Benjamin Gaudreau

Sarnia prospect who is sitting at home because the OHL is closed down for Covid, and he had too few options overseas to play in the meantime. He is working on conditioning in thesis draft year. Last year he showed plenty of positive attributes that are placing him on an upward trajectory. Right now he is average size but very athletic, well schooled and instinctive in his reactions at the Canada major Junior level. Will make huge saves while going cross crease, tracking the puck and very comfortable at pinning rebounds to his chest. Very precise in his starts and stops and stay square to shooters. Will purposefully kick rebounds to his defenseman’s stick. Doesn’t over handle the puck, just makes simple plays to aid his defenders. When on his pads, he elevates the shoulders to cover the cross bar area. Will do anything to make a save, and his athleticism gives him leeway to be successful. A long term project that requires NHL scouts to take a leap of faith with him currently not playing.

—Bill Plazcek—