Improved skating has led to many NHL teams taking a second look at the two-way pivot since he was passed over last June. Has great size and uses it effectively without taking needless penalties. Plays the game hard and has good intensity. A heady player who has good hockey sense. A playmaker in the offensive zone. Sees the ice well and reads the play. Still needs to work on his foot speed and acceleration. Put up some good points but needs to be more consistent in his effort level from shift to shift. Strong defensively and has made a commitment to his own zone. (May 2010)