EDUARD SALE

2024-04-25

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Elite. Sale can fly through the neutral zone. He should be able to create plays purely through pushing the pace in transition, a valuable skill for a winger in today's NHL.

Passing/Handling:

He's a great cross-ice passer, able to thread the needle and make seemingly impossible passes.

Shooting:

I was surprised in a good way by his shot. I expected to see a passive pass-first guy, but he is a lethal finisher in close. He's not going to be the rush shooter or one timer guy, but from the slot down he can pick his spot.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Another high-end skill, he's great at waiting until the last second to draw defenders to him and create openings.

Forechecking:

Sale is not an aggressive forechecker, and prefers to play the high third man. I don't expect he'll excel at creating turnovers.

Defense:

His transitional speed helps him on the backcheck, although I'd like to see him use his frame better defensively to control opponents.

Best Asset:

Passing/Vision

Biggest Concern:

I've heard consistency concerns about him. Although I didn't see him disappear in the few games I watched, I'll defer to industry scouts who've seen 10-20 games of him here.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top line assist-heavy winger

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's got the speed, passing, and vision to be an elite playmaker in this league, just a matter if he's able to find consistency and not frustrate coaches.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Mostly invisible mid-six guy who bounces from team to team.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If he can't find his consistency and effort, he won't be more than a 13-15 minute a night guy.

Stylistic Comparable:

Jeff Skinner

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

The Kraken have reinforcements coming with Firkus, Rehkopf and Sale. If even 2/3 turn into everyday top-6 players next to Wright and Beniers they'll be in good shape for the next 5-7 years.

Games Scouted:

Playoff games vs Erie and London