Alex DeBrincat Proving Size Doesn’t Matter
By Ryan Ritchie
Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters has taken complete control over the OHL scoring early into 2015-16. At 5’7 160lbs, the undersized forward has taken much criticism from scouts and experts about his small stature. It’s nothing new for him though, he was passed over twice in the OHL draft.
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Just as Leafs prospect Connor Brown was treated, Alex DeBrincat has been accused of being the benefactor of playing on a team with Connor McDavid. Although, Connor Brown quieted his critics pretty quickly after an impressive rookie season with AHL Toronto Marlies last season.
DeBrincat scored 104 points with the Erie Otters in 2014-15, and looks poised to quiet the critics as well, as he’s already put up 35 points in 16 games. That includes 25 goals and four hat-trick’s. Teammate Dylan Strome, drafted third overall at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, has 26 points in 13 games.
Alex DeBrincat vs. Smaller NHL Players
Nathan Gerbe, Carolina Hurricanes – 5.42ft 178lbs
Rocco Grimaldi, Florida Panthers – 5.5ft 180lbs
Brian Gionta, Buffalo Sabres – 5.58ft 178lbs
David Desharnais, Montreal Canadiens – 5.58ft 174lbs
Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers – 5.58ft 179lbs
Stephen Gionta, New Jersey Devils – 5.58ft 175lbs
Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets – 5.66ft 180lbs
Mark Arcobello, Toronto Maple Leafs – 5.66ft 172lbs
Paul Byron, Montreal Canadiens – 5.66ft 158lbs
Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning – 5.66ft 185lbs
It’s also worth noting that KHL transfer Artemi Panarin (5.9ft) was only 154lbs last season, while Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau (same height as Panarin), weighed in at 150lbs last year. The NHL game is now about speed and skill, something smaller players depend heavily on. Couple that with elusive squirmy speed and creativeness, and you’ve got offensively dynamic forwards.
Projected as a mid to late first rounder, Alex DeBrincat should continue to climb scouts charts as the season progresses. He’s still slightly underweight, and needs 15-20 more pounds to compete at the NHL level, but make no mistake, DeBrincat is a top 10, borderline top 5 talent in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Teams made mistakes last year at one of the deeper drafts in recent history. We watched Travis Konecny slide into the 20s, only to have Toronto trade the pick to Philadelphia so they could scoop up the talented young prospect that never should have fallen that far. Then we watched as all 30 teams passed on Daniel Sprong in the first round, who was regarded by some (including this writer) as a top 10 talent. But, the player who took the biggest hit due to criticism due to his size was Barrie Colts forward Andrew Mangiapane who slid to the 6th round after topping 100 points in the OHL. That alone should prove how many dinosaurs are still running scouting departments.
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Where do you think the Erie Otters forward gets drafted? Will his draft stock continue to rise, or will his physical stature continue to hurt his stock? What kind of player do you believe Alex DeBrincat projects to be in the NHL? Which team projected to be in the lottery could use this versatile winger/center? Let us know what you think below.