Welcome back to Top Shelf Hockey Prospects, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day I will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2017 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow me on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here. Today we look at Cody Glass.
Cody Glass has been one of the biggest risers on our NHL draft board. Ranked outside the first round to start the year; to top 20 in November; to top 10 in February; and finally 6th overall in this ranking. He has been the key offensive catalyst for the Portland Winterhawks this season, and shown off the type of offensive talent that just can not be denied.
Glass picked up 27 points in 65 games as a WHL Rookie, and while a lot more was expected of him this year, he has exceeded all expectations. While he played very limited minutes last year, he has been given a lot more responsibility on this year’s team. Glass has thrived, with 32 goals and 94 points in 69 games. He has added six points in five playoff games as Portland has taken a surprising 3-2 series lead on the Prince George Cougars.
Cody Glass Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #6
Center — shoots Right
Born Apr 1 1999 — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height 6’2″ — Weight 179 lbs [188 cm / 81 kg]
Skating
Cody Glass is a decent skater. Once he gets going, he shows very good speed. He could stand to work on his first step and his acceleration though. There is a bit of a short and jerky quality to his starts and it robs him of some quickness. If he can improve this area he will be even more dangerous. Glass has good agility and edge work, which helps him to be very elusive in the offensive zone. His balance and strength are also decent, but could be improved with more lower-body strength.
Offensive Game
Glass has good hands, with the ability to stick handle in tight spaces and make moves one-on-one. He protects the puck extremely well down low, extending plays and keeping possession. He shields the puck well, using his body to keep defenders away, while also having the good balance to fight through checks. Glass is good in board battles, and could be even better as he adds some muscle to his frame. He also has the passing skills and vision to make his linemates better and put up points. Glass is an creative play maker, finding a way to get the puck to a teammate, even when there doesn’t appear to be much of a lane to do so.
He also has a decent wrist shot and good release. Glass’ quick hands help him to finish plays in tight to the net. What really sets him apart offensively though is his hockey IQ. He is almost always in the right spot or making the correct play with the puck. He puts the puck into good areas, allowing a teammate to get it and make a play. Glass then finds an opening, and looks for a soft spot in the defense to get open for a return pass.
Defensive Game
Glass shows a very strong two-way game. His hockey IQ translates to the defensive end of the ice, where he shows good positioning and excellent anticipation. A strong and active stick creates turnovers, which he quickly translates into offence. He also is willing to block shots. Glass can kill penalties, as well as being strong in the face-off circle.
Projection and Comparison
Glass could grow to be a top line centre if everything goes well. However, it is more likely that he becomes a top notch second line centre, with an excellent two-way game. The ability to provide offence, while also playing against other team’s top lines, and killing penalties is something that is always valuable and in high demand in the NHL. In terms of a stylistic, but not talent, comparison, Glass’ game reminds one of Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the number seven prospect on our board.
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