Prospects Leafs Should Target: Kevin Shattenkirk

Posted by Parth Pandya on 5:22 PM


Being selected 14th overall in the 2007 NHL draft Shattenkirk isn’t the biggest or meanest player around. At 5’11 he is fairly undersized for a defenseman, but don’t let his size fool you. Shattenkirk is one of the top 50 prospects in hockey and currently the best prospect in the Colorado Avalanche.

Strengths:

Leadership

In the 06/07 Shattenkirk was given the honor of being named the captain of the U-18 NTDP squad where he took the team to the sliver medal winning US U-18 Team the IIHF U-18 World Championships.

Offense

Without doubt the stronger part of his game Shattenkirk is an offensive minded defenseman with a deceptively strong shot. The development of his offensive game is noticed when looking at his point production for the past few years.


SEASON*** TEAM*************************************** GP G A PTS +/- PIM
2005-06 USNTDP 28 6 9 15 NA 17
2006 USNTDP 12 3 7 10 NA 10
2006-07 USNTDP 14 5 8 13 NA 26

During the 2007-08 season Shattenkirk recorded 21 points in 40 games.
During the 2008-09 season Shattenkirk recorded 26 points in 39 games.


Defense

Don’t be fooled to think that offense is the only arsenal that Shattenkirk has. He is also defensively responsible. He doesn’t deliver the big hits rather makes the smart plays. He may not be big enough to knock some players down but he is strong enough to mustard players off the puck.

Weakness:

There are no glaring weaknesses in Shattenkirk’s game. He will need to develop his size more, improve further defensively and continue to improve offensively.

Size will always be a concern and fear of injuries in the NHL might occur. However, knowing this Shattenkirk is already working with a school program at Boston University over the summer with his strength coach.

Potential

Shattenkirk’s safest bet would be a top 4 NHL Dman who will be mostly used on the PP. However, if Shattenkirk does reach his full potential he can easily be a top paring Dman who can play both on the PP and PK. The only thing that will limit him from being considered a no. 1 Dman will be his lack of size and ability to eat heavier minutes [24+ ATOI] on a continuos basis [20 or so + ATOI is what I expect].


NHL Player Comparable


Dan Boyle or Brian Rafalski

A top paring Dman who will be responsible in his own end expected to put up fairly decent [50 or so points] offensive production.

Next in this new series of posts, Nashville D prospect Jonathan Blum.

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