Brayden Klimpke:
Projection: Bottom 4 Defence
Strengths: Skating, Poise, All-around game
Weaknesses: Strength, Top speed
Analysis:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Klimpke becomes an NHL regular once he
fully develops. His game is already very conservative and professional
in the way he plays. He has some very smooth skating to keep up with
attackers and work to open ice in the offensive zone. He is very agile
with his stride and can skate himself out of trouble in his own zone
if needed. With the puck, he has plenty of poise, keeping calm while
weighing his options to make the best play available to him. He has
great puck control and uses his body to defend the puck or force
attackers to the outside. Honestly, every aspect of his game is at an
above-average level for this class.
The two things he needs to work on the most would be his physicality
and top speed. Both will come as he spends a few years developing his
strength, as he is pretty slight for someone his size. As he gets
stronger, he will more consistently win puck battles along the boards
and get faster with his fluid stride. The only real worry I’d have is
what his highest ceiling is, but if he ends up being a bottom 4
defenceman, that’s still exceptional value for where I have him ranked
(Early third round).