– Jacob Dupuis –
Clarington Toros (ETA) | RD/RW | 2019 OHL Draft Eligible
Courtice, Ontario | 6-foot-2, 195-pounds | Aug. 1st, 2003
Although the Clarington Toros did not enjoy the most successful campaign in the ETA this season — skating to a 13-21-2 record — the club featured a number of highly talented prospects eligible for the upcoming 2019 OHL Priority Selection.
Leading the way offensively for the Toros were the likes Lucas Culhane, Nathan Ford, and Jacob Dupuis — although, it is the latter of which whose game could translate best to the OHL-level. Of solid size and strength given his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, Dupuis is a sturdy and purposeful skater who plays a decisive role at both ends of the ice.
While his offensive game continues to grow and has only improved of late, Dupuis’ stature and natural abilities will combine to make him a highly sought after prospect come the 2019 OHL Draft.
Strengths:
- Shot Power
- Skating Stride and Stability
- Two-Way Play
- Physicality
- Versatility
With the foundation of Dupuis’ game being his strength, it should come as no surprise to learn that the youngster features a crisp shot of ample velocity. What’s more, however, is the fact that Dupuis can release the puck in the blink-of-an-eye — a release which has the ability to handcuff opposing goaltenders while creating rebounds for his teammates.
Related: 2019 OHL Draft Rankings
Placing Dupuis in a position to fire his heavy shot on goal is the youngster’s ability to traverse the ice with ease. A strong and sturdy skater, Dupuis is seemingly unstoppable once he reaches top speed, and boasts the willingness to combine his size and speed into an overwhelming attack offensively. It is this ability to skate while utilizing his size which amplifies Dupuis’ overall game, as the native of Courtice, Ontario has come to stand as an excellent two-way player capable of dominating his opposition at both ends of the ice. In fact, Dupuis has played both forward and defence throughout the 2018-19 season — a reality which has afforded him a comprehensive perspective of the game at both ends of the ice.
Related: 2019 OHL Draft – Prospect Profiles
However, the most distinctive feature of Dupuis’ game is undoubtedly his physicality. Of greater size and strength than the majority of his opposition, Dupuis is a dominant force in all three zones of the ice and drives possession for his team resulting from his ability to protect the puck and shrug off opposing defenders. In the case that he or his team does not retain puck possession, Dupuis will use his size or, alternatively, his active stick in order to dislodge the puck and lead the charge up ice.
Areas of Improvement:
- First-Step Acceleration
- Offensive Simplicity
While he is an above-average skater of ample speed, agility, and balance, Dupuis would do well to improve his first-step acceleration in the years ahead. Although already a seemingly unstoppable force once at full speed, Dupuis would create far more time and space for himself offensively if able to separate himself from his competition in a more efficient manner — a reality which would surely inflate his point totals.
Related: 2019 OHL Draft – ETA Profiles
In addition to Dupuis’ acceleration, there is the youngster’s offensive game. As one of the most lethal players on the ice on a nightly basis, Dupuis attacks with power and creativity, and isn’t afraid to distribute the puck to his teammates. However, at times, Dupuis can overthink developing opportunities rather than maintaining a simple yet effective approach in the attacking zone. If able to become a consistently productive player founded upon simple yet tactile offensive traits, Dupuis could evolve into a stellar power-forward at the next-level.
Future Potential:
Ultimately, there is a great deal to like with respect to Dupuis’ game. With size, speed, and innate offensive abilities, Dupuis boasts all the traits of an OHL-level player and is defined by his commitment to versatility and two-way play.
Come the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, Dupuis will surely be selected in the middle rounds of the event. However, don’t be surprised if Dupuis is selected much higher — he and his game feature a great deal of potential as well as room for growth in the years ahead.
Prospect Pipeline 