• PROSPECT-UPDATE ARCHIVE
Were there many games involving draft prospects on Monday? No. Were any players able to make this daily top performances list? Absolutely not.
So, with no games to discuss, it's time for another HDC spotlight. Reviewing the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings, it seems that one highly-regarded prospect has not received enough love on this site. So let's take advantage of this opportunity to focus on the 12th-ranked North American skater, defenseman Jared McIsaac of the Halifax Mooseheads.
McIsaac has been regarded as one of the jewels of 2018 for at least two years, ever since he dominated Nova Scotia midget hockey with the Cole Harbour Majors. Being picked second overall in the 2016 QMJHL draft was also a big deal, since it allowed the Nova Scotia native to play for his hometown team.
The first thing you notice about McCabe is his physical stature. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he already looks like an NHL player. When you consider that he has yet to achieve his man-strength, you can project him as a major force at the next level. Watching him play, however, reveals that he's much more than a big body.
McIsaac displays a great shot through traffic and outstanding skating ability. Scouts have praised him for his speed and ability to rush the puck. Earlier in the season he struggled, perhaps feeling the weight of his draft year. In the past few months, he has regained his form and has an outside chance to go in the top 10 if he maintains his current level of play.
The video below shows all six of McIsaac's 2017-18 goals to date. Take a look at how well he fires the puck from the point and the way he forces himself into the offense with authority. Not too many defenseman can impose their will on a game, but McIsaac has the ability when he is in a groove.