DrSense
Registered User
- Oct 4, 2017
- 790
- 904
You often hear the term heavy skater used, and it’s usually just another word for slow. But I think it has a more focused meaning, and applies really well to Perreault. I think he skates with a lot of power and once he gets going, his speed is good. I think that’s why he did so well on those skating tests. The biggest problem I see with his skating is that he doesn’t have good quickness in his skating in small areas. He might test well and be good over longer distances, but sidestepping a player or pivoting in traffic are the types of areas he needs to work on. He needs to get quicker.
He also is pretty strong for a player his size, and I think having a father who played in the NHL helps that. He might only be 5’11, but he plays a little bigger, which is why I think he might be a better fit for center. If he can become a little more consistent in his work-ethic, I think it’s a possibility. He’s probably always going to be an offensively-minded forward, but his game fits center.
Perreault is the fastest skater in the CHL based on the testing, which includes his start time. Both with the puck and without. This includes "off the mark" as he was #1 in Reaction, and he was also #2 in the weave drill. He is not a heavy skater at all, and there is clearly no aspect of his skating that is slow when he is inclined to move. Acceleration and top gear are elite, no matter how you try and interpret the skills results.
To your point though, it surprised so many people to see him beat people like Foudy, Drsydale and Mercer, mostly because those who watch him don't see the speed enough. In game times, his skating doesn't stand out nearly enough to explain the results.
And that goes to the legit question on Perreault in terms of motor and effort, and perhaps how to use his speed. The guy can obviously fly anyway you cut it based on the testing. His shot might be the best in the draft. He has the upside to challenge top 10 players as an elite winger. And the thing is, his production is also elite with 40+ goal pace on a bad team.
The best comparison I've heard is Mike Hoffman. Great shot and skating, and scores a lot of goals, but so many other challenges with the guy that he'll end up moving around a lot in his career because he's never the sum of his parts. You always want more, but he still produces even when you are somewhat underwhelmed.