Brady Tkachuk
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Line Forward
STRENGTHS
Size: Tkachuk is one of the few remaining power forwards in the modern NHL, and he carries the 6’4”, 211-pound frame required to both dole out and absorb punishment. He throws the body with reckless abandon and is a force down low, retrieving and protecting pucks with the best of them.
Net-Front Presence: When he puts his head down and decides to drive the net, it’s very difficult to stop him. He’s also an effective screener and possesses the hand-eye coordination to tip his fair share of point shots. Most importantly, he seems to embrace the role. He’ll gladly bump and jostle with defenders in the slot to claim his ice.
Offensive IQ: Though you primarily think of physical attributes with power forwards, Tkachuk is a savvy offensive player as well. He’s an underrated playmaker who displays a good sense of how to find teammates in scoring areas, and he shows nifty hands in tight to open up goaltenders.
WEAKNESSES
Finish: For all the quality looks he enjoys, he’s a mediocre scorer. Part of that is due to his suboptimal shot selection, but there is some truth to the notion that he simply isn’t a clinical finisher. He’ll tilt the ice with his motor and net-front dominance. However, he probably won’t rack up goals until he’s paired with a top-tier playmaker.
Defense: The biggest flaw in Tkachuk’s game is his tendency to cheat for offense. He’ll gamble in hopes of jumping onto turnovers, and since he isn’t the most fluid skater around, failing to secure the puck can quickly result in scoring chances against. He needs to learn to pick his spots.
