This could be scouting a potential draft pick or scouting a rental for the TDL or whatever - all situations and ages and whatnot. What is the #1 thing you have to have in the 6 guys you put out on D?

Mine is skating. And not just speed, I'm talking 4-way mobility with ease and grace and power when required. Edges and all that good stuff. I gotta have + skaters.

Hockey IQ is the most important tool in a hockey player IMO... If you're dumb with the puck, it doesn't matter your tools as you'll never use them

I’d prefer a group of 6’5’’ morons with cannons. Meaner and crazier the better.

Breakout plays are extremely elementary, clearing the netfront is even more so. You don’t need to get above 90IQ to do those two things. If your arms, and your partners are as long as DeBrincat, you’ll be fine. The forwards can do the rest.