The Tape: Eight games of Kaut

After eight games, Martin Kaut has been sent back to the AHL. While that is less time than many thought he deserved it still gives us 80:22 of NHL tape to run back and see what he brings to the top level of hockey. Spoilers, he looks NHL-ready.

1. Confidence. From game one Kaut never shied away from making a play. The Avs gave him minimal responsibility allowing him to be as aggressive as he pleased offensively. He took advantage and went head first into every play. Battling on the boards or driving the net he was getting involved and when he found himself open he was willing to call for the puck. Confidence goes a long way in standing out in the NHL and it makes both your coaches and teammates pay attention.

2. Instincts. Despite the Avs systemically wanting to use him as an F1 (first forward up the ice), Kaut would regularly drift deeper into the defensive zone and often find himself battling in behind his net for pucks. He has always been a very responsible player when it comes to the defensive side and it’s clear he’s comfortable in that role. Physically he seems to have no issues in puck battles and can read and position well off of his teammates. These are the types of skills that don’t flash much but will earn you a job in the long run.

3. Forecheck. Similar to Namestnikov as talked about in the previous edition of The Tape, Kaut is a very intelligent forechecker. When bearing down on the puck carrier is what’s necessary Kaut can be effective but where he shines is slipping in and out of the passing lanes disrupting breakouts. It doesn’t take much to drift out of the sightline of a puck carrying defender and with a solid read and some good timing a turnover can be created. This situation plays out about as perfectly as it could here.

4. Puck patience. When Kaut collects a puck there is a calmness that seems to come over him. Nothing is rushed, everything feels thought out and methodical. He is able to protect the puck while the play around him develops and once the time comes to get rid of the puck he almost always makes the safe decision. It may not always be the most effective play but it is extremely reliable. The clip below showcases Kaut’s ability to hold the puck an extra second before sweeping across to the safety of his defenseman.

5. Dump and chase. With Kaut on the ice, the Avs have used the dump and chase zone entry method a noticeable amount more. This may be more of a decision based on the personnel they have with all the injuries more than just Kaut himself but it is another place Kaut shows off how well he fits into an NHL system. He understands how to pace out the neutral zone to cross the blue line at full speed and his straight-line pace holds up well when tracking down pucks.

6. Trigger puller. Kaut attempted 23 shots, nearly three per game. Of forwards, only MacKinnon, Landeskog and Jost attempted more across that stretch. On top of this, the majority of these shots were of the quality variety with 16 scoring chances created individually. He kept it simple, got to the dangerous areas of the ice and let fly as he does from the near faceoff dot in this clip.

7. Lucky charm. The Avs are 7 – 0 – 1 with Kaut in the lineup. He has never experienced an NHL regulation loss.

The only thing Kaut didn’t do that will be expected of him in the future is PK. It’s pretty clear Kaut could be an NHL regular today and the only reason he has been sent back to the AHL is to save an extra year of his contract.