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2015 NHL Draft Profiles: Brandon Carlo

Brandon Carlo, 6’5 200 lbs defenseman from the Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Rankings:

  • #21 by ISS Hockey
  • #23 by Future Considerations
  • #21 by Mckeen’s Hockey
  • #17 by Bob Mckenzie consensus rankings

Strengths:

  • Powerful, punishing frame – Typical WHL defensive product is perfectly built for the physical game; he is described as a fierce competitor who displays strong play along the boards and does a good job protecting the front of his net.
  • Positional play – He displays good defensive instincts and plays a safer, stay-at-home type of game; he forces quicker forwards along the outside with his gap control and long reach; displays excellent poise and can be relied upon to eat up a ton of minutes against top forwards as demonstrated for the American WJC team.

Weaknesses:

  • Offensive upside – Carlo shows the ability to make a smooth, clean first pass and will occasionally make a smart read to jump into the rush but is unlikely to ever be a major point producer; the passing instincts and point shot will likely grade out as average or slightly below

The Verdict:

  • Potential top four defenseman – Should develop into a reliable 20 minute a night stay-at-home defenseman with a relatively high floor, in the mold of a Braydon Coburn or a Josh Gorges
  • Draft Day – He should find himself coming off the board in the 18 – 25 range.

Brandon Carlo Interview

Courtesy of The Pipeline Show from early in the 2014-15 season.

On his growth this past season, in his role and game:
I feel like I stepped into a huge role this year myself. I am a leader this year, wearing the A and I feel like that was a big honour for me. I feel like that like that’s good because I have a lot of respect for my teammates as well. Definitely a big role playing big minutes each and every night, being used in a lot of situations and I am happy with the role I am playing right now.

Last year [included] not a lot of powerplay time for me, but I’m stepping into a role with that this year. I am on and off the first and second powerplay. Definitely just coming into this year I feel like my role has changed from my experience in the League, being able to tell the younger guys how I went through what they went through. When they make mistakes, give them a little pat on the back. I feel it’s more my job this year to try to look after the long guys and lead by own way.

On his new role on the powerplay:
I feel like I haven’t really gotten the opportunity yet to really release that big shot, but definitely that’s what I look for. Occasionally I’ll get it and have gotten quite a few assists off of it. Definitely looking for that one timer shot right in the slot, that’s kind of my role.

On his height/weight:
So far I’ve been told and I believe that I’m 6’5, 200 pounds. For me I feel I’d like to gain at least 15 more pounds. I want to be a really, really solid guy on the ice and I feel like I need to fill in a little more on my legs a little bit with the squats and things like that over the summer. I feel like that’s a big thing. I feel strong, definitely stronger than last year, but I can make a jump to the next level and I feel like I definitely need to work on some core strength and leg strength.

On physical play:
I am not the guy that really looks for the huge hits, but definitely in the corners with me you’re going to  get a couple cross checks and definitely feel my presence there. I feel like physical presence is something I could implement more in my game.

On playing for the US at the Ivan Hlinka:
It was a great experience for me. I really enjoyed it, meeting all the other guys. For that, it was a huge honour to throw on the USA sweater. Obviously, getting to represent your country, there’s nothing like it.

On the decision to play in the WHL:
NCAA was absolutely an option for me, but overall I felt the WHL fit me and the type of player I was. For me, I really just wanted to give it a solid shot at making the NHL and I felt this was going to be the best route with my size and things like that. I feel like the way I was developing and still am; I’m really happy with my decision to sign in the WHL and after my first season and coming into this season I’m very happy with it.

Brandon Carlo Video

Brandon Carlo Statistics

SEASONTEAMLEAGUEGPGATPPIM+/-POSTGPGATPPIM+/-
2011-12Colorado Thunderbirds U16T1EHL U16406111720|
2012-13Tri-City AmericansWHL000000|Playoffs51010-2
Colorado Thunderbirds U16ÊT1EHL U164110374758|
2013-14Tri-City AmericansWHL713101366-13|Playoffs50118-1
2014-15Tri-City AmericansWHL634212590-15|Playoffs40114-1
USA U20WJC-20501101|

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