Red Line's final assessment
Jul 30, 2005 6:50:05 GMT -5
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jul 30, 2005 6:50:05 GMT -5
Red Line Report
The Red Line Report gives it's scouting summary on it's Top 10 ranked NHL prospects.
1. Sidney Crosby
Sees everything developing quicker and moves the puck faster than anyone else can anticipate. Always delivers puck to proper spot and always tees it up in perfect shooting position for linemates. Has the speed/quickenss to gain separation and back defenders off. Has uncanny ability to anticipate where open ice will be. Amazingly quick, soft hands and hockey sense. Has improved defence - backchecks alertly to break up dangerous rushes and comes back deep in d-zone to help out d-men. Though only 5-10, plays a physical game and throws some big hits. Absolutely unparalleled desire - outhustles and outworks much bigger opponents in battles for loose pucks down low at both ends. Terrific all-around player is as complete a prospect as we've ever seen. Dynamic every shift. Just has so many ways to beat you. Tremendous talent level is equalled only by his character and maturity. Charismatic, but is humble with no ego problem. Great teammate.
Projection: Elite, world class player. Difference maker.
Syle compares to: Cross between Wayne Gretzky's playmaking and anticipation and Bryan Trottier's physicality.
2. Gilbert Brule
Brule's only negative is his size (5-10/180), but even that isn't a concern for Red Line because he plays such a big game. At times, he's actually physically dominant due to his fearless and abrasive style. Throws huge hits with reckless disregard for his body, and plays through pain and injury. Everything else about his game is top notch - skill, skating, ultra competitive, and defensive awareness. Tough-as-nails style really gets under opponents' skin. We can't remember a 5-10 player who had this much grit and was as willing to take a hit to make a play. Actually plays better when the style is more physical. Best offensive attribute is his deadly shot - it's hard, accurate, and he releases it with unbelievable quickness. Can create with the puck, but his shooting skills are so good that he'll be more of a finisher in the NHL. Has great quickness, agility, and acceleration. Terrific leader on the ice and a complete package despite his size.
Projection: Top line centre for a good club.
Style compares to: A more skilled Mike Peca
3. Benoit Pouliot
Came from virtual obscurity to emerge as world-class prospect. Tall and lanky with a long, fluid stride and free flowing style. Tremendous pure skating ability ‹ among the best in this draft class in both acceleration and flat-out speed. Worth the price of admission just watching him skate, a combination of grace and power. May have the most pure offensive ability in the draft besides Crosby. Finishes chances and can distribute the puck with creative, no-look passes. Can play either on the wing or as a pivot. Though thought of as a finesse offensive player, his physical play has picked up - uses his size and plays with a real edge at times. Strong down low with excellent hands and touch around net. Excellent character; persevered after twice being cut. Needs to polish and refine game, but has homerun upside.
Projection: Versatile first liner with star potential.
Style compares to: Mats Sundin
4. Jack Skille
Dominant power forward is a true horse who owns everything below the circles in the offensive zone. Confident and forceful in every aspect. Most important attribute is that he wants to impact the game on every shift, and wants the puck on his stick at crunch time in tight games. Overpowers any defenders who get in his way. Has really improved his puckhandling and aggression level, and more importantly his willingness to compete hard every second of every shift. Can score in a variety of ways, but his best offensive tool is an absolutely wicked, heavy shot. Plays an all-around game. Responsible defensively. Excellent skater with acceleration, power, balance, and burst. Good hands for receiving tough passes in tight. Creates a bushel full of chances every game.
Projection: Potentially dominant 2-way power winger.
Style compares to: Bill Guerin
5. Jack Johnson
Big, highly mobile defender has a top-end skill package and is clearly the most naturally gifted "D" in this year's draft. A crisp passer who skates well, accelerates in an instant, and has blistering point shot. But can be an attitude problem with a bloated ego - always looking for teammates to feed him at point of PP late in blowout games so he can pad stats. Frequently puts himself before team, taking undisciplined, selfish penalties. Has been a man among boys this year, freewheeling with the puck and doing just about anything he pleases. At defensive end he has the agility to stay with quick, skilled forwards 1-on-1, and speed to recover from mistakes, though his d-zone discipline and positioning still needs work. Dominates physically, making crushing hits and playing with a mean edge. Outstanding hand/eye coordination.
Projection: #1 defenceman and PP quarterback
Style compares to: Ed Jovanovski
6. Anze Kopitar
There may be faster skaters in the draft, but few match speed with lightning quick moves as Kopitar does. Can handle the puck and change speeds and direction all at the same time. Dangerous every time he hits the ice and explosive with puck. Lethal scoring touch with quick release that fools goalies. Has hunger and passion for the game. Like a shark constantly circling its prey; jumps into holes and pounces on quick-strike counterattack opportunities. Deadly on breakaways and odd-man rushes. Scored rare triple this season by playing in the World U-18, U-20 and Senior Championships. Didn't look out of place in Austria and competed well against men. Has tendency to disappear vs. physical teams that play him tighter and rougher and don't give him extra space or time. Defence has improved, but still not NHL-calibre.
Projection: Dynamic, explosive first liner.
Style compares to: Dany Heatley
7. Guillaume Latendresse
An absolute horse who has ultra strong legs, keeps low centre of gravity, and knows how to drive the net. Physically dominant below the circles; can camp out in crease all day and no d-man can move him. Throws thunderous clean hits and is so freakishly strong that he hurts opponents without trying. Impossible to knock off puck. We love his no-nonsense style ‹ he's going straight to net every time and doesn't care if he has to carry two d-men on his back the whole way. Also has soft hands and touch around net, slick moves, sees the ice quite well, and can make nice touch passes. Has deadly shot from slot with quick release. Big problem is he lacks both first step quickness and lateral agility. With great size and all the other attributes we can overlook the skating deficiencies as long as he shows passion on a consistent basis.
Projection: Classic scorng line power winger.
Style compares to: Tim Kerr
8. Bobby Ryan
Great size and puck skills, can dangle in a phone booth. Ultra-quick release on snap shot off either foot. Elite offensive prospect with tremendously soft hands who works well in traffic. Defencemen have real trouble handling him anywhere on the ice. Good offensive instincts and is very dangerous down low behind the net. Strong as an ox; runs over opponents on his way to getting the puck and can carry guys to the net on his back and still make plays. Sometimes looks to pass too much. Skating, while improved dramatically, is still not NHL-calibre. Worked very hard on conditioning last Summer and has lost the baby fat and picked up a half-step. Still not quick off the mark, but when there's a chance involved he gets there first. Work ethic bodes well for the future. Very determined, wants to be a player.
Projection: Legitimate first line power winger.
Style compares to: Jason Allison
9. Jean-Philippe Levasseur
Incredibly soft pads and very sound technically. Always in perfect balance in his butterfly. Outstanding positioning - never has to get scrambly. Anticipates developing plays very well and is excellent side-to-side. Really good on the push-off on either skate. Drags the trailing leg when coming across the crease - just so smart. A true natural. Supremely flexible with quick feet/pads and a superb glove hand. Has qualities you can't teach. Gives teammates a feeling of confidence, security that he'll erase their mistakes. Cool and calm under heavy pressure. Very patient; waits for play to come to him and almost always forces shooters to make the first move in 1-on-1 showdowns. Forces shooters to make perfect shot and pick corners. Squares up to shooters well. Doesn't give up rebounds.
Projection: Top goaltender on a good club.
Style compares to: Jose Theodore
10. Carey Price
Calm, huge, and poised. Has good raw quickness, but doesn't have to use it much because his positioning is so solid. Perfect on the angles and really comes out to challenge shooters. Reads the play well and his size helps him follow the puck through traffic well. Excellent balance and nearly perfect footwork. Mental approach is off the charts. Incredibly calm and cool in all situations. Handles the puck better than any goaltending prospect we've ever seen from out west. Was a very consistent performer for most of the year, but struggled at World Under-18s. Outstanding character off the ice and is mature beyond his years. Best goaltending prospect to come out of the WHL since Dan Blackburn.
Projection: Solid #1 for playoff calibre team.
Style compares to: Olaf Kolzig
- tinyurl.com/9phql
The Red Line Report gives it's scouting summary on it's Top 10 ranked NHL prospects.
1. Sidney Crosby
Sees everything developing quicker and moves the puck faster than anyone else can anticipate. Always delivers puck to proper spot and always tees it up in perfect shooting position for linemates. Has the speed/quickenss to gain separation and back defenders off. Has uncanny ability to anticipate where open ice will be. Amazingly quick, soft hands and hockey sense. Has improved defence - backchecks alertly to break up dangerous rushes and comes back deep in d-zone to help out d-men. Though only 5-10, plays a physical game and throws some big hits. Absolutely unparalleled desire - outhustles and outworks much bigger opponents in battles for loose pucks down low at both ends. Terrific all-around player is as complete a prospect as we've ever seen. Dynamic every shift. Just has so many ways to beat you. Tremendous talent level is equalled only by his character and maturity. Charismatic, but is humble with no ego problem. Great teammate.
Projection: Elite, world class player. Difference maker.
Syle compares to: Cross between Wayne Gretzky's playmaking and anticipation and Bryan Trottier's physicality.
2. Gilbert Brule
Brule's only negative is his size (5-10/180), but even that isn't a concern for Red Line because he plays such a big game. At times, he's actually physically dominant due to his fearless and abrasive style. Throws huge hits with reckless disregard for his body, and plays through pain and injury. Everything else about his game is top notch - skill, skating, ultra competitive, and defensive awareness. Tough-as-nails style really gets under opponents' skin. We can't remember a 5-10 player who had this much grit and was as willing to take a hit to make a play. Actually plays better when the style is more physical. Best offensive attribute is his deadly shot - it's hard, accurate, and he releases it with unbelievable quickness. Can create with the puck, but his shooting skills are so good that he'll be more of a finisher in the NHL. Has great quickness, agility, and acceleration. Terrific leader on the ice and a complete package despite his size.
Projection: Top line centre for a good club.
Style compares to: A more skilled Mike Peca
3. Benoit Pouliot
Came from virtual obscurity to emerge as world-class prospect. Tall and lanky with a long, fluid stride and free flowing style. Tremendous pure skating ability ‹ among the best in this draft class in both acceleration and flat-out speed. Worth the price of admission just watching him skate, a combination of grace and power. May have the most pure offensive ability in the draft besides Crosby. Finishes chances and can distribute the puck with creative, no-look passes. Can play either on the wing or as a pivot. Though thought of as a finesse offensive player, his physical play has picked up - uses his size and plays with a real edge at times. Strong down low with excellent hands and touch around net. Excellent character; persevered after twice being cut. Needs to polish and refine game, but has homerun upside.
Projection: Versatile first liner with star potential.
Style compares to: Mats Sundin
4. Jack Skille
Dominant power forward is a true horse who owns everything below the circles in the offensive zone. Confident and forceful in every aspect. Most important attribute is that he wants to impact the game on every shift, and wants the puck on his stick at crunch time in tight games. Overpowers any defenders who get in his way. Has really improved his puckhandling and aggression level, and more importantly his willingness to compete hard every second of every shift. Can score in a variety of ways, but his best offensive tool is an absolutely wicked, heavy shot. Plays an all-around game. Responsible defensively. Excellent skater with acceleration, power, balance, and burst. Good hands for receiving tough passes in tight. Creates a bushel full of chances every game.
Projection: Potentially dominant 2-way power winger.
Style compares to: Bill Guerin
5. Jack Johnson
Big, highly mobile defender has a top-end skill package and is clearly the most naturally gifted "D" in this year's draft. A crisp passer who skates well, accelerates in an instant, and has blistering point shot. But can be an attitude problem with a bloated ego - always looking for teammates to feed him at point of PP late in blowout games so he can pad stats. Frequently puts himself before team, taking undisciplined, selfish penalties. Has been a man among boys this year, freewheeling with the puck and doing just about anything he pleases. At defensive end he has the agility to stay with quick, skilled forwards 1-on-1, and speed to recover from mistakes, though his d-zone discipline and positioning still needs work. Dominates physically, making crushing hits and playing with a mean edge. Outstanding hand/eye coordination.
Projection: #1 defenceman and PP quarterback
Style compares to: Ed Jovanovski
6. Anze Kopitar
There may be faster skaters in the draft, but few match speed with lightning quick moves as Kopitar does. Can handle the puck and change speeds and direction all at the same time. Dangerous every time he hits the ice and explosive with puck. Lethal scoring touch with quick release that fools goalies. Has hunger and passion for the game. Like a shark constantly circling its prey; jumps into holes and pounces on quick-strike counterattack opportunities. Deadly on breakaways and odd-man rushes. Scored rare triple this season by playing in the World U-18, U-20 and Senior Championships. Didn't look out of place in Austria and competed well against men. Has tendency to disappear vs. physical teams that play him tighter and rougher and don't give him extra space or time. Defence has improved, but still not NHL-calibre.
Projection: Dynamic, explosive first liner.
Style compares to: Dany Heatley
7. Guillaume Latendresse
An absolute horse who has ultra strong legs, keeps low centre of gravity, and knows how to drive the net. Physically dominant below the circles; can camp out in crease all day and no d-man can move him. Throws thunderous clean hits and is so freakishly strong that he hurts opponents without trying. Impossible to knock off puck. We love his no-nonsense style ‹ he's going straight to net every time and doesn't care if he has to carry two d-men on his back the whole way. Also has soft hands and touch around net, slick moves, sees the ice quite well, and can make nice touch passes. Has deadly shot from slot with quick release. Big problem is he lacks both first step quickness and lateral agility. With great size and all the other attributes we can overlook the skating deficiencies as long as he shows passion on a consistent basis.
Projection: Classic scorng line power winger.
Style compares to: Tim Kerr
8. Bobby Ryan
Great size and puck skills, can dangle in a phone booth. Ultra-quick release on snap shot off either foot. Elite offensive prospect with tremendously soft hands who works well in traffic. Defencemen have real trouble handling him anywhere on the ice. Good offensive instincts and is very dangerous down low behind the net. Strong as an ox; runs over opponents on his way to getting the puck and can carry guys to the net on his back and still make plays. Sometimes looks to pass too much. Skating, while improved dramatically, is still not NHL-calibre. Worked very hard on conditioning last Summer and has lost the baby fat and picked up a half-step. Still not quick off the mark, but when there's a chance involved he gets there first. Work ethic bodes well for the future. Very determined, wants to be a player.
Projection: Legitimate first line power winger.
Style compares to: Jason Allison
9. Jean-Philippe Levasseur
Incredibly soft pads and very sound technically. Always in perfect balance in his butterfly. Outstanding positioning - never has to get scrambly. Anticipates developing plays very well and is excellent side-to-side. Really good on the push-off on either skate. Drags the trailing leg when coming across the crease - just so smart. A true natural. Supremely flexible with quick feet/pads and a superb glove hand. Has qualities you can't teach. Gives teammates a feeling of confidence, security that he'll erase their mistakes. Cool and calm under heavy pressure. Very patient; waits for play to come to him and almost always forces shooters to make the first move in 1-on-1 showdowns. Forces shooters to make perfect shot and pick corners. Squares up to shooters well. Doesn't give up rebounds.
Projection: Top goaltender on a good club.
Style compares to: Jose Theodore
10. Carey Price
Calm, huge, and poised. Has good raw quickness, but doesn't have to use it much because his positioning is so solid. Perfect on the angles and really comes out to challenge shooters. Reads the play well and his size helps him follow the puck through traffic well. Excellent balance and nearly perfect footwork. Mental approach is off the charts. Incredibly calm and cool in all situations. Handles the puck better than any goaltending prospect we've ever seen from out west. Was a very consistent performer for most of the year, but struggled at World Under-18s. Outstanding character off the ice and is mature beyond his years. Best goaltending prospect to come out of the WHL since Dan Blackburn.
Projection: Solid #1 for playoff calibre team.
Style compares to: Olaf Kolzig
- tinyurl.com/9phql
, but they are good appetizers for us before the main course.