Skating: |
3.5/5. Agile, mobile, acceleration needs work but top end speed is very good. Combined with proficient use of mobility in tight spaces. Making him capable of being a relentless checker at both ends. |
Passing/Handling: |
3.5/5. Awareness is high, often makes the play most don’t predict. Although head is always on a swivel, can still place passes in the wrong spot and sometimes telegraph his pass allowing defenders to get in the lane. Lacks deception but handling speed and IQ keeps him ahead. Can take a pass then dish one without hesitation and vice versa. |
Shooting: |
4/5. Strongest mechanic is the speed and accuracy of his release. Can beat goalies from the slot one on one and also rarely fails to get under the puck from in tight and get it above the goalie, whether they’re aggressive or back in the crease. |
IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise): |
4/5. His IQ clearly sets him apart from the competition. It is his strongest asset in my viewings. Not only does he see the ice offensively a step ahead of the rest, but also defensively. He gets into position quickly and makes the right play without thinking twice. Sometimes the execution is lacking but that will come in time. Combining his motor with a borderline elite intelligence makes him a forechecking hazard for defending teams, always aware of a play to make and capable of getting the puck. |
Forechecking: |
5/5. I just said his IQ is his best asset but I’m rating his forechecking higher. Without the intelligence he wouldn’t be as effective. It allows him to take the fastest lane, combine deception and awareness to always have the edge on the defender. His top end straight line speed and four way mobility allows him to get in between defenders and the puck. |
Defense: |
3/5. Clearly the effort can be there. When he applies himself he makes attackers hesitate and make the wrong play with his prompt stickwork and processing speed. However he can be quite passive until he sees incentive in defending aggressively. |
Best Asset: |
Intelligence. |
Biggest Concern: |
Acceleration |
Top Tier/Role Potential: |
Top line complimentary winger or second line driver |
Justification for Top Tier Assessment: |
Based on his forechecking ability, shooting and on ice intelligence. |
50th Percentile Tier/Role: |
4th line role |
Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment: |
If he cannot translate his intelligence and mobility into his checking game then NHL defenders will give him grief in transition and I don’t see him giving much reason to play him higher in the lineup without that advantage. |
Stylistic Comparable: |
Kempe |
Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info: |
Musty was a value pick at 26 and is proving to be one of the better bets in the 1st round. He will compliment the top centres in San Jose very well and be an effective pest in the NHL if he can bring his decision making and skating pace up a few levels. |
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