For many years, there has been a popular debate about whether NHL teams should have a “heavier” roster rather than a more skillful roster.
Some believe that players who are gifted with size are more beneficial than those who are on the diminutive side. However, it seems recently that players who are smaller, faster, and more skillful have the upper hand.
Just take a look at Panthers center Jonathan Marchessault who stands at a mere 5’9″, weighing in at 174 pounds. Leading the team with 30 goals this past season, Marchessault proved to be the best off-season pickup this year in the entire NHL.