If Rafael Nadal played hockey: defenseman, rated 91

Rafael Nadal as a hockey player: scouting report

Rafael Nadal would play defense, and he would be one of the best in the league at it. He won fourteen French Open titles on clay, a surface that rewards the player who can defend from deep, absorb pressure for point after point and then turn defense into attack in a single swing. That is the modern defenseman's job description. Physical play is the best thing on his card, and he would win every battle in the corners with the same intensity he brought to every rally.

His skating is just as strong. Nadal built his game on covering the whole court, sliding into shots and recovering faster than opponents thought possible, and that translates into a defenseman who closes gaps instantly and is never caught out of position. His defense grade is excellent, and his goaltending is a touch higher still, which reflects the composure of a champion who won twenty two Grand Slam singles titles and Olympic gold in singles in 2008 and in doubles in 2016. He grew up in Mallorca and stayed rooted there throughout his career, and he plays with that same steady loyalty to his structure.

Shooting is the one weak spot, and it is only weak by his own high standards. A famous detail of his career is that he plays tennis left handed while doing many other things with his right, so a coach could slot him on either side of a pairing. Goalie is an excellent second spot and left wing a strong third. Take him early, pair him with an offensive defenseman who can quarterback the power play, and give him the toughest minutes every night.

Plays like A relentless two way defenseman who never stops skating

Put Rafael Nadal in your lineup

8 rolls, a starting six and a bench, 82 games. Can you go 82-0? Free, no account.