Jacob Truscott (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
(1) Brain – Growing up Jacob had a tendency to try for the home run on every play. The thing is, he was so dominate that often times it would work. As his opponents developed and the level of play improved he would still be looking to make the high light reel play, but in reality he would be limiting his options and end up turning the puck over. Well, that is not the case anymore. He trusts his teammates, makes quick outlets and is a tremendous asset from the back end. Defensively Jacob’s game has evolved as well. He is showing more and more patience as a weakside defender, is maintaining clear shooting lanes while defending point shots and he is using his explosiveness to eliminate the cycle quickly and efficiently.
(2) Vision & Poise – These two areas have never been an issue for Jacob. He is a talented offensive defenseman who has the vision and poise to be an asset to any team. He can find passing lanes quickly in transition and does an excellent job as the second wave of a line rush or activating from the point as a high cycle option.
(3) Feet – He is a dynamic skater who is suited for today’s game. He creates time and space when retrieving pucks and his combination of speed and quickness generates passing lanes on the breakout. He has the backward thrust to set his gap early in the neutral zone and has the loose hips to gap up continually if his opponents try to play a possession game and continually regroup. Playing with the NTDP has been a real benefit to Jacob’s feet in defensive situations.
(4) Compete & Effort – No issues here. He is a competitive player who has had success at every level. Jacob wants to win. Even when he was a young free wheeler he was willing to battle for ice, block shots and play a high compete game.
(5) Contact or Physicality – He is strong along the walls and in front of his net. He is not a threat to step up at center ice, but he pinches off rushes early and can contain the cycle as a strong side defenseman.
(6) Release – Very quick release from the point or while joining the rush as a second option. His shot is hard and accurate. Jacob’s excellent first touch allows him to have that extra split second in tight areas.
(7) One Timer Ability – Jacob is an offensive talent who can fire the puck in all situations. He has an expanded shooting zone and does not need a flat pass to hit the net and generate rebounds.
(8) Body Language – He plays with confidence and expects to be successful.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Jacob has always had the feet and offensive skill set to run a first unit power play. Through his continued hard work and commitment to detail we feel that Jacob will be used in all game situations in professional hockey.
(10) Intangibles – Jacob’s improvement away from the puck has been impressive. We have always been a fan of his offensive instincts and his ability to generate an attack, but we questioned how he would defend at higher levels. That is not the case anymore. We feel he will continue to develop physically and mentally while at the University of Michigan and will be a player who competes for an NHL roster spot when he turns pro.