I watched him recently and his hand and vision are elite even if it is obvious that he is struggling offensively. I even liked his backchecking, he was little lost when opposing team had possession in their own end, but that could be OK if you just play him as a winger. But he was so soft and weak, totally shy of any physical contact. This is really not a player who could bring us playoff success.
I think that’s a fair write up…. His offense isn’t even really struggling(could be a lot better with some puck luck/better line mates)…. But since coming back from injury he has 8 points In 10 games…. And has been our top forward, constantly dangerous. If you ignore the small sample size to start the season, that’s pretty explainable with common sense he’s basically on par with his normal production despite low shooting percentage + bad puck luck. You see his hands and vision and how easily he gets the offensive zone and think he’d be feasting on the power play…. But he has 0 assist on powerplay. and 1 goal. Once we fix the coaching staff and give him a shooter on his line, I think he’s gunna be a 90+ point player comfortably
Defensively he’s good on back check / neutral zone, but where he can def make improvements is in the d zone…. But to his defense, most of the players on the roster look lost in our own end, I think it’s def partially a systematic issue.
As for physicality…. I don’t think you get zegras or guys like caufield/Suzuki for their physical play….. and I do think zegras isn’t afraid of board battles or even hitting when the games or more intense…. I just think he’s in a spot where all we’re playing for is to lose by less than 4 goals most nights.
