This was my view of Dube in last year's prospect rankings, where I had him ranked as my #2 prospect, narrowly behind Valimaki for #1 and quite far ahead of #3.
At the time he had finished his first year of pro after spending a season as the number one centre of the Kelowna Rockets. The jump from junior to the AHL is huge so I wasn't surprised to see him spend his first AHL season largely at wing learning the ropes of the pro game. However, given we have another year of information nearly exclusively on the wing, any projections of a future centre must be downgraded significantly.
While I hold the same opinion on his ceiling and probable projections as it relates to line, it is pretty safe to remove centre from those projections and leave it at wing for now. Maybe he can shift back in spot duty in future years but we'll see.
Either way, his offensive game is coming along nicely and he is already a breakout, neutral zone, and zone entry machine. Defensively he is developing a bit slower but look at his age. No concerns that will catch up, too. Awesome player with a bright future who can play up and down the lineup with ease.
Quote:
Originally Posted by united
Dillon Dube
Terrific two-way centre who can easily transition to either wing. Terrific utility player. Generated sizeable production in junior without abandoning his defensive duties and didn't rely on the powerplay. Carried that into a monster first season in the AHL given his age at over a point-per-game with only a quarter coming on the PP. Also doesn't rely on others to carry him generating over 3 shots/game. A step behind in the NHL in both pre-season and regular season as expected - training camp heater gave brief unrealistic expectations for those who puck watch exclusively.
Ceiling: 1st line C/W
Probable: 1B/2A C/W
Floor: 3rd line C
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