Draft Notes

by Alex Tran on June 24, 2011 in Entry Draft - 732 Comments

It’s Draft Day folks! Passing along some draft notes for a few more of the names that figure to be in discussion for the Maple Leafs‘ top three selections. Featured names include two-way blueliner Oscar Klefbom, power forward Joel Armia and powerplay quarterback Joe Morrow.

Oscar Klefbom (Defenseman)

Strengths: Excellent skating ability and upside as a two-way defenseman. Gives 110% every shift and plays with a considerable amount of physicality and grit. Solid positional instincts. Untapped offensive upside. A potential high end power play quarterback.

Weaknesses:  Very raw skillset. Physical tools are there but will take some development time and coaching to maximize upside. Average point shot but should improve as he grows into his body.

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Joel Armia (Forward)

Strengths: Exceptional hands and finishing ability in tight around the net. Power forward build. Strong on his skates, good balance and ability to protect the puck. Good goal scoring instincts and effectively finds shooting lanes.

Weaknesses: Poor skater, can occasionally have tunnel vision with the puck, limited passing ability. Can get lazy on the backcheck – must succeed as a scorer to have a career at the NHL level.

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Nicklas Jensen (F0rward)

Strengths:  Big winger who uses size to protect the puck very well (excellent puck protection skills), stickhandles well in traffic, quick release and drives hard to the net to make a play. A natural talent.  Nice skating stride but less explosive top end speed.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent effort every time he’s on the ice.  Is not overly physical along the boards. Needs to use line-mates more effectively if he wants to succeed at the NHL level.

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Joe Morrow (Defenseman)

Strengths:  Skates very well with a fluid stride and appropriate top end speed, has the ability to skate the puck out of danger.  Possesses a howitzer of a shot. Good puck moving defenseman.

Weaknesses: Reluctance to use his shot when given the opportunity.  Needs more confidence handling the puck in the offensive zone. Could be more physical. Occasionally prone to turnovers and high risk plays.

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Boone Jenner (Forward)

Strengths: High energy level and character, does a good job at protecting the puck , good hockey sense.  Drives hard to the net. Does the little things well. Blocks shots, wins puck battles and plays a sound positional game. Upside as a potential shutdown centre.

Weaknesses: Skating mechanics are poor, top end speed is mediocre. Offensive upside is rather limited. Likely bound for a secondary scoring/checking role at the next level.

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