C/W Ryder Korczak, 5'10"160Lbs (Moose Jaw, WHL)Originally drafted by the Hitmen, his junior career took off with a trade to MJ for Jett Woo. Last year, in 2019-20, he put up an unbelievable 67 points in 62 games, to lead the Warriors in scoring by an astonishing 29 points! Much of his success is said to be due to playing part of the year with Anaheim first-rounder Brayden Tracey (who was traded after 28 games), but I would say that Tracey benefitted just as much, if not, more-after the trade, Tracey put up only 23pts in 24 games for Victoria, and only 21pts in 22 games this year, after amassing 38 in 28 for MJ. Conversely, Korczak still put up 36pts in 31 games without Tracey in the 6 games to start the season when Tracey was injured, and the 25 after he was traded. Korczak has struggled a bit this season with only 16pts in 17 games-perhaps an injury, as MJ played 24 games, but he should've destroyed this year. MJ finished with a .396 win %, indicating that he didn't have a lot of talent to work with, either. He still maintains an "A" grade on Central Scouting, indicating that they feel he's still a potential top-line player. In the past, he's drawn comparisons to Brayden Point.
Korczak is a fantastic skater, who can make plays at top speed. Even though he has a hard, accurate shot, he prefers to dish. He could have a lot more goals if he used that shot. Despite his size, he protects the puck well, and rarely gets knocked off the puck. Called a "fly in the ointment" for opposing players, he's always in the middle of the action, battling for position and pucks. His playmaking, IQ, vision, and shot are real strengths, but he still must get stronger and learn to shoot more for the next level.
He looks to be a 2nd/3rd rounder, but potentially a steal and a half.
|