[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (The Best Frasca Edition):

Central Scouting thought enough of LHC Gabriel Frasca that they gave him a "B" rating at the beginning of the year, indicating a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick. Frasca comes from a hockey family, as older brothers Jacob and Jordan were OHL players, with Jordan being drafted by Pittsburgh- and there's still two younger brothers on the way. Like his older brothers, Gabriel plies his trade in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs, who finished 13th overall out of 20 teams, and has compiled 15 goals and 32 points in 44 games, missing the first 24 games of the season due to injury. More was expected offensively this season from Frasca, as he was named to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2022-23, with 34 points in 58 games. Frasca stands 6'0", and weighs in at 170lbs.

Though he would have liked to put up more points this season, Frasca is still an intelligent, 200-ft player, who plays in all situations, with a mature, pro-style game. He is a dual threat, and a game-breaker who is at his best in big moments, when the stakes are high- in his first 8 games back this season from injury, he scored 2 OT game-winners, both off of beautiful snipes. Frasca has a hard-nosed approach, but applies a lot of finesse to his offensive game. He has excellent IQ and vision, with the anticipation to know where everyone on the ice is going to be, a few steps ahead. He makes teammates better with his unselfish play, and is a good passer, with the ability to connect with teammates through traffic, and off the rush. Frasca attacks open space in the middle to unleash his shot, which is powerful, and comes with a lightning-quick release. His one-timer is a laser- hard, heavy, and dangerous, and he can shoot from anywhere in the zone with accuracy, including from bad angles, and off the rush. On the PP, he is often the trigger man for the Fronts. Frasca is a good skater, but not a burner by any means, and could use a bit of a top-up in all areas. He is savvy off the puck, finding holes in coverage to make himself playable, including in transition, and sneaks in and out of high-danger, looking for opportunity.

Frasca is defensively responsible, and doesn't cheat or take short-cuts. He hounds puck-carriers like a dog on a bone, taking away time and space and stripping opponents of the puck- he brings this mindset to all 3 zones, along with an active stick, and a dose of physicality. He supports his D down low, helping to win pucks and start the breakout, and sticks to his man like glue in coverage. He employs a physical game to disrupt plays, and he will pin opponents to the boards in order to neutralize them. Frasca has high-end motor and compete, and fights hard in the trenches to win pucks and extend plays. He's excellent on faceoffs, and takes important draws for the team. Though Frasca has better offensive ability than he was able to show this season, he still has potential as a bottom-6 player in the NHL if his offense fails to develop- which makes him a fairly safe pick. Improving his strength and speed is a must, and he has to keep rounding out his game, but this might be the kind of player that ends up dominating the OHL as soon as next year. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th round.