from Joe Pack of Sportsnet,

Adam Oates wants change in the NHL.

The former player, coach and now skills consultant penned a piece in the Players’ Tribune Friday, recalling how he studied Wayne Gretzky tapes as a youngster and how he sees the NHL can improve scoring and stay ahead of the curve.

While the hockey community has been wringing its hands over the perceived lack of scoring and the size of both ice surfaces and goaltending equipment, Oates says the game needs smarts and not just blind speed.

"With Gretz, the magic was all about how he manipulated his opponent through misdirection," wrote Oates. "Wayne’s footwork when he was handling the puck at a standstill was just as impressive as when he was skating full-speed down the wing.

"There’s always going to be a ton of guys who can skate, especially with the emphasis now on training and athleticism. But there’s not enough of a premium on players with the brains or the hands to be real playmakers."

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