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Sandman · 05-23-2024, 01:57 AM

Draft Thoughts (Smurf Edition, Vol. 6):

RW James Reeder put up great numbers for Dubuque of the USHL, with 20 goals and 60 points in just 53 games, but really cemented his place on draft boards with his performance in December's World Junior A Challenge, with 8 goals and 10 points in 6 games. He scored at least one goal in each game for Team USA. Reeder was tied for 18th in USHL scoring in the regular season, but like many of his teammates in Dubuque, he struggled to put up offense in playoffs, with just 5 points in 11 games. Reeder is an older player by draft standards, with an Oct.6th birthday, and measures 5'10",168lbs.

Reeder is a complimentary player who isn't very flashy, and doesn't need to complicate things. He can't win many physical battles, but outworks opponents and forces them to the outside with his tenacity and high motor. He manages to move the needle at both ends of the rink, and is hard-working and competitive defensively. He anticipates well, makes good reads, and is highly disruptive. At the other end of the ice, he sees and thinks his way around with his keen hockey sense, which might be the best part of his game, and makes moves proactively to pressure defenses without having to confront them physically. He's quite adept at sneaking into open space, and beating opponents to high-danger areas, with an inate knowledge of where to be and when to be there to create scoring chances. Unfortunately, Reeder's skating is somewhere around average, with fairly good acceleration, but his top speed is somewhat insufficient and he can be beaten to loose pucks. His edges are a little on the weak side as well, and he needs to take wide turns, losing speed in the process. To make up for his mobility issues, he plays with energy and pace, as well as high motor. His stickhandling isn't too special, but he protects the puck well for a small guy.

JR has shown that he can score goals in bunches, but he's more of a playmaker with a good IQ, who can make good decisions at top speed and can dish in full flight to teammates in high-danger. Despite his size, he will go to the net and plant himself there to score off of re-directs and rebounds, but he can also bulge the twine with his accurate and deceptive shot. In transitions, he contributes by carrying , but can make difficult passes for entries. Off the puck, he keeps his feet moving and has a good feel of where to be to support the play. Reeder's size will always be a detriment going forward, and he has trouble in possession as he's small and slight. He loses physical battles, and can be pushed off the puck. At this juncture, he's not always willing to wade into physical battles, and some criticize his compete level. Getting bigger and stronger is a must, but he also needs to improve his shot, which could use more zip. He is committed to the University of Denver for the 2025-26 season, so he will have plenty of runway to get his game together. Look for him in later rounds.

05-23-2024, 01:57 AM	#3373
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (Smurf Edition, Vol. 6): RW James Reeder put up great numbers for Dubuque of the USHL, with 20 goals and 60 points in just 53 games, but really cemented his place on draft boards with his performance in December's World Junior A Challenge, with 8 goals and 10 points in 6 games. He scored at least one goal in each game for Team USA. Reeder was tied for 18th in USHL scoring in the regular season, but like many of his teammates in Dubuque, he struggled to put up offense in playoffs, with just 5 points in 11 games. Reeder is an older player by draft standards, with an Oct.6th birthday, and measures 5'10",168lbs. Reeder is a complimentary player who isn't very flashy, and doesn't need to complicate things. He can't win many physical battles, but outworks opponents and forces them to the outside with his tenacity and high motor. He manages to move the needle at both ends of the rink, and is hard-working and competitive defensively. He anticipates well, makes good reads, and is highly disruptive. At the other end of the ice, he sees and thinks his way around with his keen hockey sense, which might be the best part of his game, and makes moves proactively to pressure defenses without having to confront them physically. He's quite adept at sneaking into open space, and beating opponents to high-danger areas, with an inate knowledge of where to be and when to be there to create scoring chances. Unfortunately, Reeder's skating is somewhere around average, with fairly good acceleration, but his top speed is somewhat insufficient and he can be beaten to loose pucks. His edges are a little on the weak side as well, and he needs to take wide turns, losing speed in the process. To make up for his mobility issues, he plays with energy and pace, as well as high motor. His stickhandling isn't too special, but he protects the puck well for a small guy. JR has shown that he can score goals in bunches, but he's more of a playmaker with a good IQ, who can make good decisions at top speed and can dish in full flight to teammates in high-danger. Despite his size, he will go to the net and plant himself there to score off of re-directs and rebounds, but he can also bulge the twine with his accurate and deceptive shot. In transitions, he contributes by carrying , but can make difficult passes for entries. Off the puck, he keeps his feet moving and has a good feel of where to be to support the play. Reeder's size will always be a detriment going forward, and he has trouble in possession as he's small and slight. He loses physical battles, and can be pushed off the puck. At this juncture, he's not always willing to wade into physical battles, and some criticize his compete level. Getting bigger and stronger is a must, but he also needs to improve his shot, which could use more zip. He is committed to the University of Denver for the 2025-26 season, so he will have plenty of runway to get his game together. Look for him in later rounds.