i agree it takes time to build up strength. i also think it takes a different mindset than the one he came into the league with. he was all about fancy stick handling and dekes and dunks. he was about avoiding getting hit.
this is the nhl, not the swedish league. the ice is smaller. the players are bigger. the game is more physical.
god has given that young man stu gimson's frame with alex debrincat's hands. use it young man, use it.