Lawson Crouse: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile
Lawson Crouse: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile
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The 2014-15 season was unfortunately cut short for the Colorado Avalanche. That means that here at Mile High Sticking, we have a long off-season ahead of us. While the off-season is filled with all different kinds of articles, regarding the playoffs (that we are unfortunately not a part of), Avalanche season reviews, and many other things, it also gives us time to focus on the Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft.
Today we are taking a look at Lawson Crouse — a prototypical power forward from the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs.
Name: Lawson Crouse
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Height, weight: 6’4”, 215 lbs
Team/League: Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
Stats (from eliteprospects.com):
GP |
|---|
G
A
P
PIM
+/-
56
29
22
51
70
10
Pro comparison: Andrew Ladd, Milan Lucic
Risk, Reward: 1.5/5, 4.5/5
NHL-potential: Top-six power forward
Draft Range: Top-10
Scouting report
"“A power forward is a forward who possesses above average offensive skills and plays a tough, physical game. Most of the time, power forwards are physically large […]. Power forwards tend to be proficient stickhandlers and skaters who shoot the puck well and, at the same time, are capable of delivering crushing body checks and may also fight occasionally. Many power forwards plant their bodies in front of the opposing team’s net and use their large frames to screen the goaltender. Power forwards also tend to be very difficult to knock off possession of the puck, hence their ability to “power through” opposing defenders.”– Ice Hockey Wiki"
Now, you will have noticed that the quote above is the definition of a power forward, not a scouting report of Lawson Crouse. However, it very well could be the latter. There really isn’t much to add, as Crouse really is the prototypical power forward, but we will anyway.
Crouse is an above-average sized forward that knows how to use his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame in every situation. As EliteProspects scout Curtis Joe puts it, Crouse is “a big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate”. No matter what zone he is in, Crouse uses his body to excel, whether it is on offense or defense.
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When on offense, Crouse uses his body along with his good skating, great hands and passing-abilities to create scoring chances. It is almost impossible to seperate him from the puck, especially in the corners. Furthermore, Crouse is a big presence in front of the net, screening the goaltender and waiting to deflect shots. His own shot is already at NHL-level as well.
The Canadian forward knows how to put the puck in the net in different ways, proven by his 29 goals this season. As per DraftSite.com, Crouse “is strong on the puck, gets through contact, and can drive the net”. He possesses good speed but could work on getting quicker feet. However, for a player of his size, his skating is above-average.
According to Future Considerations, Crouse “gives opposing defenses headaches with his effort on the forecheck”. He wins battles in the offensive zone, knows how to force turnovers and finishes his checks.
It almost seems like there are no flaws to his game. A huge player that throws his body around, fights when he has to, creates scoring opportunities and knows how to score.
Fit with the Avalanche
Lawson Crouse will likely go off the board before the Avalanche is on the clock at tenth overall. However, you never know what happens on draft day. He may drop down the board or Colorado may trade up.
Crouse seems to be the exact player head coach Patrick Roy wants on his team. He adds size, defensive ability and scoring to an Avalanche roster that is missing more than just that. Crouse is not only a great player in junior, but he may also be one of the most pro-ready players in this year’s draft. His large frame and NHL-level shot will help him with that task.
With Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay, there are currently two aging players on the roster that are playing very important roles for the Avalanche. Crouse could be Tanguay’s successor on the left wing rather sooner than later. He will be ready in no more than another year in the OHL, if not immediately after the draft. All that although he won’t turn 18 until June.
Do you think the Avs should have an eye on Lawson Crouse?
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