I didn't like the pick at the time, but I'm changing my tune now after catching some Marlie games in the last few weeks (the only pick I really hated though was the Durzi selection- as I could have named about 5-6 guys I wanted instead). Not because it's convenient because I'm a Leaf fan, and it's easy to be optimistic, but he's seriously impressive in the low-event sense. Incredible hockey IQ and game-sense, timing (particularly defensively), gap-control/stick work and has excellent edges.
His acceleration is lacking for a smaller PMD but I don't think it matters that much with how great his edges are, he doesn't lose speed on his edges whereas a lot of poor afoot skaters do- and he has an excellent first pass outside of the zone. In this regard, as a prospect, I was projecting too much of what I wanted him to be as a smaller defenseman instead of appreciating his strengths.
I called him a rich man's Carrick at some point because he I didn't think he was a good PMD, which I considered a necessity for a player of his size and stature (particularly since he struggled with 1-on-1 battles or size mismatches in junior)....and didn't have great acceleration. But he's the polar opposite of Carrick defensively, and in terms of timing/hockey IQ.
It was a poor comparison in hindsight. He's a lot more similar to Dermott/Morrissey, Stralman, or on the high-end, Vlasic.
