It seems to be the Tkachuk thing all over. Obviously Brady is a better hockey player, but there’s this fear that they’ve somehow peaked at 18 which I think is only possible for players like Drouin who have elite junior level skill. Barlow has a professional skillset.
The thing don’t like about Balow is that there is zero manipulation to is game but it is hard to argue with the result he make the right read and is extremely efficient.
I don’t feel like he manipulate the D or coverage to create time and space, but I feel like he does have the ability use the time and space that is available to him in a very efficient way. Is shot is good but it isn’t elite, he score by driving the net, tips puck, getting body position to sheild the puck and getting to rebounds, out working everyone in tight space, very linear great habits, it is less flashy than other but very effective. skating, stick handling, shot, play making, size they are all above avg but none are elite, the way he able to bring everything together with is smart and hard work should translate and the floor seem very high but ultimately you can still the question the upside and if he going to be able to do it vs. bigger, stronger and better D in the NHL, just like you can question if a guy like Cristall can translate his skills to the NHL… the mass will always value flashy skills that why I think Barlow is undervalued even if he seem to have a NHlL skill set.
