Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
What’s better than winning the NCAA National Championship? Leading the nation in scoring with 57 points in 41 games while doing so. That’s exactly what Bobby “Orr” Brink did this season before signing his entry-level deal this week.
Not bad for a guy some called too small for college level.
Now that he’s set to make his NHL debut, Brink is looking to show Philadelphia Flyers fans what kind of impact he can make come the season’s conclusion. Coming off an impressive season with the University of Denver, Brink is ready for the next level.
At just 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Brink is certainly small for what NHL teams are looking for in a player, but he has shown at every level from the USHL to the NCAA that he has the ability to play a high level. His ability to analyze the game in the offensive zone allows him to be one step ahead of the play. Brink is a playmaker at heart who uses his analysis ability to tactically hit the opposing defense with passes through tight windows or launch a teammate into space.
However, the NCAA’s leading scorer is not without its flaws. Brink’s mobility is a bit limited due to a skating stride that could use some work from a technical side. A big part of these late-season cameos for college players is giving them a taste of NHL action to show them what they need to work on heading into their true rookie season. Brink’s conclusion is probably that he needs to work on his skating a bit over the summer because, while effort isn’t an issue, his disappointing mobility often leads to looping spins or being a step or two behind in a race. Of discs.
This isn’t to say that Brink won’t be effective for the Flyers late in the season. In fact, it’s meant to illustrate that whatever impact he ends up having in the next couple of weeks should be seen as a preview of an improved version of Brink that we could see next fall. Brink brings a lot of elements to the game that should allow him to make an offensive impact this year, the improved skating will only make him more dangerous next season.
The all-American first team practiced on the second row and at the top of the power play unit, which is an excellent sign. A player of Brink’s skill level and style of play is a much better fit for a top-six role. Having players who are capable of finishing plays, Brink sets up with his vision and soft-touch passing ability. At the current stage of Brink’s career, having players capable of moving the puck on the ice as a puck carrier will also be a benefit, as Brink is a smart bumper player and passer in the neutral zone, he still has room to grow. as a disc carrier. .
The power play could be where Brink really thrives in the last ten games of the year. Brink sees the ice in a way not many players do. His willingness to alter his frame as he passes, whether passing off balance or using the backhand, gives him an attribute that makes all the difference as a set-up man with the man advantage.
In 5v5, Brink can be just as dangerous. He constantly looks to fool opposing defensemen by drawing them away from their intended passing target, similar to an NFL quarterback eyeing a safety. The Hobey Baker finalist is calculated and in control when the puck is in his stick with his mind constantly on what is the next chess move he needs to make.
Brink is an anticipatory defensive player at his own winger. He translates his play-reading ability from the offensive game to the defensive game. He keeps his body on the right side of the puck and looks to split passes and get into lanes, looking to get the puck back and find a teammate for a quick, efficient break. As with any undersized player, Brink will need to continue to build up for physical battles on the boards, but with his 21st birthday this summer, there’s a long way to go for that to happen.
The reality of the situation in Philly is that the Flyers are in no condition to contend for a playoff spot as the season winds down. This makes it an excellent environment to allow young players like Brink, as well as Cam York, Owen Tippett and Noah Cates, to get some much-needed NHL experience, as well as the rope to make mistakes and not worry about being put down. in the animal shelter. The forgiveness that young players need as they try to break into the NHL can often be hard to come by on a winning team. They need to take advantage of the unfortunate season they have lived through.
At the end of the day, Brink had nothing left to prove in college. The Flyers’ 2019 second-round pick was a national champion, Hobey Baker finalist, led the country in scoring and earned a host of other year-end awards and honors. He is ready to take the next step in his hockey career.
You could say he’s on the brink of being an impact NHLer.
Reference-thehockeynews.com