Michael Dal Colle Draft Profile

May 24, 2014

Let me preface this by saying Michael Dal Colle, Nick Ritchie and Robby Fabbri are all interchangeable in my rankings and I think all are top 10 selections (worthy of it, anyway). I just have some small preferences and that’s why I rank Michael Dal Colle 3rd among that group. Michael Dal Colle was as consistent as can be offensively this season. His wrist shot is phenomenal, more specifically the release. And he uses his body (6’2) to shield the puck well to create the space he needs to get it off. Michael Dal Colle is going to score his share of goals in the NHL. He’s improved his skating a lot since joining the league and is now terrific at coming off the wall and creating chances, showcasing a more explosive stride. He’ll likely still put work into his skating, too, and it should only continue to improve.

Michael Dal Colle also has good vision for a big man and is a very effective player with the man advantage, as he draws defenses to him only to find open linemates. While Dal Colle can play either center or wing, I think it’s safe to assume he projects as a winger because it’s been his primary position the last few years. So, why the lower ranking than Ritchie and Fabbri? I don’t think Dal Colle will ever be the type of player who impacts the game more than just offensively. He’s big, but I don’t ever see him being the physical brute that Ritchie is, or the forechecking puck hound that Fabbri is. And while I’m sure he’ll put in work to be better defensively, again, I think the other two have greater potential in that area. Offensively, he might be a touch better and has a more dynamic skill set, but if we’re talking about choosing between an 80-point one dimensional player and a 60 point two-way player, I’m taking the 60 point guy.

– Brock Otten, OHL Prospects