67th Overall pick: Blake Speers (center)

[SterioDesign]

• In his sophomore campaign in the Ontario Hockey League, Speers finished with 67 points (24-43—67) – including 4-9—13 on a seven-game point streak to start the campaign – to help the Greyhounds capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as top team in the regular season for the first time in 30 years. He added nine points (3-6—9) in 14 playoff games.

 

his fav players is Pat Kane. So if he can get close to that.... lol

Edited June 27, 2015 by SterioDesign

[dmann422]

Seems like a good speed and skill guy. Hopefully he fills out a bit but at least this is a position of dire need for us. Pretty good value too based on some of his rankings if you're into that.

[MadDog2020]

Seems like a good pick. It's a forward so I'm happy lol.

Edited June 27, 2015 by MadDog2020

[SterioDesign]

['7']

Sure you don't want another goalie Conte?

[slasher72]

Keep em coming...more forwards with a semblance of offensive ability. Better than goalies at this point.

Edited June 27, 2015 by slasher72

[thefiestygoat]

I really like the Speers pick. Here's a post I put together really quickly for ILWT on him. You can also check out the ILWT prospect profile on him from May.

Craig Button of TSN:

Speers is a very determined and purposeful player. He gets involved in all areas of the game, from the offensive parts to the defensive parts, and has a real determination to contribute whatever it may be. Always in the play and on the puck. Improving the explosive elements in his skating will allow him an even greater influence on the game.

Future Considerations:

A solid two-way winger…elite level speed with a very efficient skating stride…good lateral agility…lacks strength and can get knocked off the puck by bigger opponents…handles the puck well and has some deceptively good hands…makes crisp, accurate passes to teammates…has a decent shot…does all the little things to succeed…can kill penalties, work the power play, lead the rush or bring a strong forecheck…has good leadership qualities and possesses the intangibles that make pro aspirations a possibility in his future.

Brock Otten of OHL Prospects:

Kind of up and down this year, but some of that had to do with circumstances beyond his control. He started off the year on fire, but following the deadline, he struggled a bit to stand out with decreased ice time (thanks to the acquisitions of Ritchie and Bailey). To quantify that, he had only 6 goals in his final 25 regular season games. I think the second half of the year saw him trying to do a little too much with the puck, feeling like he had to stand out in comparison to the other high profile guys on the Hounds. He reverted a bit back to the perimeter game that he played at times during his rookie year. Speers may not be large (5'11), but he's at his best when he's using his speed to drive the net. He is very dynamic off the rush and he's got great vision and poise. But without the puck, he has to get his nose dirty more consistently. Speers has such a quick release, and he should be a great goal scorer in this league (especially when you factor in his quickness to scoring lanes). But he needs to attack the middle of the ice. Defensively, he's adequate and his hustle is admirable. With his speed and skill level, his potential is quite high as long as he continues to round out his game and plays more aggressive (with consistency).

The Projection Project gives him about a 60% chance to become a regular NHL player. The players in his cohort range a bit all over the place but he really seems to have a chance to become a solid 2nd/3rd line RW. Great value pick considering where the Devils got him.

[Zubie#8]

Love this pick