Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day our LWOS Prospects Writers will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow Ben Kerr, and Frederik Frandsen 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!” Today we bring you our Andrew Basha Scouting Report.
Speed is the name of the game in modern-day hockey. Without speed from good skating or smart hockey IQ, the chances of making the NHL significantly drop. You have to be able to play the game at high speed. One of the fastest in the 2024 NHL draft class is Andrew Basha. He is a speedy, fun forward to watch and was the driving force behind the Medicine Hat Tigers offence in the WHL. In 63 games he had 30 goals and 85 points. A season that has seen him raise in the rankings going into the draft.
Andrew Basha 2024 NHL Draft Scouting Report
Forward — Shoots Left
Born November 8th, 2005 — Calgary, AB, CAN
Height 6’0″ — Weight 185 lbs [183cm / 84 kg]
Skating
As mentioned in the introduction, Andrew Basha is among the most exciting players to watch in the draft class. Almost every time he is on the ice the pace of the game seems to go up. His overall quickness is great and his skating makes him able to fly. His top-end speed is incredible and he is a good and agile player. The first step is good and he can blow by defenders if he’s allowed to run at them with the puck.
His edges aren’t perfect and it does limit him to more of a speedskater on the ice. While he is a swift and solid puck handler his turning circle is wider than desired. On top of that, his balance and overall lack of strength and size need improving, as he is knocked off the puck far too often.
In transition, he is great and will work hard both ways. He plays with great off-the-puck movements. This often leads to him being an outlet in the neutral zone to create zone entry during the breakout.
Andrew Basha’s Scouting Report on the Offensive Game
Aside from his fast skating, what enabled Basha to succeed in the WHL was his great playmaking. The vision and intelligence in the offensive zone are at the top of the class. He handles the puck well in tight and can distribute the puck to his teammates with great accuracy. He always seems to have his head up and be aware of the position of everyone around him. This allows him to wait for an opening to create high-danger scoring chances with timely slot passes.
His shooting isn’t often discussed, since it will play second fiddle to his passing and skating. However, as this season showed that Basha knows how to find the net. The shot is not great, but it’s not terrible either. Basha has a fairly accurate snapshot that can come off the blade somewhat deceptively. In contrast, most of his goals come from his great awareness as he allows the puck to come to him during rebounds or tap-ins. It’s not a case of him winning the direct battle in front of the net, but more so him being smarter than the rest, and being aware of where to be open for the easy tap-ins.
Defensive Game
From our scouting report on Andrew Basha thus far, it is clear he is an offensive player. It is where his strengths lie, and it’s therefore not a shock his defence isn’t great. He competes well and the defensive aspects have improved, but it is not glamorous. He tries to get involved and does use his speed on the backcheck, but it feels like his mind is focused on the next offensive rush rather than defensive duties. Often being the first guy out of the zone to chase that next chance. This is however coachable and with his high hockey IQ and willingness to compete even with a smaller frame, this should improve over time.
Projection and Comparison
The upside of one of the older prospects in the draft is clear to see. The speed and excitement surrounding Andrew Basha is great. He has a lot to like offensively, with fantastic vision and awareness, and seems to know where everyone is at all times. He also has a big heart and works well, showing signs of improving defensively and in terms of consistency. However, the downside is also quite clear. His shot is only just okay, and while his skating is fast, his balance and strength need to improve. Otherwise, it’s likely his stay in the NHL will be more as a fringe player than anything substantial.
As a direct comparison to him, Jimmy Vesey comes to mind. Both are fast and quick skaters with good offensive abilities and a high hockey IQ. However, both are also smaller players who lack the balance to utilize the skating in full. Basha has the tools to be a great middle-six player, but could also become another journeyman like Vesey, who took a long time to find a true home in the NHL.
Main photo: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
