Scout: Jeremy [2023-08-14]
Calgary Flames 2020 NHL Entry Draft
3rd Round Pick
72nd Overall Selection by the Calgary Flames
MAIN REPORT
Skating:
Above Average. Not all-world speed, but the footwork is very very good.
Passing/Handling:
Elite. One of the best skating/handling combos I've seen in a young defenseman.
Shooting:
Average. I don't think he's a lethal shooter, but as a D he just needs to get pucks on net and create chaos.
IQ (Vision, off/def anticipation, panic meter):
Above Average. Makes some beautiful passes on offense, but can panic a bit in the defensive zone. Also can get drawn away from his netfront during sustained pressure.
Forechecking:
n/a
Defense (Rush and in-zone):
Below Average. His rush defense is fine – (well when he isn't giving up two-on-ones). He gaps up well and has the footwork to handle top-line forwards. I may be overcritical here given that he's a 20 year old in the AHL playing big minutes.
Best Asset:
Puck handling
Biggest Concern:
Defense. He gets pulled towards the puck in his own zone, and too aggressive on the pinch at times. I think he's just a bit overeager.
Top Tier/Role Potential:
Smooth-skating offensive D who's too good to keep off the ice. Think Erik Karlsson-lite.
50th percentile Tier/Role:
Tweener/bust -- I think the odds-on outcome here are a guy who can't defend well enough to stick. Maybe the offense is good enough to keep giving him chances ala Gostisbehere, or maybe it's not and he's a tweener like Cholowski.
I will say, while this isn't something I can tell from a few viewings, everything I've read from other scouts/writers say his attitude is top-tier too. Which is a must for a player who needs to improve at the less flashy side of the game. He's got a MASSIVE range of outcomes, but I do think he's going to be obnoxiously persistent.
Stylistic Comparable:
Mike Green or a much smaller Dustin Byfuglien... He's basically a 4th forward
GAME REPORTS
Game Date: 2023-05-03
Teams and Score: Abbotsford 3 - Calgary 2
Notable Stats: 1 G, 6 SOG, 21:40 TOI, 76% xGF
Skating:
He's a good skater but not a standout
Passing/Handling:
He's got good handles. He throws some hospital passes though, but the idea is definitely there.
Shooting:
Good shooter, both quick release and slapshot
IQ:
Not particularly defensively aware – often leaves his guy or is caught puckwatching. The vision on offense is great though.
Forechecking:
n/a
Defense:
Really likes to drop to a knee to try to defend passes. This is a BAD habit. On the bright side the effort is there, and he's definitely willing to engage physically. Especially in his first year against men that vies hope.
Standout skill today:
Puckhandling/protection
What was missing today?:
I had heard stories of improved defense, but I'm not seeing it here.
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Game Date: 2023-05-12
Teams and Score: Calgary 3 – Coachella Valey 2
Notable Stats: 2 A, 1 SOG, 15:29 TOI, 74% xGF
Skating:
Good. Able to recover form mistakes, which may be saving his defense a bit
Passing/Handling:
Has a bit of a panic to him coming out of the zone. Very patient on the PP though.
Shooting:
Didn't see much today
IQ:
Better than last game, but still a bit sketch to me
Forechecking:
n/a
Defense:
Better, but often pinches at bad times
Standout skill today:
Passing/vision
What was missing today?:
Defense again
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