2020 round 6 #182 overall by Boston Bruins
| Riley Duran | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | R | F | 6’1″ | 175 | Providence | 2021 | Woburn, MA | 2002 | 2019-2020: B- |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, April 8, 2021: I watched Riley twice in a twelve day stretch and I have to say I loved what I saw. The first game he was a hard working power forward who played a complete 200′ game. He was effective on the forecheck and made himself felt as a physical presence. He finished minus for the game with 6 shots on net and zero points. Twelve days later we saw the same effort attitude, commitment to being a 200′ physical presence and the same 6 shots on net. This time he was rewarded with 2 goals and a helper. The points may come or they may not, but the thing that NHL scouts want to see is his commitment to being a presence. That’s how he’s going to make his money, earn a contract and be an effective professional player. He’s not a dancer and he’s starting to realize it. I like it and I love the consistent 200′ effort.
USHL: Youngstown Phantoms vs Muskegon Lumberjacks, April 3, 2021: Duran is a bigger forward who has a high compete level and was Youngstown’s best offensive player in this game. The Providence commit registered two goals and an assist on six shots. He battled hard for pucks and was relentless on the forecheck which helped create offence for his team. On his first goal, Duran exhibited a heavy shot, finishing the play right off the faceoff while shorthanded. His second goal came with a bit more flair to it as Duran caught a pass-in tight with the goalie off of a rush chance and made a quick move-in tight before elevating the puck over the extended pad of the goalie. Throughout the night he played in straight lines and had a clear plan of attack, which is evident in his six shots. He looked to get the puck to the net and win space with his speed, strength, and compete for level. In his own zone he continued this trend, winning puck battles on the boards, and doing a great job on the penalty kill where he was responsible for a number of clears and at least two shot blocks. Overall, he is a solid, competitive forward who was very effective in producing offence for his team in this game. Grade: A
Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. Youngstown Phantoms, March 26, 2021: The Boston Bruins draft pick was quiet here overall but he’s got size, a high compete level at both ends of the ice and grit. He stripped the defender of a puck behind the net and rode his edges for a wrap around attempt showing his effectiveness on the forecheck. He also walked a defender out of the corner and had a spin move and shot showing his puck protection and ability to get off checks and get pucks to the net. He’s raw and still adjusting to junior hockey particularly the pace of play but he led the team in shots with 6 and added an assist. Honest, 200ft forward who plays the game the right way. College: Providence Grade: B-
USHL: Youngstown Phantoms vs Chicago Steel, January 27, 2021: Duran is another hardworking forward for Youngstown that was able to force turnovers and funnel pucks to the net front. He registered an assist and had three shots in this game, as well as four penalty minutes. The Providence commit can be too aggressive at times, as seen with his two minor penalties. However, his aggression also makes him effective. He finishes his checks consistently and makes Chicago defensemen second guess their decisions when going back on pucks. He never gives up on a play and always competes in the dirty areas, winning a number of 50/50 puck battles. In his own zone Duran gets in shot lanes and does a good job winning battles on the wall. Overall, he is a high compete player and does his best work on the forecheck and in front of the opposition’s net. Grade: A-
New England Prep: Lawrence Academy NHL Draft Prospects, February 13, 2020: The Providence College commit was very noticeable. He was quick to pucks, finished his checks as a consistent F1 and looked to make plays after creating turnovers. Riley had a beautiful goal that would be described as nothing short of a bullet. The right shot forward showed poise coming down the slot, out weighting highly touted Thayer goalie Gavin Fitzpatrick and released a quick accurate snap shot that would have beaten any goalie in New England prep hockey. He was very effective killing penalties by stopping and starting in shooting lanes and having a very disruptive stick. Riley understands when to pressure and when to contain and was very reliable in all three zones. The power play did not run through Riley, but he is a solid net front presence and has mentality to battle for loose pucks to keep the killers on their heels or create blue area scoring chances. Game Grade: A–
Quick Hit – Duran might be worth the wait, October 11, 2019: Riley Duran has been on our radar for a few years. The Providence College commit is a raw kid who just keeps getting better… and bigger. He plays hard every shift no matter the situation or who you are. He’s one of the few kids who makes body contact with the intent of putting you into the third row. We feel that Riley is a long shot to get drafted, but with his upward trajectory he just the type of kid who deserves a late round look. He’s going to play some prep hockey this year then move on to junior and eventually to PC so who knows what you’re going to be working with when he’s 22 years old? But what we do know is that his compete is through the roof. He is very athletic and comes from a family of athletes. AND he’s 6’2 185lbs as a 17 year old. With his work ethic and frame we fully expect him to play at 215lbs and be able to carry it well. The late rounds are where NHL teams can take chances. We see it every year. And we think a forward thinking General Manager and thorough Director of Scouting will be willing to take a chance on Riley and his upward trajectory.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images