Caleb Malhotra (Ranked #8 on my list):
Projection: Top 6 Center
Strengths: NHL Release, Physicality, 200-foot game, Deceptive
playmaking, Skating
Weaknesses: Faceoff ability, Defensive lapses
Analysis:
Caleb Malhotra is a very strong two-way center man who has elements of
offensive creativity and prowess in his game. He is one of the most
physically fit players in this draft, which allows him to outmaneuver
and muscle opponents when driving the net or battling out front. He
uses his size to generate chaos out front, which often leads to
scoring opportunities for his teammates. When not planted in front, he
has an NHL-calibre release to rifle the puck past goalies with power
and precision or a talented amount of vision to see open teammates for
easy backdoor tap-ins. Additionally, he is excellent at defending the
rush and tying up open players, making him very well off in his own
zone. Lastly, he has an excellent stride, which helps him generate
speed down the wing and blow by or catch up to opponents.
His biggest weaknesses to me are his faceoff abilities and the
occasional defensive positioning lapse. He has one of the weaker
faceoff numbers for centermen in this draft, which doesn’t mean he
can’t improve upon it, but you’d want him to have more success in the
circle considering his draft position. He also can get puck watching
in his own zone from time to time, leading to a high danger chance
against. Both of these can be improved upon, and being one of the
younger players in this draft, he has a little extra time to improve
upon them than others.