LD Slater Koekkoek (2012, 10th, TBL)

[Mikeaveli]

Slater's absolute ceiling is a #2, IMO. His elite skating and good smarts could get him there, but who knows how the constant shoulder injuries have affected his development? As for his development right now, I think he's being given a chance to thrive and show what he can do in Syracuse right now with both Nesterov and Witkowski being called up to TB because of the Carle and Gudas injuries.

Also, It's pretty ridiculous that this guy's thread is only 2 (now 3, lol) pages long. I think it's likely he'd be on Tampa right now if he hadn't got hurt during his post-draft seasons.

 

[Werewolf]

Playing #1D for Syracuse in the AHL as a 20 yr old rookie who has lost tons of development time due to injury. Syracuse is one of the top teams in the AHL at this point. With Nesterov called up and playing for the Lightning, Kooekkoek is now playing #1 PP and #1PK - he is playing all situations and doing his job well. Although the points haven't come yet (13 pts in 44 games) he is +9. I sense he is still shy about carrying the puck and still conservative on his pinches. He will absolutely dazzle here and there with brilliant long tape to tape passes and finding the backdoor for open teammates.

Agreed - looks like a number 2 at this point. He is a two way forward with a hard/accurate shot. Has excellent size and mobility - his skating is top notch. Not physical from a fighting standpoint but will play the body, win board bottles, and is smart and patient. Cup of coffee next year with Lightning (maybe this year with all the injuries) and full time thereafter would be his time table. Matt Carle's replacement on Tampa's second defensive pair unit.

From Boltprospects.com: http://boltprospects.com/slater-koekkoek

 

[MMC]

It's been over a year since he was last talked about, can i get an update on his development, and what his upside is and how far he is from making the NHL?

 

[HoseEmDown]

It's been over a year since he was last talked about, can i get an update on his development, and what his upside is and how far he is from making the NHL?

He's in the NHL right now.

Development has been fine, been healthy the last two years which was the most important thing for him. AHL numbers aren't eye popping but the team is mediocre and he has focused on the defensive side of his game more. Been playing top pair since he came into the league, top PK and 2nd unit PP. Projects as a top 4 D with top pair potential but will be a #3 for us with our top pair already set.

 

[Diddy]

How long has he been in the NHL ? Hockey DB says only 2 games. Hopefully he's in for the long haul as I like how determined of a player and person.

 

[Rebuilt]

How long has he been in the NHL ? Hockey DB says only 2 games. Hopefully he's in for the long haul as I like how determined of a player and person.

Yes. Unlike his fellow drafting whom is pouting, Slater mired in junior for 2 extra years then the minors to finally get to the big leagues. Maybe they should have him talk to Drouin.