[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Jay-Z Edition):

LW Josh Zakreski is more-or-less a depth player on a very deep, veteran Portland Winterhawks team, but still managed to compile 21 goals and 49 points in 68 games. The lion's share of the ice-time and responsibility was mostly given to the older players in the playoffs, and players like Zakreski and Diego Buttazzoni saw their numbers go down, with Zakreski posting 8 points in 18 games before the 'Hawks were dispatched in 4 by the Moose Jaw Warriors. There were 11 players ahead of him in scoring on the team in the post-season, including Buttazzoni, and 10 of them were older players- 6 of them being NHL draftees. Portland finished the regular season as the 3rd-best team in the WHL, and they were first in goals-scored. Zakreski is a bit of an elder statesman by draft standards, with a Dec.17th birthday, and measures 5'11",and a stocky 192 lbs.

Zakreski plays a simple, straight-ahead game, with his only elite qualities being his tireless work-ethic, and relentless motor. He provides high energy to his team, and out-competes his opponents. Zakreski applies tenacious forechecking, and drives defenders crazy with his aggressive, in-your-face style, causing turnovers and putting immense pressure on puck-carriers. He is solid along the boards, and doesn't back down from a battle- he's uncommonly strong, and plays a physical game, finishing his checks. Zak attacks the middle, and isn't at all afraid to go to the net, possessing 1-on-1 moves to best goalies. He weaves in and out of traffic, and has an excellent wrister with pinpoint accuracy, but he could stand to upgrade it's power. Mobility-wise, he has great wheels with separation speed and a powerful stride, though his acceleration and first-step could use some work. Playmaking is his primary contribution to his team's offense, and he owns well-developed passing skill, combined with high-end vision. He sees the ice well, flashing the capacity to make some complex plays, and makes sound decisions under duress. He's smart without the puck as well, and skates the right routes to support the play in all three zones. He's a hard-working defensive player and brings the same diligent puck-pursuit, physicality, and work-ethic with him to the home-teams zone, as well as solid positioning and an active, intelligent use of his stick.

Zakreski's floor might be that of a bottom-6 energy player in the NHL with penalty-killing duties- but I think that he, as well as Buttazzoni, will be able to show more in Portland as soon as next year, when some of the vets move on. Everytime I watch him, it doesn't appear like he's getting a lot of ice-time, but he's always noticeable. Going forward, he needs to keep building his skating and his shot, and he has to get stronger- but I think he's got a chance. I think he's a 5th-rounder.