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Antonio Stranges has elite skating ability and flair, but questions remain about whether he can carve out a top-six or bottom-six role in the NHL

From the moment he entered the spotlight with the London Knights, Antonio Stranges has been one of the most fascinating prospects in hockey.

His skating is electric, the kind of edgework that catches your eye and creates highlights every night.

It's no surprise the Dallas Stars took a chance on him in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

But as Stranges enters his third full season in the AHL, he's still trying to prove he can do more than just dazzle.

With the Texas Stars last season, Stranges posted 43 points in 55 games, solid, but not eye-popping for a player once seen as a breakout candidate.

Stranges doesn't yet project as a clean fit in the top or bottom of an NHL lineup

Here's the issue: Stranges is clearly not a grinder or shutdown winger. But his offense hasn't yet reached the level where he can force his way into a top-six NHL role.

"He's got the talent, no doubt,"
one AHL coach told The Hockey News, "but there are stretches where he disappears when the puck's not on his stick."

Another scout put it bluntly:

"You love the flair, but where do you play him? Not quite good enough for your top lines, and not reliable enough for your bottom lines."

Here is a clip that shows his insane talent:

Personally, I think Stranges has NHL tools, but unless he finds consistency or adds some grit to his game, he might land in that frustrating middle tier of tweeners.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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