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Mathew Barzal | C
Jackson Cates | C
Casey Cizikas | C
Bo Horvat | C
Karson Kuhlman | C
Kyle Palmieri
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Finish: Outside of a brief recent dry spell, Palmieri has scored at a stellar rate. His wrist shot is quick and accurate, and he’s happy to pull the trigger from anywhere in the offensive zone. He also boasts a solid one-timer and good hands in tight, which means you can’t leave him open. Period.
Offensive IQ: Like many snipers, he understands how to make himself available. He’ll push the tempo when he has space, or he’ll lag a tick behind to create another wave of attack. If opponents are intent on sticking to his hip, he has no problem driving to the net in search of tips and rebounds.
Versatile: He’s primarily a goal scorer, but he’s responsible enough to play in a defensive role as well. He puts in a decent effort along the boards and stays between his mark and the net. These fundamentals limit the time his team spends in the defensive zone and facilitates its transition up the ice.
WEAKNESSES
Size: When he’s granted room to operate, he looks like a lethal top-six forward. But when he’s forced into the dirty areas for extended stretches, his 5’11”, 185-pound frame can betray him. He doesn’t possess the strength to claim space or the shiftiness to create it. He’s an undersized straight-line player.
Tunnel Vision: Right up until the offensive zone, Palmieri is a solid passer. But once he crosses that blue line, his mind goes blank and he looks to shoot nearly every puck he touches. He can surprise some goaltenders with bad-angle bids, but he’s equally likely to waste a possession with a long, harmless attempt.
