[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Smurf Edition, Vol.4):

RHC Chris Thibodeau is a dual citizen, born in Charleston, South Carolina who toils for the 13th-best team in the OHL, the Kingston Frontenacs. He finished the regular season in third-place on the Fronts, with 21 goals and 60 points in 68 games, including a 21-game stretch between Nov.29th and Jan.27th where he put up 25 points. He added 2 points in 3 playoff games, as Kingston was eliminated in 5 by the North Bay Battalion. Thibodeau, who stands 5'9", and weighs in at a measly 143lbs, is an older prospect with an Oct.13th, 2005 birthday. He's versatile, with the ability to play all 3 forward positions, and both sides of special teams.

Thibodeau always seems to be in the thick of the action, and drives play for the Fronts. He's creative offensively, and skates with his head on a swivel to scan for his next move, and to identify oncoming threats. He's a gifted passer who finds his teammates in high-danger consistently, and will go to the net without fear to use his finishing skills. He will cut inside to make plays from the middle, and packs a quick wrister with an even quicker release. He's also surprisingly good down-low, and can spot teammates in the slot from there, and quarterbacks the powerplay from the half-wall. Thibodeau has the edgework and agility to shake off attackers, and can win some races to loose pucks, but he's more quick than fast, with some lateral speed for extra elusiveness. He displays a peppy short burst, and accelerates well to create room for himself and teammates, and is slippery enough to navigate through traffic unscathed. On the forecheck, he's disruptive- hounding puck-carriers with an active stick, causing turnovers, and pressuring his opponents by pushing the pace. Despite his diminutive stature, he doesn't shy away from physical play, battling against bigger opponents for space and loose pucks, and he doesn't back down in post-whistle scrums, either. He has a bit of an edge, and will throw the odd hit.

Thibodeau is a smooth stickhandler, and can weave through traffic with full control, beating defenders with his 1-on-1 skills and deceptive abilities- these skills help him navigate through transition, and make clean, controllled entries. Off the puck, he exerts energy and tenaciousness to pressure and disrupt- he displays vision when not in possession, positioning himself advantageously to remain playable for teammates, and to support the play. He shows high-motor, playing with energy and pace, as well as a high level of compete. In his own zone, he's underrated, and displays solid positioning to pressure puck-carriers with good general awareness defensively- though he'll never be confused with Patrice Bergeron. He's an excellent penalty-killer who can close on opponents quickly. Going forward, his size will always be an issue, and he will always have problems winning battles against bigger opponents, especially if he doesn't work to get bigger and stronger. His work-ethic is rarely in question, but his engagement level can wane, and he will sometimes stay to the perimeter. He might not have the high-end offense to make it as a top-line player, but he could develop into a middle-six energy player who can contribute to the PK. If he is selected in the draft, it won't be until the later rounds.