Alex Laferriere (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
Updated in Bold
(1) Brain – From an offensive stand point Alex thinks the game very well. He plays with a purpose in all three zones. And although he has always been an offensive catalyst he is conscientious in the defensive zone, plays with smart angles on the forecheck and understands cutting the ice in half to limit his opponents offensive options. We’ve noticed that he understands what his coaches are telling him and that he accepts the concepts as the best way for personal and team success. It is very obvious while he is on special teams. As a penalty killer he is forcing the opponent’s breakouts to player’s backhand and limiting options through stick placement and by using his speed. On neutral zone face-offs Alex showing that he understands everyone has a job and he is sticking to his responsibilities even if a teammate has gone rogue.
(2) Vision & Poise – He has confidence with or without the puck and is unpredictable in offensive situations. Away from the puck his head is on a swivel and he is aware of protecting the dangerous ice. Alex is much stronger along the walls during a cycle and has the ability to extend offensive zone time. We have not seen a foolish “hope pass” in a long time.
(3) Feet – Alex is an athletic kid who has very good feet. He has high level edge control and acceleration. His speed is a legitimate asset that NHL organizations will crave.
(4) Compete & Effort – He understands that he is go to guy and works in all three zones.
(5) Contact or Physicality – He is strong on the puck and uses his body very well to protect it. He does not look to run anyone over, but he certainly has a strong base and can hold up to contact very well. Again, we do not feel Alex is power forward, but we do feel he has gotten dramatically stronger and more confident while handling the puck in traffic and fighting for his ice.
(6) Release – He has a very deceptive release and has the body control to separate his hands from his torso while firing it. This allows him to change release points and shoot while his body is in awkward positions. We feel Alex has realized that he is a shooter and not a dancer. This mindset will help him adjust quickly to college hockey and beyond.
(7) One Timer Ability – We did not see Alex one time any pucks in Pittsburgh. Well, we’ve seen him fire the puck now. He has an extended shooting zone and does not need anything close to a perfect pass. His one timer is hard, accurate and a threat to score from anywhere inside of the house.
(8) Body Language – Alex carries himself like he is a leader and is expected to produce. He had that attitude while playing prep hockey at Kent School and has it again heading into the draft.
(9) Special Teams Potential – He has the shot and vision to be a consistent second power play option while his quickness and IQ make him a candidate to be a high level penalty killer. Alex will be a power play option in college and beyond. He moves the puck quickly and makes very good decisions with the puck. He has a scorers release and has developed the mindset to follow. We have been very impressed with his penalty killing and his commitment to the details of his coaching.
(10) Intangibles – Alex has a background in lacrosse and we feel this has enhanced his ability to protect the puck in tight areas as well as spin off contact while maintaining both body and puck control. We will build on his lacrosse background. He has excellent hand eye and he gets his stick on everything. He consistently knocks down sauce passes while defending and it helps him settle poor passes quickly in offensive situations. We’re not going to lie. We like Alex’s development and think he has real NHL upside.