Brian Strait, Age 21
Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs
2006, 3rd round pick
*Notes from today’s Skate
– Among the most disappointing players on day 1
– Has below average speed
– Struggled during the 1-on-1 drills; Was beat by Eric Tangradi and Nick Petersen consecutively
– Relied too much on his upper body strength instead of moving his feet
– In talking to David Quinn (few months ago) who was Boston University’s assistant coach last season, Strait is not a practice player by any means but David did mention to me that Brian must become more consistent in the defensive zone.
Alex Grant, Age 20
Height: 6-2 Weight: 185lbs
2007, 4th round pick
*Notes from Today’s Skate
– Wasn’t very noticable this afternoon
– Had choppy strides, especially when it came to moving side to side
– Smooth on the few occassions during partial breakout drills
– Relies on his longreach, poke check in 1-on-1 situations
– Clearly needs to get stronger and improve lateral movement
– Will benefit from playing in Wilkes Barre and getting better coaching
Nicholas D’Agostino, Age 19
Height: 6-1 Weight: 177lbs
2008, 7th round pick
– Very hard worker
– Showed good speed
Was over-matched against players like Nick Johnson in 1-on-1 drills
Simon Despres, Age 17
Height: 6-4 Weight: 205 lbs
2009, 1st round pick
*Notes from today’s skate
– appeared to be over-whelmed at times
– Showed good positioning in certain drills
– Used his size well, taking the body
– Struggled with the speed of the game; for instance on forechecking drills, moving the puck quick enough
– Has a below average shot, lacked any kind of velocity
Robert Bortuzzo, Age 20
Height: 6-4 Weight: 207lbs
2007, 3rd round pick
* Notes from today’s skate
– Has made great strides in the skating department
– lateral movement is much improved than it was at this time last year.
– took the body very well in the 1-on-1 drills and was 6-for-6 in the drills
– Among the top performers on day 1
Carl Sneep, Age 21
Height: 6-3, Weight: 205 lbs
2006, 2nd round pick
*Notes from today’s skate
– Good positioning in drills
– Moved the puck well, had quick release when shooting the puck
– A team scout had him rated as one of the top performers on day 1
