[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (JVV Edition):

LHC Jack Van Volsen has been on the radar for the scouting community for quite a while, and a lot has been expected of him. He was chosen 6th overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Draft by the Peterborough Petes, on the strength of the season he had for the Toronto Junior Canadiens U16 AAA team in 2021-22, where he formed a dominant trio with Michael Hage and 2025 draft-eligible Porter Martone, piling up 110 points in 57 games. Since he started his career in the OHL in 2022-23 though, he has struggled with 25 points in 61 games in his rookie year, split between the Petes and the Mississauga Steelheads, and showing not much progression this season, with 32 points in 63 games. The 6'1",187lb pivot started the 2023-24 season slowly, with only 2 points in his first 9 games, and 9 points in his last 21. Only 1 point and a minus 6 in 5 playoff games, as the Steelheads were eliminated by Sudbury.

JVV is versatile, being able to play center and the wing, and can be utilized on both special teams, especially with his ability to win faceoffs. He has a long, powerful stride that generates above-average speed, with good first-step quickness, and a good small-area burst. He needs to upgrade his top speed and add a separation gear, along with improving his agility to be more elusive. He's far more of a shooter than a playmaker, as his 20 goals on the year would attest, and he owns a powerful shot with a deceptive release- though it could use a bit more zip. He can pick corners from bad angles, and can finish in-tight. In regards to playmaking, he makes good decisions but mostly keeps things simple and risk-free- he plays a smart, poised game with, and without the puck. Off the puck, he shows awareness, and is always in prime position to recieve a pass in high-danger, with a goal-scorer's knack for finding soft spots in coverage to shoot. He's not afraid to cut inside and attack the crease, or sneak into open space in the slot. JVV will throw his weight around, and finishes his checks, but his physicality is inconsistent. He has shown the ability to win 50/50 battles in the hard areas, and to play hard along the boards. He's hard-working, but needs a better compete level, and higher intensity.

Unfortunately, JVV's defensive game is lacking, as he often looks lost in his own zone, and gets caught puck-watching. His game has plenty of warts, but inconsistency plagues every facet of his game- he goes from dominant to invisible one shift to the next, and looks physically dominant one moment, to soft the next. He can disappear for long stretches in games, and go weeks without getting any points. His skating, shot, strength, and intensity are all in need of upgrades, with his own-zone game requiring plenty of attention. JVV is less than the sum of his parts, and if he gets drafted, he'll have to wait until the later rounds.