[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Hidden Gems Edition, Vol. 42):

RW Savin Virk (6'0",172lbs)
Tri-City (WHL): 50gp/ 22g/ 24a/ 46pts, -2, 4 PIM

Winger Savin Virk (ranked # 121 NA Skaters) was toiling in the BCHL for Chiliwack (12 points in 18 games) before signing with the Amerks in November, after the rules disallowing CHL players from committing to NCAA teams changed, as he is attending Michigan State next season. He is flying way under the radar, as he's a well-rounded, 200-ft player with skill who contributes to both special teams, and has fit in seamlessly in his rookie year in the WHL- even tying for the team-lead in playoff points, with 3 in 5 games. Though he has some small mechanical issues in his stride, he moves up-and-down the ice quickly, generating excellent speed and agility, with the ability to skate through checks. He could use a bit more explosiveness, but when his technique improves and he gets stronger, he'll be a speedster. One of his finest traits is his top-tier puck-skills that manifest in his stickhandling, accurate passing, and sneaky one-on-one moves; he can deke his way around in traffic, and dangle around sticks.

Virk is a high-IQ playmaker with solid vision and awareness in the offensive zone, and highly intelligent off-puck movement to support teammates. He reads gaps very well, with the ability to make clever plays in small areas and maneuver around in the slot, and he has an eye for space-creation; he pushes defensemen back off the rush to make room at the top of the zone, and uses cut-backs and delays to draw pressure. He can spot soft spots in coverage and passing seams that few others could detect. Virk has a potent shot with a sneaky release, with good usage of opponents as screens, and doesn't need much room to fire off a hard wrister- he also has no fear in attacking the middle for chances. He shoots to make plays and cause chaos in-front, he can hit the net through traffic, and seems to be comfortable running the PP from the half-wall, where he likes to pass to the slot and fire at the goalie. Virk possesses a lightning-quick and precise catch-and-release wrister, and soft, silky mitts to deke out goalies in-tight. There seems to be a fair balance in his toolkit between passing and shooting, and he plays with an admirable work-ethic, wielding energy and effort. Strong hockey sense shines through in his high-end off-puck support game in all three zones, and in the way he processes the play quickly; he controls his pace and speed to stay open, and is always a playable option for teammates.

Virk skates mostly north-south routes through transition, but contributes very well with short, connective passes, and give-and-go sequences. He is a reliable defensive player who places a high importance on backchecking successfully- starting in the neutral zone. He is highly aware with superb positioning and strong instincts to act proactively in intercepting passes, getting into lanes, and blocking shots. He stays highly active in removing time and space from attackers, and makes intuitive plays off of retrievals. Though he does the necessary battling for pucks in the greasy areas, I don't see him as being much of a physical player. The team that drafts Virk will have the benefit of a longer runway in his development, as he's attending college; fixing his stride mechanics to maximize his speed is a must, and he needs plenty of development physically- he's quite raw, and has to build more strength. He's also younger than most in this draft-class, with a June 6, 2007 birthday. Virk might be an unknown some draft-watchers, but I would bet that scouts know him well. Look for him in the middle-rounds, with the potential ceiling of a middle-six winger in the NHL.