Tyler Parsons Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #69

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It was a dream season for Tyler Parsons and the London Knights and it ended with 17 straight victories as they took home the OHL Championship, and then the Memorial Cup. Over the course of the run, Parsons was spectacular, with a 2.15 goals against average and .925 save percentage in the OHL Playoffs, and a 1.78 goals against average and .942 save percentage in the national championship tournament itself. For his efforts Parsons was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team, as well as being named the Top Goaltender in the tournament. This all came on the heels of a solid regular season where Parsons helped the Knights to allowing the fewest goals in the OHL, with his 2.33 goals against and .921 save percentage. Its been an incredible run for a goaltender who wasn’t even selected when he was eligible for the OHL Draft. You should also check out LWOS analyst Charlie O’Connor Clarke’s interview and report on Parsons. Parsons was invited to Team USA‘s World Junior Hockey Championship tryout camp last year, being a draft eligible goalie, he was facing an uphill battle and did not make the team. There is a good chance that he could be on the 2017 squad, playing in Montreal and Toronto though.

Tyler Parsons Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #69

Goalie — shoots Left — Catches Left
Born Sep 18 1997 — Chesterfield, Michigan
Height 6’01” — Weight 185 lbs [185 cm / 84 kg]

At 6-foot-1, Tyler Parsons is a little bit smaller than what teams are typically looking for in goaltenders in recent years; however he overcomes this with outstanding athleticism and quick reflexes. He has a lightning quick glove hand that takes away the top of the net, as well as a quick blocker. Parsons legs are extremely quick, and he gets up and down and in and out of his butterfly quickly and without opening up too many holes. He can stand to work on his rebound control, though this is something that a lot of young goaltenders struggle with. It is something that can be improved with refined technique.

Parsons moves very well in his crease. He is a very good skater, allowing him to come out to challenge shooters and take away the angle. He is able recover quickly with his backwards skating, in case a forward tries to beat him with a deke. Parsons has excellent lateral movement, as his side-to-side push moves him across the net quickly. He does sometimes have a tendency to over commit and slide too far though, and must improve on this before he is ready to move to the next level. The strong skating allows Parsons to move outside his crease and collect pucks behind the net. Good stickhandling and passing skills allow Parsons to act like a third defenceman for the Knights, and initiate the breakout game. He is particularly adept at making the long breakaway pass and catching the other team making a line change, or creating quick transition on the power play.

Tyler Parsons has a lot of tools that could make him an excellent goaltender at the next level. Highly athletic, Parsons has the potential to develop into a franchise goalie. He is very raw though, and could stand to work with a very good goaltending coach. Rebound control, control of his side-to-side movements, and other minor adjustments may take some time but the reward could be very high. Parsons style is reminiscent of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier; but with former Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco‘s puck handling ability. This is just a stylistic comparison though, not one based on skill or potential.