I'm gonna have to eat some crow here. I was always skeptical about Hagelin. I never really saw any offensive game in him, just a kid that works damn hard. But the kid is excellent at finding open spaces, and might be the best board player for his size ive ever seen in my life.
kid is playing on the top line right now, and is not holding the two superstars he's playing with back at all. Very smart player too. I like the fact that this team is getting smarter with every kid we seem to bring up. Erixon is also very cerebral. Hockey IQ, to me, is the single most important aspect of a hockey player (skating is 2nd, Hagelin has both in spades).
I'm gonna have to eat some crow here. I was always skeptical about Hagelin. I never really saw any offensive game in him, just a kid that works damn hard. But the kid is excellent at finding open spaces, and might be the best board player for his size ive ever seen in my life.
kid is playing on the top line right now, and is not holding the two superstars he's playing with back at all. Very smart player too. I like the fact that this team is getting smarter with every kid we seem to bring up. Erixon is also very cerebral. Hockey IQ, to me, is the single most important aspect of a hockey player (skating is 2nd, Hagelin has both in spades).
What exactly did you say that was so bad, you feel the need to eat a heaping plate of crow?
I'm not completely sold on him on our first line. He is REALLY fast, but he isn't hugely physical on the boards. He gets most of space because of his quickness(which is fine). The problem is that he doesn't really have creativity, passing, or shooting to be all that effective imo. If all he has to do is create space, which he certainly can do from his speed. Perhaps Gabby and Richie can do the rest. I am still not sure how that line works against better defensive teams.
It doesn't mean that Carl has no ability to be a top 3, his work ethic and stamina is outstanding. But his hockey IQ/poise needs some development. With that said, he is light years ahead of where he was projected. As a rookie, he has been a massive success. I just feel that Torts might be putting him where he isn't quite ready yet. Then again, considering our lack of LW depth, he might not have a choice.
Hagelin has been superb, more than most of us expected from him this season. However he should be nowhere near the 1st line, that truly speaks about our lack of depth on the LW side. We need a stud scorer to relieve that problem in the near future, Hagelin and Dubinsky are 2nd/3rd line players and they are being counted on far too much offensively.
I'm not completely sold on him on our first line. He is REALLY fast, but he isn't hugely physical on the boards. He gets most of space because of his quickness(which is fine). The problem is that he doesn't really have creativity, passing, or shooting to be all that effective imo. If all he has to do is create space, which he certainly can do from his speed. Perhaps Gabby and Richie can do the rest. I am still not sure how that line works against better defensive teams.
It doesn't mean that Carl has no ability to be a top 3, his work ethic and stamina is outstanding. But his hockey IQ/poise needs some development. With that said, he is light years ahead of where he was projected. As a rookie, he has been a massive success. I just feel that Torts might be putting him where he isn't quite ready yet. Then again, considering our lack of LW depth, he might not have a choice.
His hockey IQ, along with his speed, is his greatest asset. It could improve, but he's so far ahead in terms of mental preparation than the average rookie.
Don't confuse hockey IQ with skill and talent.
And he most certainly isn't a first line player, but this team has a serious problem at LW, and right now, he's the team's best LW.
His hockey IQ, along with his speed, is his greatest asset. It could improve, but he's so far ahead in terms of mental preparation than the average rookie.
Don't confuse hockey IQ with skill and talent.
And he most certainly isn't a first line player, but this team has a serious problem at LW, and right now, he's the team's best LW.
Well I guess I should be clearer in how I define hockey IQ. I will admit he has a good knack to getting open. He is solid defensively. However, he has poor playmaking/decision ability with the puck(which I feel goes along with hockey IQ).
Bear in mind his Hockey IQ is not terrible, just not what we need for our first line. I totally agree that he is completely ahead of schedule when it comes to his development.
Funny, I think his main problem is his passing. He seems to have "Rangeritis" which is throwing pucks around blindly.
I second this. I think he has a really good shot that he doesnt use enough. His shot could still use some work. His passing needs more work. Physically he looks fine but obviously he could always get bigger.
I'm not completely sold on him on our first line. He is REALLY fast, but he isn't hugely physical on the boards. He gets most of space because of his quickness(which is fine). The problem is that he doesn't really have creativity, passing, or shooting to be all that effective imo. If all he has to do is create space, which he certainly can do from his speed. Perhaps Gabby and Richie can do the rest. I am still not sure how that line works against better defensive teams.
Hagelin has been superb, more than most of us expected from him this season. However he should be nowhere near the 1st line, that truly speaks about our lack of depth on the LW side. We need a stud scorer to relieve that problem in the near future, Hagelin and Dubinsky are 2nd/3rd line players and they are being counted on far too much offensively.
The organization seems to think Kreider is the answer to the LW problem. If they're right, then we might soon be able to slide him up top, Dubi in the 2nd line LW spot (assuming he bounces back next season), and Hags in the 3rd spot. That would be a good looking left side.
The organization seems to think Kreider is the answer to the LW problem. If they're right, then we might soon be able to slide him up top, Dubi in the 2nd line LW spot (assuming he bounces back next season), and Hags in the 3rd spot. That would be a good looking left side.
Dubi may not be here next year...probably for an upgrade.
His physical tools and his IQ are going to keep him in the NHL for a long time. If he can develop the hands to match his speed and smarts, he's going to be a very solid top-six guy.
The organization seems to think Kreider is the answer to the LW problem. If they're right, then we might soon be able to slide him up top, Dubi in the 2nd line LW spot (assuming he bounces back next season), and Hags in the 3rd spot. That would be a good looking left side.
I don't think Kreider is a natural goal scorer though. He's still got a long way to become a sure-fire top 6 player.
I'm not completely sold on him on our first line. He is REALLY fast, but he isn't hugely physical on the boards. He gets most of space because of his quickness(which is fine). The problem is that he doesn't really have creativity, passing, or shooting to be all that effective imo. If all he has to do is create space, which he certainly can do from his speed. Perhaps Gabby and Richie can do the rest. I am still not sure how that line works against better defensive teams.
It doesn't mean that Carl has no ability to be a top 3, his work ethic and stamina is outstanding. But his hockey IQ/poise needs some development. With that said, he is light years ahead of where he was projected. As a rookie, he has been a massive success. I just feel that Torts might be putting him where he isn't quite ready yet. Then again, considering our lack of LW depth, he might not have a choice.
upgrading the 1st line and bumping hags down to upgrade the 2nd or 3rd lines isn't a bad thing
Agreed, but the only other guy who can fit that LW slot is Dubi. Considering how he has been snake bitten, not sure if Torts wants to overwhelm him.
I really like Hags on our second line, but he should be nowhere near Brian Boyle. Its just pissing away what he brings to the team.
well i wasn't thinking just this year, more on the idea of not being sold on him in that spot long term...after kreider and maybe someone else is added to improve the depth
point is that he isn't a guy that has no place if he doesn't fit in the top 6. he can add value playing on the 3rd line with dubi and ?
His hockey IQ, along with his speed, is his greatest asset. It could improve, but he's so far ahead in terms of mental preparation than the average rookie.
Don't confuse hockey IQ with skill and talent.
And he most certainly isn't a first line player, but this team has a serious problem at LW, and right now, he's the team's best LW.
Completely agree about his hockey IQ (and his coaching - thank you, U of M). He simply does not make bad decisions with the puck - even more impressive is that more often than not he's going to try making the best possible play available.
But I disagree that he's out of place on the first line with Richards and Gabby - his IQ let's him to keep up with them and his speed adds an element to this line that creates space for his linemates. Which is what he's done with every position in the line-up he's been on - from the 1st line all the way down to the 4th.
