Edited Jan. 20, 2020 at 8:16 p.m.
Quoting: HatterTParty
Absolutely, I’ll even admit he had a good game. He showed that he’s capable of using that big frame and the puck control was clean and confident. I definitely liked his end to end rush for the assist (albeit, kinda sucked the goal was a fluke). But yes, very good game. As you said, not perfect, but who is at 18. I’ll be honest though, I just really really wished his offensive game at 18 was more polished if he was allowed to stay with the team. That’s the big thing I’m very critical on him about. Two things I really see him improve on more are his shot and decision making. We both see eye to eye on the reacting vs thinking area. Lastly, maybe this is just me, but one area I’m still waiting to see his passing game get to another level. He passes well, but I really wanna see him on 2 v 1s actually convert more with teammates. I may never fully like this kid because I just don’t like guys of his archetype (I’m barely 5’9’ and have been playing 25 years, go figure). I like speed and dynamic play, like bure and mackinnon. However, he is a hawk, and I have to accept it will most likely be that way for years to come.
As a side note, is anyone else kind of nervous about kubalik with bowman in charge? Honestly, considering panarin and kahun, I’m a little nervous another great find is gonna be given away. You can see the potential in this team, I just don’t trust bowman to be the man manage the cap and keep the team together.
I think Mac is more than speed. He's got a lot of power and a heck of a shot. It's why he was a #1OA pick. I am indeed a little worried about Bowman/Kubalik. In 2 ways. A.) Bowman will either give him a $4M contract...way too much...or...B.) Trade him for less than his value. I give Bowman a TON of credit for that steal of a trade. Kubalik for a 5th rounder... WOW great trade. But he can't fall back into the old ways where Bickell, Panik, Manning, Kruger, Seabs got contracts either worth more than they provide...or are payback contracts *cough cough* Seabs. Give him a 1 year prove it contract...or just let him go to arbitration.
As a side note. I also give a ton of credit to Bowman for continuously churning these guys out! Am I right?!?! Panarin, Kempny, Rutta, Kahun, Kubalik...all for free! That's a very underrated sign of a good GM.