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Michael Dal Colle Played on Oshawa’s top line, and produced 48 points in 63 games on a deep Generals squad last season. In the summer he won gold at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. his year Dal Colle and the Generals have been a huge story as they are finished first in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, and followed that up with a four game sweep of the Mississauga Steelheads in the first round. The Generals are favorites to make it out of the OHL’s Eastern Conference and Dal Colle is a huge reason why with 39 goals and 95 points in 67 games for the club. He’s added five goals and 10 points in Oshawa’s four playoff games.
You can read an interview that LWOS did with Michael Dal Colle here.
Michael Dal Colle
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born Jun 20 1996 — Vaughan, ONT
Height 6.02 — Weight 171 [188 cm/78 kg]
The first thing you notice about Michael Dal Colle if you watch him for a full game is his stickhandling ability. It might be the best of any player in this draft. His soft hands are absolutely elite and he can do things with the puck that others only dream of doing. I would grade this as an A+ skill for him. Dal Colle has shown an excellent ability to play the cycle game protecting the puck down low, and making quick, smart passes. When given openings he cane drive the net and show off those soft hands in close, and they give him the ability to beat defenders and goaltenders one-on-one. He’s also a power winger who is strong on his skates and also isn’t afraid to bulldoze through a defender if necessary. Willing to take a hit to make a play, he’s also unfraid to dish them out. Dal Colle can only improve as he adds more strength. He also has a strong and accurate wrist shot.
Our anonymous NHL scout said about Dal Colle: “He has very soft hands. He’s got size and could’ve scored 100 points if he played the full season. What’s not to like? He won’t last long on draft day.”
Dal Colle is a very good skater. He has a good stride which provides him with very good top end speed and excellent acceleration. He has good core strength which gives him excellent balance and makes him hard to knock off the puck. He also has excellent agility which combined with those soft hands and vast array of moves makes him a nightmare for defenders one-on-one.
Defensively Dal Colle is decent, but his game is still a bit of a work in progress. He does backcheck and gets into good positions most of the time, but can get into a bad habit of puck watching and not moving his feet from time to time. It only happens occassionaly and as such is not the worst habit in the world though for an 18-year-old and should be something that he can correct as he goes forward. Most of the time he is in good position, makes sure the puck gets out at his blue line and cuts down shooting and passing lanes well.
In terms of playing style, Michael Dal Colle reminds me a little of Alex Kovalev, when Kovalev was having a good day and giving his full effort level, and willing to battle along the boards and in front of the net (think Alex Kovalev in most playoff games in his prime). That isn’t a talent comparison, just a style comparison. In terms of potential, Dal Colle has the ability to become a first line, elite winger with the right development.
Here are some highlights:
Check back tomorrow for my number 5 ranked prospect.
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