COLLIN GRAF

2025-01-30

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Graf has above average speed but isn't a burner. It's not a stand-out skill but won't hold him back.

Passing/Handling:

Graf is adept at controlling the puck and putting passes on sticks. He can thread needles and feather saucer passes. I was really impressed with his finesse with the puck.

Shooting:

Graf's shot is ok, but not his calling card. I suspect he's going to be a high-efficiency low-volume shooter. Between his pass-first attitude and his willingness to go to the net, he'll probably only shoot on rebounds and wide-open slot shots. Which is fine, as he doesn't have the shooting skill to score from range.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Graf's vision is one of his best assets. He always has his head up with the puck and can slow the game down in a Patrick Kane-type way. He also works to find release valves for teammates and help maintain possession. Defensively he anticipates well and often gets his stick into lanes.

Forechecking:

Graf is a hard worker on the forecheck. As mentioned above, he often gets hist stick into lanes and he also isn't afraid of corner battles. He's never going to be a bruiser or overpowering forechecker, but has a bit of sneakiness to his pressure that may catch opponents off guard.

Defense:

Graf is positionally responsible, to the point where he'd be a good fit at Center. It does seem he's played there in college, but San Jose is crowded down the middle and I'm not sure where he fits long term.

Best Asset:

Vision. Just watch his work on the Powerplay.

Biggest Concern:

Jack of all trades master of none. I feel like he's slightly above average in just about everything, but doesn't have that one calling card skill that he's head and shoulders above his peers in.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Secondary scoring winger. A third wheel L1/PP1 guy or comfortable L2/PP2 guy

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's got some offensive talent, and some skills (corner work, speed, vision) that would play up well with skill players. He'll never be a top 1-2 offensive driver on a team but could help elevate guys around him.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Bottom 6 utility knife type guy

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His well-rounded game should see him getting NHL minutes regardless. I could see coaches deploying him in a wide range of situations up and down the lineup and on both PP and PK. I think his role depends a bit on team context -- I think he can be an important part of a playoff team, but probably not in an offensive capacity. I think the most likely outcome here is a guy who plays 18-20 mins a night but somehow isn't fantasy relevant in most formats.

Stylistic Comparable:

Chandler Stephenson or Alex Wennberg... Martin Necas lite (like really lite) maybe?

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

1x NHL, 2x AHL