[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Fourth Best Name in the Draft Edition):

Lack of size is usually considered to be a detriment, but nobody has told 5'10",165lb winger Keets Fawcett that- and he wouldn't believe it anyway. Fawcett started the season for the Hitmen playing down the lineup, and could only muster 6 points in his first 15 games, but with an earned increase in ice-time and responsibility, he piled up 33 points in 33 games between Nov.18th and Feb.17th. This includes a 20-game stretch after the start of the New Year where he posted 23 points, and he finished with 19 goals and 45 points in 65 games, with 41 penalty-minutes. Central Scouting isn't giving our boy much respect, ranking him #138 for North American skaters.

Offensive numbers aside, Fawcett is one of the best defensive forwards in the WHL, and perhaps the CHL, with sparkling tracking data. He shuts down opponents proactively with regularity, seeing the ice extremely well in the defensive zone, even closing on attackers coming through the neutral zone. He's highly aware on the backcheck in causing turnovers and jumping on loose pucks, and seems to be able to cover every square foot of space in the zone, from being a menace down low to forcing steals aplenty at the top of the zone for breakaway opportunities. In his own zone, he's highly engaged and details-oriented, winning physical battles and applying overwhelming pressure on attackers, despite his diminutive stature. Fawcett exerts superhuman energy from an unrelenting motor, and administers a highly aggressive in-your-face style on both the forecheck and the backcheck. He's exceedingly physical, hits everything that moves, and will drop the gloves with opponents who are much bigger than him- and he does quite well in his pugilistic endeavors, although he takes a lot of punches unfortunately. Dating back to the pre-season, Fawcett has participated in 6 fights that I can count, he's a tough little nut to crack. He battles through contact, and is adept at winning body position in 50/50 contests.

Another area where he shines is in transition, and his fancy stats tell a tale of a player who is virtually NHL-calber in this regard. Fawcett is able to push pace through the neutral zone, creating a high number of controlled exits and entries through traffic with well-timed give-and-go's, but he can also connect on high-end breakout passes. He is able to manipulate opponents with various moves and feints when in possession to open lanes to carry through, and has shown an abilty to drive play while maintaining possession in perpetuity for his team. He has also displayed an ability to create off the rush, despite possessing no real high-end skill, and is fearless in driving the middle lane for high-danger chances. Though he sees the ice well, any sign of dynamic playmaking in the offensive zone only comes in flashes, though he exhibits a smart, well-timed delay game to be able make sound decisions and avoid giveaways. Off the puck, he provides constant support for teammates, outworks opponents, and manages to find open spaces to remain playable at all times. Fawcett has a pretty good array of accurate shots to choose from, from a bullet of a wrister to a lethal backhand, and will go to the net to cause havok and cash in on second-chance opportunities.

Fawcett's skating is a little above average, but far from elite, and could use more attention if he expects to earn a place in the big leagues- his explosiveness and top speed need to be addressed, although he offsets his issues somewhat with his high motor, and by keeping his legs pumping hard. There are still instances in games where he can disappear, or seem like he's not putting his best foot forward, and though he's uncommonly strong and physical, he can be overpowered at times due to his size. He reminds me of a poor-man's Brayden Point, without the high-end offensive game, and seems to be destined for bottom-6 duty in the NHL, providing energy and anarchy to whatever lineup he ends up playing for. Look for him in the 4th, to the 6th round.