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Sandman · 01-25-2025, 06:08 AM

Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 28):

RHC Andrew O'Neill (6'2",200lbs)
NTDP: 36gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, -23, 44 PIM

O'Neill was given a "C" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, indicating a potential 4th or 5th-round pick, and was ranked 58th for North American Skaters in their Mid-term rankings- not too shabby for a checker. In his defense, he is a rugged C who scouts say has big upside, and an NHL-projectable game- even if he projects to be a bottom-6 defensive specialist. O'Neill plays with pace on both the forecheck and the backcheck, hounding puck-carriers and giving them no time or space to breathe. He causes multiple turnovers and takeaways every game, and though he forechecks like a demon, he truly shines defensively. Though his numbers don't show it, he has smarts, sublime awareness, and high IQ; he scans the ice with his head up, reads the play well, and owns plenty of raw skill.

O'Neill plays a hard, heavy physical game with intensity and high-motor- he never quits on a play, and is rarely outworked or outmuscled. He is always in motion, always involved, and always engaged; he is a quick mover who skates his routes hard. He uses his teammates well, playing a give-and-go style through transition, and uses cutbacks or delays upon entry to win time and space for his team. When established in the zone, he drives the net hard to look for garbage, but can make plays and owns a decent shot. He will go through defenders, just as soon as he will go around them. He also carries some decent puck-skill, and protects the puck exceptionally well, but he isn't flashy or dynamic in any way and he is not elite in any area. O'Neill is reliable in all three zones, and angles opponents out of the middle, sealing them off with a tight gap as though he were a defenseman. He supports teammates in all areas, including his D when the puck is down low, but at this stage- he's not much of a play-driver or offensive facilitator. O'Neill displays exceptional off-puck awareness, and is seemingly always in a good proactive position to perform his duties-even if those duties are providing his team with sound defense. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th round of the draft. He is committed to the University of North Dakota for next season.

01-25-2025, 06:08 AM	#802
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 28): RHC Andrew O'Neill (6'2",200lbs) NTDP: 36gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, -23, 44 PIM O'Neill was given a "C" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, indicating a potential 4th or 5th-round pick, and was ranked 58th for North American Skaters in their Mid-term rankings- not too shabby for a checker. In his defense, he is a rugged C who scouts say has big upside, and an NHL-projectable game- even if he projects to be a bottom-6 defensive specialist. O'Neill plays with pace on both the forecheck and the backcheck, hounding puck-carriers and giving them no time or space to breathe. He causes multiple turnovers and takeaways every game, and though he forechecks like a demon, he truly shines defensively. Though his numbers don't show it, he has smarts, sublime awareness, and high IQ; he scans the ice with his head up, reads the play well, and owns plenty of raw skill. O'Neill plays a hard, heavy physical game with intensity and high-motor- he never quits on a play, and is rarely outworked or outmuscled. He is always in motion, always involved, and always engaged; he is a quick mover who skates his routes hard. He uses his teammates well, playing a give-and-go style through transition, and uses cutbacks or delays upon entry to win time and space for his team. When established in the zone, he drives the net hard to look for garbage, but can make plays and owns a decent shot. He will go through defenders, just as soon as he will go around them. He also carries some decent puck-skill, and protects the puck exceptionally well, but he isn't flashy or dynamic in any way and he is not elite in any area. O'Neill is reliable in all three zones, and angles opponents out of the middle, sealing them off with a tight gap as though he were a defenseman. He supports teammates in all areas, including his D when the puck is down low, but at this stage- he's not much of a play-driver or offensive facilitator. O'Neill displays exceptional off-puck awareness, and is seemingly always in a good proactive position to perform his duties-even if those duties are providing his team with sound defense. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th round of the draft. He is committed to the University of North Dakota for next season. Last edited by Sandman; 04-21-2025 at 07:45 PM.