Until two and half seasons ago, was playing forward. The switch happened at a good time because he was just growing and developing his feet and agility. He already had a pretty good skill-set for a big guy, good hands and a good shot. He needs to put much more development in learning the defensive position, and although NHL teams may be projecting him as an energy forward type, it might be in his interest to concentrate on learning to be a defender, as his long term value would increase.
--Bill Placzek--
See James Oleksiak. Except there is a bit of a difference. Until 20 months ago this lanky kid was playing forward. The switch happened at a good time because he was just growing and developing his feet and agility. He already had pretty good skills for a big guy and good hands and a shot. He needs to put in much more development in learning the defensive position. Although NHL teams may be projecting him as an energy forward type, it might be in his interest to concentrate on learning to be a defender, and in the process increasing his long term value. May end up back with the OHL team that selected him, Ottawa 67's, next season.
(June 2011)
--Bill Placzek--
