Stafford’s proficiency obvious

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This article was published 12/03/2015 (3839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Drew Stafford’s game takes a little time to appreciate, but the more he plays in a Winnipeg Jets uniform, it becomes evident he’s a smart and detail-oriented player.

Coaches say it all the time about players they like: “He does the little things.” Stafford can do the big things and the little things.

On Thursday night, he scored his 13th goal of the season employing the simple principle of going to the net.

Stafford drove hard at Florida Panthers goalie Dan Ellis, and when linemate Michael Frolik was able to get the puck across to him, he batted it in. It was the 150th goal of his NHL career.

Stafford came over from the Buffalo Sabres in an eight-piece trade back in February and is currently playing on Winnipeg’s top line with Frolik and captain Andrew Ladd.

“It was extremely tight. They’re a desperate team and they played with urgency. They need the points. This was frustrating for us because we’re in the same boat. We’re trying to get in,” said Stafford, following the game. “It’s a race for us and we’re behind the eight ball now and we need to turn this around fast.”

Stafford plays a strong positional game and has quickly adapted to the Jets’ systems. He finds ways to get free for an outlet pass and rarely turns the puck over along in those dangerous spots inside either blue-line.

“Coming through high school at Shattuck-St. Mary’s (in Minnesota) and then playing at UND (Universty of North Dakota) the coaches were focused on structure,” said Stafford.

“Then I got to Buffalo and had Lindy Ruff, and he was always harping on the details. I’m thankful for those coaches. They gave me a foundation. Those habits stick with you. The last couple of years in Buffalo, some of them may have fallen to the wayside, but the coaches here have helped bring them back out in me.”

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Stafford’s father, Gord, was born in Banff, Alta., and played eight seasons of professional hockey.

“He played for the Milwaukee Admirals and that’s where I was born. Now he runs the girls hockey program at Shattuck. He’s won a couple of national titles there. My uncle, Barry, (Stafford) was the equipment manager with the Oilers for years. So whenever Edmonton would come into Chicago or later Minnesota, I’d get to be in their room,” said Stafford. “My dad coached me a bit when I was young but it wasn’t forced or anything. He just coached because no one else did. Him and my mom watch the games, but he watches as a dad and a fan. When I call home it’s not a clinic or anything. He’s just Dad.”

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @garylawless