US National team developing impressive talents for 2016 draft

Sean LaFortune — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:08:03 +0000

In a short time period, the US-NTDP has earned a strong reputation for developing some elite prospects. Established in 1996, the program has graduated skaters such as Patrick Kane, Erik Johnson, Phil Kessel and Cam Fowler, representing their country internationally while developing their skills. The 2014/2015 U17 program has some impressive talents, here is some notes on ones that were on display this past weekend in Ann Arbour.

Clayton Keller (2016), F, 5'9, 165 lbs

Photo byTom Sorensen

High skill forward who has all the tools to be an offensive leader at the next level. Offensive leader of the 2015 US-NTDP, leading the team in scoring, the offensive flows through him. A Draft pick of the Windsor Spitfires who has committed

to play for Boston University for 2016, following in the footsteps of 2015 NHL Draft prospect Jack Eichel. A natural flow to his game, he controls the puck almost autonomous to the rest of his body. Plays a speedy, uptempo style, darting skater and clever play maker. Loves to be a difference maker and can break a game open with his razor sharp instincts and dynamic first step burst. Quick and sly with a gift for disguising intentions and making plays out of nothing. Elite weapon is a dynamic snapshot with an unpredictable release point. Soft, skilled hands, can paralyze opponents with his 1 on 1 moves. Continues to add bulk and mass to a slightly undersized frame, adding power and strength to his game. Lacks a natural mean streak, can shift to an outside threat when the going gets tough. Doesn't appear to be as energetic with his three zone play, as he can lack commitment to the defensive size of his game. Has all the tools to be one of the top offensive threats in the 1998 birth year and a top prospect for the 2016 NHL Draft if he continues on his current levels of projection.

Chad Krys (2016), D, USNTDP, 5'11, 182 lbs

Photo by Tom Sorensen

A skilled and creative puckmover with gifted vision and high intelligence. A New Jersey native and draft pick of the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. Assertive, take-charge type who displays a calm nature to his game. Elusive thanks to fast and deceptive skating, plus an ability to think the game steps ahead. Skilled and mobile, a natural moving with the puck. Slick on his edges boasting exceptional lateral quickness and agility. Excels as a transition threat, displaying good skill and tempo on outlets, equally adept at skating the puck into open ice or stretching the ice. Confidently joins the attack, provides support for forwards. A true powerplay quarterback, smartly walks the line, head up and assessing, creating space and passing lanes. Increasingly assertive as a physical presence along the boards, yet not as diligent patrolling the crease, can be passive in net front battles. Gradually adding muscle to a lean frame and learning to use his skating to sustain a positional edge defending 1-on-1. Suffers lags in intensity and can be too accommodating to opposition forwards. Has yet to commit to an NCAA program, however he is expected to do so soon. May look to follow in the footsteps of Zach Werenski and Noah Hanifin by playing in the NCAA as a 17 year old Draft eligible skater.

Nick Pastujov (2016), F, USNTDP, 6'0", 195 lbs

Instinctive, finely skilled sniper with a terrific shooting release. A Florida native who moved to Detroit to face a higher level of competition. A standout in the recent World U17 Challenge. A graduate of the HoneyBaked U16 program, where he skated with brother Michael, a top prospect for the 2015 OHL Draft. Dangerous and slippery in one-on-one situations and in transition. A gifted passer and sneaky puck carrier, able to impact the game offensively in many ways. Patient and unpredictable, masterful at finding passing seams. An assertive shooter, gets the puck to high percentage scoring areas and flashes an ability to finish plays. Does not rush delivery, shot is hard, accurate and deceptive. Increasingly more

comfortable in traffic, aided by gains in overall strength and skating. Can struggle with consistency, looks like a star one game and struggles to make an impact another. Still somewhat one dimensional, doesn't track back into coverage and can fail to support defenders. Drafted by the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL, he is expected to play with the U18 program next year before heading to Michigan for 2016.

Max Jones (2016), F, USNTDP, 6'2", 189 lbs

A high-compete level winger with an elite snapshot. One of the top performers at the 2014 World U17 Challenge, where he was named to the tournament All Star team. An instinctive player who brings a unique blend of skill, determination and toughness. Unusually calm in possession, can dangle due to soft hands.Intentions are masked due to excellent body language and overall presence. Stays in constant motion, has a knack for getting to loose pucks, powered by impressive anticipation. Fiery and competitive, extremely difficult to play against, specifically in puck battles. An elite shooter, finds ways to put the puck on net, taking advantage of a hard, accurate snap shot, one that he can get off quickly and in stride. Can go overboard, doesn't always know when to pull back, can take some undisciplined penalties. Can struggle with tunnel vision when in possession at times, fails to make the proper assessment, holding onto the puck for a bit too long. Making more astute reads of the ice in possession will be a key. Must continue to develop a more well-rounded two way game, keeping his feet moving in the defensive zone and injecting himself into the defensive zone with passion. Projects as a skilled finisher who plays a mean, uncompromising game at the next level. A 1st round draft selection of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, he has yet to commit to either the OHL or NCAA.

Matthews & Tkachuk among elite for 2016 NHL Draft

David Burstyn — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:22:43 +0000

Two bright lights of the US U18 National Team Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthew represent a big part of the offence this season. Tied for second in team scoring with 22 points each this season with Tkachuk leading the team in goals with 11, after bolting out of the starting gate with nine in his first nine games. He also leads the team with 40 penalty minutes, channeling his father Keith’s well known aggressiveness and calling card in a 19-year NHL career, tallying 538 goals, 1065 points and 2,219 penalty minutes (41^st in NHL history) in 1201 NHL games. Retired when Matthew was twelve, he then acted as his coach for a few years.

Auston Matthews is an exceptional talent drawing early attention from scouts looking ahead to the 2016 NHL Draft. Missing the 2015 Draft by two days, a late 97 birthday, his name is being mentioned as a very high pick. He is still debating whether to play in the WHL next season (Everett holds his rights) or accelerate his academics and become a highly sought college prospect. He caught the attention of the hockey world with a stand-out performance at the World Juniors U18 tournament scoring five goals in seven games and averaging a point a game as his stock continues to rise.

Together they represent some exciting potential for the US national program for years to come. Strong seasons will ensure they are among the most discussed names for the 2016 class.

Photo by Tom Sorensen, USNTDP

Matthew Tkachuk (2016), LW, US-NTDP18
The son of former NHL superstar Keith Tkachuk .. Matthew plays a near identical style as he is a hard-nosed player with better-than-average hands for finishing .. his skating has improved leaps and bounds - as has his surliness and overall impact on a game .. plays with passion and will engage without hesitation .. relishes the role of 'pest' as he - like his father did - can get under the opposition's skin and goad them into taking penalties .. employed as an 'F1' torpedo being an aggressive forechecker who utilizes all parts of his body and stick to cut down angles .. competes hard both with the puck and away from it .. his hands are well developed as well, although he is more of a finisher than a playmaker at this stage .. can admire his passes from time to time - and can do more in terms of being aware and better prepared to absorb oncoming hits .. possesses outstanding in-close finishing abilities .. his hands operate extremely quickly - and he buries his chances .. his strong anticipation for the game also allows him to generate more chances as he gets his fair share of odd-man rushes .. late birthday gives him even more time to develop .. committed to Notre Dame for 2015-16 season.

Auston Matthews (2016), C, US-NTDP18

Photo by Tom Sorensen, USNTDP

The Arizona native returns for a second full season after centering the third line last year .. with a handful of players such as Dennis Yan and Luke Kirwin having departed the Program, Matthews has moved up the depth chart .. a highly-imaginative player inside the offensive zone whose hunger for the puck fuels his game .. plays at an extremely high rate of speed inside the offensive zone while making plays and always looking to create .. puts pucks into great positions - a function of having very acute offensive-zone hockey sense .. moves well and anticipates the play while also using his body to bully his way closer to the goal .. refuses to lose a board or open-ice battle, keeping his body activated and very busy as he incorporates twists and turns to make defenders bite .. conversely, his intensity away from the puck suffers as he is habitually the last man back as he is often getting caught in deep in pursuit of a play .. his skating has a fluid quality to it and is fairly powerful .. demonstrates all the ingredients to be a prime point producer .. still has yet to make a college commitment while his CHL rights are owned by Everett (57th/2012).

USNTDP U18 – McKeen's Hockey

US National team developing impressive talents for 2016 draft

Matthews & Tkachuk among elite for 2016 NHL Draft