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The hockey bloodlines run deep for Jack Drury. His father, Ted Drury, played 414 NHL games, for the Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers, Ottawa Senators, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, New York Islanders, and Columbus Blue Jackets. While his father was a journeyman, his uncle, Chris Drury, was a star player who won Stanley Cup and Calder Trophy. He is currently an assistant general manager with the New York Rangers.
Jack Drury was the captain of the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL. After just 12 points in 44 games as a rookie, he put up 24 goals and 41 assists for 65 points in 56 games this year. He also added three goals and five points in eight playoff games. Drury broke a USHL record with a 22-game scoring streak.
Drury has regularly represented the United States in international competition as well. He scored two goals and three assists for five points in just four games at last summer’s Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Drury also played at the World Junior A Hockey Championships scoring one goal in the five-game tournament. He was a member of Team Chelios at the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.
Drury is set to attend his father’s alma mater, as he is committed to play for the Harvard Crimson next season.
Jack Drury Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Left
Born February 3rd, 2000 — Winnetka, Illinois
Height 5’11” — Weight 175 lbs [180 cm / 79 kg]
Skating
Drury made improvements in his skating this past season, leading to his increased offensive output. While his first couple of steps could use a bit more work, his top speed has gone from average to good. His long stride generates a lot of power and makes Drury tough to knock off the puck as well as allowing him to fight through checks. He has good agility and edgework, helping him to get by defenders, as well as to defend his own end of the ice.
Offensive Game
Drury has also really improved his wrist shot this season. He clearly spent the off-season adding power to his shot and getting it off with a quicker release. While there are still some strides to be made, he can now score with wrist and snapshots from the slot and the face-off dots. Drury is also willing to get to the front of the net, where he can tip-in shots and pounce on rebounds. He plays a simple, north-south game, generating offensive chances out of a strong forecheck, and from battling in the cycle game.
Drury is an even better playmaker than he is a sniper. He has the very good vision and makes the smart play with the puck. Drury can get the puck through tight spaces, whether it is a saucer pass, or putting the puck through the “triangle” on a defender. He is a smart player who anticipates where his teammates will get open and make a tape-to-tape pass when they do.
Defensive Game
Drury is a hard worker in all three zones. He provides back pressure to the defence and works hard down low against the cycle game. Drury is involved in scrums and puck battles at both ends. His compete level is very high and he almost never cheats on the play. Drury reads the play extremely well. He gets his stick into passing lanes and creates turnovers which he can quickly transition to offence. He is also a responsible penalty killer and strong in the face-off circle.
Projection and Comparison
Drury has the potential to be a two-way middle-six centre at the NHL level. He may never be a top line centre, but he can be an important piece if he develops. He will need to continue to improve his skating and shot but has already made big strides in these areas. Expect to see him be given big minutes and used in all situations at Harvard. If he reaches his upside, he will help an NHL team on both the penalty kill and power play, but there is a bit of a project here. In terms of a style comparison, it’s hard to look at Drury, and not see big part’s of his uncle Chris’ game. This is not meant as a talent evaluation though, just a stylistic comparison.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages of Drury that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
BUFFALO, NY – SEPTEMBER 21: Jack Drury #20 of Team Chelios during the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game against Team Leetch at the KeyBank Center on September 21, 2017, in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images Sport)
