Looking at NHL Draft prospect Andrew Basha
Don't "Bash-a" the idea of drafting Andrew Basha, Vegas Golden Knights fans. Here's why the forward can be a good fit for the team.
Puns are becoming more popular today thanks to the rise of "Dad Jokes." Everyone loves to have a little lighthearted fun with words, lightening up the mood for everyone involved. One draft prospect can also lighten the mood for an NHL team, helping them shine bright: Andrew Basha. Make what you will of Basha, but there are a couple of "Dad Jokes" to be had with this. For example, don't "Bash-a" the idea of drafting the young prospect, for it could help them in the future.
Okay, so maybe it doesn't work out as it should. But "Dad Jokes" are on its way up. Another topic that's rising is Basha as an NHL Draft prospect. Having a quick forward coming up the ranks is always good, for there are many ways the Vegas Golden Knights can develop him (if selected with the 19th pick, of course). The possibility of making him into a breakaway threat or a player who gets many scoring opportunities makes for an attractive pick.
With a sea of possible picks at the 19th overall spot, could the Medicine Hat star be the right fit? Or could he "Bash-a" any hope of the Golden Knights and their plans? It's something that fans shouldn't put the "ka-Bash-a" on, although there are other picks that may "Bash-a" the competition.
But enough about the puns and "Dad Jokes" and let's look into what makes Andrew Basha good for Vegas. With the team looking to add NHL-ready forward talent, the young left winger can be the right fit. Here's a look at what Basha can offer the team and what he can improve. No "Dad Jokes" the rest of the way, though. That's a promise (don't "Bash-a" me, please!).
Andrew Basha's profile
As far as NHL Draft prospects go, Andrew Basha has made his living on quickness and speed. Flying up and down the ice makes being a scoring threat easy, especially at his young age (18). His profile with the Medicine Hat Tigers shows it, where he has 55 goals and 100 assists in three seasons with the WHL team.
He also made an incredible impact with the Calgary Royals during his AMBHL days (U15 AAA), scoring 24 goals and 33 assists in 33 games (2019-20). All that in a single season shows what he can do as a playmaker in the NHL.
As for his vitals, Basha stands 6'0" and weighs 185 lbs. The 18-year-old comes from Calgary and has a left-handed shot. His youth team was Glenlake MHA and he was also named a part of the WHL (Central) second all-star team. For prospecting teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, having a quick playmaker like the Medicine Hat star can immediately help an NHL team.
But other aspects make Basha a promising prospect. After all, speed alone doesn't make an NHL player great, for it can only get you so far. Here's how he can "Bash-a" the competition with his offensive prowess (okay, no more puns after this).
How Andrew Basha fits with the Vegas Golden Knights
Andrew Basha is well-known for basing his game on all-around quickness. That's how he's etched his name with the Medicine Hat Tigers and helped them become regular playoff contenders. However, there's more to the Calgary native's game than simply zipping around the ice.
The 18-year-old also has a great hockey IQ, being able to read the play before it happens. If he doesn't have the puck, he'll seek a spot where he can set up his next shot or pass, moving and creating that play. The left winger also responds to his environment well, making him a more lucrative NHL Draft pick.
However, Basha must learn to do this on a regular basis. There are times where he can be lost and disengage from the play. That can be problematic for a team like the Vegas Golden Knights, who are constantly moving up and down the ice.
Also, he can be more physical on the ice. The Golden Knights have some talented players on their team that don't need physicality. Adding more can shift them away from their forecheck identity. Therefore, Basha must adapt to Vegas's strategy quickly if he's drafted.
The verdict
Andrew Basha is a quality offensive talent that can help any NHL team on the attack. His speed and hockey IQ alone make him a scoring threat, which is good news for teams like the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, there are questions about his consistency and engagement during the play. Not having a sense of urgency on every play has doomed the Golden Knights in the past. Adding another player like Basha to the mix can cause further troubles for the team.
While he sounds like a nice late first-round draft pick in the NHL Draft, there are other options for Vegas to choose from. These players can add a consistent presence to their game, playing with more urgency and passion. Therefore, the 18-year-old should be looked at as a backup plan if McCrimmon's preferred player isn't there.
But that isn't to say he isn't a great player. He can be an incredible offensive playmaker who moves quickly. His speed alone can attract a team like the Golden Knights. However, the Calgary native might not be the right fit for Vegas long-term. Unless he can play with more physicality and consistency, there won't be much possibility of succeeding in Las Vegas.
feed