Right now, the 6-2, 180-pound left winger is seen as a potential second-rounder by some, but he has the hockey skills and intangibles to move up if he can make a seamless transition to the WHL, much like Nino Niederreiter did last year.
Tvrdon, who played for the Nitra junior team last season, is going to be able to pack on mass to his sizeable frame and is strong on his skates, even if he is on the lanky side. He has nice high-end speed but could stand to improve his first few steps and turns/change of direction. He can generate offense on the fly and has soft hands for passing and shooting. He uses his size and strength to shield the puck and power through checks. He can take the puck to the net but has to show more consistency and a willingness to bowl defenders over when the opportunity presents itself, as he's not all that effective on the perimeter. Smart, instinctive player who can dictate the offensive tempo of a game, but doesn't always bring his 'A' game.
One thing's for sure: Giants coach Don Hay will get the most out of his talent and force Tvrdon to work for it. The youngster has demonstrated in the past that when he's hungry, he's among the most talented and dangerous forwards in the '11 class. But, how much he wants it and whether he can put it all together in a game-by-game basis is what will determine how early he goes off the board in Minnesota.
Well Kirk, i've been waiting for you to throw a name out there i don't know anything about and it's finally happened. Didn't think it would come this quick though!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like he has the potential to be a diamond or a lump of coal, depending on how much he wants it. One thing's for certain, he will be playing under the right coach to bring the best out of him.