Base Datsyuk Review

So I'm going to continue reviewing players, I'd like to bolster the amount of reviews that we have/give people that are looking at specific players something in depth to use in order to make decisions.

Line FF Panarin-Datsyuk-Kane

Skating 8.5/10 He's not gonna blow you away with his speed, but Datsyuk can easily keep up with the speedier forwards on the rush in order to create opportunities. If he gets enough open ice he can possibly get breakaway chances, but don't expect him to burn defenders the way Duchene, Tarasenko, etc. can. He's very strong on his skates, for a smaller player he doesn't get lit up often and is able to keep possession after getting bumped.

Shooting 8.5/10 An underrated part of Datsyuk's game is his ability to shoot the puck, if he gets open ice in good scoring areas, he can pick those corners with a wrister. His wrist shot is more versatile, as well as superior to his slap shot so take note of that when he has the puck. He also can drift into open ice and pump one-timers fairly well for a playmaker.

Hands 10/10 Datsyuk simply does not lose the puck. If you time your dekes properly, he will get around the defender with ease and create a scoring chance. Even if he is bumped it is not the end of the world because his puck control is also strong. His passing is very good as well, he can seam passes through multiple defenders to setup the cross crease as well as cycle in the corners and down low. His superior strength, puck control and passing abilities make him very dangerous down low.

Checking 8/10 Datsyuk very rarely gets nailed with a big hit, something that the smaller, faster players often have trouble with. He is also not terrible at delivering the body as well. If up against a weaker player, Datsyuk can bump them off the puck, or in some rare cases, absolutely light them up, forcing the opponent to turn over the puck.

Defense 10/10 This is what I feel separates Datsyuk from the elite offensive centers in HUT. There is nothing to dislike about his defensive game. His poke check and stick lift are pretty absurd, at most angles he can pickpocket the puck carrier and start the attack the other way, while also avoiding stick infractions because of his off the charts discipline. His face-offs are fairly solid, probably a tier below the elite draw takers like Bergeron, but by no means a liability. His positioning is sound, he's always where he needs to be on defense.

Overall... Out of all the players I have used this year, Datsyuk is the best. He's the only player I have been able to maintain a PPG pace with this year, and not because I'm always looking for him, but because he's always the one setting up plays, finding open ice, etc. He also has the ability to be the top defensive forward on most clubs, he's one of the best balances of offense and defense in the game, and at a high level in both too. At around 200k he is definitely worth the coin, he has the ability to slot in anywhere in a lineup, whether it be a top line playmaker role, or a bottom six checker.