Kyle Crnkovic (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
Kyle is a perfect fit for today’s National Hockey League. He is shifty with the puck and elusive without it. In one on one situations he can make big guys miss by overwhelming them with his speed, making them get off balance and blowing past them or he can make smaller quicker defenders look foolish by his surprising strength and over powering them while he attacks the scoring area. He has a quick release that he gets away in tight spaces while his feet are moving and he has the accuracy to put the puck where he wants it. Some goal scorers are predictable with their release and where they’re shooting, but Kyle can fire it from varying body positions and catches the goalie leaning by out waiting him. He can slow the play down to manipulate gaps in his favor or he can accelerate past defenseman who have gapped up to play in his face. Kyle has a high compete and motor. He plays every shift with a chip on his shoulder and like he has something to prove. In all offensive situations Kyle is creative and smart, but he is electric on the power play because of his anticipation and first touch. Back in October Kyle was a ‘C’ rated Neutral Zone NHL prospect, but we have upgraded him to a ‘B’ after a strong draft year in the Western Hockey League. We feel he is a player who has the attitude and skills to produce offensively in the NHL.
(1) Brain – Excellent at creating space and manipulating gaps to his advantage.
(2) Vision & Poise – He has always had poise when the puck is on his stick in the sot, but we feel his ability to generate opportunities for his linemates has improved this season and has begun to differentiate him from others in his draft class.
(3) Feet – Quick laterally & very explosive first step. He is as fast with the puck as without it.
(4) Compete & Effort – Maximum effort and compete.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Very strong on the puck and we have noted many times that he has very strong hands.
(6) Release – Quick and accurate. Kyle does not need much time or space to bury it.
(7) One Timer Ability – An area to continue working on as he developes.
(8) Body Language – He plays with a chip on his shoulder.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Kyle’s first touch, poise, vision and ability to finish makes him a power play option in professional hockey.
(10) Intangibles – He may not be tall, but he is very strong on the puck and can extend plays after contact.