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What Type of Player Is Wes Babiy?


face_off.jpg
Two-Way Forward Kesler (17) vs. Power Forward Getzlaf (15)


According to the most recent draft rankings, Wesley Babiy (ranked 9th overall) is consider both the top rated center and power forward. This should come as a moderate surprise as up to this point the prospect has been touted as a two-way forward. To some this is a matter of minor semantics, but in the hockey world the difference in those two terms could mean the world.

The term power forward came into prominence in the 80’s when Cam Neely took the hockey world by storm. Obviously, power forwards existed before Neely, the great Gordie Howe and Clark Gillies come to mind immediately. These players are known for their physicality combined with goal scoring ability (although some are known to be solid playmakers: Getzlaf, Lindros). The best power forwards can change the feel of the game just by stepping on the ice. They put a little bit of fear in every one they face.

Two-way forwards, on the other hand, are hockey players that excel in all areas of the ice. These players are good enough offensively to play large minutes and put up a good number of points (goals or assists), but their game does not end in the offensive zone as they are also stalwarts at defense. Like power forwards a two-way player has to be strong, but they should also be good skaters in order to get back in the defensive zone or join the rush. For centers in particular, face-off ability is a must.

What both player types have in common is the potential to be special teams studs. An elite two-way player will always lead the league in shorthanded points, which can steal momentum and games. While the physicality and scoring ability of a power forward makes them goal scoring magnets on the man advantage.

So with that understanding in mind we ask again, what is Wes Babiy?

Currently Babiy is one of the stronger players on his team as he has filled out his 6’2, 215 lb. body well. With that being said, he isn’t a punishing checker and his shot is pretty weak. To call him a power forward would be a stretch of the phrase. A major weakness in Babiy’s game is his skating as he relies on his teammates to move the puck from one end of the ice to the other. This is a big knock for anyone who would call him a 200 foot player as skating the full length of the ice more than once in a shift would really highlight Babiy’s weaknesses.

What Babiy does do well is win face-offs and setup in a zone. His passing makes him a PP weapon, while his skills at puck drop and positioning make him a PK candidate. The best description of the young player would likely be: Special Teams Specialist. But until that term hits the mainstream we maybe stuck calling Babiy a hybrid forward. As far as what he will become, only time will tell for the large center.

 

 

Word Count: 517

 

Content 3/3 - To be fair, I think Two-way players should be based off of +/-, and a PP20 of .7-.9. And they should have more TA then GW. Lastly, two-way forwards don't need to hit they just need to be able to be smart defensively.

Grammar 2/2 - Solid

is consider = is considered

Appearance 1/1 - Yup

Final 6/6

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