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 2021 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 “2021 NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here. Today we bring you our Chase Stillman Scouting Report.
The grandson of former NHLer Bud Stefanski, son of former NHLer Cory Stillman, and brother of Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Riley Stillman, Chase Stillman is looking to carry on the family legacy in the 2021 NHL Draft. Still was drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the second round, 25th overall, at the 2019 OHL Priority Draft. He put up 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points in 58 games as a rookie. Stillman was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team. He also played for Team Canada White at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He had three goals and an assist for four points in six games.
Last season Stillman played for Esberg’s Under-20 Team in the Danish Junior League when the OHL season did not start. He scored nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in eight games. He also joined Team Canada at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, playing for Team Canada and winning a gold medal. Stillman put up two goals and two assists for four points in seven tournament games. Having appeared in an IIHF tournament for Canada, Stillman has declared his international eligibility. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri.
Chase Stillman Scouting Report
Right Wing — shoots Right
Born March 19th, 2003 — St. Louis, Missouri
Height 6’1″ — Weight 183 lbs [185 cm/83 kg]
Skating
Stillman is a very strong skater, which helps him play his game at both ends of the rink. He has a very good first step and excellent acceleration. This allows him to reach top speed quickly, helping him to win races to loose pucks. His ability to change speeds helps Stillman to avoid defenders both with and without the puck. Stillman’s top-end speed is also very good. Stillman can take a defender wide and cut to the front of the net. His edgework and agility allow Stillman to avoid defenders and help him in the neutral zone as well. He has good crossovers and gains speed out of his turns. Stillman is also strong on his skates. His powerful lower body helps his balance and allows Stillman to be strong on the puck.
Offensive Game
Stillman plays a power forward style. He loves to drive the net, both with and without the puck. Stillman can finish when he gets there with the soft hands to make a move and get the puck over the goalie as well the hand-eye coordination for deflections and pounce on rebounds. He gets in on the forecheck quickly, pressuring defenders into mistakes and gaining control of the puck. Stillman is a real pest. He creates havoc in front of the net as well as controlling the puck well in the cycle game.
Stillman is also a very good passer. He can make plays in traffic. He has the stickhandling ability to control the puck in traffic. Stillman also has the vision and passing skills to exploit passing lanes and get the puck to an open teammate. He needs work on scoring further out from the net. He has good power and accuracy on his wrist shot but needs work on his release. It can take him too long to “load up” his shot, making it predictable for goaltenders. This could be an issue at the next level.
Defensive Game
Stillman’s defensive game is inconsistent. When his effort is there, he is good on the backcheck, bringing his physical game to help out the defence down low. He skates hard on the backcheck and applies effective backpressure against the rush. Stillman is in the right positions and uses his active stick to cut down passing and shooting lanes. However, there are times where Stillman stops moving his feet and is less effective in his own end of the ice. This is something he should be able to improve if he gives better effort levels.
Projection and Comparison
Stillman has the skills to be a middle-six winger with strength and size if he can develop to his potential. He will need to continue to work on his wrist shot as well as his defensive game to make it happen. Stillman can also continue to add muscle to his frame. This will help him continue to play his physical game while playing in a men’s league. Stillman needs time to develop. He will likely spend another two years in the OHL working on his game, followed by some time in the AHL. Any team who takes a chance on Stillman will need to be patient as power forwards take time to develop. Stillman’s game is reminiscent of Alex Tuch. 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 Chase Stillman that are available on youtube and Twitter.
Chase Stillman gives the lead back to @HockeyCanada
Suddenly both Canada and @Trekronorse have some energy in this #U18Worlds semi-finals game. pic.twitter.com/QmPLr7gqlr
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 5, 2021
Chase Stillman of the @Sudbury_Wolves becomes the first OHL rookie to get a hat trick this season (in just his 6th game)! 🎩🎩🎩
Here's his second goal last night. This kid is GOOD. #OHL #rookies pic.twitter.com/8a8brwGRHd
— Caitlin Berry (@caitlinsports) October 5, 2019
Chase Stillman with an absolute beauty for his first career OHL goal pic.twitter.com/XRILEiOGDI
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) September 28, 2019
Check back tomorrow for our latest draft article.
Chase Stillman Scouting Report Main Photo:
OSHAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 7: Chase Stillman #61 of the Sudbury Wolves skates during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on February 7, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
