Tim Lovell (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
(1) Brain – Tim is as clever as they come. He survives on brains, body positioning and anticipation. Tim does not get caught along the boards… ever. He plays with his head on a swivel at all times anticipating what every player on the ice is doing and adjust his game accordingly. In the defensive zone he beats his opponents to the scoring areas and establishes his ice early. While defending a line rush Tim understands how to make passing lanes flat and he matches speeds as well as anyone in the draft.
(2) Vision & Poise – His offensive skill set is perfect for the modern game. Tim does not give the puck away. He shows tremendous poise in all three zones by holding on to the puck to avoid pressure and maintain possession. Tim has grown up playing in a system where multiple regroups and puck possession are the keys for success and he continues to love playing the keep away game.
(3) Feet – Excellent. Tim has incredible feet. To borrow a phrase from our Director of Canadian Scouting Marlin Muylaert “He literally can stop on a dime and give you two nickles.”
(4) Compete & Effort – He works his ass off to be an effective player in all three zones. He does not take a second off.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Here is the issue. Everyone knows the game has evolved and you do not need to be a monster to play defense anymore, but the NHL is still a different animal. The players are bigger, quicker and without question smarter than players in any other league. So the question is will Tim develop a little more muscle on his frame so that he can win positional battles with players who are just as clever as he is?
(6) Release – Tim is very skilled with the puck. His first touch is smooth and allows him an extra second in every situation. He plays with his head up and does not need to dust the puck before moving it. His shot is accurate and he hits his spots, but it is not a rocket.
(7) One Timer Ability – Tim does not have a rocket, but if getting the puck to the net before the goalie can get set and generating rebounds is what your looking for then he is as good as anyone.
(8) Body Language – He is enthusiastic and very positive.
(9) Special Teams Potential – Tim has the offensive skill set and mind to run a power play. He will need to continue to develop his strength to make sure the power play does not become one dimensional.
(10) Intangibles – For the past two years Tim has heard the talk that he is too small to succeed at the next and all he does is keep succeeding and proving people wrong. We love that mindset and we love his hockey IQ.