When Alex Galchenyuk was acquired 2 months ago by the Leafs, it was understood that there was some work to be done to build him back up to being an NHL regular. The skating was a major focus, as well as making him feel valued again and restoring his confidence.
He put his head down and got to work with the development staff and the Toronto Marlies (AHL), which led to an opportunity to prove it with the big club.
Now, none of the success he has seen so far happens without the logical decision to start him in the top 6. That is where his game most translates and where he had the potential for the most success. So if you were going to give him a shot, it only made sense to let him show it there.
He has maintained that spot in the lineup by making himself valuable each and every shift. Make it so the coach has to play you. To achieve this, he has:
Been relentless on the puck
Improved the conditions of the puck once it has been acquired
Shown his high understanding of the game
Be relentless on the puck
He has been eager to assume the role of F1 whenever he can and is quick to read the defender and attack on the proper angle. His smarts help him understand when and where to apply stick pressure. Once a puck battle has been started, he has used proper techniques depending on the situation to come away with the puck. However simple it may look, if this kind of compete can be displayed on a consistent basis, it is very valuable.
Improve the conditions of the puck
First, he shows a strong awareness of his body position to shield the opposing player from this puck and ensure he wins the race. Next, his focus shifts to improving the condition of the puck. Meaning: move the puck into a better area of the ice for your team to continue possession. He is successful in this task by getting the puck off the wall and into the middle of the ice. He has regularly shown that this is a real strength of his. This not only provides value to his team but more specifically to his linemates, who do not have to clean up perpetual battles he may create by throwing pucks away. The coach will see the value in that.
Show your IQ
Galchenyuk is a smart player. Keefe is a smart coach. It won’t take much for him to notice the value he can bring with his high sense for the game. Although it may not stand out in the moment, Keefe will find it when reviewing the video.
Here, with subtle manipulation of his feet and control of his speed, he provides a slight pick to disrupt Ottawa’s neutral zone forecheck. It gives Nylander the extra half a second he needs to burst into the newfound open ice which leads to a controlled entry and scoring chance.
This is the hidden value. The value that good coaches will find. But Alex Galchenyuk has gotten to this point by working hard at the mundane. By making the coach never think twice about taking him out of the lineup. By making himself valuable. And by doing things others won’t, he gives himself a chance to show that he can do things others can’t.