ways.
But to your point, players like Logan Stanley (or players who may have similar upside) should usually be available in the mid rounds. It is a meaningful tradeoff to pass on the types of players that are usually available in the mid to late first round.
