The Maple Leafs have selected 5’9 forward Jeremy Bracco with their 61st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
The New York native is a highly skilled, undersized center/right winger who posted impressive numbers for the US National Development U18 team this season.
Bracco slipped to this point if we go by the popular scouting service rankings:
- Ranked #54 by Hockeyprospect.com
- Ranked #28 by ISS Hockey
- Ranked #22 by Future Considerations
- Ranked #53 by Bob McKenzie
At 5’9-173, a lot of physical development is needed here, but in keeping with the Leafs draft philosophy under Dubas and Hunter, there’s no questioning the skill or the upside.
With his standout production for the USNDT u18 Team last year, Leafs fans up north will be hoping he comes to the CHL so they can gain a better read on him and where his numbers stack up compared to a larger pool of his peers, but it sounds like he’s leaning toward the college route (Boston College).
Bracco’s decision on his whereabouts for next season isn’t firm yet, according to Mark Hunter.
“That’s a decision the family will be making. We’ll be talking to him at our mini camp and seeing which direction he wants to go. He’s going to a good school in the States, so it’s going to be a tough decision and something we’ll have to sit down and feel what he’s thinking.”
Mark Hunter’s Take
I just think he makes special plays. Sometimes I would be put in a situation where I’m scouting and I go, “would I really want to play with that young man?” And I would really want to play with him because you know if I got open the puck would be on your stick with a chance to score.
Jeremy Bracco Scouting Report
McKeen’s Draft Guide (subscribe here):
Consistent point producer finished third on U18 US National Team (65- 30-64-94) in season scoring and a further 32 points in 24 games with the USNTDP Juniors against older USHL competition (24-14-18-32) .. passed over for the World Juniors in December, play dipped in the second half, but rose to the occasion with a terrific performance finishing second in scoring behind teammate Auston Matthews for the US at U18 World Junior Tournament (7-3-10-13) .. small in stature, brings a dynamic offensive game with defensive limitations .. has a great motor and is very agile on his blades, more shifty than fast – lack of explosiveness may hinder him at the next level – but can dance around players and find the pass or play .. a pure playmaker with sweet, soft hands who plays center or right wing .. sneaky and subtle, barely flicking his wrists, and always finding his mark .. holds onto the puck and can play a game of keep away should he decide too .. able to back off defenders due to his quick hands that operate extremely well in traffic – threads the needle on passes in close and also has a quick shot to surprise goalies .. he works hard to get into scoring lanes and does not shy from danger playing with a brash, colourful attitude .. keeps his hands held high on his stick so he can twist and turn on a moment’s notice .. elusive and very hard to line up for a check with good self-awareness and preservation .. size hinders him on the backcheck, and can get caught on the perimeter .. must overcome defensive drawbacks and get stronger in order for his handsome skill set continue to shine at the next level .. committed to Boston College.
Jeremy Bracco Statistics
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | Playoffs | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | Long Island Gulls Bantam | AYBHL | - | - | - | - | - | | | ||||||
| Elite Hockey Group | OHL Cup | 5 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | | | |||||||
| Portledge School | USHS | 20 | 15 | 27 | 42 | - | | | |||||||
| 2012-2013 | New Jersey Rockets | AtJHL | 30 | 16 | 34 | 50 | 24 | | | Playoffs | 4 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| Elite Hockey Group | OHL Cup | 4 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 2 | | | |||||||
| 2013-2014 | USNTDP Juniors | USHL | 34 | 9 | 28 | 37 | 10 | | | ||||||
| U.S. National U17 Team | USDP | 54 | 16 | 58 | 74 | 20 | | | |||||||
| USA U17 | WHC-17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 4 | | | |||||||
| 2014-2015 | USNTDP Juniors | USHL | 24 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 6 | | | ||||||
| U.S. National U18 Team | USDP | 65 | 30 | 64 | 94 | 10 | | | |||||||
| USA U18 | WJC-18 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 2 | | | |||||||
| 2015-2016 | Boston College | NCAA | - | - | - | - | - | | | ||||||
| USA U20 | WJC-20 | - | - | - | - | - | | |
