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Calen Addison had his coming out party last summer. The Brandon, Manitoba native put up six points in five games for Team Canada in helping his country to gold at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. He also represented his country at the 2016-17 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge. He put up three assists in six games in that tournament and helped Team Canada Black to a silver medal.
The second overall pick of the 2015 WHL Draft, Addison put up nine goals and 33 points as a WHL rookie in 2016-17. He improved on those numbers this year as he scored 11 goals and 54 assists in 65 points in 68 games. Addison has been even better in the WHL playoffs. He put up six goals and 18 points in 14 games. He has been a huge part of the Hurricanes run to the WHL Eastern Conference Final.
Calen Addison Scouting Report
Defense — shoots Right
Born April 11th, 2000 — Brandon, Manitoba
Height 5’10” — Weight 179 lbs [178 cm / 81 kg]
Skating
Addison is an outstanding skater. This helps him to play a two-way game, and be effective at both ends of the ice. He is one of the fastest skaters in this draft class, and shows this both forwards and backwards. His edgework, agility and pivots are also elite. Addison covers a ton of ice. He can transition quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. Addison can join the rush or pinch in at the blue line and still get back defensively. When a turnover is created, he transitions to offence extremely quickly. There are some issues with power and balance though, as he can sometimes be knocked off the puck, or have trouble winning battles in the corners or in front of the net. Addison could use some more core muscle.
Offensive Game
Addison has very good vision and passing skills, with the ability to start the transition game and play the point on the powerplay. He loves to drive offence and jumps into the play, both off the rush and pinching at the blue line. Addison also has the stickhandling ability to skate the puck out of danger, and even to lead the rush.
Addison also has a very good snapshot and wrist shot. He gets them both off very quickly, with an excellent release. He sneaks down from the line, to get in position to use these shots from the top of the circle or slot. They can surprise goalies and have good power. His slap shot is good, but not great. Most importantly, is the fact that Addison gets his shots through traffic and on the net. His skating and poise allow him to walk the line and open up shooting lanes to get off those shots.
Defensive Game
Defensively, Addison maintains good gap control and is not afraid to be physical. Addison throws hits in the corners and battles for position in front of the net. However, his size is an issue. He can be overpowered, even at the junior level. Controlling opponents in the cycle is an issue. He needs to work on adding more muscle to his frame. This can lead to him getting pinned in his end, if he is unable to create a turnover.
Addison also needs to work on cutting down his own turnovers. He can sometimes try to do too much offensively. This can lead to an errant pass and quick transition for opponents.
Projection and Comparison
The lack of size and strength will likely prevent Addison from ever becoming a shutdown defenceman, playing on the top pair. However, his skating, puck-moving, and offensive abilities still show him to be an intriguing prospect. He likely needs more time in juniors, to bulk up and play a bit more disciplined with the puck. If things go well in development, Addison has the potential to be a first unit power play defender and second pairing player at even strength. His game is reminiscent of Tyson Barrie, but this is a style comparison only, and not one based on skill or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Addison that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
KELOWNA, BC – JANUARY 17: Calen Addison #2 of the Lethbridge Hurricanes skates with the puck against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on January 17, 2018 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
