A strong face-off threat and two-way forward that demonstrates the fundamentals of a young center Tends to dictate and anticipate plays to make up for his inconsistent mobility. When he’s on though, he’s able generate good top speed with his crossovers and demonstrates strong first-step quickness and acceleration. Shows good footwork and he utilizes his crossovers to both pick up speed and a get a step on defenders. Displays creativity when getting around defenders and he protects the puck well. Attempts flashy skill plays and dekes with the puck on his stick, but has some difficulty pulling off these less simple plays when muscled off the puck. Drives the center lane to the net and can bury any rebounds that are coughed up. Could do more damage during extended offensive zone possessions and needs to make himself more available to his teammates as a dangerous passing option. Does a great job to commit to defensive play in his own zone, playing below the hash marks to assist his defenders. Closes the gap between himself and his adversary. Gets the stick in the passing lane and makes it difficult for attacking opponents. Plays prominently on the penalty kill while also seeing minutes on the power play, which shows how much his coaches trust him on special teams. Overall, he’s got some good skills but needs to work on his consistency.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide