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Brycen Martin was the second overall pick of the Swift Current Broncos in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. The Calgary, Alberta native put up 37 points in 72 games this year year in Swift Current, a big jump from his rookie season when he had just 19 points in 67 games. for the Broncos. Martin’s 9 points in 5 games at last winter’s Under 17 World Hockey Challenge led the tournament in scoring by defencemen, and helped Team Pacific to a silver medal. It was a coming out party for Martin as it really opened eyes for his offensive potential and showed he can be a two-way blue liner. Once thought of as a defensive defenceman, offence is an area of his game that continues to improve. Martin helped the Broncos to a playoff spot this season, but unfortunately the team fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Medicine Hat Tigers in six games.
Brycen Martin
Defense — shoots Left
Born May 9 1996 — Calgary, ALTA
Height 6.03 — Weight 185 [188 cm/84 kg]
At 6’3″ already, Brycen Martin has ideal NHL height. He will need to add some muscle and bulkup, but given his frame he shouldn’t have too big an issue doing so. Martin is a solid two-way player, who does good work in both ends of the ice.
Martin is a very good skater with solid speed in both directions and good acceleration. His pivots are merely average, and could use some work going forward though. Martin does have the edge work, agility and lateral mobility necessary to be extremely mobile at the back-end if he can improve on those pivots. He is strong on his skates and his good balance makes him hard to knock off the puck and able to battle in the corners and in front of the net.
Offensively Martin makes strong passes on the breakout and on the power play. He isn’t likely to lead the rush but can be effect as a trailer and makes smart pinches in the offensive zone. Martin is poised with the puck on his stick and keeps his head up and finds the smart play. He also has a decent wrist shot, and a good slap shot/one-timer from the point.
Defensively, Martin is a smart player who is good positionally and works hard in battles along the boards and in front of the net. He shows a willingness to take a hit in order to make a good breakout pass in his own zone. He’s not a huge hitter but is willing to play physical when necessary. Martins has a high hockey IQ, and anticipates plays well, cutting down passing lanes and making a strong first pass to get the transition game started. The issues with pivots can make him susceptible to fast forwards who can take him wide.
Stylistically Brycen Martin compares with James Wisniewski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a style comparison and not a talent one though. In terms of talent, he could become a top 4 defender capable of playing big minutes in all situations at the next level.
Here are some highlights of Brycen Martin in action.
Check back tomorrow for my #37 ranked prospect.
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