Every season Future Considerations’ scouts spend countless hours in cold rinks across the globe in an effort to gather information on the next wave of NHL talent coming down the pipe.
In this monthly column we will provide our subscribers with a few single game snapshots and some early impressions from actual game reports taken by our talented evaluators.
December 18, 2014 – Blainville-Boisbriand @ Gatineau (QMJHL) – D Alexandre Carrier, 5.11, 170
“Carrier is an interesting prospect; he looks to be bigger than he is listed at and plays a reliable game. He impressed me in this game as he played a consistent good two-way game. He doesn’t have any high-end offensive ability, but he thinks the game at a high level. Makes low-risk/safe plays to get the puck up ice and keep it there. He possesses pro calibre awareness and decision, but his execution was a little inconsistent. Short-range passes on the breakout were missing their mark, but his outlet passes were near perfect. There were some defensive mishaps but he recovered well and got back on track quickly. Scored a fluke goal as he received the puck off the faceoff at centre ice, he cut to towards the wall and banked it off the boards and down the ice, watching it bank off and streak right towards the net as Montembault went out to play it the puck went into the empty cage. Carrier moves fluidly and has high-end lateral movements, is strong on his feet, and is powerful in his stride. He anticipates the play and reacts exceptionally well. Picks up his man in front of the net and does everything in his power to tie him up and push him aside. Assisted on a powerplay goal as he set up his man at the point who wired one of net to have it deflected in. On a penalty kill in the third period, Carrier and his partner, Berube, both lost broke their stick and were forced to defend without one; Carrier challenged the puck carrier but being without a stick, couldn’t use it to poke at the puck, and as he dropped to one knee, the puck went through his legs and found the back of the net.”
– Daniel Deschenes
January 8, 2015 – Vasteras @ AIK (Allsvenskan) – D Oliver Kylington, 6-0, 181
“Oliver Kylington saw a lot of ice time in today’s game, both five on five and on both special teams. From the beginning of the game, Kylington was the best player for AIK and played a very mature game for his age. He showed very good acceleration and speed with an excellent balance, as he stood up for checks and was not knocked around. His puck skills were excellent for his age. He had an excellent first pass with both short and long ranges, as he could both set up plays from their own zone, but also he found smart passes when needed to avoid being checked himself. You could also see creativity in his passing, as he would use his mobility to deke out defenders in the offensive zone, as he made a spin-o-rama and a few moves with the stick to shake off the defenders before passing the puck down behind the net. One thing he did good and special in this game was that he read when he should challenge a loose puck in the offensive zone, and when to back home, something a lot of people never risk. Kylington proved very good physical play when he both entered gritty areas and body checked people. One thing that really stood out for him at his age in a senior league was that he stood up for his goalkeeper when the whistle after the whistle, as he would drop the gloves if it would be necessary. Kylington has excellent hockey sense. With excellent quick decisions with the puck, he prevented Västerås from intercepting his passes and create a counter attack. He knew clearly when and where to support his teammates, both in the offensive and defensive zone, as he would take their place for a short period of time to cover up dangerous situations. He also showed great body language and was not negative at all, even though they lost big. Kylington did as well prove that he see situations, as he would speak with his teammates on the ice if he saw a chance or if he was open for a good shot. He reads the developing plays very well and played very mature in AIK’s own zone. I still see Kylington as a clear top 10 pick, as he has showed himself of being one of the best defenders in the league.”
– Jonathan Luomala
December 19-21, 2014 – Flood Marr Tournament – Westminster (USHS) C John McDermott, 6-1, 185
“Two-way centerman who plays an unflashy game but who can turn up some offensive flair at times. Possesses a solid frame that he will need to continue adding mass to. He is a very balanced and agile skater with good speed and quick feet. Prefers to play a safe and efficient style but has the ability to turn on the speed and attack the play. Not a physically imposing player but uses his energy and quick stick to maintain possession and make quick plays. He also displays flashes of creativity with impressive plays around the net. He forechecks and backchecks well and is defensively solid. A skilled all-round forward that will need to continue bringing out his offensive flair at a more consistent basis. He will also need to continue adding more muscle to his frame. McDermott is my type of player; all-round and reliable with flashes of offensive upside. He may not be big but he is a reliable presence that can turn it up in flashes. Some might not be as impressed as he is a high school player with an average size build (6-1 190lbs) without real dynamic offensive upside, but I feel he is a good mix of safety/upside in a prospect. Two-way forward who can play in all situations and has the potential to be more than that.”
– Dan Chan