87 TOTW Irwin review

So after a post I made a couple days ago I found out not many people know Matt Irwin so I'm going to do a quick review on his 87 TOTW card. He goes for around 8k and he played 3rd pairing with Vatanen for me as well as PP2. ~20 games played in div 6-4 3G 4A +8

He's an 85 base card and is by no means a high end talent. His synergies are pretty crappy but I just love the way the card plays, and he'd be a solid guy for anyone trying to budget to just starting out.

Skating (7.5/10): He is not fast. He won't blow by anyone, but he has enough get up and go to make it back to save a goal on a bad turnover. He's pretty solid as far as agility, again not amazing but good for his value. Definitely had him weaving around in the O-zone and holding his own.

Hands (8/10): holds onto the puck pretty well, not a dangled by any means though so I wouldn't try it. His passing is quite good for his Ovr as well.

Shot: he's got a hell of a wrister when he's got some open space. Twice I had last minute snipes with this guy off a draw. He's slapped isn't great to get the goal but it's great for tips and rebounds. As he was on my 3rd pair he didn't get much offensive zone time.

Physicality/ Defensive awareness (8.5/10): almost always in the right position and a great shot blocker. His stick checking isn't top tier but it's good enough if you know how to use it. He can lay the boom too, injured a few players with him.

Final impression: if you're a top division player this card is probably not for you. If you're just starting or in the lower divisions he will be fine for you. I had way better defensemen but I just couldn't take this guy out of my lineup, I just loved his card.