On Friday February 8th we watched the Wolves travel to Barrie to take on the Colts. Here are our game evaluations for Sudbury’s National Hockey League prospects.
Jack Thompson (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Defense
Jack had another strong two way game. He does an excellent job keeping things simple and not getting over extended. During defensive zone coverage Jack’s stick was on the ice taking away passing lanes and he closed quickly on opposing forwards who were looking to extend offensive zone time by cycling. He had a number of neutral zone one touch quick ups that were on the tape and hit his forwards in stride. We feel his shot is true asset and that was the case tonight. He was a pass first option at the top of the umbrella, but when he lets one go it is bullet that hits the net. Jack has NHL upside to his game and he is a player we’ve enjoyed watching develop. Game Grade: B
Isaak Phillips (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Defense
Isaak is really growing on us as a legitimate NHL prospect. He’s got excellent size and his lateral agility and fluidity improves with each viewing. Tonight, he was athletic and very strong while defending his net. He limited second chance opportunities all night and on 50-50 did an excellent job beating his man all game. It looks like his stride has gotten much more powerful and his frequency has increased as well. Isaak made smart offensive decisions in transition and did not get caught flat footed on the defensive side. He walked the offensive blueline with his head up and his shots got through. Game Grade: B+
Adam Samuelsson (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
We like how Adam is finding himself with Sudbury. He has always been a massive defenseman, but he’s about 2 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier now standing at 6’6″ 240lbs and yet somehow he looks more comfortable and his feet look much smoother. His passes were crisp and tape to tape. He did not need to settle poor passes by stickhandling and needing to think before making outlets, instead he played with his head up and was decisive. He played the top of the umbrella and was a consistent threat to not only shoot, but to score as well. Adam played with more grit and won net front battles all game. His background makes him a very very interesting prospect. We’ve said for a long time that bigger kids take longer and we might be seeing a player who is developing into the NHL prospect everyone felt he always could be. Game Grade: B+
Chase Stillman (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — B) Forward
Chase is a hockey player. He is smart in all areas of the game and processes things very quickly. He finished his checks, played with an edge and was a positive force for Sudbury all game. His ability to protect the puck is beyond his years. Chase showed great awareness by extending offensive zone time through puck support and he set a number of picks that bordered on being being illegal, but he did not get called. We liked it. He has a nice first touch on both his forehand and backhand that made him a threat coming though the neutral zone and especially once he gained the offensive blueline. Game Grade: B+
Liam Ross (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Defense
Liam is very fast and has a long powerful stride. We noticed Liam jumping into the play and being a very effective late attacker. There were times when he chased the puck too low after a shot or soft chip, but sometimes it’s easier to pull a rope back rather than push it forward. Liam has NHL size and used it to contain the cycle and keep clear shooting lanes for his goalie. Game Grade: C+
Quinton Byfield (5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Forward
Quinton missed the game with an undisclosed upper body injury.