Ed Ned and Leddy
Brokering the Bally Sports + Corncob TV Merger
I like this comparison. Visibly, they look quite similar on the ice. Super crafty, with great hands, edges, and creativity. I think Nazar is a better skater, which may allow him to play as a center in the NHL. I think he could be a great play driving winger as well.
My biggest concern with him is sometimes he can get a bit of "tunnel vision" when trying to beat defenders 1-1. He is typically a great playmaker, but I find that once he's decided he's going to try to beat a guy, he's committed to that. I'd like to see him read and react to what defenders are giving him a bit more.
I think Nazar will be stronger than guys like Tatar or Keller at the pro level, so I think that helps his ability to stick at center.
But I do think his strength/combativeness is overvalued by his biggest advocates.
Like to me Alex Turcotte was a stronger player in his draft eligible year than Nazar is, and I think we're seeing that his body can't necessarily play the game at a NA pro level the way his brain wants to. I still think Turcotte will be a solid pro, and I think the Kings have deployed him strangely so I don't want to get too far down that rabbit hole, but I think it's an interesting example. They also play a bit different, I think Turcotte has better defensive iq and was better in a straight line, whereas Nazar is more agile.
As a NTDP and U of M fan from southeast Michigan, I hope that Nazar is the next Braden Point. But personally I still feel most comfortable projecting him as a good 2nd line RW.