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With the success of players like Leon Draisaitl at the NHL level and the German national team at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, it is clear that German hockey is taking major steps forward in recent years. The next German star coming down the pipeline is defenseman Moritz Seider. Seider is playing in the top German league and has put up two goals and six points in 29 games for the Mannheim Eagles. His efforts won him the DEL Rookie of the Year Award. He added three assists in 11 playoff games.
Seider’s true coming out party though came at the D1A World Juniors where he picked up a goal and seven points in five games. He was named the best defenseman in the tournament and helped the German squad to a gold medal and qualification to play in the top division at next year’s World Juniors. Last season, he helped Germany to silver at the D1A Under-18s, where he put up three assists in five games and was again named the tournament’s best defenseman.
Moritz Seider Scouting Report
Defence — Shoots Right
Born April 6th, 2001 — Zell (Mosel), Germany
Height 6’4″ — Weight 198 lbs [192 cm / 90 kg]
Skating
Seider pairs excellent size at 6-foot-4 with strong skating ability. Seider has an excellent skating stride. This gives him good speed in both directions, especially given his size. His first few steps and acceleration are also well above-average. Seider has good edgework and makes quick pivots. His agility allows him to move well laterally, both in the offensive and defensive zones. Seider has decent balance. This can improve as he continues to add core body strength in the coming years. Seider is already pretty good on the boards and in front of the net, especially in facing players in his age group.
Offensive Game
Seider moves the puck up the ice with good stickhandling and quick skating, as well as the ability to make a strong first pass. He transitions the puck out of his zone and is able to carry it effectively through the neutral zone. He is even willing to lead the rush at times. The stickhandling and poise with the puck on his stick is also useful on the power play, as he is able to control the play and set things up at the point. Seider has good vision and can set up teammates on the rush, as well as in the offensive zone.
Seider also has a very good arsenal of point shots. He has the smarts to pick his spots. Seider likes to sneak down from the point, getting off a quick wrist shot with a good release. His slap shot is also above average. He is able to keep it low and on the net to get rebounds as well as provide his teammates with the opportunity to deflect pucks and screen goalies. His shots should continue to add even more power as he gets stronger. He will also need to learn how to effectively walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes.
Defensive Game
Defensively, Moritz Seider plays a physical game, looking to throw a big hit if an opposing forward challenges him down his side of the ice. However, he can get himself out of position looking for those hits and must become more disciplined. There is intriguing upside here but it should be noted that Seider is a long-term prospect as he will need some coaching on his positional play. He won’t be able to get away with some of the things he does in the defensive zone when he faces tougher competition.
Projection and Comparison
Seider is a bit of a project but one that has a high-end upside. He is a real boom or bust type of player. The combination of size, offensive skills, physicality, and mobility mean that the sky is the limit. If he is able to reach his ceiling, he could become a franchise defender. However, Seider’s game is unpolished at this point and getting him to reach that level is no guarantee. It will take time, patience, and a real commitment to continued development. In terms of stylistic comparison, Seider’s game is similar to a mix of Zach Werenski and Seth Jones. This is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Moritz Seider that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
