Most young wingers who “bust”, do so becaue they have trouble creating space in the NHL. It’s the one league in the world, where it doesn’t matter how skilled you are in other leagues, if you can’t find space, or create space, you got no chance.
That’s not his issue. He actually does that really well. Some say his shot?? Nope. We’ve seen his shot for extended periods of time.. some say it’s his release?? This has been a concern BUT we’ve also seen him go through times, where his release was quick enough..
Sometimes it just comes down to “Compete Level.” He doesn’t compete every single shift, like you have to at the NHL level. Doesn’t mean he’s a bum or lazy, but you have to have that killer instinct to play in the NHL. Much more than any other league, because the guy you’re lined up against has it.
It’s probably time to move on, and I only say that because he’s gone through a couple of coaches now. Different types of coaches too. So they’ve all had this conversation with him. The crap part is, maybe the Canucks giving up on him, is what ultimately lights a fire under him. We’re probably gonna find out.
Honestly, I think it’s time to cut bait. Don’t just give him away, but try finding a deal where you get a player who can help, or call a team like Detroit or Anaheim, who have an abundance of young D prospects, they won’t be able to keep every one of... I’m not sure Detroit would do it, but maybe Podkolzin for Albert Johansson. He’s stuck behind a couple of really good LHD prospects now.
It’s time to get proactive in moving him, before he’s not worth much at all. And maybe we’re already there. Maybe they have already tried. In that case you just hope until his contract runs out..
