Article: Liam Öhgren Shaking Off Disappointing Start to Season

[Robert Brent]

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[mnfaninnc]

Quote

The most celebrated parts of his skill set include a highly competitive style, a solid 200-foot game, an ability to score in high-danger areas, and playing with physicality. These traits should lend well to a bottom-six role, especially as he got used to the NHL’s speed. However, none of that seemed to translate. Öhgren scored no points and failed to produce underlying numbers indicating a positive impact.

When I saw him live, he still wasn't playing with physicality (and I'd suggest he is not 187 but more like 200+). His stick was also still a bit slow. It was adequate for the A, but not quick enough for the N. 

He looks like he will be a Nino type player, and I loved Nino here. But, to do that, he's got to be doing a lot of stickhandling drills, and it is imperative that he starts playing the body harder. He'll win board battles, he did up here, but he goes in to gentle, he needs to go in with a jolt, far more violent. 

With respect to Robert's piece here, if you look at the 3 goals he shows, Ohgren didn't have to do anything but skate down the left wing. The defender was backed off, this doesn't happen in the N, all 3 of those never make it on net, they're deflected. On his 4th goal in front of the net, that was a nice chip shot. All told, though, he was asked to do minimal stickhandling. 

Watching him in the WJCs, I was not impressed with his puck control. So the hands may be good in tight, but they're going to have to get far quicker in space. Now, it could be that he has other linemates that can do that part and he merely launches one-timers without carrying the puck too much. 

Stats are one thing, and it would seem to indicate he is tearing up the A. However, the game which I saw him play, he did not stand out that way. When I saw Tuch, he really stood out. Ogzy did not. There's still more tools he needs unlocked.

[Burnt Toast]

I hope they play Liam O wherever he can develop the best overall. I’m interested in longterm results. I’m absolutely certain he will hit his ceiling, whatever that is. I base that opinion on his family history of professional hockey players. So far his development trajectory is on spot. He’s one of five young players I’m really excited to see play for the Wild when he’s done baking. The future is bright. 

[mnfaninnc]

Merry Christmas to everyone. I certainly hope everyone has a great time with family this year! 

[Up North Guy]

5 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

Merry Christmas to everyone. I certainly hope everyone has a great time with family this year! 

Merry Christmas MnFann

[Mateo3xm]

On 12/24/2024 at 11:22 AM, mnfaninnc said:

When I saw him live, he still wasn't playing with physicality (and I'd suggest he is not 187 but more like 200+). His stick was also still a bit slow. It was adequate for the A, but not quick enough for the N. 

He looks like he will be a Nino type player, and I loved Nino here. But, to do that, he's got to be doing a lot of stickhandling drills, and it is imperative that he starts playing the body harder. He'll win board battles, he did up here, but he goes in to gentle, he needs to go in with a jolt, far more violent. 

With respect to Robert's piece here, if you look at the 3 goals he shows, Ohgren didn't have to do anything but skate down the left wing. The defender was backed off, this doesn't happen in the N, all 3 of those never make it on net, they're deflected. On his 4th goal in front of the net, that was a nice chip shot. All told, though, he was asked to do minimal stickhandling. 

Watching him in the WJCs, I was not impressed with his puck control. So the hands may be good in tight, but they're going to have to get far quicker in space. Now, it could be that he has other linemates that can do that part and he merely launches one-timers without carrying the puck too much. 

Stats are one thing, and it would seem to indicate he is tearing up the A. However, the game which I saw him play, he did not stand out that way. When I saw Tuch, he really stood out. Ogzy did not. There's still more tools he needs unlocked.

That was a couple games you saw though so a very small sample size. When guys that are 20 years old are lighting up the ahl, that says something. He’s far ahead of guys that are 2-3 years older than him

[FredJohnson]

[FredJohnson]

Part of Öhgren’s reclamation of form is due to a change in role. He’s playing as a top-six player instead of the limited minutes he played in Minnesota.

Hello! That's why I wanted him in the top 6 instead of NoJo.

[mnfaninnc]

On 12/25/2024 at 3:23 PM, Mateo3xm said:

That was a couple games you saw though so a very small sample size. When guys that are 20 years old are lighting up the ahl, that says something. He’s far ahead of guys that are 2-3 years older than him

Agreed on the small sample size, but I think you can get a feel for his play throughout. For instance, in this game, while the baby Wild were pretty severely outplayed, the game was tied 2-2 after 2, so it was a competitive game. Seeing things like a slow stick, or a lack of bodychecking is a good snapshot of where his game is. 

It's not a shot at Ohgren, I like him as a player. It's merely an appraisal of where he's currently at, and that he is not yet ready to move up. Now, Ogzy is a 2nd half player throughout his career, so something changes after the Christmas break for him (typically, it has been becoming healthy from injuries).