Undersized push the pace defender whose forte is his agility, high end stick handling ability, creativity, and a “riverboat style” of high risk dangles and moves to unravel the opposition defensive plans. Likes the puck on his stick and his skating and high end edgework help him to gain momentum on entires and pucks he gets back after he starts up-ice from him end. His speed will beat the opposition one on one, create open ice, and odd man openings that turn into looks. His size leaves him at a deficit along the wall and in his on crease area. That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t make contact to make a play. He does use his skating gifts to avoid much of the contact while attacking. Has a nice wrist shot, and makes the transition pass well, his can be surgical when he sees openings on the attack. Has impressive feet and the ability to run a power play. He is sturdy and handles the opposition well at the junior level. Light on his blades and can pivot and cut on a dime. Is almost at 185 pounds already but at 5 ‘9” he will need to elevate his strength, skills and overall play to project into the big leagues.
—Bill Placzek—
