Scouting Report: Anthony DeAngelo, D, Sarnia (OHL)

Central Scouting Rank: 14th

Bio

2013-14 Stats

Overview

DeAngelo led all OHL defenseman in scoring during the 2013-14 season, averaging 1.39 points per game. His point totals would have been higher had he not been suspended eight games for a violation of the league's harassment and abuse/diversity policy after making an inappropriate statement to a teammate in January.

At the time, NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards didn't feel the suspension would affect DeAngelo's draft status: "To be honest, I'm not sure any of the scouts really thought anything different because of the suspension. He's a highly skilled guy. I'm not going to change my mind due to a suspension, especially one that really has nothing to do with hockey. He's a heck of a hockey player and he's going to move past this."

Central Scouting slotted DeAngelo fourth among North American defensemen (behind Aaron Ekblad, Haydn Fleury and Julius Honka); while there's no doubting his offensive skills, his size may temper expectations in regards to his defensive effectiveness.

DeAngelo is likely to be selected late in the first round or early on in the second round, and will be a good fit for a team looking for an offensively minded, power play quarterback type defenseman.

Pro Comparison

Dan Boyle, Mike Green

Scouts are saying

Craig Button, TSN

DeAngelo has exceptional ability with the puck. He can hold it to allow plays to develop, is an excellent passer and creates offence at every turn. He plays with a confidence and is able to play 'all night long!'

Corey Pronman, ESPN

DeAngelo is one of the toughest prospects to get a read on in this year's class. His numbers as a 17- and 18-year-old in the OHL have been outstanding, but there are notable question marks on his game from a scouting standpoint. I've heard his skating described by scouts as anywhere from good to great, with my observations leaning to the latter. He can play with pace, and makes creative plays. DeAngelo is not the biggest guy -- at 5-11, 168 pounds -- and while he competes on the ice, he tends to lose his fair share of battles. He has a long way to go defensively. On top of his flaws in the physical game, he often gets beat by skilled players and really needs to work on his angles/positioning. He can also be too risky with the puck, turning it over more than he should.

Highlights