Devin Kaplan is a big-bodied forward who plays a physical game in all three zones of the ice. He has a unique combination of size, speed, and skill that make him an interesting prospect in the draft. His work ethic and strength allows him to outmuscle any opponent on the ice and consistently win 50/50 puck battles in any zone. He already has a strong understanding of his physical advantages and knows how to use his skating and his frame to protect the puck, making it difficult to poke it away from him when he drives the net. His puck skills are a bit of a work in progress but he does flash the potential to be a strong playmaking winger, and when he does get the puck in the slot his shot is more than capable of beating any goalie he plays against. His skillset screams a north-south style of hockey player. He’s big, strong, and fast, and is nearly impossible to stop when he gets the puck at full speed, though he could generate more off the rush. Like any player who doesn’t possess elite puck skills, there are questions about his ceiling. He is likely a complimentary player on any line he will be apart of going forward, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have an impact. He has the all-around game, the physicality, and the speed to be a really good player at the next level. He is likely a middle-six winger who will be good at hemming his opponents in their own zone and wearing them down with his physical play. He could address some defensive deficiencies to make himself more of a 200-foot player, and there are some mechanics in his stride to sort out. If he can become an all-situations type player, Kaplan will be a solid NHLer and will carve out a long career for whoever selects him at the upcoming NHL Draft.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide