Sens in Process
Registered User
- Oct 1, 2012
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- 807
It has improved, but overall, it is a mixed bag of good and bad. There are moments in games, even within the same shift, where his agility and speed look fairly good, followed by moments where he appears awkward and heavy-footed. I don't think it's a lack of speed so much as an issue with balance and power in his stride. I believe he is still in his awkward phase, and once he grows into his body, some of these skating issues will be ironed out—especially if he is fully committed to on- and off-ice training.
The good news is that I was watching Brandt Clarke recently, and he is far less awkward and disjointed in his skating than he was during his junior years. This suggests there may be hope for big, lanky D-men to increase their coordination.
He has improved defensively, and he makes a lot of smart little plays during the game. His length and anticipation usually allow him to easily fend off rushes. Calgary plays against Medicine Hat all the time where he is often matched up against McKenna and has looked solid. The only issue is when he gets caught flat-footed.
He has increased his physicality this season but sometimes gets bogged down in intense physical battles with the opposition's shift disturbers. This can be a bit of a distraction at times, especially considering the team needs him—alongside three big forwards—to produce the bulk of the offense.
I have high hopes for this player and believe he will thrive in a more structured NHL environment, but a lot depends on whether he becomes a stronger, more solid skater.
You can watch him for free this Wednesday:
