Sam Colangelo (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
World Junior A Challenge Update: Colangelo is a big right-shot forward, coming in at 6’2 and 205 lbs. He plays a fairly powerful game, using his big frame to protect the puck and generate shooting opportunities off of entry. He slows the game down a bit, in part because of his longer more powerful stride as opposed to a quick stride, but also intentionally–he can wheel around the offensive zone in possession looking for a shooting opportunity. His only goal of the tournament came on a heavy shot on the power play. His assist was on a smart play from high in the offensive zone in the USA Team’s first game. He was effective on a deep USA squad. Grade: B
(1) Brain – Sam is a smart player who is very opportunistic. He almost lays in the weeds waiting for the other team to make mistakes so he can jump into an odd man attack. He thrives on turnovers and his ability to find the quiet areas in the offensive zone will be a key to his success as a professional.
(2) Vision & Poise – He has good vision with the puck, but we feel he is has very good vision without it. He lets the play develop and sees where the open areas are and goes there with a purpose. He has the ability to find the soft area in the high slot and arrive there when the opposing defenders are lost and focusing on the puck. This is definitely a skill that not all players have.
(3) Feet – Sam is an excellent skater who has high level top end speed and quickness.
(4) Compete & Effort – Sam has the physical tools to dominate every game and every shift and NHL teams will be watching for his consistency as we head into the second half. He is a first round talent and his consistency will have him getting drafted on Day 1 of the draft or Day 2.
(5) Contact or Physicality – He is not going to put anyone through the boards, but he has the frame to be a power forward at the higher levels.
(6) Release – Sam has a pro shot right now. He gets it away quickly, accurately & with deception.
(7) One Timer Ability – Sam has the ability to fire poor passes with authority and put the puck where he wants it. This will be a huge attribute for his professional game where we see him as more of a shooter rather than a puck carrying power forward.
(8) Body Language – (Only Note Extremes)
(9) Special Teams Potential – NHL teams will have to view Sam as a top 6 forward to hear his name called in Montreal. There is little doubt that he has the skills to be a power play option, but our question is whether or not Sam will want to use his big frame in front of the net and take that type of beating? It takes a special type of human to want get your ribs and back pounded on for 82 games and we will be watching for that leading up to the draft.
(10) Intangibles – Sam has an NHL body right now and Northeastern is doing a tremendous of getting their big younger players into positions to succeed. We feel Sam will have a very strong second half to the season and will hear his name early on in Day 2.