Whenever there is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound prospect, NHL general managers pay attention. Most teams have power forward on their shopping list and most teams don't have one, and there's a legitimate option in the upcoming NHL draft: Lawson Crouse.
Most people expect Crouse to be tough in the corners — he is. Most expect him to play physical — he does. He plays solid defense and his general manager, Doug Gilmour, can't stop complimenting him, and Gilmour's opinion carries weight considering he had a Hall of Fame career.
With 51 points in 56 games, Crouse led the Kingston Frontenacs in scoring this season. His three points in four playoff games and 18 penalty minutes just added to his reputation in a good way. The soon-to-be-18-year-old is a known leader who scored 29 goals. Three of those were game-winners and two of them were shorthanded.
The London, Ontario native is tough to handle down low, and he's powerful in the crease. He's hard to move out of the crease and he has a good shot. His skating is another area he has to improve, but these days, most prospects have a skating coach and most improve over time. It's not a big concern at all.
"I think I'm ready right away," Crouse said at last weekend's NHL combine. "Obviously, I know there's stuff I have to improve on to get to the next level. I'm doing whatever it takes to get to the next level. I'm just trying to improve on my overall skills. I think that will open more doors for me."
He is a prototypical left winger and his draft stock seems to be tied to how much skill he possesses.
"A lot of my skill is underrated," Crouse said. "I believe in myself as a player and I know I have the skill and the ability to play in the National Hockey League. I think if I believe that I can be capable of many things.
NHL
“I like to watch Rick Nash and Milan Lucic. I feel I like to play like a more skilled Lucic, but I do have that ability to play strong, mean and tough. Given the opportunity, I can bury the puck like Nash.”
Lawson's dad, Mike, coached him throughout minor hockey and he's been known for having a temper.
"I think I take after my dad," Crouse said. "My mom is a nice lady, but I take after him.
After all, Crouse's nickname is "The Sheriff." There aren't many nice sheriffs out there.
At the combine, Crouse met with the Flyers and 19 other teams.
"Yeah, but it's the same thing," he said. "Everybody has their own opinion and own idea, so it just comes down to draft day."
