5th Round #121 overall - Max Willman

[26CornerBlitz]

Black Book

 

Max is a re-entry player for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He is a very flashy skilled player. He has excellent speed and one on one moves. He can beat defenders and goaltenders at will. He handles the puck very well and is capable of creating plays for both his linemates and himself. He loves using his speed to push the pace of the game and make plays as many players at his level struggle to keep up with him. When he isn’t distributing the puck among his linemates, he displays a hard accurate shot.

 

The biggest concern for him moving forward would be improvements to his defensive game. He doesn’t really take care of his own end and will need to improve his two-way contributions. Max is slated to join Brown University in September 2014.

 

Max Willman - scrum (6/28/14) <2:49>

Max Willman met with reporters in Philadelphia after being drafted by Buffalo.

 

ESPN Boston blog post on Willman's selection and quotes from his coach

Williston-Northampton head coach Derek Cunha presented Willman with the opportunity to play a post-grad year at his school and entry into some prestigious summer showcase events, including the Beantown Classic.

 

“One thing he did was he made the most of every opportunity along the way,” Cunha said. “Starting with summer showcases last summer, midget hockey in the fall and then with us during the prep season, he got better and better.”

 

"He can beat defensemen one-on-one, shoot and score from the perimeter or bowl his way towards the net," said Cunha. "He really dictates the play. He forces the play and makes defensemen worried about him."

 

From CSNNE

LW Max Willman from Williston-Northampton High School (116th): “He’s a 6-footer, crafty with a good stick and good hands. He’s a good player. The question with him is what he’s going to be if he can’t put up big offense at the next level. He’s not really barking. He’s not really man.”

Edited June 28, 2014 by 26CornerBlitz

[Bob Malooga]

It blows my mind when the guys on the radio, or elsewhere, knock a kid for giving an example of a great player he admires.

 

When you ask a kid the question, "what NHL player do you try to model your game after?" Do you expect him to say John Scott? There are worse players a kid could aspire to be like than Patrick Kane. If he becomes 1/10th of Patrick Kane, as a 3rd round draft pick, it's a hell of a pick.

 

And again, I like the idea of going the high school/college route for mid-to-late round picks, stashing them away for a few years while they develop.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Bob Malooga

[Taro T]

It blows my mind when the guys on the radio, or elsewhere, knock a kid for giving an example of a great player he admires.

 

When you ask a kid the question, "what NHL player do you try to model your game after?" Do you expect him to say John Scott? There are worse players a kid could aspire to be like than Patrick Kane. If he becomes 1/10th of Patrick Kane, as a 3rd round draft pick, it's a hell of a pick.

 

And again, I like the idea of going the high school/college route for mid-to-late round picks, stashing them away for a few years while they develop.

You obviously don't drive a cab. ;)