Cole Sillinger

Best natural scoring centre in the WHL. With the Covid-19 shutdown his dual citizenship (as his dad, Mike had finished over a dozen season sin the NHL market, and his other is American.), he ended up playing for Sioux Falls of the USHL. Arguably has an elite release and a really nice shot, that explodes upon release.  Gets down ice and picks his way through the open areas, using his vision to see breakdowns and create possible fast brake situations. He is able to slow the play down, survey his options when his team has numbers and create a good looks.  Has a wide skating base and his spreads his frame to protect the puck with his shoulders. An excellent skater who is quick and fast, but it is the only reason that might keep him out out of the discussion as a top five pick, as the other parts of his game easily outweigh his lack of explosivenes, as he is a bull with power on those "slow" blades. Quick fast and strong no matter what you hear any one else pushing as a deficiency. Displays good vision, IQ and his quick release comes fast and strong. This also helps helps him in front and in contested areas to anchor. He plays like he is a smaller player whose now growing a lot larger body and it makes him a mid-sized impact player. Throws his weight around in all three zones. When not impacting on the offense, his hockey IQ and physicality still are impacting the game. You might not see his name at the top a draft lists, but he is a moose on his skates, strong on his pins, initiating contact, and drives though the opposition. Plays well without the puck too, but still is a work in progress defensively. May project to a left wing in the pros. Top prospect in the USHL. The best may yet to come.

--Bill Placzek--