[Sandman]

More Draft Thoughts:

The Oshawa Generals may be a middling team, with a win% of .550, but as a team that's been retooling the last few years, they've actually improved from a 16th place finish and a win% of .426 in 2022-23. Derek Laxdal was brought in as coach in 2022, and the teams goals-against has improved from 3rd worst to 9th best this season in the OHL, and the goals-for has improved from 14th in 2022-23 to 7th-best currently- and that's with Calum Ritchie missing 17 games. Why then has RW Beckett Sennecke's offensive numbers not taken a huge step this season? In 2022-23, Sennecke amassed 55 points in 61 games, and this year he's so far collected only 32 points in 37 games- on pace for 56 points in 65 games. True, the Gens are going through some growing pains, but I expected this player to be well over a point-per-game. Berkly Catton, as an example, had 55 points in 63 games in 2022-23, and is currently on pace to get 112 points in 68 games. Different players, different leagues, I suppose. It's hard to blame Beckett for some inconsistency though, when one considers that in just 2 years, he's grown from 5'10", all the way up to his current height of 6'3". That's an adjustment that would affect anyone's co-ordination and mindset. At any rate, there's a reason why he's pegged to be picked in the middle of the first round (besides his obvious physical attributes), and that may be the simple fact that he's a much better player than the numbers he's putting up this season. As a 6'3" power-forward with skill, Sennecke gets criticized a little too harshly for his mobility- his stride can sometimes be short and choppy, without the necessary power to get going, but that may be an issue with his rapid growth. Anyone who cares to watch him play will see that he's actually a good skater with adequate, perhaps not great, top speed and finely tuned agility and edges that help him immensely in small spaces. His east/west movement gives him excellent elusiveness. The main deficiencies are in his balance, and his explosiveness- both of which need work, as he can fall in traffic or lose footing when shooting or battling for pucks. These things most likely weren't concerns for him when he was 5'10". More strength will fix most issues, and improve his linnear speed. To me, it's not really a concern, especially because he exhibits smooth puckhandling and control, as well as puck protection. He can weave in and out of traffic with full control. Sennecke is a dual-threat with fine playmaking, as well as a booming shot. He can beat goalies with his wrister and one-timer, to go with a nice release, but he also likes going to the net as a screen and scoring from in tight. It is said though, that he needs to increase his accuracy, as he misses getting it on net a little too often. Sennecke is quite skilled, and has vision and IQ, but also plenty of deception when passing and shooting. He knows how to draw defenders to him, thus opening space for his teammates. He is at his best when engaged physically, but like other facets of his game, he can be inconsistent in that regard. When dialed in, he's a menace on the forecheck, and down low, and he's great along the wall and cutting inside to the net. He works hard in puck battles to win possession. Sennecke can be a good 3-zone player, and is helping out the transition much better this year, but must improve his consistency in these areas by bringing the same intensity that he applies in the offensive zone. He has shown the ability to be a thorn in the side of attacking players by limiting their time and space, and applying constant pressure and physicality, but he doesn't do it all the time. I really like this player, and when he fills out, he's going to be an absolute beast.