Prospect Info: Jets Prospects

[Huffer]

The stats don't lie. He's been terrific. Last year, as a draft eligible player, my biggest concern was physical engagement...especially considering his size. That intensity wasn't there consistently and it concerned me. And it concerned scouts too; it was the reason he fell to the 6th round. Quite frankly, there was a lot of concern that he'd never develop that killer instinct because the same knocks were being held against him in his U16 and U17 years.

But this year, it's like the lightbulb finally went on. I wouldn't call him a power forward, but he's been way more active in puck pursuit. Way more determined to play through high traffic areas. He looks to have upgraded his strength as he's become more difficult to knock off the puck. That has lead to this breakout because the skill was never truly questioned.

Moving forward, it will be about continuing to upgrade his strength, continuing to make his physical intensity more consistent, and finding a way to upgrade his overall skating profile (especially balance/edgework given his big frame).

Thanks Brock for this summary!

 

[ps241]

The stats don't lie. He's been terrific. Last year, as a draft eligible player, my biggest concern was physical engagement...especially considering his size. That intensity wasn't there consistently and it concerned me. And it concerned scouts too; it was the reason he fell to the 6th round. Quite frankly, there was a lot of concern that he'd never develop that killer instinct because the same knocks were being held against him in his U16 and U17 years.

But this year, it's like the lightbulb finally went on. I wouldn't call him a power forward, but he's been way more active in puck pursuit. Way more determined to play through high traffic areas. He looks to have upgraded his strength as he's become more difficult to knock off the puck. That has lead to this breakout because the skill was never truly questioned.

Moving forward, it will be about continuing to upgrade his strength, continuing to make his physical intensity more consistent, and finding a way to upgrade his overall skating profile (especially balance/edgework given his big frame).

Thanks for the updated review Brock.

I know when I analyze size as a potential asset there are layers I look at. First off does the prospect use the size by initiating contact (assertive). The gold standard for this is players like a prime Cam Neely, or the current Tkachuk brothers. That is usually a pretty special breed and there are not many of those types around. Its a very tough game to play.

Most people think about size as delivering hits/punishment but I think that is a bit overrated, for me its more about driving to dirty areas, winning board battles, possibly over powering smaller players. Gabe Vilardi comes to mind as a player without a mean bone in his body, rarely if ever throws a hit, but he is highly effective at using his size and skill to win board battles and play effectively around the net. Draisaitl when he was in junior in his draft year was not a good skater at all, but he was a really big body and he very effectively used his size to post up (Basketball term) and shield guys from the puck. Like Jumbo Joe they would just stick out their ass and play keep away from defenders and make plays setting people up.

On the flip side there are players like Dylan Strome who were drafted as talented "big" centers and especially early in his career I don't think he ever figured out how to use his size. Seems like he is doing a bit better in Washington now.

Size has to have some kind of function or its just a waist and its up each big prospect to discover how to exploit that asset. I hope Walton has the desire to become one of the guys that weaponizes his advantage.

 

[DEANYOUNGBLOOD17]

Thanks for the updated review Brock.

I know when I analyze size as a potential asset there are layers I look at. First off does the prospect use the size by initiating contact (assertive). The gold standard for this is players like a prime Cam Neely, or the current Tkachuk brothers. That is usually a pretty special breed and there are not many of those types around. Its a very tough game to play.

Most people think about size as delivering hits/punishment but I think that is a bit overrated, for me its more about driving to dirty areas, winning board battles, possibly over powering smaller players. Gabe Vilardi comes to mind as a player without a mean bone in his body, rarely if ever throws a hit, but he is highly effective at using his size and skill to win board battles and play effectively around the net. Draisaitl when he was in junior in his draft year was not a good skater at all, but he was a really big body and he very effectively used his size to post up (Basketball term) and shield guys from the puck. Like Jumbo Joe they would just stick out their ass and play keep away from defenders and make plays setting people up.

On the flip side there are players like Dylan Strome who were drafted as talented "big" centers and especially early in his career I don't think he ever figured out how to use his size. Seems like he is doing a bit better in Washington now.

Size has to have some kind of function or its just a waist and its up each big prospect to discover how to exploit that asset. I hope Walton has the desire to become one of the guys that weaponizes his advantage.

So you’re saying after careful review / analysis - and against conventual wisdom

“ That size does in fact matter”.

 

[ps241]

So you’re saying after careful review / analysis - and against conventual wisdom

“ That size does in fact matter”.

"Gots" to use it

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I'm guessing that maybe in the Chinese hockey world

Outside of that, probably doesn't register

Interesting story... When I was going to college, the Mexican National Junior team came to play us in an exhibition game. We approached local Spanish radio stations to promote the game and they said that they don't have a word for "hockey"

Then the Spanish word for hockey is hockey.

 

[JetsFan815]

I wonder when Walton signing is coming? He should be in the same boat as He as the Jets wanting to sign him before the end of Dec to slide the ELC.

 

[10Ducky10]

Then the Spanish word for hockey is hockey.

Hielo hockey?

 

[Whileee]

Thanks for the updated review Brock.

I know when I analyze size as a potential asset there are layers I look at. First off does the prospect use the size by initiating contact (assertive). The gold standard for this is players like a prime Cam Neely, or the current Tkachuk brothers. That is usually a pretty special breed and there are not many of those types around. Its a very tough game to play.

Most people think about size as delivering hits/punishment but I think that is a bit overrated, for me its more about driving to dirty areas, winning board battles, possibly over powering smaller players. Gabe Vilardi comes to mind as a player without a mean bone in his body, rarely if ever throws a hit, but he is highly effective at using his size and skill to win board battles and play effectively around the net. Draisaitl when he was in junior in his draft year was not a good skater at all, but he was a really big body and he very effectively used his size to post up (Basketball term) and shield guys from the puck. Like Jumbo Joe they would just stick out their ass and play keep away from defenders and make plays setting people up.

On the flip side there are players like Dylan Strome who were drafted as talented "big" centers and especially early in his career I don't think he ever figured out how to use his size. Seems like he is doing a bit better in Washington now.

Size has to have some kind of function or its just a waist and its up each big prospect to discover how to exploit that asset. I hope Walton has the desire to become one of the guys that weaponizes his advantage.

Agree. I doubt that Walton has the demeanor to play a "Tkachuk" style, but if he can get engaged the way Vilardi does that would be just fine. Vilardi is very stable on his feet, and I'm not sure Walton will get to that level.

Another Jets' player that plays physically enough along the boards etc. is Perfetti, despite a lack of size or physical aggression. He's effective because he has very consistent effort when he doesn't have the puck, and wins a lot of board battles against larger opponents.

For Walton, I think the main question will remain about his commitment to become a good NHLer. It will take lots of work on his strength and skating, along with very consistent work ethic in games. If he does both of those, he could be a dandy.

I wonder whether his experience in the Jets' camps (Development and Training) might have lit a spark with him. He likely had his NHL aspirations triggered, and recognized what it would take to make it to the NHL.