[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Dean-O Edition):

It's quite difficult to project a player from the Prep School league, even when that player has the physical tools that RHC Dean Letourneau possesses. As of right now, Letourneau and teammate Jack Good are tied for 1st in scoring in the Prep Hockey Conference (PHC), with 33 points apiece- 9 points ahead of the third-place scorer (Ryker Lee), and 11 points ahead of well-regarded American forward Will Zellers. Part of Letourneau's season with St. Andrew's College has been played at the U18 AAA level, where he has dominated, with 57 goals and 121 points in 54 games. As we all know, Letourneau measures 6'7", and weighs in at 210lbs, and has been assigned the rank of "B" by Central Scouting, projecting him as a 2nd, or 3rd round pick. According to Bob McKenzie though, scouts are very divided on this kid, with some ranking him in the 15-20 pick range, and some having him as far down as the 3rd round. It's hard to find much to go on with this kid, as games at the Prep level don't typically end up on the internet, but most descriptions of his play should come with an asterisk, as he's a huge kid playing at a lower level of hockey; however, he was called up to the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede for 2 games over the post-Christmas break, and I took the opportunity to watch him in these games.

At the USHL level, Letourneau looked over-cautious and tentative, keeping his play safe and simple, getting no points in limited minutes, and not really moving the needle much. He seemed to be content with just keeping the opposing team from scoring. It likely won't hurt his draft stock much though, as it amounts to a very small sample size in a very different, and more difficult league. At any rate, the reports are true- this kid is a very solid skater, and covers a lot of ice in a very short time. He has excellent agility and co-ordination, with smooth edges to pivot quickly. His top speed is very good, and though he could use better acceleration, he had no trouble keeping up with USHL competition, even winning a race or two. At the Prep School level, he's dominant in both ends of the rink- especially offensively- and knows how to find soft spots in coverage to make plays, or to drive the net. His puckhandling is high-end, and his protection skills help him keep constant possession. With his speed and puck-control, he can carry the puck up the ice through transition. Right now, he's a dual offensive threat, but leans a bit towards shooting, which may change as he ascends to higher levels. From what I've seen, both his one-timer and wrister are hard and heavy, and his release can freeze goalies. He can score from far out, and he can also beat goalies from in-tight with his soft hands. When he had the opportunity to shoot in USHL play though, I felt like he was a bit nervous, and telegraphed his release. He sees the ice quite well, and can pull off some difficult plays to teammates in high-danger, but can he do the same at higher levels?

For a player with Letourneau's size advantages, it's frustrating that he doesn't use his body more, instead opting to rely on his skill more often than not to impose his will. He's not completely devoid of physicality though, as he will still use his frame as leverage in puck battles, and will finish his checks when the opportunity is there. In lower levels, he usually comes out on top in 50/50 contests. Letourneau is very mindful of his defensive duties as a center, and is always on the right side of the puck, with exemplary positioning, and doesn't cheat. He patrols the middle of the ice, taking away slot opportunities from attackers, and guarding the front of his net. It helps to have his enormous wingspan, and he uses it to break up plays, and block lanes. Many scouts however, do not love his intensity or his compete level- he tends to glide a lot, and does a lot of puck-watching. Letourneau is still pretty raw, and will undoubtedly be a long-term project- the scouts that want to take him early see his potential down the road, and know that he's far less a finished product than most kids his age. The good news is that he is committed to Boston College for the 2025-26 season, so the team that takes him will own his rights for the long haul. The other bit of good news is that he hasn't yet filled out, and if he makes it to the NHL, he could be playing at 230lbs. For that to happen, he has to increase his GAF meter, and learn to use his body more- but even then, he could just end up being another Logan Brown. We will know more next season, as I assume he will play full-time in the USHL. Personally, I would be nervous to take him before the third round, but some GM might just pick him late first/early second.