The Blackhawks signed Vanacker to an ELC, 3 years $975,000 AAV.
- DarthKane
I am currently in Alabama on my to I-65 into Chicagoland area.
before I left I started erasing old vids, and before I erased the CHL prospects game in January, I remembered Marek Vanacker was in it on the Red team, so I watched all his shifts.
Quite frankly watched this game and spent most of my time trying to breakdown a lot of different players.
Here's what I surmised from the other night: At first you may think with his tremendous speed he's a future F-1.
But there is so much deatil on his defensive side. Even when way in the attack zone, and the puck turned over, he sped to get back and attempt to cover an opposing attacker. He was furthest in, and always jetted back on defense picking up an attacker or trying to.
One of the things I noticed with different game views, he seemed a kid whose quick stick disrupted passes, contested passed pucks when the receiving players expected easy receptions but got Marek messing with the outlets.
He is a WALL player, six foot but relishing puck battles.
Always positioning himself even in the middle zone to be an obstacle.
Always positioning himself in the attack zone when his team is attacking.
Team Red had a one goal lead, 2-1, and he was moved from the Cole Beaudoin scoring line to a defensive line so he could help keep them off the board.
He was usually in the secong PK unit.
i just didn't want to pass by the opportunity to look at him in an all star competition.
Here is the profile I wrote prior to the draft:
After a freshman year compilation of 4 goals and 16 points, Vanacker has emerged as one of the OHL top draft picks that saw him pot 26 goals and 33 assist in 50 games so far, leading the team (although that is due to Chicago prospect Nick Lardis’ injury absence). He has been an offensive threat on most shifts, because he can really shoot the puck. He’s played primarily as a second line left winger. A strong forechecker who wins pucks. He has room on his frame for more weight and muscle and that will aid him progressing to be a power wing. He plays with an edge, has good on-ice vision and good hands an excellent straight line speed. Displays good balance and acceleration albeit not much lateral wiggle. Will drive play to the net or come inside to the front to receive opportunistic passes. Uses his body to shield pucks from defenders, and is able to find the open seam to the net, or use the perimeter to pass or shoot, but his hands in tight are gold. This kid can really shoot the puck, and his on-ice decisions continue improving. There is more than a little seasoning that needs to be added, but he appears to be prospect who will eventually find some role in the pros, as his jump and opportunistic nose for the net prime him towards future success. He continues making better on ice decisions when he possesses the puck.
(He is gonna have to grow another inch and get on the weights to rech my lofty power wing prediction.
