Why is Höglander so good? And can he win some hardware?

[ImConfused]

Hello Canucks,

 

I wanted to go in-depth and discuss just what it is that makes Nils Höglander such a great young rookie player.

 

He's got skill AND drive, he's relentless. He's a lot like a Burrows/Hansen hybrid but with more offensive upside. Every shift he's on the ice he's out there making waves and causing headaches for the opponents.

 

Whether it's with adept positioning, smooth skating, a burst of speed, or a combination of all three, he seems to be able to get to those key areas on the ice with ease.

 

However, I have a theory about his secret weapon. The one thing that sets him apart from 99% of players in the league.

 

It's the UMLAUT.

 

I think that Höglander will go down as one of the strongest players in NHL history to feature an UMLAUT in his name. It really gives him that extra something, from "hawglander" to "hoaglander". This edge strikes fear in the opponents.

 

Can you name an NHL player better than Nils Höglander with an umlaut? I don't think you can.

 

Keep högging that puck, Nils! Great things await for you in the NHL with the Canucks.

 

Could we have another Calder contender on our hands?

 

Nils for Calder?

Edited February 18, 2021 by ImConfused

[SergioMomesso]

rarely do you see a guy who's 5'8 go into the corner with 3 opponents and come out with the puck. And i saw that twice last night alone. He ain't scared of sh1t.

[EternalCanuckFan]

My guess is if Hoglander can lead the league in rookie scoring, then maybe he has a shot at the Calder.  He's very close, just 1 point off the mark.

 

IMHO, something that has stood out by Hoglander's game is not only his effort but his tremendous awareness of space.  When Hoglander gains the zone, he often knows just where to put himself and the puck to maximize possession and control before either passing to a teammate or putting the puck into an area where it can be further contested.  He's a very smart player which combined with his high levels of effort and tremendous skill makes him a consistent threat.

[Devron]

I’m cool with another Calder nomination, keep the streak going.

 

Im thinking Lankinen sp? Is the front runner at this point. But a lot can change. With the chances Hogz has had he should have a few more points then he already does. Should be a close race 

[Devron]

Also his power is all of those things but the reason he’s in the NHL and so good at his age is Effort. Lots of guys have a similar talent but can’t make an NHL roster at his age 

[oldnews]

Calders tend to be scoring races unfortunately - as do Norris' these days - but if Horvat and Pearson can pick it up I see no reason why Hoglander doesn't have a shot at the Calder - and regardless I have a hard time thinking of a rookie I would rather have on my team - that shows so many indicators of tracking as a complete player.

 

Trophies or not - this is the rookie you want in your lineup.

[Ghostsof1915]

The only hardware that's important is the Stanley Cup.

I'd rather have an under the radar Calder candidate. 

 

[Coconuts]

If Horvat and Pearson pick it up offensively he absolutely could, getting the odd powerplay point would help him too (come on second unit, do something). Why not root for him to do it? 

 

Spoiler

 

[joe-max]

1 hour ago, ImConfused said:

Can you name an NHL player better than Nils Höglander with an umlaut? I don't think you can.

Find the odd one out:

- Nicklas Lidström

- Matthias Öhlund

- Markus Näslund

- Nicklas Bäckström

- Däniel Sädin

Edited February 18, 2021 by joe-max

[Nuxfanabroad]

Early in his career, Theo Fleury was such a feisty lil'bast*rd you had to admire it. There's much more to his story, but(although I hated the Lames) in the 90's, I really admired this guy's skill & tenacity.

 

Starting to think NH can become such a player - & quickly too. He's so much fun to watch..my word, the drafting lately!

[ImConfused]

1 hour ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said:

Ï dö nöt knöw whät ÿöü ärë tälkïng äböüt.  Thë ümläüt ïs nöt ön hïs jërsëÿ, sö ït cän't pössïblÿ bë ä fäctör.

It should be! I'll have to get mine custom made

[Ghostsof1915]

5 minutes ago, Nuxfanabroad said:

Early in his career, Theo Fleury was such a feisty lil'bast*rd you had to admire it. There's much more to his story, but(although I hated the Lames) in the 90's, I really admired this guy's skill & tenacity.

 

Starting to think NH can become such a player - & quickly too. He's so much fun to watch..my word, the drafting lately!

Not just drafting. You have to be the right type of player. Some players like Hoagy play bigger than his size. The fact he has no fear and goes into traffic, and is the one that skates out with the puck. That alone is enough to make anyone a fan. But back that up with some skill. Total sleeper pick. 

[Timråfan]

I think it's the bite angle of the skates.

Petey was insane his first season. Then he changed angle of the skates. And fell over and over again when he tried to be as intense as before.

[NewbieCanuckFan]

He’s a rookie and has that hunger.  He’s got the ‘Eye of the Tiger’!

 

 

 

[GhostsOf1994]

My money is on Nils winning the Calder.

 

I don't see a legit threat outside of kaprizov, Suter and that goalie.

 

I argue Nils has the advantage vs kaprizov as he is younger.

 

Suter will depend on how well Chicago does.

 

The goalie is the only one that gives me concern, we all saw binnington vs petey race.

 

(Binnington sucks) but was a close race.

 

 

[VegasCanuck]

Didn't bother voting, this kid has incredible eye / hand skills and has an engine that never quits. 

[24K PureCool]

18 minutes ago, GhostsOf1994 said:

My money is on Nils winning the Calder.

 

I don't see a legit threat outside of kaprizov, Suter and that goalie.

 

I argue Nils has the advantage vs kaprizov as he is younger.

 

Suter will depend on how well Chicago does.

 

The goalie is the only one that gives me concern, we all saw binnington vs petey race.

 

(Binnington sucks) but was a close race.

 

 

Calder is Kaprizov to lose. What is important is point per game and Nils is a bit behind on that. Can see a top 3 finish though. 

[NewbieCanuckFan]

6 minutes ago, 24K PureCool said:

Calder is Kaprizov to lose. What is important is point per game and Nils is a bit behind on that. Can see a top 3 finish though. 

What's the story on Ty Smith?  Just 'lucky' early with all those points (per game basis) as a defenseman (a significantly harder position to break into the league in that a winger).

[IBatch]

30 minutes ago, GhostsOf1994 said:

My money is on Nils winning the Calder.

 

I don't see a legit threat outside of kaprizov, Suter and that goalie.

 

I argue Nils has the advantage vs kaprizov as he is younger.

 

Suter will depend on how well Chicago does.

 

The goalie is the only one that gives me concern, we all saw binnington vs petey race.

 

(Binnington sucks) but was a close race.

 

 

Ty Smith is probably going to win it if things keep up....

[The Lock]

6 minutes ago, IBatch said:

Ty Smith is probably going to win it if things keep up....

Honestly, this seems like a much wider open race than we've seen for a while. Not to mention that Ty Smith was ahead in points and is dropping at the moment. I think anyone could be guessed to win at this point and it would be possible.

 

One thing I do think Hoglander has going for him mind you is his work ethic. If it allows him to be consistant throughout the season he may be able to "feed" on the cold streaks of other players.