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Sandman · 06-08-2021, 09:43 PM

C/RW Josh Pillar,6'0"174lbs (Kamloops,WHL): 22gp/11g/18a/29pts,22 PIM. Drafted by the Blazers 14th overall in 2017, he was passed over in last year's draft, after scoring 14g/30a/44pts in 63 games playing mostly 3rd/4th line minutes behind Zary, Zane Franklin, and Ryan Hughes. He played the hard minutes against the opposition's top lines, and was said to have great defensive abilities, but needed to hone his offense-which he showed a lot more of this year. He's good friends with Zary, and even lives with him during the season. His game revolves around his skating, and gritty two-way game.

Pillar's skating is good, and he hustles hard, keeping his feet pumping, but it's not top-notch-he's improved it in spades since last year, but he needs work on his acceleration, explosiveness, and top-speed. He utilizes high-end deception in his stride to manipulate defenders, like little fakes, and changes in speed and direction, then accelerates past them. He plays a gritty two-way game with high compete, and a little power-forward in there, as he's physical and will drop the gloves.

Many say that defence is Pillar's calling card. He checks well, and forces errors. Supports his D down low, and uses airtight positioning, physicality, and a quick stick to disrupt plays. Gets into passing and shooting lanes. Provides his team with a calming presence, and can slow the play down in his zone. Has the ability to shut down rushes on his own. JP has a strong IQ, and is a good passer and playmaker, as well as shooter. He is good at finding open space for scoring opportunities in high-danger to pass or shoot. He has soft hands around the net, and great hand-eye co-ordination. He plays hard on the forecheck, and wins 50/50 battles. He plays a solid board-game, and is a key player on special teams, especially the PK.

As stated above, while JP has good skating ability, there's a lot of room for improvement-particularly his acceleration and top speed. There are those who feel he doesn't move the needle much as an NHL prospect, but Blazers fans would disagree with them. He may not even be picked again this year, but if he isn't, I hope the Flames invite him to camp-I always see him in Blazers highlights, and I like him.

06-08-2021, 09:43 PM	#972
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	C/RW Josh Pillar,6'0"174lbs (Kamloops,WHL): 22gp/11g/18a/29pts,22 PIM. Drafted by the Blazers 14th overall in 2017, he was passed over in last year's draft, after scoring 14g/30a/44pts in 63 games playing mostly 3rd/4th line minutes behind Zary, Zane Franklin, and Ryan Hughes. He played the hard minutes against the opposition's top lines, and was said to have great defensive abilities, but needed to hone his offense-which he showed a lot more of this year. He's good friends with Zary, and even lives with him during the season. His game revolves around his skating, and gritty two-way game. Pillar's skating is good, and he hustles hard, keeping his feet pumping, but it's not top-notch-he's improved it in spades since last year, but he needs work on his acceleration, explosiveness, and top-speed. He utilizes high-end deception in his stride to manipulate defenders, like little fakes, and changes in speed and direction, then accelerates past them. He plays a gritty two-way game with high compete, and a little power-forward in there, as he's physical and will drop the gloves. Many say that defence is Pillar's calling card. He checks well, and forces errors. Supports his D down low, and uses airtight positioning, physicality, and a quick stick to disrupt plays. Gets into passing and shooting lanes. Provides his team with a calming presence, and can slow the play down in his zone. Has the ability to shut down rushes on his own. JP has a strong IQ, and is a good passer and playmaker, as well as shooter. He is good at finding open space for scoring opportunities in high-danger to pass or shoot. He has soft hands around the net, and great hand-eye co-ordination. He plays hard on the forecheck, and wins 50/50 battles. He plays a solid board-game, and is a key player on special teams, especially the PK. As stated above, while JP has good skating ability, there's a lot of room for improvement-particularly his acceleration and top speed. There are those who feel he doesn't move the needle much as an NHL prospect, but Blazers fans would disagree with them. He may not even be picked again this year, but if he isn't, I hope the Flames invite him to camp-I always see him in Blazers highlights, and I like him. Last edited by Sandman; 06-09-2021 at 05:31 AM.