[Sandman]

C Jayden Grubbe 6'3"201lbs (Red Deer, WHL): When Brent Sutter names a guy his Captain, you know that player is a leader, is hard-working, plays the game with energy in all 3 zones, and does things the right way. The Captain of the Rebels is Calgary-born Grubbe. This year, his season was limited to 5 games due to a season-ending knee injury, and in that span, he put up only 3pts in 5 games. In 2019-20, he had 6g/23a/29pts in 57 games. Grubbe is indeed a gritty, competitive, and skilled power forward, who plays with urgency.

I just watched a shift-by-shift video of his, and I can confirm that this kid is a very good skater for a guy his size. He has good acceleration and separation speed, and his edges look good too. He has an impressive motor, and is dogged in his puck pursuit. Makes opponents pay with his physicality-drags the troops into battle by initiating physical play. His intimidating presence causes trouble at both ends of the rink. Watching him, he hits to make a point, and you don't want to be hit by him again.

Grubbe can drive his line's offensive play, and can dictate the game's pace and zone play. He's a crafty puckhandler, with good hands in tight. Goes to the net with enthusiasm. He's a leader in all 3 zones, and has a good understanding of the C position-he takes away the middle very well. Plays in all situations, including the PK. Very hard worker who wins 50/50 battles.

With Grubbe, there's plenty of uncertainty-only 7 goals in two seasons, and one of those cut short by a knee injury. Those are things that hurt a kid's draft status. He needs to continue working on his skating, particularly his explosiveness, and his on-ice discipline-he can fly off the handle now and then. He also needs to upgrade his offensive game. Look for him in the 4th round. I really like this kid.