Players that would be stars/superstars if they were elite or good at one more skill

[Felidae]

A more specific skill and this player is already a superstar, but in the hockeyPDOcast about Barkov, they talk about how there's a lack of deception to his game. Most of the time, you know when he's gonna score or pass.

They basically said if he tried to be a more deceptive player, he could potentially take his offensive game to another level

It's discussed at 39:11 and probably the only "negative" thing they say about him besides his tendency to pass up scoring chances.

 

[AvroArrow]

If TJ Brodie had elite skating, he'd be one of the best D-Men in the league (in his prime) Amazing defensive IQ, great stick checker, great at passing and defending odd-man rushes, if he had wheels like say Makar, he legitimately could be a Norris candidate.

If JVR played with edge or a little meaner, he'd probably have been a top 3 power forward in the league. Guy was enormous but just wouldn't use his size to physically dominate. Was a 30 goal scorer in a lower scoring league, good passing and a legit top line winger. If he decided to hit and play mean like say how Ovechkin does, he would have been a monster.

 

[Moose Head]

Stephane Richer would eventually have his number retired by the Habs and would be a HOfamer with better mental health.

 

[Elvs]

Connor McDavid would be a superstar, if only he was better in the faceoff circle.

 

[Stickpucker]

If Jordan Staal had softer hands or a sick wrister the selke would be his.

 

[Kcb12345]

Jason Robertson if he could skate would be one of the best players in the NHL. I'm talking top 5 possibly

Denis Gurianov could've been a superstar if he had any hockey IQ whatsoever

 

[qc14]

There's a long line of burners that carved out very nice careers despite having just no scoring ability whatsoever. Jason Chimera, Carl Hagelin, Michael Grabner all prime examples.

 

[ScottyMascotty]

There are lots of them.

Evan Rodrigues would be first line winger if he was better in generating and burying scoring chances.

Sam Bennett would be 1C with better hockey IQ.

Imagine Aaron Ekblad who skates like Gustav Forsling.

Matthew Tkachuk with elite skating or shot would be absolutely insane.

 

[Crow]

Always thought that if Brandon Saad had decent hands he’d be a PPG player (back when it was much more difficult). He could do everything else but finish.

 

[DitchMarner]

Sundin was a superstar, but he could have been absolutely dominant if he was better at one or two things. He was good to very good at just about everything but didn't stand out at very many particular skills (like Fedorov did for skating, Lindros did for physical dominance, Modano did for speed etc).

He was a good shooter and had a variety of shots he used effectively, but if he had been a Matthews calibre shooter or meaner and nastier or faster, he could have destroyed the League.

 

[NyQuil]

If Connor Brown had any finishing ability at all.

 

[MrLouniverse]

Mark Stone might be the GOAT if he could skate at the level of an average NHLer.

 

[miscs75]

Connor McDavid would be a superstar, if only he was better in the faceoff circle.

Such a shame they’re wasting his career years away in Edmonton over somewhere more suitable to his skill set like Winnipeg.

Mark Stone might be the GOAT if he could skate at the level of an average NHLer.

*withstand the physicality of the

 

[xigon]

jack hughes could be top 5 if he had the skill of staying healthy.

 

[Eegs]

Gabe Vilardi, if he was an elite skater.

 

[sbhnur]

Flyers goalies would be elite if they could stop pucks!

 

[Cursed Lemon]

If Darren Helm had been able to score on at least half of his breakaway attempts...

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Carl Hagelin had elite level skating but hands of stone.

He’s who I thought of. A similar name is Jason Chimera. I mean, one of his nicknames in DC was The Ice Cheetah… but his other nickname was Stone Hands.

 

[Chips]

Barzal. He has some elite skills but I don’t consider him overall elite. Maybe some more diversity to his offense not being almost pure playmaker. Or maybe elite defense


Elite transition + very good passing +?

 

[ESH]

If TJ Brodie had elite skating, he'd be one of the best D-Men in the league (in his prime) Amazing defensive IQ, great stick checker, great at passing and defending odd-man rushes, if he had wheels like say Makar, he legitimately could be a Norris candidate.

If JVR played with edge or a little meaner, he'd probably have been a top 3 power forward in the league. Guy was enormous but just wouldn't use his size to physically dominate. Was a 30 goal scorer in a lower scoring league, good passing and a legit top line winger. If he decided to hit and play mean like say how Ovechkin does, he would have been a monster.

Brodie in his prime was legitimately one of the best skaters in the league

 

[HockeyVirus]

Nick Robertson with some size. Guy is small and wants to play the game like a freight train. The spirit is willing but he just gets destroyed trying to do it.

 

[Sheppy]

One guy who strikes me is Justin Brazeau with the Bruins. If he had great speed he’d be a lot to handle.

Good hands, huge, but lacks foot speed.

 

[Bizz]

If Celebrini had the size of Jumbo Joe, all of Gretzky's records would be in serious jeopardy.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

I'm kind of sick of talking about him, but this thread screams Laine to me. Has all the tools, just doesn't have the gear.

For the Jackets, I think id go Cole Sillinger. He's young so who knows, but man if he had any sort of finish. I don't know how he does it but he seems to get a ton of quality chances. Just can't put them away.

 

[thekernel]

Take my knees Thatcher Demko