RHD Brent Johnson,5'11"165lbs (Sioux Falls,USHL): Here's a player who's risen all the way up the draft rankings. 11g/21a/32pts, 42 PIMs in 47 games-first in D scoring on his team by 9 points, 4th in the league for defensemen in points per game. He's dependable in all 3 zones, and plays with skill and confidence.
Johnson's skating is widely raved about as being one of his best attributes, and for being one of the best skaters in this draft. He can get to full speed almost instantly, and his balance and agility are also elite. He has some of the best edgework amongst D men, giving him elusiveness and the ability to push the play in all 3 zones. He can pinch in the O zone, and get back with ease, and he can catch opponents with ease on the counter attack after a rush. His skating, along with his fine stickhandling makes him dangerous.
Johnson is also known as a highly skilled puck-mover-he reads the ice extremely well, and can make plays in full-flight. He can QB a PP with his puck distribution skills, and has a great wrister with a sneaky release. His slapper could use a little work though. Johnson has an incredible ability to find open ice for a shot or pass. Very high IQ and vision.
Positioning in the D-zone is another strength-he takes away lanes, has an active stick to break up plays, is an expert shot-blocker, and defends the rush well. Despite his size, he plays physical. His explosive back-checking speed means he never gets beaten cleanly, or caught up ice. In transition, he prefers to hit the streaking wingers with a pass, rather than carrying it himself, or having to dump it in.
He can sometimes take bad risks, and can be overpowered. He will need to bulk up and get stronger. He can also use some work on his long-range passing, and his shot accuracy-he often misses or gets blocked. Despite all of these great qualities, he's still considered a diamond-in-the-rough with big-time potential. First-round talent looks to be going in the second round.
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