Owen Pickering

This big tall lean prospect gets first round consideration as defenseman who will gradually come into his own as smart player who is not necessarily fully polished yet. He is a big defender whose assertive and comfortable in the offensive zone. He best plays early in the season seem to come on the attack because his six foot four North-South side gets him places fast. Will sneak down to help his forwards in the corners, with small back and forth touch passes in lieu of a forward cycle. He is excellent at stepping into the high slot to create neat passing plays. Played lots of minutes on first pair with his Swift current team, but less emphasis on his defensive side. He is in that second echelon of the draft's promising defenders who need time. He has good stick placement and his gaps are good. This young guy has come far over the year, from playing a lot of minutes seemed to overwhelm him and he would break down, blow coverages, but has surprised with a transformation to a kid with solid d-zone positioning, who also boxes out the front quicker, and also getting into passing lanes with regularity. Needs work in his backward skating as he cheats on the C cuts, but there is lots to like as all around prospect who gets it, and will work hard to play.

--Bill Płaczek--