A smart, skilled and defensively responsible center…plays the game with speed and poise, using his speed and quick bursts to separate from his checks…hits top speed in just a few strides and uses it to beat defenders to the puck on the forecheck…not the most creative passer but does hit his targets consistently…an opportunistic shooter…reads the play very well and with some space will take the puck to the net when he sees the opportunity…strong in puck battles where he often comes away with possession…has the will to play physical in getting to where he wants to go and battle hard in front of the net…uses his speed and tenacity to chase down the puck carrier and then turn the puck back up ice…cares not only for the offensive side, but also likes to kill the penalties and play in defensive zone coverage…a tireless worker who can be used in the most crucial moments of a game, when a late goal is needed, to defend a lead, to take important faceoffs…a guy who will not likely be an offensive catalyst at the next level but instead a quality complimentary two-way center. (November 2016)