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After being drafted 8th overall in the 2014 OHL Draft by the Owen Sound Attack, Victor Mete refused to report and was eventually traded to the London Knights for a package of draft picks. Mete put up eight goals and 30 assists for 38 points this season. He helped the Knights win the OHL Championship, and Memorial Cup with four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 18 playoff games, and one goal in the big tournament itself. Mete has also has a plethora of international experience. He played for Team Canada Red at the 2015 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, and won gold with Team Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, putting up five points in four games. He also played a game for Team OHL in the Canada/Russia Super Series.
Victor Mete Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #60
Defense — shoots Left
Born Jun 7 1998 — Woodbridge, ONT
Height 5’10” — Weight 174 lbs [178 cm / 79 kg]
If Victor Mete had a bit more height, he would likely be rated as a late first round, or early second round pick. He is an outstanding skater, with excellent speed and acceleration. He has quick feet, with excellent pivots allowing him to transition from offense to defense, and with very good agility. He can make quick cuts and maneuver away from forecheckers in his own end, or through the neutral zone. He also has the ability to walk the line in the offensive zone, opening up passing and shooting lanes. Mete could stand to add a bit more core strength which would give him better balance, and allow him to be better in board battles and in clearing the front of the net.
Mete has outstanding puck handling skills. Combine these with his skating and he is excellent at carrying the puck out of his own zone and leading the rush. He also makes a great first pass, allowing him to start the transition game. Mete has excellent vision and sets up things with his end to end rushes, and can play the role of quarterback on the powerplay. Mete shows excellent hockey IQ though, as he sees plays developing and makes his passes at the right time to maximize the offensive opportunity. He could stand to add some more power to his shot, and to use both his wrist and slap shots more often. He can be a bit predictable, which can make him a little bit easier to defend.
Defensively, Mete’s quick feet allow him to keep attackers in front of him, and maintain great gap control. He is very difficult to beat off the rush, especially in one-on-one situations. Mete uses a quick stick to poke check the puck off of his opponents stick. He uses his good hockey IQ in his own end as well, anticipating plays and working to create turnovers and a quick transition game. He does have some issues with bigger and stronger forwards, and containing them in the cycle game, as well as clearing the front of the net.
Victor Mete has the potential to be a top four defender in the NHL. He will have several challenges to overcome, not the least of which is his height, and developing the strength to be able to effectively defend against the cycle and clear the crease. If he can develop those areas, he has the type of puck moving ability that teams are looking for. Mete’s style is comparable to Sami Vatanen of the Anaheim Ducks, but this is a stylistic comparison only, and not one based on talent or ability.
The following is a compilation of Victor Mete highlights, assembled from youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #61 prospect on our NHL Draft Board.
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