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The fifth overall pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Ty Dellandrea has been part of a poor team with the Flint Firebirds. Despite that, he still excelled and was one of the team’s best players with 27 goals and 32 assists for 59 points in 67 games this year. He led the team in goals and was second in points behind overager Maurizio Colella (61). To give an idea of how poor Flint’s offence was, the third leading scorer had 34 points, and fourth was at 30 points. Colella had 24 goals, and the third leading goal scorer had just 16. Unfortunately, it was not enough as the Firebirds still did not qualify for the OHL Playoffs.
Instead, Dellandrea joined Team Canada for the Under-18 IIHF World Championships. Dellandrea had five points in five games and Canada finished first in their pool. Unfortunately, they were upset in the quarter-finals by the Czech Republic, and finished the tournament in fifth. Dellandrea experienced more team success at last summer’s Ivan Hlinka tournament, where he won a gold medal. However, he did not score a point in five games in that tournament.
Ty Dellandrea Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Right
Born July 21, 2000 — Port Perry, Ontario
Height 6’1″ — Weight 190 lbs [185 cm/86 kg]
Skating
Dellandrea is an excellent skater. He has the top end speed necessary to pull away from defenders and create odd-man rushes. His quick feet give him excellent acceleration, and he reaches that top speed in just a few strides. Dellandrea has the agility and edgework to make quick cuts and changes in direction. However, he could work on his power and balance. He can be knocked off the puck a bit too much, and he could improve his work along the boards and in front of the net with a bit better balance.
Offensive Game
Dellandrea scores goals with an excellent wrist and snapshot. He has the hockey IQ to find soft spots in the opposing defence and gets his shot off from the high slot. His shots are powerful and accurate. He also has a good backhand. Dellandrea gets to the dirty areas of the ice, where he has the hand-eye coordination to get deflections and pounce on rebounds. He could be even more effective there with a bit more strength, as this would help him to establish a position in front of the net. He goes there often without the puck and provides a good screen in front of the goalie.
As a playmaker, Dellandrea plays a very straightforward, north-south game. He makes quick smart, passes to teammates. Dellandrea is not the type of player to make a number of fancy moves or stickhandling with the play or to try to thread the needle on a dangerous pass. Instead, he makes the smart play, keeps the puck moving, and looks to maintain possession down low. This is another area where he needs a bit more lower-body strength to dominate down low.
Defensive Game
Dellandrea works hard in the defensive end. His skating and strong hockey IQ help to make him a good penalty killer, as he cuts down passing lanes and creates turnovers. He backchecks hard in his own zone and looks to support the defence down low. However, lack of size and strength is a limiting factor here. He can be overpowered by opponents. This could improve in the coming years if he is able to add more muscle to his frame.
Projection and Comparison
The good news is that Dellandrea’s biggest weakness is one that is common in teenage hockey prospects and easily remedied. Adding muscle and strength are often things that are necessary, and come through hard work over the next couple of years. While Dellandrea may not become a franchise centre, he could be a top-six centre with a good defensive game. Dellandrea’s game is reminiscent of Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks. This is a stylistic comparison only though, and not one based on potential or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Dellandrea that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
LONDON, ON – DECEMBER 4: Ty Dellandrea #53 of the Flint Firebirds skates against Olli Juolevi #4 of the London Knights during an OHL game at Budweiser Gardens on December 4, 2016 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Firebirds 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
