On Friday February 7th Neutral Zone watched the Eagles travel to Quebec to take on the Remparts. Here are the NHL prospects who stood out;
Egor Sokolov (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Game Grade: B-, Sokolov has had a very productive season, and it is easy to see why when you look at his size and shot. He is powerful–strong on the puck and able to use his big frame to win and protect pucks in the offensive zone, letting him get to the net and into prime scoring areas. He does not have quick boots by any means, but moves alright when he is up to speed or when carrying the puck. He also displayed a good amount of finesse. Someone will more than likely take a mid-to-late round chance on the older Sokolov, who the NHL CSS has ranked at #94 for North American Skaters.
Ryan Francis (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
Game Grade: B+, Francis once again showed his skill, offensive vision, and ability to make plays. He is confident in possession, able to carry the puck with speed and gain entry with shifty moves and determination. He has an explosive first couple of steps–where his quick feet get him started and out of the hole at pace, allowing him to skate pucks out of his defensive end as well. He has poise in the offensive zone and creates space for himself. He created several chances here even though the Eagles were unable to find the back of the net. The NHL 42nd Ranked North American Skater by NHL Central Scouting will hear his name called in the first few rounds in June.
Ivan Ivan (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Game Grade: C+, Ivan Ivan, the man with two first names, is the NHL CSS 144th Ranked skater in North America. He is a smooth skater with good mobility, showing a good stride while carrying pucks out of his own end. He also showed the ability to open up his hips and has a wide base. He made decent reads to win pucks in the neutral zone, and was used on the penalty kill. Not a ton of offensive upside–or at least isn’t given as much of a chance to show it on a deep Cape Breton team–but could turn into a solid two-way forward.
Shawn Element (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Game Grade: B-, Element, the veteran forward, was traded from Acadie to Cape Breton earlier this season. He has done well with the Eagles, tallying 12 goals in his 16 games, for a total of 18 points. What sticks out most for Element is his work ethic and hard style of play. He finishes checks, hounds pucks, and is tenacious on the PK. Really liked his battle level and his ability to get to scoring areas and to the net.
William Grimard (3.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Goalie
Game Grade: DNP, The NHL CSS 15th Ranked North American Goaltender Did Not Play in this match, he backed up.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: William White