After learning from Sebastian Aho's habits away from the puck that lead directly to goals, I wanted to find out whether defencemen possess unique traits when it comes to supporting the play and being an outlet. It's tricky to find a suitable candidate for these projects because Cale Makar is simply too gifted to present to players at the junior level. I needed someone who can score from the blue line but doesn't rely on blazing speed or elite puck skills.

A perfectly average, above-average hockey player. Preferably a superstar with the temperament of a librarian.

Brock Faber

Look at where this guy's goals come from and tell me he isn't the perfect candidate. Is he perfectly average, or just proficient at everything, everywhere, all the time?

Attacking from Transition

Let's start in the defensive zone because that's where people assume defencemen spend most of their time. That's true for defencemen who are getting hemmed in, but the best method of defending is to get it over with as quickly as possible. Watch how Faber starts the transition or, for the purposes of this exercise, supports it by working away from the puck, drawing coverage, and attacking space

Joining the Rush

Let someone else get the party started, right? In many of these clips, Faber did actually start the rush earlier in the sequence. But still, then he has to jump up and support it. Watch how he attacks space and makes it obvious through his stick position and body language just how badly he wants the puck on his stick. Talk about earning your offence.

Pass Ready in the Offensive Zone (Clips 5 to 13, CHI vs. VGK)

I can't repeat pass ready often enough with my team. Skating around with your stick in the air isn't just inefficient. It tells your teammates you're not ready for a pass. Worse, it suggests you don't really want the puck.

These are simple clips from one of the world's best. He's one of the world's best because he has the stick habits and hockey IQ to consistently support the puck carrier.