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Sandman · 04-19-2024, 12:51 AM

Draft Thoughts (Steel Head Edition):

LW Mason Zebeski has an advantage over other potential late-round 2024 draftees in that he knows who he is- a complimentary piece on a fairly deep and talented Mississauga Steelheads team that finished the regular season 8th overall, and 11th in goals-for. Going forward, that's the kind of player he will be if he makes the NHL- a meat-and-potatoes bottom-6 grinder who can chip in a bit of offense, and that's not a bad thing. Z is used all over the Steelheads' lineup, playing the role of dump-and-chase checker, all the way up to riding shotgun with their best players on the top line. The 6'1",185lb winger finished the regular season with 24 goals and 35 points in 55 games, to go with 52 penalty-minutes, but only managed 1 assist in 5 playoff games as the Steelheads were unfortunately eliminated by the Sudbury Wolves.

Zebeski uses his size and strength well to play a mean physical game with an edge. He doesn't need to be reminded to finish his checks, as he hits everything, and he will drop the gloves when challenged. He wins battles with his grit and sandpaper, plays heavy on the forecheck, and throws his weight around to win pucks. He's strong on the boards, causes havok down low, and will lean into defenders on his way to the net. As his 24 goals indicate, his main contribution to Mississauga's offense is his shot, and finishing skills. He exhibits good touch around the net, and can finish in-tight, but he also has a wicked shot with a lightning-quick release. He can be used as a net-front presence on the powerplay, as he makes a good screen and can capitalize on tips and rebounds. Z works well below the goal line and in the corners, and will explode to the front of the net through open space with the puck. Unlike some players of his ilk, he is actually an excellent skater with good acceleration, and a short-burst in small areas, but could maybe use another top gear. Zebeski has high motor and stays active with a workmanlike attitude, and will drag teammates into the fight with the way he agitates his opponents.

Zebeski plays a solid defensive game, and is entrusted with penalty-killing duties by the coaches in Mississauga. He's competitive, with good awareness of his surroundings in the defensive zone, and the speed to close on attackers quickly. He plays the body, blocks shots, and clogs lanes with an active, well-timed stick. His puck-skill is somewhere in the "average" range, and he could use work on his stickhandling as he can lose control of the puck while in flight, and he can bobble his pass receptions. If he could improve this area of his game, his playmaking might improve with it. Zebeski will be available in the later rounds, between 5-7, as he doesn't possess the highest ceiling- he will most likely make it as a bottom-6 winger with PK duty, who chips in a little offense.

04-19-2024, 12:51 AM	#2140
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (Steel Head Edition): LW Mason Zebeski has an advantage over other potential late-round 2024 draftees in that he knows who he is- a complimentary piece on a fairly deep and talented Mississauga Steelheads team that finished the regular season 8th overall, and 11th in goals-for. Going forward, that's the kind of player he will be if he makes the NHL- a meat-and-potatoes bottom-6 grinder who can chip in a bit of offense, and that's not a bad thing. Z is used all over the Steelheads' lineup, playing the role of dump-and-chase checker, all the way up to riding shotgun with their best players on the top line. The 6'1",185lb winger finished the regular season with 24 goals and 35 points in 55 games, to go with 52 penalty-minutes, but only managed 1 assist in 5 playoff games as the Steelheads were unfortunately eliminated by the Sudbury Wolves. Zebeski uses his size and strength well to play a mean physical game with an edge. He doesn't need to be reminded to finish his checks, as he hits everything, and he will drop the gloves when challenged. He wins battles with his grit and sandpaper, plays heavy on the forecheck, and throws his weight around to win pucks. He's strong on the boards, causes havok down low, and will lean into defenders on his way to the net. As his 24 goals indicate, his main contribution to Mississauga's offense is his shot, and finishing skills. He exhibits good touch around the net, and can finish in-tight, but he also has a wicked shot with a lightning-quick release. He can be used as a net-front presence on the powerplay, as he makes a good screen and can capitalize on tips and rebounds. Z works well below the goal line and in the corners, and will explode to the front of the net through open space with the puck. Unlike some players of his ilk, he is actually an excellent skater with good acceleration, and a short-burst in small areas, but could maybe use another top gear. Zebeski has high motor and stays active with a workmanlike attitude, and will drag teammates into the fight with the way he agitates his opponents. Zebeski plays a solid defensive game, and is entrusted with penalty-killing duties by the coaches in Mississauga. He's competitive, with good awareness of his surroundings in the defensive zone, and the speed to close on attackers quickly. He plays the body, blocks shots, and clogs lanes with an active, well-timed stick. His puck-skill is somewhere in the "average" range, and he could use work on his stickhandling as he can lose control of the puck while in flight, and he can bobble his pass receptions. If he could improve this area of his game, his playmaking might improve with it. Zebeski will be available in the later rounds, between 5-7, as he doesn't possess the highest ceiling- he will most likely make it as a bottom-6 winger with PK duty, who chips in a little offense.