At this juncture, Geoff's son is the top rated defenseman in the U.S. National U-18 Team program. Smooth skating poised offensive defender with four way skating ability and high skill set. Combines size and skill and a strong shot and is rounding out to a 200 foot defender. Has room on his frame to add enough girth to put him at 200 plus. As is Drysdale, he is one of the top five best skaters in the class, and has a top flight gear, and a second after-burner that catapults him against the opposition and is a large concern for them. An excellent puck distributor, whose continuing to improve the defensive side as he goes along. Plays stout and strong defensively with leverage. More than willing to pound attackers with big hits, and use his terrific speed and his long stick to take care of business on defense. Displays the ability to make the long home run outlet pass in transition and dominate by way of his carries out of his end. Has terrific accurancy with his shots on net and his passes. He pinpoints 40 plus foot shots to open parts of the net. Still a long way from a solid defensive stalworth but has the tools to succeed, although has shown some physicality so far. There is no denying his rocket shot and aggressive attacking mindset. He may not reach the lofty goal of being a NHL #1 defenseman who is the power play general, but he clearly has the biggest upside of any rearguard in the draft class. There seems little doubt he plays in the NHL as a successful new age offenseman at worst. This idea that he lacks a dynamic attacking quality, so therefore should be downgraded holds no water. He makes his teammates better. And could easily here his nane called by slot six. Committed to the University of North Dakota.
--Bill Placzek--
