|
Displaying pretext
With the NHL All-Star Weekend wrapping up, the less publicized AHL All-Star Game took place on Monday with the Skills Competition taking place the day before. While the AHL All-Star Game isn't exactly a prospect haven with several of the selectees being older AHL veterans, there were a fair number of notable NHL prospects on hand. To anyone who's watched a pro All-Star Game, it shouldn't be a surprise that a match like that isn't exactly a great representation of a player for scouting needs, outside of isolated moments. While there was a tad more defensive effort in the AHL game than the NHL one, the lack of physicality and players attempting to be extra-flashy is still as prevalent. The following are notes are on AHL prospects from throughout the year amongst those who participated in the game and anything I found notable from the game:
D T.J. Brodie, Calgary Flames
Brodie's stock has steadily climbed this year with a successful first year as a pro, to the point where he's arguably become the Flames' top prospect—a title that due to the absence of ceiling in that system isn't exactly one of high praise. Brodie is an above-average skater and puck-handler who has exhibited solid hockey sense at both ends. Heck, during the All-Star Game, he was probably one of the sole players who actually tried defensively. The physical aspects of his game are still fringe, be it his frame, how he handles physical play and the fact he doesn't really generate a dangerous amount of power on his shot. The skill set and his advanced reads are definite reasons for optimism though.
D John Moore, Columbus Blue Jackets
|
From Daigle To Datsyuk (01/28)
0 comments have been left for this article. 
