C Brayden Point (2014, 79th, TBL)

[Bandit Keith]

Finally got his first goal today

 

[Lepain]

Still not much talk about him even though he's really impressive lately with the increased role.

Anybody watching him regularly can give some input?

 

[Bandit Keith]

With Johnson out he's been playing as 1c as of late and has been doing really well. Really the only complaint with him is his shot is inconsistent - but as he becomes stronger and more comfortable that'll change no doubt.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

What's his role when Stamkos and Johnson are back from injury?

3rd line center or top 6 winger?

 

[93LEAFS]

What's his role when Stamkos and Johnson are back from injury?

3rd line center or top 6 winger?

Who knows if Stamkos is back this season, and Tampa has tough decisions to make in the off-season in regards to their RFA's. If they keep all 3, they can probably just run an insane top 9 out with no clear difference between the 2nd and 3rd units.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

He needs to play top 6 from this point on... Bolts have some decisons to make

 

[BIitz]

Still not much talk about him even though he's really impressive lately with the increased role.

Anybody watching him regularly can give some input?

It brings a huge smile to my face seeing this kid performing so well so early.

The first thing that you recognize when you watch Point is his tenacity. He might be the shortest and lightest guy on the ice going into the corner against the other teams most punishing defender. Point will more than likely come out with the puck.

He's fast, he's a waterbug on every puck. But he pairs this so well with his IQ. He knows where to be, even at the start of the year Coop has trusted him because he's a very responsible player all over the ice.

I'd say his biggest weakness right now is his shot, but I have no doubt it will come in time.

"When I met him, he was the smallest guy in the room by 30 pounds," Rielly said. "But he worked hard, had a lot of heart and a lot of skill. There was never any question about his skill and his brain. He was always the smartest player on the ice. He's worked very hard to put on some weight and he looks outstanding. I never had any doubt he'd find his way. But to do it this quickly, have this kind of impact at his age, it's been really fun to watch."

“I know this is cliché because it’s been said a million times, but he’s a hockey player,” Cooper said. “It’s what he is. We saw it in the first development camp he played in for us.

“He was more undersized than he is now, but I truly believe when you have the commitment and the work ethic, which is really the first thing you notice with a player, everything else will fall into place.

“And that’s what that kid has. He goes into a corner and it doesn’t matter the size of the guy he’s going in against, I’m always sitting there thinking, ‘How’s he going to come out with this?’ But he does and it’s because he’s got that will.’’

"There's a kid that has a high hockey IQ," said head coach Jon Cooper of Point. "Guys that have that, and couple that with an impeccable work ethic, usually figure out the game and how to play it. And for somebody who's probably on the smaller side of players in this league, gosh he sure wins a lot of puck battles. When you have the puck and you are just creating space for yourself and making plays for other guys, guys want to play with you. It's really a tribute to him, for somebody that's a rookie in this league, to make the mark that he has.''

 

[GermanSpitfire]

This will be locked after this post, however i love reading up on the old threads about prospects who were “overlooked” in the draft and came to be stars in the NHL. Hope this bump can entertain more than just myself.