Yeah the Holden trade was a bit under the radar but I like what I've seen out of him.I've been down on him, but Heinen's play has picked up a little bit in the last week.
And....it speaks well of Sweeney that despite having 5 major players out, that lineup doesn't have anyone in it that screams "shouldn't be playing in the NHL" (we'll see about Donato, but 3rd line wing seems to be a good get the feet wet place.)
Yeah the Holden trade was a bit under the radar but I like what I've seen out of him.
Isn't going to remind anyone of Seids in the defensive zone but has looked good on the PP and fits in well with this teams transition game.
There are also different ways to transition the puck. Some guys mostly just pass the puck (Chara, Liles), some are much better skating with it (the Millers). McAvoy and Krug can do both which is what makes them so valuable. McQuaid, Carlo, can't really do either which is what makes them so limited. Carlo really should be able to carry the puck more with his speed, I've been pretty disappointed with how his transition game has developed. He's very hesitant to skate with the puck even when he has tons of space, but seems very effective doing it on the rare occasion he does.It never dawned on me as much as it has this year this year how the transition game from a D-man is as much instinct as it is speed. Putting aside McAvoy, Krug and Grz --- Chara has it (but it takes him a while to get through the gears); Holden has it. Carlo doesn't really. McQuaid really doesn't. Miller does.
This seems right. He is not developing as we hoped.I've been pretty disappointed with how his transition game has developed. .
If you thought he was supposed to be like McAvoy, that's more on the individual with unrealistic expectations than it should on Carlo. He's a smooth skating defensive defenseman. He has lapses of judgment sometimes, but overall is very solid. He has the talent for more with his skating, but we have to remember two main points. First, he is 21 years old. He's got time to develop. Second, accept him for who he is (McQuaid with much better skating and moderately better hands), not who you want him to be (McAvoy).This seems right. He is not developing as we hoped.
In good position to make plays and a few good passes so far. I know its partly because he’s with Krejci but in that period his game looked a lot like what DeBrusk has done all season long (in that he seemed unafraid to attack the net and had good passing awareness).Donato looks like he belongs.
Seriously. I feel old.I can’t believe I’m watching Ted Donato’s kid right now.