Cam Dineen Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #48

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After being the third overall pick in the 2014 USHL futures draft, Cam Dineen ended up playing most of last season for the EHL’s New Jersey Rockets, with just a three-game stint with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. Most expected he would be a big part of the Storm in 2015-16, before heading off to Yale next season. Instead, Dineen broke his commitment to Yale, choosing to play for Stan Butler and the North Bay Battalion. When asked about the issue, Dineen told OHLProspects writer/founder Brock Otten that he felt a year under Butler would be very beneficial to his development in his draft year. Dineen had a huge season in Brampton, with 13 goals and 59 points he was the second highest scoring defenceman in the OHL. He added eight points in 11 playoff games, before the Battalion were eliminated in the second round. Dineen also has international experience, playing for Team USA in the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

Cam Dineen Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #48

Defense — shoots Left
Born Jun 19 1998 — Toms River, New Jersey
Height 5’11” — Weight 182 lbs [180 cm / 83 kg]

The more you watch of Cam Dineen, the more you realize he thinks a game at a very high level. He handles the puck with great poise, and sees openings in the defence to thread a pass to a teammate. Dineen quarterbacks things from the point on the powerplay, showing the ability to walk the line and to create passing and shooting lanes. He makes smart plays with the puck. In addition to being an excellent playmaker, Dineen has an absolute rocket of a shot, which he keeps low, and gets it on net providing opportunities for tip-ins and rebounds. Dineen also has good stickhandling ability, which he uses to avoid forecheckers, and to skate the puck out of his own end. He can also make a good first pass to start the transition game, including being able to make a home-run pass to a streaking forward.

Dineen isn’t a pure speedster, but his skating is above average. He has decent speed and acceleration in both directions, though it could stand to continue to be improved. His edgework and agility though are very good, and his first step is quick, which allows him to cover a lot of ice and in all directions. Dineen uses his body well to shield the puck in the cycle and can be difficult to knock over, with excellent balance.

Dineen has improved his defensive game as the season has gone on. He uses his hockey IQ to maintain good positioning, and a quick stick to cut down passing and shooting lanes. The quickness with which he retrieves loose pucks and starts the transition game is also a major asset. However, his lack of size still creates some issues here as he can have issues clearing the front of the net, containing forwards cycling the puck, and winning battles along the boards.

Cam Dineen shows the potential to be a top four defender, but still has some holes in his game. He will need to work on his defensive game, add some muscle to his frame, and continue to improve his speed and acceleration. There could be a very good reward here though for a team who is able to invest in Dineen’s development and help him reach the next level. In terms of style, Dineen looks an awful lot like Duncan Keith when you watch him. This is a comparison of his skating stride and the type of offensive game he plays though, and not necessarily a comment on his skill level or potential.

The following is a compilation of Cam Dineen highlights, taken from youtube.