PlayersLtd
Registered User
- Mar 6, 2019
- 1,263
- 1,540
Our game is tailor made for him. Heavy, skilled forecheck with an increasing dependance on the dump and chase as you go down the lines. How is that the opposite of his play style? Sokolov is never going to be a + on zone entries so it's puck pursuit or bust for him.We've built a team identity that's kind of the opposite of his playstyle, so I feel like he sticks out a little, but there are plenty of players around the league who are still successful despite their lack of speed. I also feel like it's an endurance thing with Sokolov too, and not really "speed".
The way he boxes into the crease is an NHL talent right there already. He just sets up.
If Sokolov wants to make it he needs to be heavy and effective on the forecheck and he hasn't shown that he can do that to a point where it inspires confidence.
And, his biggest weakness (skating/foot speed) has not improved to a point where you think he may overcome it, if anything the question marks are growing there.
He's not an NHLer. Let's move our attention to Jarventie as the next wild card from the 2nd round of the 2020 draft class. He's two years younger after all.