Cole Temple (C, L, 5’9″, 168, Everett Silvertips, 03/20/2007)
Cole Temple is a compact, pace-driving forward with a high motor, powerful wrist shot, and a relentless middle-lane attacking mindset. After a mid-season trade from Regina to Everett, Temple produced 30 points in 42 games (+18) and showed tangible improvements in his all-around game. Despite being undersized by NHL standards, Temple competes hard, creates scoring chances at a high clip, and plays with purpose in all three zones. He logged over 15 minutes per game, including time on both special teams, and his statistical profile reveals a player who pushes the pace, attacks inside ice, and battles hard despite size limitations.
Statistical Profile (2024–25)
Games Played: 64 (Regina + Everett)
Goals: 17 , Assists: 25 , Points: 42
Plus/Minus: +13 , PIMs: 34
TOI/Game: 15:29 , PPT: 1:42 , SHT: 0:09
Scoring Chances/Game: 1.7 , SC%: 13%
Shots on Goal/Game: 2.2 , Shots Blocked/Missed/Game: 1.28 combined (needs improvement)
Puck Battles/Game: 14 , Win %: 44%
Pass Accuracy: 81% , Pre-shot Passes/Game: 0.97
Takeaways: 2.8 , Giveaways: 4.8 , Blocked Shots: 0.43
Faceoff Win %: 47% (sampled, shows potential as a depth center option)
Reasons to Draft
Middle-Lane Attacking Mentality and Shot Creation
Temple consistently generates offense by driving through the middle of the ice, getting to dangerous areas with speed and fearlessness. He possesses a deceptive, compact snap shot with the ability to release from different shooting stances. His 13% scoring chance conversion rate is strong and we feel will improve when he hits the net more often.
Competitive Motor and Net-Front Agility
Despite standing just 5’9″, Temple battles for pucks like a heavier player. His 14 puck battles per game indicate a high work rate, and while his win percentage (44%) shows he needs to add overall strength and core stability, the effort level is clear. His low center of gravity helps him stay upright through contact and elude defenders in tight.
Multi-Faceted Offensive Threat
Temple attacks off the rush with pace, distributes the puck with deception (0.97 pre-shot passes/game), and can operate from all three lanes. He’s shown flashes of creativity—particularly when cutting off the wall or making soft chip passes under pressure—and is comfortable adjusting his shooting angle to evade defenders.
Trending Up
Temple showed significant improvement after moving to Everett. The +23 swing in plus/minus from Regina to Everett reflects both team quality and his individual development. He took a regular shift and was trusted in late-game situations.
Reasons Not to Draft
Undersized Frame Without Elite Separation Gear
At 5’9″, 166 pounds, Temple is small for a projected NHL forward and does not yet have the high-end explosiveness or elite edgework needed to separate from pro-level defenders consistently. While he has quick feet and plays fast, he must improve his burst and top-end speed to mitigate the size disadvantage.
Turnover Volume and Passing Execution
Temple averaged 4.8 giveaways per game—a high number for an offensive minded wing who completed just 81% of his passes. His vision and offensive ideas are promising, but his execution must become more consistent and less risky, especially under pressure and at higher speeds.
Limited Defensive Impact Despite Effort
Although Temple works hard without the puck and supports his defense, his overall short-handed deployment (0:09/game) and puck battle win rate (44%) suggest he has room to grow in terms of true defensive value. He’ll need to improve strength, leverage, and physical awareness to be reliable in his own end against pros.
Shot Efficiency and Shot Selection
Temple has a good release but must improve his accuracy and decision making. A high number of blocked (0.77/game) and missed shots (0.51/game) point to both a predictable release and poor decision-making under pressure. Cleaning up his shot selection and improving his release mechanics under duress are development priorities.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six NHL winger or dual-position AHL forward with offensive utility and energy-line upside.
Development Track: Two more WHL seasons focusing on strength, puck protection, and shot efficiency. Two years NCAA would benefit his development before starting a professional career in the AHL.
Draft Range: Late 5th to 7th Round
Verdict: Temple is a hard-driving, competitive winger with a shoot-first mentality, pace, and work ethic that coaches will value. His offensive tools and commitment to battling through traffic make him a worthwhile late-round option, but his size and turnover rate will need to be closely monitored. He is trending upward and could become a versatile scoring depth forward with continued development.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images