Confirmed with Link: Attard Traded to Edmonton for Ben Gleason

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deadhead

Registered User
Feb 26, 2014
50,674
22,131
Attard is a good example not to take SSS heaters seriously (Lesson to self).
He flashed his skills, he is a very good goal scorer for a defenseman, he's got size.
But the longer he played, the more his defensive and skating deficiencies were revealed.
And after three years, they probably have a good idea if he'll ever compensate for them.

Same applies to Andrae right now, he looks smooth out there, but the league will challenge him in the D-zone physically, hoping to panic him into mistakes. We'll see if he is exposed or rises to the challenge and keeps improving.

There's an interview with Middleton and he's got a great story that applies to any pro sport, about the need for players to adjust:

In 2010, we’re playing the Rockies out in Denver. Roy Halladay is pitching one of those days. His father lives about an hour away. And his father and I are sitting there watching Doc mow them down. I turned to his father and say, “I understand that you were Doc’s first pitching coach.” He said, “That’s right.” I said, “How many of his pitches that he uses today did you teach him?” And he said, “None.” None? “None.” Not even a fastball? “No.” He said when (Roy) was sent back down to the low minors, he jettisoned every pitch and he learned five new pitches. He said, “I’m not going to be successful (in the majors) if I don’t change.” So I said, “Oh, he’s using those pitches?” No. Over time, he was afraid he was too predictable. People knew his pitches. He either completely changed or materially altered every single pitch.

So I’m kind of incredulous about this whole thing. Two weeks later, I’m sitting with Mike Schmidt at a game. I relate this story about Doc’s father. And Mike just looks at me and he goes, “Yeah, I can understand that.” I said, “Really? All that change?” He goes, “John, in my career, I had three completely different swings. Every one of those three swings, I made a significant adjustment to the swing about halfway through. People adjust to you. You have to adjust to them.”

 

blackjackmulligan

Registered User
Jun 17, 2022
3,580
1,710
Attard is a good example not to take SSS heaters seriously (Lesson to self).
He flashed his skills, he is a very good goal scorer for a defenseman, he's got size.
But the longer he played, the more his defensive and skating deficiencies were revealed.
And after three years, they probably have a good idea if he'll ever compensate for them.

Same applies to Andrae right now, he looks smooth out there, but the league will challenge him in the D-zone physically, hoping to panic him into mistakes. We'll see if he is exposed or rises to the challenge and keeps improving.

There's an interview with Middleton and he's got a great story that applies to any pro sport, about the need for players to adjust:

In 2010, we’re playing the Rockies out in Denver. Roy Halladay is pitching one of those days. His father lives about an hour away. And his father and I are sitting there watching Doc mow them down. I turned to his father and say, “I understand that you were Doc’s first pitching coach.” He said, “That’s right.” I said, “How many of his pitches that he uses today did you teach him?” And he said, “None.” None? “None.” Not even a fastball? “No.” He said when (Roy) was sent back down to the low minors, he jettisoned every pitch and he learned five new pitches. He said, “I’m not going to be successful (in the majors) if I don’t change.” So I said, “Oh, he’s using those pitches?” No. Over time, he was afraid he was too predictable. People knew his pitches. He either completely changed or materially altered every single pitch.

So I’m kind of incredulous about this whole thing. Two weeks later, I’m sitting with Mike Schmidt at a game. I relate this story about Doc’s father. And Mike just looks at me and he goes, “Yeah, I can understand that.” I said, “Really? All that change?” He goes, “John, in my career, I had three completely different swings. Every one of those three swings, I made a significant adjustment to the swing about halfway through. People adjust to you. You have to adjust to them.”

So you were incorrect in your assessment/prediction of where Attard would be at this time.

Was it a bad pick or bad development? They knew what he was in college. Doesn't seem to me they invested the development in him.
 

deadhead

Registered User
Feb 26, 2014
50,674
22,131
So you were incorrect in your assessment/prediction of where Attard would be at this time.

Was it a bad pick or bad development? They knew what he was in college. Doesn't seem to me they invested the development in him.
He was a late 3rd rd pick, not a high probability of success.
He had traits worthy of a gamble (remember when people got excited about Millman in the 4th b/c he was a better skater?). Size, plus shot, good feel for attacking the O-zone.
Sometimes players make the adjustment, his was from college rover to NHL D-man
Sometimes players improve their skating.

I think Attard could contribute in a sheltered role, but I doubt any HC would trust him with major minutes or with the game on the line.
 

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