[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Soldier Edition):

I admire the Americans' National Team Development Program in the way that they turn the lesser players on the team into hardworking soldiers. It's for the same reason that I also dislike the NTDP. A player like LW Austin Baker would be playing further up a team's lineup if he were playing in the USHL, and would have more of a chance to show off his offense and put up greater numbers. On the national team however, he's playing behind the more elite players like Cole Eiserman, Teddy Stiga, James Hagens, Kamil Bednarik, Max Plante, and Christian Humphreys, and getting bottom-6 minutes in mostly checking scenarios, while the top players get more of the prime opportunities. Baker, who stands 6'0" and weighs in at a sturdy 192lbs, accumulated 31 points in 53 games (with 29 penalty-minutes) for the NTDP this season, and is currently over in Europe with the national team at the U-18 Tournament, with no points so far, and a high of 11:30 TOI. Baker is a well-rounded player, who's capable of playing in any situation, and spends time at the center position.

Baker is not flashy, but plays a reliable meat-and-potatoes style, winning battles with his positioning, stick, and tenacity- he's not overly physical in terms of hits, but will use his body as leverage to push his way around. He forechecks hard, dislodging pucks by leaving no time to react, or make decisions, and helps to wear down opponents on the cycle. There's nothing too fancy about his puck-skills, and he keeps things simple and risk-free, making sure he always keeps possession for his team. With the puck on his blade, he doesn't really drive play or push the pace too much. He's skilled, but not elite in any aspect, though he shows glimpses of high-end playmaking from time-to-time. He's smart enough that he can make good decisions quickly without forcing passes that aren't there, and has a fairly hard shot with superb accuracy to bulge the twine. He plays a greasy game in front of the net, fishing for loose pucks and pouncing on rebounds, with excellent hand-eye coordination to tip incoming shots. He's proficient at finishing plays, but has the hands and the moves to beat goalies in-close as well. Baker is not a burner, but moves well and can cover a ton of ice in a short time, with the ability to get to top speed quickly, and the lateral agility to lose checkers. To augment his mobility, he stays active and keeps his feet pumping hard- he also has strong edges, and can pivot on a dime. The wide stance he employs helps him to protect the puck, as well as his ability to handle away from his feet, and the way he angles his body against the sticks of checkers.

Baker is highly aware defensively, applying his work-ethic and relentless motor to this part of the game, and to his penalty-killing- where he plays a ton of minutes. He simply shines in his own zone, and has the reputation of being one of the national team's most reliable players in this area, with an acute attention to detail and good habits. Admirably, he is often the first forward back in the zone, and the last to leave. He supports his D down low, and smothers attackers by taking away all time and space with exemplary positioning, and an active stick. He has a disruptive mentality in all 3 zones, and can often stop the rush in the neutral zone, before it ever reaches the blueline. After stripping opponents of the puck in the defensive zone, he is adept at kickstarting the rush with a pass, or by completing a clean exit with control. Sometimes though, he can be caught watching the play, which ends up with him losing his man in traffic. There are plenty of questions about Baker's overall upside, but more specifically his offense. I see Baker as a future third-liner, with smart two-way play. Look for him in rounds 5 or 6.