Committed to UMass
Already 6’2” and well over 200 pounds, and in his end he plays with urgency, show quickness off his breakouts. Has shown some elusiveness when he finally gains speed, and good hands that allow him to make plays. He’s got some deception, and his mobility and hands allow him to make plays, but has clear balance issues as his edging not mastered, so when during carries, if pressure closes down his space, his passing is less accurate. His pins need work, he pivots well, and he has game enough to box attackers out, make plays each shift. Alalauri doesn’t possess true elite tools, play with physicality or display any aggression, just sticks to trying to be textbook example of a defense-first two way rearguard. Alalauri’s toolbox does contain a combination of size, mobility, and offensive upside, a decent starting point with which to build his game. His development can come slowly and there would be little need to rush him over. He hears his name in the second or third round. He will project into an NHL yeam’s lime-up as 7th man, and progress from there.
—Bill Placzek—
