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It seems that every year the Portland Winterhawks just keep churning out prospects. Last year it was Seth Jones, Nic Petan, and Oliver Bjorkstrand all making huge contributions in their draft year. This year it was Chase De Leo playing a prominent role on a Winterhawks club that was again amongst the best in junior hockey, finishing first in the WHL regular season and going all the way to the WHL final before losing to the rival Edmonton Oil Kings in 7 games. It was a disappointing end to the season as De Leo and the Hawks hoped to repeat as WHL Champs, and make up for the loss in the Memorial Cup final. You can’t pin it on De Leo though, who had great numbers putting up 39 goals and 81 points in 72 games this season, and a further 10 goals and 19 points in 21 playoff games.
De Leo is part of the new generation of California hockey players who seem to be coming in to the NHL in recent years. This is the legacy of the Wayne Gretzky trade to the LA Kings, as well as expansion franchises in Anaheim and San Jose in the late 80s and early 90s. When we talk about the growth of the sport in the southern United States we should look to the production of prospects like Chase De Leo, and former first round picks such as Emerson Etem, Beau Bennett and Jonathan Blum as some of the biggest evidence we have that hockey is growing in non-traditional hockey markets.
Chase De Leo
Center — shoots Left
Born Oct 25 1995 — La Mirada, CA
Height 5.10 — Weight 175 [178 cm/79 kg]
While many will knock Chase De Leo’s size as he is listed at just 5’10 and 175 lbs, he does have the type of skill set that one usually sees in the type of player who succeeds despite the size concerns. De Leo is a very good skater. He doesn’t have blazing top end speed, hbut is still above average. He’s more quick than fast though, showing a great first step, excellent acceleration, and the ability to quickly change speeds. He also has extremely good edgework and agility. This allows him to be first on loose pucks, and to make quick and darting moves to get past defenders. He is also quick to close the space on defencemen when he gets in on the forcheck. De Leo’s balance is good, as he has a wide stride, and he’s strong on the puck for his size. He could get better with more muscle going forward though, and will need that to make it at the next level.
Offensively De Leo has very good hands and is able to get past defenders or score goals in tight. He protects the puck well and is able to extend plays to find an opening to unleash a strong wrist shot, or snapshot, and has a good release on both. De Leo has excellent vision, good passing skills and high end hockey sense, which helps him to be a strong playmaker. He is gritty and willing to battle in all areas of the ice, but his size is a concern and his strength will need to be improved to win those battles at the next level.
Chase De Leo is a strong two way player. He is good in the face-off circle, has good positioning in all three zones. De Leo is a relentless checker who supports well on the backcheck and supports defenders down low. De Leo reads and anticipates plays well and can cause turnovers and start the transition game. He really plays a smart game, but again the strength is the issue as he can struggle against bigger forwards. De Leo has been used to check top opposing forwards and play key penalty kill minutes over the last two seasons.
Chase De Leo’s playing style is reminiscent of Tomas Plekanec of the Montreal Canadiens, with maybe a bit more grit. This is a style comparison and not a talent one though. If he does reach his ceiling, and he will need some time to refine his game and add weight before going to the next level.
Below are some highlights of Chase De Leo in action:
Come back tomorrow to check out my #43 prospect for the 2014 NHL Draft.
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