Anyone in your league can pass the puck. Trying to teach someone to skate like Connor McDavid is valuable, sure, but it’s unrealistic. Shooting like Alex Ovechkin? Maaaayybe.

But why can’t your players pass the puck like Nikita Kucherov? The hockey IQ, the use of space, the creativity, of course a lot of that comes naturally to the best passers on the ice. But we can still practice the mechanics of passing over and over again and let the creativity blossom at the same time.

Nikita Kucherov

Creativity: Top hand high, allowing for a pass anywhere

Deception: Toes facing away from the intended receiver

Touch: Passes hard when he needs to pass hard, light when he needs to pass light

Watch the last clip closely as Kucherov makes a backhand pass from below the goal line. He scans first. Kucherov knows where everyone on the ice is, and his skill takes over. That’s hockey IQ, and that’s a good teammate who can work off the puck to get open. This can all be taught.

David Pastrnak

Work off the Puck: To pass the puck, you have to get it first

Puck Protection: Punch turns, work in the yellow, executing the pass under heavy coverage

Underhandle: Always a threat to pass

In the final clip, again, we see a backhand pass from below the goal line. It’s subtle, but Pastrnak isn’t throwing it blind. He scans, takes a snapshot with his eyes, and makes the pass.

Clayton Keller

Puck off Wall: Work in the yellow, get the puck to the middle of the ice

Top Hand High: Creates deception and creativity potential

Make Plays at Speed: Dish the puck while your feet are moving

And once again, the final clip involves making a play that no one else on the ice sees. Except in this one, Keller is purposely looking AWAY from the intended receiver. It’s subtle, but it’s there!