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Eamon Powell Scouting Report: 2020 NHL Draft #78

Eamon Powell

Welcome back to Top Shelf 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 2020 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 Eamon Powell.

Born in Marcellus, New York defenceman Eamon Powell has spent the last two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program. He spent this season with the Under-18 squad and scored six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 43 games. He had a strong tournament at the Under-18 Five Nations, helping the team to a silver medal. Unfortunately the COVID-19 Pandemic cancelled the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, the signature event that Powell and his teammates were building towards.

Last season, on the Under-17 team, Powell scored seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 56 games. He also added one goal in two playoff games. Powell played in the 2018 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He scored a goal and two assists for three points in five tournament games. He played his minor hockey in both Syracuse and Rochester. Powell is committed to playing hockey for the Boston College Eagles next season. Should he change his mind and opt to go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the Saginaw Spirit. They drafted him in the 10th round, 201st overall, at the 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft.

Eamon Powell Scouting Report

Defence — shoots Right
Born May 10th, 2002 — Marcellus, New York
Height 5’11” — Weight 165 lbs [180 cm/75 kg]

Skating

Powell might be the best skater in this entire draft. His first step and his acceleration are dynamic. His top-end speed is elite. This is true in both directions. Powell’s stride is long and smooth. He generates a lot of power as well. Powell can join the rush or pinch in at the blue line and still get back to make a play in the defensive end. He generates real speed even when carrying the puck. Powell has the power and balance to fight through checks as well. He is strong on his skates and has excellent balance despite his lack of size. His edgework and agility are elite. Powell can cut on a dime, and he does a great job of maintaining and even increasing his speed through his turns. His mobility allows him to cover a ton of ice and to play effectively at both ends of the rink.

Offensive Game

Powell pairs his strong skating with great stickhandling ability. A memorable sequence saw him score three shootout goals against Finland. His quick hands and feet allow him to avoid forecheckers in the defensive zone and move the puck in the transition game. He can also lead the rush through the neutral zone and makes effective zone entries. Powell has good vision and passing skills. He can also move the puck forward with a good first pass. His lateral mobility allows him to find open space and create passing lanes. Powell controls the puck with poise at the blue line. He creates time and space and sets up teammates for scoring chances.

Powell could use some work on his slap shot. He may be able to add more power as he bulks up. However, his wrist shot is effective. It has good power and features a quick release. Powell will sneak in from the line, letting it go from the top of the circles. He also moves well laterally, walking the line to open up a shooting lane and get the puck on the net. Powell is a smart player. He picks his spots well in joining the rush or pinching in at the line.

Defensive Game

Powell’s defensive game is based on his skating and his active stick. His strong backwards skating and lateral mobility allow him to maintain excellent gap control and force attackers wide. He forces attackers into bad scoring areas. He uses his stick to steal the puck from opponents and to cut down passing lanes. Powell is strong positionally and he reads the play well. This allows him to be in a position to intercept passes and create turnovers. Powell is also able to use his skating to retrieve dump ins and win races to loose pucks. When he gets the puck, he is able to quickly transition it up the ice, minimizing the opponent’s zone time. Powell is a bit undersized and does not really play a physical game.

Projection and Comparison

Powell has the potential to be a top-four defenceman if he can continue his development. He needs to add strength to his frame. By going the NCAA route, Powell will play a lighter schedule and will have the time to work in the weight room. He may never be a top unit power-play quarterback but could be used on the second unit. Powell’s game is reminiscent of Brian Rafalski. However, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and potential.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Eamon Powell that are available on youtube and twitter.

Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.

 

Main Photo:

Embed from Getty Images

PLYMOUTH, MI – DECEMBER 11: Eamon Powell #46 of the U.S. Nationals protects the puck from Maxim Masti #21 of the U17 Slovakia Nationals during game two of day one of the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on December 11, 2018, in Plymouth, Michigan. Team USA defeated Slovakia 7-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

Ben Kerr

Ben Kerr

Ben is a credentialed sports writer from just outside Toronto, Canada. A lawyer, he has a highly analytical approach to writing. Ben is the COO of Last Word On Sports INC. Most of his writing can be found in the hockey department, though he follows and writes on other sports as well.

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