Nick Capone (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Nick is at his best when he keeps it simple and plays a direct north and south game. He has good straight line speed that he uses to be disruptive on the forecheck, create turnovers and put defenders through the end boards. There are times when he can be a bit reckless, but we don’t have a problem with him getting a few charging or roughing penalties. We know that over a long season or playoff series Nick’s effort and ability to punish players will be a positive and those “impact penalties” are easier to kill than a ridiculous offensive zone trip. Although he is poised player who is used in offensive situations right now, as an NHLer his future is as a hard to play against bottom six guy who can impact the game in other ways. That is not a negative or a knock. It is a compliment. Nick is a horse who has good hands and vision. His skating and quickness has improved dramatically during his time in Tri-City and we feel will continue to while at UConn. Some players we evaluate can only impact the game as a top six guy. We feel Nick can be more than that.
(1) Brain – Smart player who plays on the edge.
(2) Vision & Poise – His poise on the power play now will be a huge benefit and help him make the right plays in professional hockey.
(3) Feet – His skating is improved and we feel will continue to improve during his time at UConn. We have no doubt that he will get stronger and more powerful as a Husky.
(4) Compete & Effort – Never in doubt. As a coach you will know what you are getting every night.
(5) Contact or Physicality – He is a bull who dishes it out. Nick is one of the few players we’ve scouted that wants to put you in the fourth row.
(6) Release – Heavy and with a purpose. The goalie needs to make saves when he fires it and rebounds are available.
(7) One Timer Ability – He can fire bullet on both good and bad passes.
(8) Body Language – You will know what Nick is thinking. Not an issue for us and we kind of like it.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Net front on a second power play unit.
(10) Intangibles – Nick is big, strong and competitive. As a professional he has a chance to impact games in ways other than just on the score sheet. Some players we evaluate can only impact the game as a top six guy. We feel Nick can be more than that.