News Article: Akil Thomas - For Our Legacy

[deeshamrock]

Good interview/article on Akil Thomas, who seems to be a very intelligent, ambitious and multifaceted young man. After reading this, you can see why the Kings thought so much of him, and it goes beyond his hockey talent.

Good read

Akil Thomas is redefining what it means to be young and Black in pro hockey - Sportsnet.ca

Click to read more...

 

[kilowatt]

This is awesome. Akil seems to have a great head on his shoulders and looks like he's going to be a pretty good NHL player to boot. In case some people are unaware, I'll also link to his Soul on Ice podcast, and specifically his interview with Byfield.

 

[King'sPawn]

This is awesome. Akil seems to have a great head on his shoulders and looks like he's going to be a pretty good NHL player to boot. In case some people are unaware, I'll also link to his Soul on Ice podcast, and specifically his interview with Byfield.

Is that the first or second interview (Sorry don't have time to listen now)?

Byfield gad a great chirp at Akil in the first, before Byfield was drafted

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I just can't love this kid enough.

 

[Statto]

I’ve followed him closely since we drafted him as he has always interested me. He’s going to be an important culture guy in the team going forward and could easily be a future A if not a C.... a very smart, self assured guy.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I’ve followed him closely since we drafted him as he has always interested me. He’s going to be an important culture guy in the team going forward and could easily be a future A if not a C.... a very smart, self assured guy.

Yet warm and welcoming, rather than abraisive or in-your-face about his beliefs.

 

[kilowatt]

Is that the first or second interview (Sorry don't have time to listen now)?

Byfield gad a great chirp at Akil in the first, before Byfield was drafted

This was in October after Byfield was drafted, but I'm not aware of an earlier interview ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[King'sPawn]

This was in October after Byfield was drafted, but I'm not aware of an earlier interview ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

For some reason the earlier ones aren't available. But here's a funny quote when Byfield was on the first time, in early 2020 (their third episode)

 

[kingsboy11]

I just f***ing love this kid. Everything about him

 

[Eagle Fang]

Of all the players in ONT this year, it seems like Thomas has been on the end of the most physical punishment so far. He's been tackled, mugged, and hit from behind quite a bit. Doesn't have the skill of the top guys but he gets dirty. Just wished he deal some back but that's not his game.

Not sure who's play style he resembles. Maybe somewhere between JW and Lewis?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Of all the players in ONT this year, it seems like Thomas has been on the end of the most physical punishment so far. He's been tackled, mugged, and hit from behind quite a bit. Doesn't have the skill of the top guys but he gets dirty. Just wished he deal some back but that's not his game.

Not sure who's play style he resembles. Maybe somewhere between JW and Lewis?

I know it's sacrilege but I think that's a good one. I've been using the JDub comparison for a while, especially with the willingness to get his nose in there. Maybe not quite as spicy or with that 70+ pt ceiling JW had which is where Lewis comes in.

 

[Eagle Fang]

I know it's sacrilege but I think that's a good one. I've been using the JDub comparison for a while, especially with the willingness to get his nose in there. Maybe not quite as spicy or with that 70+ pt ceiling JW had which is where Lewis comes in.

100% agreed. With so much skill in the prospect pool, it's good to start seeing more of that compete aspect in some of the prospects. Dolan is showing good things along with a bit of skill and hopefully Thomas can follow suit. I'm with you in that I think his offensive potential at the NHL level is below JDub, but above Lewis. If he can become a 20-40pt, bottom-6 player who brings the compete, I'd be thrilled.

Definitely rooting for him.

 

[BringTheReign]

He's definitely given that Game 7 pedigree a good start with the golden goal last WJC.

 

[Statto]

Interesting the bit about questions relating to Thomas’ character in his draft year, obviously nonsense. It kind of parallels some of the questions raised about Byfields IQ...

I love this kid, he will be a solid bottom 6 guy that can play up and down the lineup as needed. Hopefully he gets a couple of games this year.ll

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Interesting the bit about questions relating to Thomas’ character in his draft year, obviously nonsense. It kind of parallels some of the questions raised about Byfields IQ...

I love this kid, he will be a solid bottom 6 guy that can play up and down the lineup as needed. Hopefully he gets a couple of games this year.ll

At this point in hockey culture "character questions" is simply code for "wasn't raised on a Canadian farm."

 

[Rorschach]

We have a lot of these guys coming in the future, can play and have some skill but ooze character. When I see people offering Jack Eichel, I really don't want to offer any of them, despite Jack being team USA and having elite skill. Single players of elite skill often disappear in the playoffs when the other team's best defenders smother them. But character players often show up in the playoffs with big plays coming even from the 3rd and 4th lines.

 

[Eagle Fang]

He's starting to reek of clutchness.. it smells so good! Hopefully a future JDub in the making.

 

[King'sPawn]

He's starting to reek of clutchness.. it smells so good! Hopefully a future JDub in the making.

Agreed. He very much has that blend where, he may not wow you and take over a game on a daily basis with his skill. But he's never invisible, and makes his presence known.