NHL Draft: Profiles 66-70
66. Linden Rowat G, Regina (WHL)
Rowat won the starting job in
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Regina out of training camp, which led to the trade of veteran
David Reekie to Everett. He was inconsistent at times this season
which was only to be expected from a first-year starter. Like
most goaltenders his age, Rowat needs to shore up his rebound
control as he often left too many pucks open for second chance
opportunities. He also needs more consistency, as he'll look like
a brick wall one night and a colander the next. He has a quick
glove hand and sees the puck well through traffic. He is strong
on first shots and rarely gets beat by the first chance. He seems
to panic a little with heavy traffic right in front of his crease when
opponents are banging away for a loose puck.
67. T.J. Galiardi , Dartmouth (ECAC)
One of four Calgarians (and
seven Albertans) on the Big Green, Galiardi has an excellent
opportunity to be the best of the bunch. He's very strong on his
stick and very effective in traffic with his reach. A smooth skater
with great vision, hockey sense and playmaking ability, Galiardi is
able to slow the game down and make those around him better.
A good faceoff man who backchecks with diligence, Galiardi was
also effective on the Big Green power play, moving the puck
crisply and accurately. There have been questions about his grit,
by some, although others don't see it as an issue.
68. Brad Malone C, Sioux Falls (USHL)
Considered a potential
top-40 pick last year following a dominating effort in the New
England prep school playoffs, Brad Malone hasn't displayed the
same level of urgency during his USHL debut in Sioux Falls. The
Chatham, N.B. native has plenty of NHL connections. He is the
son of former New York Rangers' first-round pick Jim Malone, the
nephew of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Greg Malone, and
cousin of Penguins' forward Ryan Malone. Much like his cousin,
he seems to possess all the qualities for pro success. He's a
strong skater with impressive footspeed for a big man as well as
solid puckhandling and passing skills. His ability to use his 6-2
frame is also a major plus.
69. Zack Torquato RW, Erie (OHL)
A skilled puck handler
and passer, Torquato stops moving his feet and gets lazy, and
also takes lazy stick fouls away from the play, retaliatory type.
He's got a bit of an edge to him. A stocky frame, he needs to
improve his skating explosiveness, but he's not a bad technical
skater. An excellent one-touch passer, his offensive instincts are
sharp. A good playmaker, he tends to overhandle the puck in
dangerous areas of the ice, and he has agility issues in that he
has a funny crossover. Every so often he shows a burst. He's
very strong on the puck and he has an excellent shot. He wasn't
getting much ice time in Saginaw, but when he moved to Erie he
was pretty much the go-to guy offensively.
70. Aaron Palushaj RW, Des Moines (USHL)
The type of player scouts
either love or hate. Blessed with offensive instincts, his most
standout quality is his ability to digest and execute the play one
second faster than the opposition as he can make things happen
with limited time and space. Not overly large but is hockey
strong and thrives in traffic. He possesses soft hands that can
dangle even with the opposition all over him, and he has
impressive escape ability. Especially dangerous near the net,
Palushaj can bear down and finish the play with his quick
release or ability to thread the needle with a deft pass through
congested traffic. He anticipates the game exceptionally well
and the puck seems to follow him. Scouts would like to see him
carry the play five-on-five more often and improve his defensive
habits along with his sluggish first few strides. Skating and size
concerns will likely keep him out of the top 60.