Big and heavy is not fast. And is in fact the opposite of what’s successful in the modern nhl.
The panthers aren’t really that big.
They’re fast and physical.
Big heavy and fast (with skill) is a first overall player.
It’s the old construction adage.
Cheap fast good - pick 2.
NHL players who are
big and fast usually lack skill.
Big and skilled usually slow
Fast and skilled - small
All 3? First overall.
great. Lets actually get slower… that seems like a net positive.
So Cuylle should have gone at 1OA?
I get what you are saying, but its not THAT rare, unless you are talking top 5% in all three areas. Cuylle is like 6'3" 215, not HUGE, fast but no McDavid of course, skilled, and again no McDavid... but he is big, fast and skilled... and there are players like that out there. We should of course try to get BIGGER/HEAVIER on the puck, FASTER, and more SKILLED... I mean obviously. But that doesn't mean EVERY player has to have all three attributes: Fox is skilled but not fast or big, so maybe a partner who has size and speed would be great... complimentary pieces. And playing heavier doesn't mean you have to be BIG. Look at Berard, fast, good skill, good aggression, not big but plays big. He's hard on the puck. GP is going to be avg sized, above average speed, ridiculous skillset. AND he plays with decent aggression. He WANTS it. Exactly what we DON'T see from our 93's and 20's these days...
Anyway, wasn't taking issue with your assessment that someone who is top tier in size, speed and skill is a 1OA, just saying you can get bigger faster and more skilled by getting players with those things in varying combination.