Sleestak Nation
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To me it's more of an Islanders teammate Adam Pelech considering the handedness. Around the same height, just has to fill out a bit more.Description gives me Pulock vibes. Anybody?
To me it's more of an Islanders teammate Adam Pelech considering the handedness. Around the same height, just has to fill out a bit more.Description gives me Pulock vibes. Anybody?
The latest from Brock;
14. Ryan O'Rourke - Minnesota Wild
At this point, I think we know what O'Rourke is. He had a good year as the captain of the Hounds, returning from the pro ranks. He's mean. He has a big shot. He's smart. However, I do think that there are some limitations to what he'll be able to do at the NHL level. He's still only an average four-way mover for a defender of his size. He makes up for that with good positioning and a tenacious mindset. But it likely limits what he'll be able to do offensively. O'Rourke likely settles into a #4-6 role with Minnesota in the next few years and should be a long time pro.
Getting Scandella vibes from him. ROR seems to be a smart, brave player whose upside is limited because of a lack of high end athleticism(speed, strength, size, skill). Not the end of the world. IQ is one of the most important assets for a defensive Dman, IMO, as long as you have reasonably good tools, which he does. Also doesn't hurt that he has a bit of a mean streak. We are lacking that in our D, asides from Middleton and Dumba.
I'd be ok with it. Such fond memories of the Spurgeon/Scandella pairing. Hoping for a bit more, of course, but don't we always with prospects?I would be thrilled if ROR turned into a Marco Scandella-type player.
I think he is bigger and more physical than MarcoI'd be ok with it. Such fond memories of the Spurgeon/Scandella pairing. Hoping for a bit more, of course, but don't we always with prospects?
Other way around. Scandella is 6'3", and was known as a very physical defender in junior. Was suspended for quite a while for an overly dangerous hit. He and Hamonic were two peas in a pod for while there.I think he is bigger and more physical than Marco
Scandella got pretty soft in the NHL thoughOther way around. Scandella is 6'3", and was known as a very physical defender in junior. Was suspended for quite a while for an overly dangerous hit. He and Hamonic were two peas in a pod for while there.
I never saw that. He was nasty in front of the net and in corners. Not an open ice hitter like Dumba, but almost no one is anymore.Scandella got pretty soft in the NHL though
I watched the first few games and he was definitely the most steady of all the Iowa defenders. His points have been from making smart plays, getting puck on net with traffic, simple passes, etc. The other ones try to do too much, get out of position, etc.Haven't had my eyes on him like I have in previous years, but ROR is off to a nice start offensively compared to other years, when he had 7 and 9 points respectively. This year he's already at 4 pts. in 7 gp.
With Hicketts and Mermis gone, he'll be getting more offensive opportunities. I 've always thought he had reasonably good defensive instincts and talent, and just needed strength and experience to be a good defender.
UNlike many defensive Dman, he's got decent feet, and a nice first pass. What held him back in previous years(and i stole this take off someone else on here)is that his body wasn't strong enough for the style he was playing, at least in the AHL. You want your defensive Dmen to be winning board battles, and having the jump and anticipation to put fires out before they begin. I've always liked the way he covers men in front of the net. Hopefully he is starting to mature physically to allow his game to take off.I watched the first few games and he was definitely the most steady of all the Iowa defenders. His points have been from making smart plays, getting puck on net with traffic, simple passes, etc. The other ones try to do too much, get out of position, etc.
He's playing a bit more how he did in juniors than trying to be something else...
If he is a better version of Middleton that would be big for this team.UNlike many defensive Dman, he's got decent feet, and a nice first pass. What held him back in previous years(and i stole this take off someone else on here)is that his body wasn't strong enough for the style he was playing, at least in the AHL. You want your defensive Dmen to be winning board battles, and having the jump and anticipation to put fires out before they begin. I've always liked the way he covers men in front of the net. Hopefully he is starting to mature physically to allow his game to take off.
Any offense from him would be a bonus, but I would like him to be able to handle the puck decently, and without panic, especially on the breakout.
From what I've seen, unfortunately he doesn't have the big wingspan that could really elevate his game or a slapper to add just a touch of offense but with that being said, everything you said seems spot on and makes me believe he could develop into a very solid #5/6 NHL pro. And honestly, you can never have enough of them on a cheap contract, or else you end up unnecessarily spending an extra 1-2mil on the free agent market and pulling in Merrill/Goligoski types. So happy with his progress.UNlike many defensive Dman, he's got decent feet, and a nice first pass. What held him back in previous years(and i stole this take off someone else on here)is that his body wasn't strong enough for the style he was playing, at least in the AHL. You want your defensive Dmen to be winning board battles, and having the jump and anticipation to put fires out before they begin. I've always liked the way he covers men in front of the net. Hopefully he is starting to mature physically to allow his game to take off.
Any offense from him would be a bonus, but I would like him to be able to handle the puck decently, and without panic, especially on the breakout.
Not nearly as strong or tough, but a better skater. Remains to be seen how he will be able to handle NHL opponents.If he is a better version of Middleton that would be big for this team.