I do have a theory. To stay in NHL as a forward you either have to be consistent goal scorer, a passing wizard, a big power forward with ability to contribute on secondary scoring and good with hits and taking pucks off players on the board or corner, or excel at face-off or penalty killing. You can have all the fancy skills but if you can't help to produce and does nothing to learn the defensive side of the game, coaches will not let you stay in the line-up because you can have negative value.
I think for JHS to want to make and stay in NHL, he has to do few things now:
- decide if he really wants to pursue a AHL or NHL career, if so he needs to set up a S.M.A.R.T. plan and stay positive and passionate about the game. If he is not motivated enough, he will not stick to his plan and succeed.
- train hard, build endurance and get in top physical shape, a must for top pro athletes in any sport
- learn how to kill penalty, watch tons of video, hire a defensive specialist coach tow work with him one on one and practice killing penalties and stick check in his own time, maybe even learning how to win face-offs. Ask coaches to give a chance to learn how to do this starting with drills in minor league and then work his way up, conquering one task at a time. Yes he may have to learn how to block shots without getting serious hurt as often you may be required to do so on PK.
- sharpen up his shooting skills, in particular how fast he can shoot and aim for the five targets - top and lower corner and five holes. Rent a rink or convert his garage and purchase a target shooting machine for practices. Check out and practice with different sticks until you find one best improve your shot without negatively impact the puck handling. If you can shoot quickly, goalies can't see your shot and may miss the puck as you can only stop what you can see unless you get lucky. If you can aim for the five holes, you have even a better chance to beat the goalies. practice shooting from all kinds of angle as you can't always be in the preferred spot to shoot the pucks. Deflecting shots can also be worked on later but it is more important to manage the first shot, especially when facing the goalie alone. I would also add practicing how to receive a pass even a bouncing one because without having the puck on your stick in the right place/angle & settle it down you will not be able to get a good shot away. Good shooters can turn a so so pass into a good one. JHS lacks the NHL size to be always able to carry the puck up by himself, especially when going against bigger elite puck checking forward and defenseman so he has to learn to be either a great passer or be better at receiving a quick pass anywhere on the ice. If he has a shot first mentality this is particularly important.
- put in the time to study all top 6 forwards and top 4 defenseman in the NHL, pay close attention to see what they do on ice and how they use their skills and puck management to be successful in game situation. Open up and ask veterans for help whenever he needs it. Knowing your opposition will also sharpen your understanding of the game and be more ready to play.
I think he can always pass, handle pucks and definitely skate well. Maybe his hockey IQ need some work though. But if you train yourself to be more focused, battle ready, and be always prepared for the games, the hockey IQ can improve with experience. A good timely sleep, proper diet and meditating can all help with focus.
He is not too old to work his way back. He needs to know his plan extremely well and be very discipline to stick to work on those little parts one at a time. Aim small at first and then aim big once he knows he is close.
If AHL/NHL is not for him, then he better start searching for other education/skills and aim for a new career. He has to understand that he has to prove that he is willing to prove to his sport team that he will put in the extra work to stay on the right path of a become a full time sport pro.
Do not try to be someone else. Every hockey player is unique, knowing his own strength, limit, and weakness is a must to start analysing himself and executing his plan.
Be professional, reliable and know your place. Stay away from criticizing coach, teammates, management, and any staff until you become a proven veteran leader on the team. Better to stay quiet and respectful when you have not yet come close to making the team consistently. The only time you should file a complaint is when your civil right has been abused.
