Justin Azevedo

[Bill_Crosby*]

Hey guys

My friend lives in Kitchener and catchs a game every other week. He said he thinks Azevedo is the real deal, but I was wondering what the reason for him being passed over in the draft was?

 

[CharlieGirl]

Hey guys

My friend lives in Kitchener and catchs a game every other week. He said he thinks Azevedo is the real deal, but I was wondering what the reason for him being passed over in the draft was?

5'8" (officially) and that's a stretch.

 

[FTowwn]

he's about 5'8 and a solid 190 lbs.

the style of play he plays is that he either makes the NHL as a 1st or 2nd line scorer, or he doesnt at all. I think thats the main reason why he hasnt been drafted yet. He has been to a few NHL team prospect camps so far but has failed to get a contract just yet. He looks to be off to yet another solid start so lets see what he can do this year.

 

[The Scouting Report]

5'8" is a HUGE stretch. I'd say he's closer to 5'6"

 

[Tim Wallach]

Justin Azevedo is one of the shortest players I've ever seen in this level of hockey. 5'6 at best. He doesn't play small though. He competes well.

He is very skilled, but at times frustrating as he elects to take the shot on the PP too often and seems to be in love with his very mediocre shot. He also plays too far on the perimeter on the PP and when his team is pressing. The third flaw is that his skating is average at best.

Aside from that, he's a real sparkplug. His line is dominating almost every shift in the OHL this year. However, I just don't think he's a great NHL prospect due to size and skating, which are the two biggest criteria a scout looks for.

He'll pile up the points this year in the O though.

On a sidenote, if you're watching the Rangers this year, Spaling is much closer to being the real deal. Just as skilled, but even better goal scorer. Near impossible to get off the puck and ALWAYS in position. His hockey sense is off-the-scale compared to most juniors. When the opposing team is rushing the puck, he has an uncanny ability to take away the lane. And then they'll spend the next 45 seconds straight playing keep-away in the opposing end, and often scoring. This kid could be a gem for Nashville. Not flashy at all, but has pro prospect written all over him.

 

[Redwingsfan]

he's about 5'8 and a solid 190 lbs.

the style of play he plays is that he either makes the NHL as a 1st or 2nd line scorer, or he doesnt at all. I think thats the main reason why he hasnt been drafted yet. He has been to a few NHL team prospect camps so far but has failed to get a contract just yet. He looks to be off to yet another solid start so lets see what he can do this year.

probably because he cant be signed. he is still eligible for the draft... the 08 draft is he's last chanse to get drafted...

 

[Default101]

he's closer to 5'6 honestly, and it's his size that makes him fall and his rediculous lack of discipline that makes him fall off the charts, it's hard enough for someone to make it with his size i've seen him play 7 or 8 times over the last 12 months and he takes alot of stupid penalties, great talent and if he was half a foot taller he could get away with it, or didn't take the stupid penalties but combine the two and i think thats what caused him to drop, i think he has gotten camp invites tho.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Who is the best forward on Kitchener. NJ owns the rights to Halischuk and some feel he is a Mike Richards type player. Just wondering how good Halischuk can get.

 

[CharlieGirl]

Who is the best forward on Kitchener. NJ owns the rights to Halischuk and some feel he is a Mike Richards type player. Just wondering how good Halischuk can get.

For all around play, Spaling or Halischuk in my opinion. Boedker looks to be more skilled, and could surpass both of them, but it will take a little more time in the OHL to really determine that.

 

[DayQuil*]

Tooooo Small, He makes Kane look tall... Waste of a pick... im sure he will get try-outs but it will be really hard... he either is top 6 in the NHL or he isnt anything... and its unlikely he will be a top 6. But you never know... there are always surprises, but i wouldnt bet on it.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Jason MacIsaac,

To answer your question, I would concur with Charlie Girl. Kitchener's best forward is either Spaling or Halischuk. But the best pro prospect would be Spaling. He plays the most well-rounded, pro-style game and has the size and strength now to back it up.

Halischuk is a real fan favorite. He works like mad, is very fast and extremely effective when he cuts to the net. He'll need some more strength and a bit better shot to make the jump to NHL, but his attitude and work ethic are already there.

Spaling is the cream of the crop though. He may in fact be the most well-rounded forward in the OHL this year. Honorable mentions to Couture, McGinn, Tavares, Legein and a few others. But Spaling could easily be the most under-rated.

 

[Blind Gardien]

Who is the best forward on Kitchener. NJ owns the rights to Halischuk and some feel he is a Mike Richards type player. Just wondering how good Halischuk can get.

I only saw Halischuk regularly with St.Mike's, so, even though I still see him occasionaly with the Rangers, I won't have the best opinion to go by... but... I can't see a Richards comparison at all, really. He does work hard and keeps his feet moving. But typically in ways geared towards darting in on offense, IMHO, and while he doesn't neglect his defensive responsibilities, I wouldn't call him especially strong in those areas (like Richards is), nor does he ever really show the tendency to get involved physically that Richards would.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Blind Gardien,

A couple notes about your post. You are 100% correct in that the comparison between Halischuk and Richards begins and ends with their effort level and general likability. Richards was FAR more physical and played a more defensive game as well.

However, I will say Halischuk has come a LONG way since he played for St. Mike's. He is a much more complete player now as you'd expect with age and he controls the boards much better. He has learned that a handful of darting rushes don't make a complete game and he now reads and reacts with teammates much better. As a result, he is posting big numbers and is a easily a top-15 forward in the league now.