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Tyler Tullio Scouting Report: 2020 NHL Draft #87

Tyler Tullio

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 Tyler Tullio.

The 11th Overall pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Tyler Tullio was selected by the Oshawa Generals, a team owned by his father, Rocco Tullio. For anyone who was questioning the pick as being undeserved or the product of nepotism, Tullio immediately proved those critics wrong. He made an instant impact for the Generals scoring 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points in 60 games in his rookie season. With 29 points in his final 27 games, he ended the season on a roll. Tullio also added three goals and three assists for six points in 14 playoff games. He was named to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team. Tullio was even better this season. He scored 27 goals and 39 assists for 66 points in 62 games before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tullio also played for Team Canada Black at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He only picked up one assist in five tournament games. Tullio played his midget hockey for the Vaughn Kings. He scored five goals and five assists for 10 points in seven games at the 2018 OHL Cup. In 2014, he represented Windsor at the famous Quebec City Peewee Tournament.

Tyler Tullio Scouting Report

Right Wing — shoots Right
Born April 5th, 2002 — Lakeshore, Ontario
Height 5’11” — Weight 166 lbs [181 cm/75 kg]

Skating

Tullio is a very good skater. He has an explosive first step and excellent acceleration. Tullio also has excellent top-end speed. He is able to get behind the defence and create scoring chances on the rush. He is also able to use his ability to change speeds to fool defenders. Tullio also has outstanding edgework and agility. He accelerates out of turns and is able to change directions on a dime. Tullio could improve his lower body strength. While he is willing to battle along the boards, his lack of size and strength could be an issue at the next level. In adding muscle, he will be able to fight through checks and improve his balance.

Offensive Game

Tullio is a versatile offensive player. He combines his skating with good stickhandling ability. He can carry the puck through the neutral zone and generate effective zone entries. His ability to slow down the play or to speed it up helps him to control the play. He sees the ice well and can make a pass to a teammate through a tight lane to set up a scoring chance. With his quick hands and his strong lateral movement, he can make a quick deke to get some space to make a play. He gets in quickly on the forecheck and pressures defenders into making mistakes. Despite his lack of size, Tullio is willing to battle on the boards and in front of the net. He has a real knack for getting under the opponent’s skin.

Tullio keeps his feet moving and gets open without the puck. He finds the soft spaces in the defence and sets up to get his own shot off. His skating also allows him to carry the puck and find openings to create his own shot. Tullio has an accurate wrist shot with a lightning-quick release. His ability to change the angle of his shot before letting it go can fool goalies. He also has a very good snapshot. Tullio can also finish in tight to the goal. His quick hands can deke the goalie and he can elevate the puck quickly on his forehand or backhand.

Defensive Game

Tullio plays a 200-foot game. He brings effective backpressure, supporting the defence against the rush. He is also willing to work down low to help contain against the cycle. However, his work along the boards can use some improvement. He needs to add more weight to be effective in containing stronger opponents. Tullio has an active stick. He can strip the puck off of opponents or intercept passes. His ability to read the play helps him to anticipate the movements of opponents. He gets into good positions to prevent scoring chances.

Projection and Comparison

Tullio is a versatile forward. He is capable of playing all three forward positions. His lack of size and strength could be an issue and could lead to him becoming a winger going forward. However if he can add muscle, he has the skating ability and the smarts to stay in the middle. If he develops properly, he can be a middle-six forward, adding offence while playing a smart defensive game. Tullio’s game is reminiscent of Mikael Granlund, 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 Tyler Tullio that are available on youtube and twitter.

 

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

 

Tyler Tullio Main Photo:

Embed from Getty Images

OSHAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 14: Robert Calisti #9 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Ty Tullio #71 of the Oshawa Generals skate for the loose puck during an OHL game at the Tribute Communities Centre on February 14, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/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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