Sometimes a prospect's fitness testing results at the NHL combine can dramatically affect his draft stock.
Some prospects come into the combine with conditioning, character or injury concerns. Physical testing has a way of weeding out the less athletic, as well as those who simply don't have the desire to be a big-time player in the NHL.
Here's a list of prospects who I believe need to perform well in Toronto to either keep their stock high or raise it.
Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (FIN)
Aleksander Barkov certainly has the size to compete in the NHL (6'2", 205 pounds), but there are questions surrounding a shoulder injury he suffered late last season. There are also concerns about his quickness out on the ice.
Doctors' reports will go a long way in solidifying Barkov's stock as a top prospect. So will the vertical leap and the Wingate bike test, designed to measure a prospect's quickness.
Valeri Nichushkin, LW, Chelyabinsk (RUS)
Teams will obviously be grilling Valeri Nichushkin on his level of desire to play in the NHL ov ...
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Article written by Ryan Rudnansky
NHL Draft Combine 2013: Prospects Whose Stocks Hinge on Evaluation Process
May 28th, 2013 by Ryan Rudnansky Leave a reply »
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