Brandon Carlo is a rare commodity in this years NHL draft, a combination of size and hockey skills that teams are always looking for. Carlo first came into the spotlight in this past year at the World Junior Championships where he played a huge role for Team USA.
While he’s not known for generating points Carlo can move the puck very well up ice and control the flow of play from the blueline. With a 6’5” frame and with a solid defensive game Carlo is an attractive prospect, who with some luck will be available when the Habs pick at 26th overall.
Place of Birth: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense
Height: 6’5” Weight: 196lbs
Carlo is garnering a lot of attention among the defensive prospects available in this years draft, even with limited offensive production. It is possible for Carlo to improve his offensive numbers in the coming years. especially given his ability to skate well and find open areas for scoring chances. That being said his defensive game is definitely his strong suit, and given his size he easily shuts down opposing offenses.
Scouting
McKeens
Colorado native distinguished himself by making Team USA for the World Junior Championships receiving regular ice time as a 17 year-old, contributing one assist to a fifth place finish. 6’5”, 200 pound defencemen bring size,athleticism and mobility with a good feel for the game. Sustains a calm demeanor under pressure which facilitates sound decision making in his overall defensive-zone puck management and how he supports the puck as the play moves up and down the ice.
Future Considerations
A big, nasty, physical defensive defender. He’s an absolute monster out on the ice and skates extremely well for his size. His footwork is not perfect but definitely at a higher level than you would expect for someone who is six-foot-five. He is very involved in the play, looking to jump up into the rush and push the pace when the opportunity is there. He passes the puck well and shows off a very hard shot.
Hockey Prospect
Carlo brings a great combination of size, speed, strength and talent. There are some gaps in his game. Namely he needs to work on his balance, consistency and competitiveness, but when he’s playing on cue, in consideration of his physical dimensions and long-term upside, he’s one of the better defensemen available in this year’s crop. His offensive game is limited, but his size, mobility, decision making, and ability to move the puck are attractive.
Rankings
Future Considerations: 38th
Hockey Prospect: 27th
Craig Button: 52nd
NHL Central Scouting, North American Skaters: 25th
McKeen’s: 54th
Thoughts
The consensus on Carlo is much the same, he moves very well for a skater his size, but has limited offensive upside. A lot of the noise around Carlo reminds me of Jarred Tinordi, behemoth in stature and possessing a dominant defensive game.
With the Canadiens not possessing a second round pick and it being unlikely Carlo slides to the third round, is it worth the risk to pick Carlo at 26th overall? If players such as Jeremy Roy or Jakub Zboril, or Thomas Chabot are not on the board when Trevor Timmins takes the podium, he could do a lot worse than this American defenseman.
