There's one element that some players have in abundance and some do not. Hard work and determination can mask it, but if you don't have what is dubbed "hockey IQ" you're gonna struggle. Simply put. If you're not a top end talent given ample time and opportunities to come through and learn the game, you're going to struggle. There's not a whole lot that is sexy about Palats ability with the puck. Decent shot, solid passing, but what is off the charts is his IQ in all types of situations. Along the boards, in his end, neutral zone, in the corner, just about anywhere, he's got it together. Add that with a solid frame and it's no wonder (of course hard work...) he is where he is.
I look at Hagel and see a young player with great skating, solid passing and a peanut between the ears for hockey IQ offensively. He's earning trust with Cooper on the defensive side of the game, which will bode well, but offensively the guy is like one of those air things in front of used car lots that blow around. The wind blows and he loses his balance. He beats someone to the outside and curls back. He still has time to learn those aspects but from what I saw in like half a seasons worth so far from him was not comforting. He is more vanilla and snakebitten than Joseph.
