Chad Yetman (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) forward
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, May 2020: The whole reason Chad is here is because of his shot and release. Yes, he’s got quick feet and wears a letter for Erie. And he plays a major role on the team by playing in every possible game situation, but he is on my mind because of his release. It is quick and fluid. Chad can handle poor passes with ease and still fire bullets. When he is a middle drive he can receive the puck in stride or in traffic and put a snapper where he wants it. He does not hit the goalie in the chest or let them make easy glove saves that kill offensive momentum. He makes the goalie move. The goalie has to adjust his feet because Chad has the ability to change shooting angles so quickly and effortlessly. Goal scoring is needed and Chad put up 43 goals in 61 games this year for the Otters. I understand that he’s a 2000 birth year, but 43 goals and is developing might make Chad worth a late round flier to me.
OHL – Erie Otters NHL Prospects vs Mississauga Steelheads, February: Chad is a player who keeps getting better and proving that he belongs on NHL draft boards. His first touch was on full display whether he was gathering a bobbling puck off the wall or cleanly handling a poor pass. He was an asset on special teams where his foot speed helped kill penalties not only in the defensive end, but also up the ice breaking up the Steelhead’s breakout plans. He was gritty and grimy around the offensive net digging and finished with one goal. Game Grade: B
OHL – Erie Otters NHL Prospects vs Oshawa Generals, February: I liked Chad’s game. He played hard direct hockey without taking unnecessary chances. A clean first touch allowed him to play with his head up looking to make plays in all three zones and he was rewarded by scoring two goals. The first was a shorthanded breakaway where he showed excellent speed while generating separation as the puck carrier. And the second was off a broken cycle where he, again, showed his quickness and beat the General’s goaltender on a quick wrap around. On both plays his anticipation made things work. Game Grade: B+