Upside Hockey is a team of intergalactic wanderers scouting the galaxy for hockey prospects with #RidiculousUpside™ for the #NHLdraft.

Coast to Coast coverage fearlessly led by two East Coasters: E-Mac (Chief Rankings Officer) is still on the East Coast and Kit Rideout (Chief Exploration Officer) relocated to the Canadian Rockies. Canadian Rockies based Sandman (Chief Profiling Officer) rounds out our team.

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Many feel a franchise should draft based on positional need. Given the length of time it can take a prospect to truly reach their full potential, we'd contest drafting the best player available makes the most sense, with position coming into play as a tie-breaker.

Having covered the draft in-depth formally since 2009 (and following it closely for far longer), what is the essence of what makes a desirable prospect in the eyes of Upside Hockey's scouts?

The emphasis is placed on seeking out prospects who thrive with respect to hockey sense, puck skills, and puck movement, as well as skating. Intangibles are key as well. The belief is that with the right coach and system of play, defense can be taught. 

Though size might use to decide between two similar prospects, it is not a focal point. 

If somehow Upside Hockey's team of prospect profilers were responsible for a professional hockey team’s scouting and player development we would be gearing towards prospects who support the vision of a team with great puck possession capabilities, with a relentless, situational awareness puck pursuit mentality.

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See previous work from this team of relentless hockey sleuths over at:

The Hockey Writers' The Next Ones

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