TJ Hensick vs Corey Locke

Which undersized player do you think has the better chance of earning a roster spot in the NHL?

 

Isnt Hensick 5-10 while Locke is 5-8 ?

There are numerous 5-10 centers in the NHL but few below that.. so I'd say Hensick has the better chance statistically. I've not paid much attention to Locke but Ive heard he isnt that good a skater which you should be if you are going to make it as an undersized NHLer.

 

I don't know, but Hensick has less things to improve on. Both are very small, but Hensick is faster and a better skater, while Locke will need to improve his foot speed and skating, although he does a good job at slowing the play down to his level, although when things get physical thats rarely effective. Mike Ribeiro comes to mind. Hensick sees the ice well and can setup plays, but I would say Locke is a better PP specialist. Tough call for me since I am a big Locke fan, and I only saw both of them about four times each this year.

 

Since I've never seen Hensick play....Who would you say has more pure offensive skill?

 

That's the hard part cause Hensick is a really good playmaker and he racked up the assists as a freshman. But Locke has close to 300 points in the last 2 regular seasons, which is damn impressive. I'd have to go with Locke but he's got 2 years or so on Hensick, so we'll see where Hensick's offensive game is next year and the year after compared to Locke's last 2 years.

 

I only casually watched Hensick in one game on TV, so basically I have no opinion on him other than what I have read. But from reading, it sounds like he's not quite as undersized as Locke is, and he must have better speed and skating ability. Whether he has the determination and pure offensive vision that Locke does, I have no idea, but he seems to have the edge in basic physical skills, which therefore gives him the edge wrt to a future in the NHL.

Call that my $.01