Draft Thoughts (Monster Edition, Vol. 2):
RHC Hayden Paupanekis (6'4",198lbs)
Spokane (WHL): 39gp/ 11g/ 13a/ 24pts, -2, 29 PIM
Kelowna (WHL): 7gp/ 6g/ 4a/ 10pts, +1, 6 PIM
Righty Hayden Paupanekis played most of the season behind some talented players on a Spokane Chiefs squad who sit in 4th-place in the WHL, but has popped with more ice-time on the Kelowna Rockets- who are 18th out of 22 teams and 14th in goals-for. He is a big power-forward with a tantalizing base of tools, but is much more potential than finished product at this point. Paupanekis skates well for a big man, with sound fluidity and mechanics, but fairly average speed- his mobility will improve as he develops though, and his stride is considered projectable. His main weapons are probably his shot, and his ability to finish; he can fire off the catch with a hard and heavy wrister, but he will also crash the crease to pick up garbage. He positions himself well off-puck in danger areas as a pass option, and is inside-driven- with the ability to use defenders as screens. He plays well around the net, with nifty cross-crease passing, and connects on some smart low-to-high plays.
Paupanekis forechecks hard and heavy, disrupting puck-carriers and winning puck-battles down low- he's a load to handle. He sometimes flashes high-end skill and vision, and can surprise opponents with some of the more high-end passes through bodies; he knows how to draw pressure in order to open space, and makes dangerous passes off the wall to the slot. There's also signs of a skillful delay game, showing the patience to bait attackers while waiting for the right play to develop, and he manipulates by deceiving defenders with deft fakes in the head and feet, and shifts in weight. When carrying the puck, his handling doesn't look too fancy, but he employs superb puck protection and keeps his feet moving when taking contact to bull his way through checks, skate through hands, and to draw penalties. He's hard-working and stays active, and contributes to his team's transition by challenging his foes while streaking through the neutral zone, and can make entry by pass or by carry. Paupanekis plays a physical game, initiating contact early and often and using his size as leverage in puck battles, or to win positioning in front of the net. He doesn't drop the gloves often, but when he does, he shows that he's a tough kid who can fight. Defensively, he's effective in identifying threats early to thwart the oncoming rush, and keeps attackers to the outside. He's very disruptive and detailed, with plus-level defensive acumen, and his extra-long reach clogs up huge chunks of ice when combined with his deft stick-work. He supports his D down low, and throws his weight around to separate man from puck.
Despite this glowing review, Paupanekis is still quite raw, and will need some runway to develop. He needs to bulk up and get stronger, work on his skating, and learn to play with a more consistent level of pace. He's certainly not perfect or mistake-free, as he makes his share of forced plays and fumbles- he could stand to upgrade his puck-skills. His floor is that of a bottom-6 defensive C in the NHL, but he promises a lot more- especially since he's been with Kelowna. He's another one I like- look for him in the 2nd-round.
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