Joe Pavelski
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Hands: Pavelski’s hand-eye coordination is among the very best in the league, which makes him deadly on deflections and tap-ins. It’s rare to find sub-6’0” net-front beasts, but the veteran certainly qualifies as one. He can get his stick on any puck within his reach and displays fine scoring touch in close quarters.
Versatility: He can switch between any forward position without missing a beat and is effective at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he understands how to find soft spots in coverage. Defensively, he limits damage by staying on the right side of the puck and making use of an active stick. In essence, he can provide quality minutes in all situations.
Faceoffs: Though he’s more of a winger these days, Pavelski remains proficient at the dot. Since coaches emphasize handedness more than ever, this is a major plus. He can slide in for any crucial draws on the right side and put his club in position to succeed.
WEAKNESSES
Speed: Even when the game was slower at the beginning of his career, his mediocre skating was noticeable. He largely compensates for this with hockey sense and by playing to his strengths, but there’s no question that his lack of speed catches up to him at times. He can be exposed in the neutral zone or in uptempo affairs.
Size: Pavelski actually plays smaller than his 5’11”, 195-pound frame. He sneaks beneath or between the tall trees in the slot to get his net-front looks. With that said, he isn’t particularly strong on the puck. If the game boils down to a street fight, he isn’t coming out on top.
