Category: AYHL Profiles

OHL Prospect Profile: Devin Kaplan

Devin Kaplan of the AYHL’s North Jersey Avalanche is one of the most lethal power-forwards eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. Blessed with size and speed, Kaplan is the total package and will be highly sought after in the years ahead.

– Devin Kaplan –

North Jersey Avalanche (AYHL) | Centre | 2020 OHL Draft Eligible

Bridgewater, New Jersey | 6-foot-2, 190-pounds | January 10th, 2004

Power forwards with speed and skill are extremely difficult to come by, but that’s exactly what you receive from Devin Kaplan of the North Jersey Avalanche on a nightly basis. Blessed with outstanding size and strength at a young age, Kaplan uses his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame to toy with his opponents. Capable of protecting the puck with absolute ease before skating it into high percentage scoring situations, Kaplan is as dominant as he is promising — a reality which makes him one of the most highly touted perspectives eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft.

Strengths:

  • Skating Speed, Strength and Agility
  • Puck Protection
  • On-Ice Vision
  • Shot Strength, Release, and Accuracy

When Kaplan gets moving, he stands as nothing other than an unstoppable force. At top speed Kaplan is an intimidating sight, as his quick lateral movements and agility combined with his size make him next to impossible to defend. Owing to his skating abilities Kaplan can create a wealth of time and space for himself with the puck, as opponents are often unsure whether he will opt to rush the puck wide or bulldoze his way towards the net. Once in proximity of the net, Kaplan loves to unleash his wicked wrist shot — a facet of his game defined by its lethal velocity and remarkably consistent accuracy.

 

However, if the opportunity to blast the puck on net does not present itself, Kaplan’s composed and calculative nature immediately take over. Not one to commit turnovers or rush himself into mistakes, Kaplan regularly surveys the ice — protecting the puck all the while — before moving the puck to a fellow teammate who stands in a dangerous location on the ice. Kaplan’s on-ice vision alongside his impressive shot combine to make him a versatile offensive player who can generate offence in a variety of forms — a reality which makes him arguably the most dangerous player on the ice on any given night and during any given game.

Areas of Improvement:

  • First Step Acceleration
  • Teammate Utilization

Since Kaplan stands as one of the very best prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft, there isn’t too much room for improvement within his game as it stands. Yet, with this being said, Kaplan isn’t perfect. In terms of specific areas of his game to improve upon, there are Kaplan’s first step acceleration as well as the frequency in which his utilizes his fellow teammates in the offensive zone.

Like most players who mature physically at a young age, Kaplan’s acceleration on the ice remains a work in progress. While it is not below-average by any means, Kaplan’s acceleration will undoubtedly improve as he becomes more comfortable in his sizeable frame and as he adds greater lower body strength in the months and years ahead. Moreover, we’d like to see Kaplan utilize his fellow teammates in the offensive zone with a greater frequency, as Kaplan can — at times — attempt to do a little too much on his own before moving the puck throughout the ice.

Future Projection:

Ultimately, Kaplan is a terrific young prospect and one of the most intriguing power-forwards born in the year 2004 and beyond. However, like a number of prospects eligible for the upcoming 2020 OHL Draft, Kaplan is committed to an NCAA program and may never set foot in the major-junior circuit. With a commitment to Boston University in hand, it’s likely that Kaplan will remain in his native country as he continues to polish his game ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft.

If he does opt to play in the OHL however, we could be looking at the second coming of Quinton Byfield.

OHL Prospect Profile: Lane Hutson

Lane Hutson of the AYHL’s North Jersey Avalanche is one of the top prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. With blistering speed, natural instincts, and a nose for the net, Hutson is one of the top 2004-born players in North America.

– Lane Hutson –

North Jersey Avalanche (AYHL) | Defence | 2020 OHL Draft Eligible

Chicago, Illinois | 5-foot-10, 175-pounds | February 14th, 2004

There’s a reason why Lane Hutson of the North Jersey Avalanche committed to Boston University at such a young age. A fast and fluid skater who can generate offence with ease regardless of the strength of his competition, Hutson is one of the very best defenceman born in the year 2004 — he also happens to be eligible of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Related: 2020 OHL Draft Rankings

Yet, as previously mentioned, Hutson is currently committed to an NCAA program — a reality which could very well mean that Hutson will never don a major-junior uniform. And, given his breath-taking skill-set, Hutson has done nothing other than earn the right to decide where he will play in the years ahead. Whether he opt to develop in the NCAA or OHL, the fact remains that Hutson is a stellar young prospect with a bright future ahead of himself.

With this being said, let’s dive deeper into Hutson’s game.

Strengths:

  • Skating Speed, Acceleration, and Agility
  • Puck Poise and Vision
  • On-Ice Intelligence
  • Playmaking Abilities
  • Transition Game and Offensive Instincts

Standing as the foundation of Hutson’s game are his elite skating abilities, as the young defender boasts the ability to surge past opposing players at will. Further, he can hit top speed in a few short strides and features the edge-work and agility necessary to play an explosive offensive game while maintaining his responsibilities defensively to boot. Combined with Hutson’s skating abilities are his stellar on-ice vision and poise while in possession of the puck. Even while operating at top speed Hutson remains calm and calculated, and can devise game-changing opportunities without breaking a sweat.

This impressive on-ice intelligence — in addition to his natural talents — makes Hutson a truly lethal two-way defender. Owing to his on-ice vision, Hutson is a dynamic playmaker who can fuel his team’s offensive attack. When within his own zone, Hutson will flash electrifying passes to his teammates to kick-start quick and efficient breakouts. Further, having joined the rush at top speed, Hutson can devise high-quality scoring chances with ease and often pounds the puck into the goal himself.

Areas of Improvement:

  • Personal Strength
  • Physical Play

As mentioned above, Hutson is one of the top defenders eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. Yet with this being said, Hutson — like all players his age — isn’t without areas in need of improvement.

Related: 2020 OHL Draft – Prospect Profiles

Essentially, if Hutson wishes to become a stable two-way defender capable of securing his own zone with consistency while fuelling offence at the next level, he’ll need to add greater size to his frame. Now, it goes without saying that most players of Hutson’s age face the same dilemma, but if Hutson hopes to continue climbing the ranks as quickly as he has in the past he’ll need to add greater all around strength as soon as possible. Having done so, Hutson will be able to engage opposing players within his own zone physically on a more consistent basis and with a great level of effectiveness.

Future Projection:

In short, Hutson is a truly dynamic two-way defenceman and one of the top prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft. Although he will likely opt for the NCAA route, Hutson must continue to be regarded as one of the top young talents competing within North America and a youngster whose future in the game is blindingly bright. Once stronger, Hutson should be able to ascend to the USHL or NTDP in the coming years with relative ease.