Boyd Gordon career profile at HockeyDraftCentral.com

2002 NHL Entry Draft

BOYD GORDON

WASHINGTON • ROUND: 1 OVERALL: 17

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Previous Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Pre-Draft Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 20 Midterm Rank: 18

The Hockey News: 34 Red Line Report: 34

Vital Statistics

Position: RW • Height: 6-0 • Weight: 192 • Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Oct. 19, 1983 • Hometown: Unity, Saskatchewan

Pre-Draft Notes

Central Scouting Report: A fluid skater who is solid on his skates with tremendous balance and mobility ... has very good lateral movement and is very elusive in one-on-one situations ... displays good on-ice vision and uses his teammates very well .. a tenacious forechecker who effectively forces turnovers ... does not play an overly physical style, but does not back away from any situation ... is willing to sacrifice himself to make the play and create scoring chances, especially in front of the opposition's net ... a good two-way forward who is very aware of his defensive responsibilities ... has a good shot with a quick release.

THN Draft Preview: Boyd Gordon is destined for either third-line duty or on a shuttle to and from the farm. Gordon uses his speed to create turnovers and has good hockey sense. He doesn't play a physically punishing style, but won't back away when challenged. Scouts see Gordon being most effective on a power play where he can put his creativity to use. He is less effective 5-on-5.

Red Line Report: Smart, well-rounded player who brings a lot of intangibles. Proved smart defensively in his rookie year, and showed more offensively this season. Has underrated offensive skills and hockey sense. Very good skater and has good agility. Goes to the net with and without the puck. Has good vision and passing skills. Uses his speed effectively on the forecheck and causes turnovers with hard work. Does many of the little things in both zones that win games but often go unnoticed. An ace on faceoffs and a good penalty killer. Doesn't initiate physical play, but is willing to pay the price to make a good defensive play or get a scoring chance. Character player who loves to play the game and takes on whatever role is asked of him.
Projection: Versatile 3rd-liner who chips in offensively. Style compares to Jamie Langenbrunner/Jere Lehtinen.

Pre-Draft Quotes

Boyd is a talented player who skates extremely well. He understands and plays effectively in both ends of the rink. Boyd also possesses a tremendous amount of hockey sense.

-- Brent Sutter, Head Coach and GM, Red Deer Rebels

He is a smart player with skill who looks like he can score. He has a good shot and is smart on the power play and at the halfboards. I see him as an above average skater with above average talent.

-- Anonymous NHL Scout, Hockey News Draft Preview

He is one of those guys you go down the checklist and say: 'Pretty good, pretty good, pretty good', but you never check off real good or excellent. There is a question of whether he takes the step to the NHL.