Penguins/NHL
Prospect Nick Johnson (2004, 3rd round pick) has the look of a player ready to build off of what was a strong playoff run to end his first professional season.
Top 5 Performers from Day 1
1. RW Nick Johnson (2004, 3rd round pick)
*Notes from Today’s Skate
– Beaming with confidence and looked a step above the rest
– Shot the puck very well, good velocity, accuracy
– Among the top performers in 1-on-1 drills
– Used size, speed to beat defenders wide
– Even though he’s going up against younger players, team insiders were raving about his play this afternoon
2. RW Kevin Veilleux (2007, 2nd round pick)
* Notes From Today’s Skate
– Showed good speed, acceleration in skilled drills
– Great composure in the offensive zone and around the net
– Uses his reach very well
– Look comfortable playing wing in line drills
3. D Robert Bortuzzo (2007, 3rd round pick)
*Notes from Today’s Skate
– Skating is much improved
– Moved the puck well on breakouts, when skating side to side
– Very good positioning in 1-on-1 drills
4. C Dustin Jeffrey (2007, 6th round)
*Notes from Today’s Skate
– Continues to mature as a player
– Great hockey smarts, which can been seen in the various drills
– Showed some offensive ability, making a crisp cross-ice pass to Luca Caputi on a 2-on-1 goal
– Appears primed to have a strong prospect camp and push for a roster spot in September
5. Carl Sneep (2006, 2nd round pick)
*Notes from today’s skate
– Very good on the breakout, during fore-checking drills.
– Not overly physical, had good positioning in drills
Didn’t stand out much but a team scout told me he had Sneep rated as one of the top performers on day 1 so he makes the top 5.
Honorable Mention
6. Nathan Moon (2008, 4th round pick)
* Stood out during the fore-checking drills, that is his type of game
* Shows some offensive ability at times
