While many feel that this weight gain is a good sign for the development of these players, others like Maxim Lapierre are concerned. The former NHLer doesn't like to see such a big progression at this level in a young player.
This sudden weight gain has a good chance of greatly decreasing the speed of the young hockey player. As an example, he cites Jesperi Kotkaniemi who, in the summer following his first year in the NHL, added about 10 pounds of muscle to his lanky frame. However, his speed suffered greatly during the season that followed.
Hopefully, the three players mentioned above will not have lost their speed, as they will certainly find it fast in the NHL this season.
POLL | ||
15 SEPTEMBRE | 249 ANSWERS Max Lapierre expressed concern about Slafkovsky and Xhekaj, regarding their significant weight gain Are you concerned about Slafkovsky gaining weight (238 pounds) | ||
Yes | 70 | 28.1 % |
No | 179 | 71.9 % |
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