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Over the last couple days, I have watched and tracked five Nico Hischier games and five Nolan Patrick games.
As I mentioned in yesterday's in-depth post, I really like both players and have yet to decide which one I'd take 1st overall. Since there is still eight weeks before the NHL draft I feel like there's no rush to make a decision.
Throughout this evaluation process, I'm more or less going to be writing about these guys on a daily basis. Hopefully you don't get sick of reading about them because I'm just getting started.
On Hischier
- One thing I keep seeing mentioned as a plus for Patrick is he brings a complete and two-way game. I rarely see Hischier's defensive game credited and it bugs me. In my viewings, Hischier was quite responsible defensively and used as a regular penalty killer for both Halifax and Switzerland. I know the latter is a developing program and it makes sense to get your stars on the ice as much as possible, especially when you don't have many, but for two coaching staffs to trust Hischier in that role says something. Just because he is dynamic with the puck doesn't mean he can't be good without it.
- An underrated skill in hockey is drawing penalties and Hischier seems to be quite good at it. The sample size is small, obviously, but in the five games I have gone through thus far he has drawn four minors.
- I really love Hischier's ability to find soft pockets in the defense, either slipping through the cracks himself or leading teammates into space with perfectly placed passes. This guy is smart and really sees the ice at a high level.
- Again, the sample size isn't huge but Hischier seems to be more of a play driver through the neutral zone. He has sneaky speed, is elusive, and possesses very good puckhandling skills so he can dance around defenders even if they step up and challenge while he tries to gain the line. He also rarely dumps the puck in, which I like a lot.
On Patrick
- Patrick's even-strength production (2.29 points per 60) this year wasn't what you'd expect from a potential top pick but I think it's fair to give him the benefit of the doubt. Injury problems were an obvious factor and he didn't have a great supporting cast to work with, either.
According to Prospect-Stats, four of the five players he shared the ice most with throughout the year are undrafted and/or unsigned by NHL clubs.
Patrick also has a history of producing at even-strength. Two years ago, Patrick averaged 2.48 points per 60. A year ago, Patrick averaged 3.02 points per 60. To put into perspective how impressive it is to see that production a year prior to being draft eligible, Hischier averaged 3.04 points per 60 this season and will be a top-2 pick.
- If you've never seen Patrick play before, this clip will give you a quick summary of what he's about.
Patrick uses his body to separate a player from the puck, moves it to the power play quarterback, sets up in the house Alex Ovechkin built and then shows off his shot power blasting one home.
- One thing I've noticed, and liked, about Patrick's game is he doesn't dump the puck in a lot. I feel like a lot of big players have a tendency of doing that but Patrick prefers carrying the puck in, even if he has to skate through contact to do it. He isn't as dynamic as Hischier is through the neutral zone but I think he can still be pretty effective in that aspect of the game.
- This is not a comparison by any means and I don't want this to get blown out of proportion but I think Patrick plays a little bit like Auston Matthews. He has a big frame but he doesn't run around like crazy crushing people. He more so uses it to get body position and help separate players from the puck. Patrick also has very nice playmaking skills and touch on his passes for someone as big and strong as he is. Again, I'm in no way saying Patrick is the same caliber of player as Matthews -- I watch a ton of Maple Leafs games and that guy is absolutely incredible. I'm just saying in some aspects Patrick's style reminds me of Matthews'.
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