HUNTER BRZUSTEWICZ

2024-05-12

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Not the fastest guy but isn't a bad skater either. His positioning and anticipation help make him look faster than he really is. Strong on his skates though.

Passing/Handling:

High end puck skills. Effective at getting the puck up in transition and in the zone seems to know where he's going with it before receiving it.

Shooting:

Not a big shooter, but can pick his spot when creeping in from the point.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Solid hockey IQ, always knows where he needs to be both offensively and defensively. Doesn't get out of position often.

Forechecking:

n/a

Defense:

Strong body for a guy of his size, and should continue to grow into that. Also good at positioning and with his stick. I was more impressed with his defense than I expected to be given the point totals.

Best Asset:

IQ/Anticipation

Biggest Concern:

Lack of any one defining skill.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Perennial Norris candidate

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

If his offense pops in the next two years, I think he could be a big time NHLer. I don't think that's the likely outcome, but it's one skill jump away from it.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

2nd pairing PP1 guy

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His game is really mature for a 19 year old. He's still got to make the jump the AHL and then NHL, but I'm impressed with how well he does many different things.

Stylistic Comparable:

Shea Theodore

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

"When I first viewed Hunter back in February, I was less than impressed with his in-zone defense. That looked a lot better this time, so I'm more bullish than I was before.

Between him and Poirier, I definitely would be taking Bruzstewicz for the long term, although Poirier should get the chance to establish himself first. Bruzstewicz has the advantage of being a coveted right-handed defenseman though."

Games Scouted:

Playoff games vs London

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2024-02-19

Scout: Jeremy Vercillo

Skating:

Brzustewicz is a smooth and effortless skater, to the point where it sometimes looks like he isn't trying. He has both the speed to join rushes and the edgework to defend a play. It'd definitely one of his strengths.

Passing/Handling:

Brzustewicz's passing is his other strength. He uses his great vision to find seams that aren't apparent and hit teammates in stride. He also can make quick touch passes or moves at the blue line to elude pressure and keep the play going.

Shooting:

Brzustewicz is good at getting pucks through from the point and also has a hard accurate wrist shot when the lane is available. I did not see him take any one timers or slapshots in the games I viewed.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

His offensive anticipation is great, always able to join the rush or create chances, but defensively he can lose his man, make ill-advised pinches, or just be a step behind the play.

Forechecking:

N/A

Defense:

His gap control on the rush and ability to keep the play in front of him 1-on-1 is actually really good. He has good reach, uses his body effectively, and rarely gets beat straight up. But off the puck he gets sucked in and caught puck-watching, to the point where I've seen him leave guys wide open in front of the net.

Best Asset:

Vision/Passing

Biggest Concern:

In-zone defense.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

3rd/4th D, PP2 guy

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's a positive force on offense, but not a driver in the way that true 1D is. In the right situation he can play sheltered defensive minutes with a good partner and thrive in transition.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

AHL/NHL Tweener

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

The offense no doubt will keep him in the mix for the next 10 years or so, but I don't think it's elite enough to cover up his defensive warts. He'll either need to take the next step to become a dynamic offensive threat, or shore up the defense to be self-sustaining.

Stylistic Comparable:

K'Andre Miller

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Jeremie Poirier is definitely the better defenseman in the Calgary system, so I don't think Brzustewicz has an easy path to big PP1 or offensive minutes.

Games Scouted:

2/10/24 vs Ottawa, 2/13/24 vs Guelph, 2/16/24 vs Mississauga