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Undrafted coming into the OHL last season, Alex DeBrincat impressed the Otters brass in training camp and made the club. He went on to score 51 goals and 104 points in 68 games as a 16-year-old, and won the OHL Rookie of the Year Award. Did he benefit from playing a lot of minutes with Connor McDavid and/or Dylan Strome? Yes, of course he did. That said, it wasn’t all on those two players, as he has some talent in his own right too. With McDavid gone, DeBrincat is continuing to shine. He had 51 goals and 101 points in just 60 games this year for the Erie Otters. DeBrincat has added eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in just 19 playoff games. He also made the United States World Junior team, helping them to a bronze medal in Helsinki. He did earn a game misconduct and suspension for spearing during the tournament. DeBrincat also played in the CHL Top Prospects game.
Alex DeBrincat Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #25
Right Wing — shoots Right
Born Dec 18 1997 — Farmington Hills, MI
Height 5’07” — Weight 160 lbs [170 cm / 73 kg]
Alex DeBrincat is a very good skater. He has the speed and acceleration to overcome his lack of size. DeBrincat has a quick first step, allowing him to be first on many loose pucks. He is very agile, good on his edges, allowing him the ability to manoeuver in traffic, both with and without the puck. DeBrincat has a low centre of gravity and uses excellent leverage to be strong on the puck, and also to win battles. He could stand to add muscle to his frame though, and this would further improve these areas..
Alex DeBrincat is a pure sniper with an excellent wrist shot and release as well as a decent playmaker with good vision and passing skills. He is also a pest out on the ice, not afraid to throw hits, go to the net, fight in the corners, or get in the middle of scrums despite his lack of size. DeBrincat has a non-stop motor, always working to create opportunities. He can score goals in a number of different ways. DeBrincat also has the speed and stickhandling ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create offence off the rush. He hangs out in the slot, battling for position and is ready to provide traffic and distraction in front of goaltenders, and to tip in pucks, or pounce on loose rebounds. DeBrincat has good hockey IQ and makes smart plays both with and without the puck.
Alex DeBrincat brings his high energy and relentless work ethic to the defensive end of the ice as well. He works down low in support of the defence, and shows the same tenacious work along the boards that makes him dangerous in the defensive zone. DeBrincat’s size can be of concern though, as he can sometimes be overwhelmed in trying to defend down low against the cycle game, and the bigger and stronger forwards he encounters.
When it comes to Alex DeBrincat and his potential, the only question here is size; at 5-foot-7 and just 16o pounds many are going to question how he will transition to facing bigger and stronger opponents in the pro game. DeBrincat looks like a high risk, high reward type of pick. If he does make it, he will be a real offensive threat in his team’s top six forwards. DeBrincat’s style is reminiscent of Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens, though this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent.
The following are highlights of Alex DeBrincat, compiled from youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #26 Prospect on our NHL Draft Board
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