CHRISTIAN KYROU

2024-07-27

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Kyrou isn't a speedster, but he's a smooth skater who's strong on his feet. His ability to protect the puck is one of his strengths. He definitely can lose races to fast guys though.

Passing/Handling:

He's confident with the puck and patient to make the right pass. He's not going to make any flashy moves or setups, but makes the right play most of the time.

Shooting:

Kyrou has an average shot for a defenseman. He gets it through and on net, but it isn't a booming slapshot.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Kyrou's IQ is high end. He's in the right place in both ends, is aggressive without being risky, and has great vision and patience.

Forechecking:

N/A

Defense:

Kyrou uses his body REALLY well for a guy listed at 5'10" 170lb. The usual concern with guys his size is being outmuscled in the corners or not being able to clear the netfront, but I Don't see those issues with him. He's got a low center of gravity to allow him to play a bit bigger in the defensive zone, while keeping the offensive shiftiness. Transition will always be his calling card, but I'd be surprised if the defense is ever a negative.

Best Asset:

IQ/transition vision.

Biggest Concern:

Team situation. I think Kyrou is a pretty safe NHLer, but I don't really see upside with all the other guys Dallas has -Heiskanen and Harley probably keep him off the PP, limiting his upside.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

50 point D, if he sneaks onto PP2 and hit his second pairing upside

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's got the talent to be a middle-pair D, and is good in transition, but I don't see the high end offensive skillset needed to run a powerplay

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

35-40 point D, 18-20 minutes with some PK time too.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His IQ lends him to being a minute-muncher, but he doesn't have any elite offensive skills

Stylistic Comparable:

Sean Walker

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

AHL Playoff games