This is a player that desperately wants to be a positive force and a difference maker in each game and each shift, but struggles to do so consistently. He’s got dynamic qualities to his skating, shifting his weight effectively and exploding through edges which allows him to pace play and will serve him well as he gets stronger and quicker. Along with elusive skating qualities, he has shown the ability to layer his tools and play with bewildering puck skill that allows him to isolate defenders with their feet planted and manipulate a defensive system while in transition. For a smaller player he is relatively strong on the puck and knows the capabilities of his body on and off the puck. His highly combative nature draws him to congested areas of the ice and into puck battles off the puck with disruptive mannerisms. He’s a great north-south skater and can sometimes pull off some finesse moves when attacking the zone like puck drags, dangles, and lateral attacks. The problem is that they aren’t calculated gambles. His attempt to beat defenders wide inefficiently forces him to get into foot races and then be forced to throw pucks without precision into the middle once the defending team has adjusted and picked up their checks. His effort level defensively is there and partnered with his skating can lead to a lot of zone exits with control.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide