[Sandman]

C/LW Dylan Duke, 5'10"181lbs (USDP): Duke scored 4pts in 5 games for USA in the U-18s, and for the USDP, he had 29g/20a/49pts in 50 games-just 1 goal short of Pastujov, and 4th in the program. Duke is not the biggest guy, but has heart, desire, work-ethic, and will do whatever it takes to win. He does much of the dirty work, and plays a hard-nosed 2-way game-plays in the trenches, is tough along the boards, and throws hits to knock opponents off the puck. He relishes the dirty areas, will take punishment in front of the net, and is relentless in hounding opponents in all 3 zones. His game will translate well to the NHL.

Duke has skill and intelligence, and supports the puck in both ends of the rink. Great on the backcheck, and a workhorse over all 200 feet. One writer said that Duke's defensive game is the most NHL-ready for forwards in this draft. His shot is another one of his best tools-his release is quick and powerful, and accurate. Duke exhibits good skating with an extra burst, and is very strong on his skates. He's agile in changing from forecheck to backcheck, and his edges are good enough to escape defenders-however, he needs to add more pace to his game, and more explosiveness in his stride.

Another player who is compared to Brendan Gallagher. He'll be a solid middle-six player at worst, who scores goals, and is a pain in the neck to play against. He's good for the 2nd/3rd round.