My comments follow a very limited viewing of Frattin in the NHL. As a NCAAer and a rookie, he could easily taper off between now and Xmas. So far, I'm impressed.
He seems capable in all facets of the game. For the two goals he was on the ice for this season, he didn't bear much responsibility in my opinion.
I don't know where the skating knock might have come from. He's was all over the ice in the offensive zone in college. I saw clips of him in Leafs practice and had observed he's light on his feet. From that and the games, he seems to have above average speed for a forward and skates pretty well.
He's been a little snake bit. He's had at least three posts or crossbars.
When the inevitable comes up as Kadri gets cleared to play - apparently fair soon, it only requires a millisecond of deliberation for me: Frattin is the better NHLer at this moment in time and the contest in my opinion isn't all that close.
He is by a significant margin the more complete and better two way hockey player. Defensively:
- he's stronger and better at finishing his checks, doesn't get knocked on his fanny as easily
- he is better at winning puck battles along the boards
- he's a better hitter and more frequently finishes his checks
- he's more conservative with the puck and from that arguably, smarter with the puck defensively as he's not as prone to costly giveaways. Kadri's improving but not at his level yet.
Offensively right now, Kadri's the better waterbug while Frattin seems to have the better shot. Although my guess would be that Kadri has the talent for the better vision, I think Frattin makes the better percentage decisions on passing right now. Kadri might have an edge in the potential to put up more points while Frattin strikes me as being the better potential finisher. Time will tell.
When Connolly returns - presumably a few games later than Kadri based upon the most recent reports I've heard, that's a different problem that must be figured out. Frattin's development would be stunted on the 4th line. But do you keep Frattin on the 3rd line while Lombardi moves back to the 4th line? That seems nuts though I like Frattin's style of game better with a center like Bozak/Lombardi than I do having both Lombardi & Bozak on the same line because they seem more similar to me and less physical.
Of course if Kessel is still on fire with Bozak centering that line, they may want to leave well enough alone and have Connolly center the 3rd line while he works himself into game shape. He's reputed to be pretty good defensively and good on the PK. I need to give this one more thought but it obviously may force Frattin to the AHL. Of course, more injuries could change the debate again by the time that decision rolls around.
