Colorado Avalanche: What Sending Tyson Jost to the AHL Means
Tyson Jost Scouting Report
The Colorado Avalanche selected Tyson Jost in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft. At the time, NHL’s Central Scouting had him ranked #16 for North American skaters. However, other professional scouts ranked him between #9 to #13.
When the Avalanche chose him 10th-overall in the draft, Colorado’s director of amateur scouting Alan Hepple described Jost’s skill set thus:
"“He’s a Matt Duchene-type player. Offensive abilities, makes players better, good passer, sees the ice very well.”"
Hepple went on to describe some of Jost’s tenacity, the fact that he’s not easily intimidated despite his relatively small stature. Hepple described Jost’s play as featuring “a lot of heart,” but also added that his “skill level is over the top.”
Hepple wasn’t exactly inventing the wheel with his Jost scouting report. Elite Prospects called Tyson a “crafty goal scorer who carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them.” EP’s professional scout, Curtis Joe, further praised Jost’s energy and speed, both on the ice and in his though processing. What’s more, Joe also remarked on Jost’s “determination to win battles in the tough areas.”
Future Considerations had glowing praise for Jost which included phrases such as the following:
- strong, dynamic center
- extremely smart offensive weapon
- relentless on the forecheck
- a real pain for opposing players
Some other descriptions from FC include the observation that he loves to drive to the net and isn’t afraid to get into the dirty areas. The site added:
"“He loves to make the give-and-go play, working with the space provided and moving the puck quickly…Jost has a laser-beam for a wrist shot and he can score from a distance off the rush.Defensively, Jost consistently drives down low into his own zone, picks up his man and plays him tight. He has a great stick-lifting ability while chasing down opponents and creating turnovers.”"
Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports wasn’t exactly low on Jost either. He echoed a lot of the same praise and included specific observations about his stick handling and hands in general:
"Tyson Jost has great hands, and the ability to stickhandle in a phone booth. He also has a very quick release on his shot, which helps him to fool goalies."
Kerr also praised his skating:
"“Tyson Jost is an excellent skater. He is shifty with good acceleration, agility and edgework. Jost has the ability to fool defenders with his ability to quickly change directions as wells his ability to change speeds.”"
If you’re thinking that’s all based on pre-draft observations, here’s how Sports Forecaster describes him at the NHL level:
"“Is an excellent skater with a strong penchant for producing offense. Can play either center or wing. Provides excellent energy and is able to make plays at a high speed… Talented, speedy and versatile forward with upside."
My favorite scouting report of Jost’s NHL play still comes from Ryan Clark at The Athletic:
"“Jost’s highlight tape gives the appearance that he is a smooth-skating, puck-handler with a penchant for frustrating defenses, annoying goaltenders and using the right amount of flair to make it all work.”"
Wow! Where is that player?
He was right here in Denver. Now, he’s up in Loveland. Let’s take a quick perusal of how he got there.