Dylan Peterson (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A-) Forward
(1) Brain – Although Dylan has a strong offensive skill set, he has grown to think the game like a power forward. During his time with the National Development Program he has learned that he is at his best below the tops of the circles and in front of the blue paint. Away from the puck in the defensive zone he is a reliable weakside winger who does not cheat and as a strong side winger he understands how body positioning and stick placement can deter a high cycle. He plays the lines well and understands how to force puck carriers into turnovers.
(2) Vision & Poise – He can make good decisions on line rushes by reading both the strong and weakside defender’s gaps and he does not blindly throw the puck into scoring areas hoping a teammate will be there. Again, Dylan has learned that he is force below the tops of the circles and will extend offensive zone time through puck protection and poise.
(3) Feet – He has an excellent foundation that will only improve while at Boston University. He is quick out of stops and starts and uses a strong cross under out of power turns. At 6’4 he has a long powerful stride that will only improve at BU. We expect his quickness and power to continue developing quickly while at school.
(4) Compete & Effort – As a younger player Dylan could look nonchalant, but we believe that was because he didn’t really understand the type of player he was growing into. Now that he is learning to enjoy being a power forward Dylan wins battles all over the ice and is a force as a net front presence. He backchecks with a sense of purpose and uses his long reach to break up scoring opportunities.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Another area that improves every time we see him play. He finishes his checks with authority and knocks opponents on their backsides. He is beginning to understand that at his size he can intimidate opponents and we love it. He will take runs at defenseman, possibly finishing his check a little too late, knowing that they will hear foot steps later in the game leading to turnovers.
(6) Release – Quick deceptive release that is accurate. He does not need time to put the puck where he wants it. He has a quick stick while battling for rebounds and can put the puck under the cross bar quickly.
(7) One Timer Ability – Another area of strength. He can rip poor passes and cross body one timers with authority. This is an area that has improved as he as accepted being a power forward .
(8) Body Language – He looks more menacing and intimidating. He is active in post whistle scrums and doesn’t care if he’s making friends.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Dylan has the ideal skill set for being a first unit power play net front presence. Quick hands that settle bouncing pucks quickly and easily while having the frame to withstand crosschecks while doing it.
(10) Intangibles – He’s heading to Boston University. We feel Dylan will thrive under Albie O’Connell’s staff, but the thing we’re hopeful for is Dylan getting to know Brady Tkachuk. Dylan having little conversations with Brady about how to battle for rebounds and take ice from opponents is something that could be invaluable to Dylan’s development.