Quote:
Originally Posted by KlattNazty
Blacker has been a slow learner at every level, so that bodes well for him moving forward.
I think the best guy to compare him to is johny boychuk. Spent the better part of 4-5 years in the AHL, moving up and down. Similar player too, is mobile and very hard nosed, but has to realize that his quick feet, strength, and positioning is what will make him a defender at the NHL level.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark Passenger
I think its going to take Blacker a while to get to the NHL, but when he does will be as a top 4 blueliner. Probably used to getting away with certain things at junior, that he can't at the NHL level. In games I have watched, you can see the skill level, but looks to be thinking too much and not re-acting. Like you said, will take time to adjust.
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Blacker's game is not easily defined to me, I really expected more offence from his game but it hasn't materialized at the AHL level.
I think he needs to reinvent himself into a simple, stay at home D man. He doesn't have the offensive skills to play as an offensive D man, he can skate, he's got an ok shot, but the instincts are a a struggle.
If he can simplify his game, play to a more defensive role as a 5 or 6 guy on a NHL team, he may make it. But if he thinks he's more that this, I think he will have problems making the NHL regularily. I can see why Mo drafted him, on the surface it looks as if there is more.
To me he is a 5 or 6 guy that is a stay at home defender, if he works on this, he could be value to our franchise.