Porter Stoutheart
Seen Stamkos?
- Jun 14, 2017
- 16,844
- 13,878
I haven't even seen him since the U18s. There, it seemed like his go-to talent was an ability to use his size/reach to sort of slow-mo dipsy-doodle around guys to either score or set up scoring chances. The extent to which that was successful against world-class talent at that age made us all think it was a natural talent level he could build on by adding strength and speed to an already impressive skillset.Perhaps, but he doesn’t seem like great fit there. Their top forward plays same position as he does and plays it better, although Snuggerud is likely leaving. They don’t have any high end centers (Moore is great skater and not much else). Wood at this point doesn’t seem like the cycle game really suits him. I’d like to see him get stronger. With his size and skill he should be strong on cycle and force near net, but he doesn’t seem to be. I think he is bigger project than realized.
Except... it doesn't seem to have happened? Like, he's still a bit "slow-mo" and hasn't demonstrated any inclination to use his size to add physicality/cycling as you note?
I think it's ok for us here to wonder and talk about a guy we spent a #15 pick on and have invested a good amount of hope on, without it seeming like some kind of "witch hunt" or anything. I sincerely WANT Wood to pan out. I spent a year celebrating the pick with his name in my signature tagline. But we're here to actually comment on these guys and delve into the details in real time right?
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