LD Clayton Phillips - Fargo Force, USHL (2017 Draft)

[TT1]

Was watching a bunch of USHL games (mostly for Tolvanen and Mittelstadt) and i came across a potential hidden gem type prospect, Clayton Phillips.

Kid looked outstanding, moved the puck really well and was very solid defensively (especially considering his age, one of the youngest players in this years draft). Didn't catch any of his international games this year tho.

Considering his age he seems to be ahead of his development curve (constantly playing against older players and performing very well). Intriguing prospect to say the least, he's one of my biggest sleepers in this years draft.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=353590

 

[57special]

Watched him for years. Part of a group of talented kids who played for a local youth team here. All are on the NHL scouting list, to a lesser or greater degree. Mismash, Walker, Copeland, K'Andre Miller, Phillips. Mismash went on to Ann Arbor, Copeland and Phillips played Edina HS briefly before going on to the USHL, Walker still plays for the HS.

They, Mittlestadt, Reedy, and the Andersons, among others, would've been playing against and with each other over the years in Twin Cities area teams. To show what a fine line it is between top talent, Phillips or Walker could well have considered equal to in talent to either Mismash( late first rounder?)or Mittlestadt( top 6?)up till recently. Sometimes it's just growing that extra inch or two that catches a Scout's eye. Walker still plays against Mismash on a regular basis, and it's not like there is wide talent gap between them.

Phillips seems to have settled in on D, but I think he is capable of playing forward. He is a very good skater, has a nose for the net, and has some aggression.

He, Mittelstadt, Walker, and Brinkman are all committed to the University of Minnesota.