When he played for the Habs, Popovic at 6'5", 231 lbs was the biggest physical specimen in the NHL not named Chara but he may as well have been 5'6" because he was, to quote Michel Therrien, "soff". Pillowy soft, in fact. Despite his gargantuan physique, not a single opponent was afraid of him. The only worry you would ever have going into the corners with Popovic was that he might slip, fall on top of you and accidentally crush you. But there was no malice aforethought with his game. He was your garden variety "chicken Swede", a complete and utter waste of size and skill. The old saying that "you can't teach size" is true enough but you do need to teach players who have size how to use it effectively. Popovic didn't have a clue. He was never out of work because guys that big always get another chance with another team. But his NHL career was a forgettable waste of time.
Of course, Popovic was far from the only waste of space wearing a Habs jersey in those days. He just happened to be the tallest.
