Undersized centre-wing who will be presented with a challenge against the larger player, but whose excellent speed and skating make him an open ice threat and a player who penetrates on zone entries and play up-tempo in the attack zone. A natural scorer who gets respect from defenders who back off his speed, allowing him time to shoot and pass thjrough traffic areas. See the ice very well and handles the puck well at high pace anticipating where the best passing option is or by surprising with untelegraphed quick releases, surprising goalers. Still putting is defensive game together, but has a bit of strength to his game to continue to improve. His size would seem to work against him being selected before the second round or as a late first, he’s simply too good a player to be dropped down draft boards when you look at the entire canvass of his work. He is Portland’s go-to forward, by making plays, scoring, and pushing the pace Has good hockey sense and creativity to succeed at the higher levels, but the question remains how high can be propel himself to success.
–Bill Placzek–