Here we go I'll start with Konecny since I've already posted it in his thread.
Travis Konecny:
Offensive zone ability: B+
Offensive transition ability: A-
Puck movement and possession retention: B-
Defensive transition ability: B
Defensive zone ability: C+
Defense: Athletic
Offense: forceful
Keywords, unique identity traits: Intensity, skill, shot, speed
Room for improvement: Puck management, gear changes (mix fast with slowing down when it fits the play), thin frame, some small reads that make a difference in keeping possession of the puck
Full analysis:
Travis Konecny is a speedy, high-octane forward with a tremendous skill level and a lethal quick-release shot. Although there are some frame-concerns as he has a relatively slight build, he appears strong on his skates. Therefore while it is possible that he won't be able to dish out physical punishment with any regularity against bigger competition, I would not worry too much about his tenacity. In fact intensity and compete level are a staple of Konecny's game as he attacks loose pucks, hounds the puck-carrier, occasionally blows someone up and generally plays the game at a high tempo and at a high compete level, combine that with a very high skill level, ability to handle the puck, speed, and a very good shot and you quickly get a very alluring package.
At this point in time though, it is precisely Konecny's high intensity that sometimes prevents him from exhibiting more control over the game. He appears to be permanently stuck in highest gear mode, which at times prevents him from asserting control over the pace of the game and limits him in elevating his teammates ability. Right now his game is primarily based on exploiting those half-spaces and breakdowns rather than orchestrating the ice as a conductor.
As he matures, it should become a focus that he mixes his intensity with a more patient, poised approach and thus improves his puck-management and becomes easier and more natural to play with and in turn that should produce a more synergistic effect on his linemates. Though, even now he does not appear to be exactly lacking in vision or seeing plays at a high level, it is rather his M.O. that is tilted towards aggresiveness over the cerebral aspect that prevents him from exhibiting control and establishing that factor that makes everyone else on the ice exponentionally better. This in my mind is a key difference as vision is unlikely to be developed, but dialling someone's approach back slightly is a more realistic option. Neverheless, his reads and decision making while good aren't quite at an elite level.
Defensively he competes very hard, whether it is back-checking, forechecking, committing to board battles or putting forth an effort to positionally defend in his own zone, he does it all, though his positional sense might be the least developed out of those. Offensively he isn't afraid to attack the dirty areas, in fact he doesn't hold back from doing so but plays the game closer to a bulldog than someone who is afraid of traffic or second-guessing his choices. Right now he does most of it through his effort level and skill as his game is still a bit too all over the place and lacking pro-structure and positioning.
Despite his modest size, I am not concerned about Konecny's ability to protect the puck and keep possession of it as he is strong on his skates and shifty with a low centre of gravity which should allow him to utilize body positioning and leverage as an advantage. One thing that is particularly noticeable to me with Konecny are his "body mechanics" as his posture appears incredibly natural and at ease on ice while performing various technical aspects of the game. It does not ever really look like he is laboring or struggling with any technical element.
Going forward, Konecny's potential is vast and with slightly more structure and patience to his game he could emerge as one of the key offensive threats from the draft. It is precisely his intensity combined with skill level that makes him so appealing, however where he ultimately ends up will likely be determined by how much polish he can add to his game where a little of his endless energy should be channelled into better puck management. If he is unable to add more variety and patience and his game remains tilted completely to the compete-level side of it, he could turn out to be a 3rd line buzzsaw with skill, with more progression in those areas though Konecny should top out as a top 6 forward (more leaning to the winger side of it at this point in time) with a tantalizing combination of skill and compete level as his calling card and ability to play both PP (courtesy of his skill) and PK (courtesy of his compete level).
It should be noted that Konecny's high octane game isn't meant as a criticism, in fact it is his strength and likely to define his career. It was merely pointed out to illuminate room for improvement on the other end of the spectrum as in Konecny's case it's safe to say that slightly less might result in a lot more. Overall if Konecny had a thicker frame, a slightly better disposition for controlling the play with patience and gear changes, and a touch better reads (heck at that point we might as well be describing McDavid) we would probably be talking about a top 5 pick and maybe higher in a different draft year. However having a committed emotional leader with that combination of intensity and skill is still incredibly alluring by itself.
Developmental focus: Ease back from his all-out all-the-time intensity, mix it with a more patient game that should result in better puck management and more synergy with his linemates.
Projection: top 6 offensive threat with alluring combination of intensity and skill. Could be used on both PP and PK.
