| Matt Choupani | Des Moines Buccaneers | USHL | R | F | 5’10” | 171 | Northeastern | 2022 | Montreal, QC | 2002 | 2020-2021: C+ |
USHL: Des Moines vs Sioux Falls, December 26, 2020: Choupani is a really skilled forward that is creative with the puck on his stick. Choupani is crafty and has great edges, which he uses to push defenders back on the rush and enter the zone with relative ease. Choupani also has excellent vision, looking to set up his teammates in high percentage scoring areas. Choupani is quick and causes a lot of trouble on the forecheck, reading the play very well and using his stick skills to pick pocket opponents. Choupani is very dangerous in the offensive zone, always playing with his head up and using quick cutbacks or skilled moves to create space and threaten an attack towards the net. He is most dangerous in transition for Des Moines, doing his best work when the defense doesn’t have time to set up and prepare for his attack. Overall, Choupani is a really skilled forward for Des Moines that has the ability to create anytime the puck is on his stick. Grade: B+
USHL: Des Moines vs Sioux Falls, December 2020: Choupani was another consistent threat to score offensively for the Buccaneers. Choupani finished the game with one goal on five shots but had a number of chances to add to his goal total during this contest. He has great vision offensively and does a really nice job finding his teammates in open space, both on the rush and during extended offensive zone play. Choupani also has good finishing instincts, demonstrating that just over five minutes into the game when he buried a high quality rush chance up under the crossbar to give Des Moines a 1-0 lead. He had a few other grade A scoring chances in the game, most of them coming as a result of his ability to anticipate the play and put himself in an advantageous position to create offense. Choupani is also effective on the forecheck, driving his feet and using his stick effectively to pickpocket defenders and transition the puck towards his attacking net. Choupani was buzzing for Des Moines throughout this game and was a big reason for many of their offensive opportunities. Grade: A-
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran, December 2020: Matt is obviously very savvy and an offensive talent, but the thing I like right now is his effort away from the puck. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. There were times in the past when Matt might be floating or sniffing on 50/50’s, but I don’t see that now. He’s showing patience. Staying below the puck or maintaining his line-up and when the opportunity hits Matt explodes and is using his quickness to generate offensive chances. It’s his second year of draft eligibility, and he looks committed to playing on both sides of the puck and being a really impactful 200′ player.
USHL: Dubuque vs Des Moines, November 2020: Choupani played well for Des Moines and showcased his hockey sense and vision in this game. He has really good skill and plays with his head up when the puck is on his stick. Choupani was really effective for the Buccaneers when carrying the puck on the rush, finding his teammates through seams or coming in the second wave of the attack. He distributed the puck nicely, creating chances for the Buccaneers and finishing with two assists in the game. He also showed that he was a threat to score himself, scoring a beautiful goal on a 2 on 2 rush where he walked his defender and used his linemate, who was driving the net, as a screen to bury the puck. Overall, Choupani looked really good in this game and was effective creating offense for Des Moines. Grade: A-
USHL: Des Moines NHL Prospects, October 2019: (1) Brain – Matt is very crafty on a line rush and below the goal line. He reads gaps very well and sees openings away from the puck quickly. On the cycle, we noted that he uses the net as a pick both with and without the puck. In the defensive end Matt will cheat, but we find that young point producers tend to do this and will watch to see if this is coached out of him during the season. (2) Vision & Poise – Matt has poise with the puck and is confident that he will make plays all over the ice. He has the talent to find the late attacker, sees the weak side with ease and is dangerous from behind the net in the offensive zone. (3) Feet – He is quick, agile and has real elusiveness. On more than one occasion we noted that Matt attacked the offensive zone with speed, almost came to a stop and then quickly accelerated past the unsuspecting defenseman who tried to close the gap. His skating is an asset. (4) Compete & Effort – (Only Note Extremes) (5) Contact or Physicality – Matt is not a physical player, but he is by in no means soft. He battles for rebounds and enjoys initiating scrums or post whistle shenanigans. (6) Release – He has a very quick release and has the ability to get shots on net through screens and tight areas. (7) One Timer Ability – Had two quick one timers in the slot that were generated off poor passes and turnovers. This is an asset and differentiated Matt from other offensive players we saw in Pittsburgh. (8) Body Language – (Only Extremes Noted) (9) Special Teams Potential – Although Matt has the skating ability we do not feel Matt will be a penalty killer in the NHL. However we do feel that his vision, creativity and shooting abilities will make him a power play option. (10) Intangibles – For Matt to hear his name called in Montreal he is going to have to prove that he is 200′ player. Long term we do not view Matt as a center. As a pro we feel he is best suited on the wing where he will not have the defensive responsibilities that being a top line center requires.
Quebec Midget AAA Challenge, January 2019: Having a dominant offensive season Choupani showed his offensive talents in a couple of the contests here throughout the week. Below the top of the circles there is no one in the league more dangerous. He has an extremely quick stick with soft handles on his forehand and his backhand. He’s a great finisher with a bit of sandpaper to his game as well. Every shift he is hungry on the forecheck, chasing down defenders making life difficult for them. In one of the contests he had an impressive 5 point outing with a couple of nice goals. If given time and space in the offensive zone, Choupani will make you pay. College: Northeastern
QMAAA: Magog Cantonniers vs. Lac St-Louis Lions, January 2018: A quiet game for Choupani. He had a good first period like the rest of his team, but seemed to be tired in the second and third period. He’s a goal scorer and is in a bit of a slump; however, still possesses tools many teams are looking for. The word from his camp is he is looking to go to US Prep school next year with future hopes of landing a NCAA commitment. Grade: C
Quebec Midget AAA Showcase, January 2018: Choupani continues to be on the rise. He’s got a great shot and has already over 10 goals on the season and should hit 20-plus if he continues on his current path. He shoots the puck with great accuracy and power for a smaller forward. He showed good positioning and won numerous faceoffs. He’s shifty and tough to get a body on, has mature puck management getting the most out of his time and space and gets himself in quality scoring areas away from the puck.