Eakin, Cody - C - Swift Current WHL

Cody Eakin / Swift Current Broncos WHL

C-L / 5-11.25, 176 / 25-May-91

Skating: 70 / Skill: 60 / Sense: 55 / Compete: 65 / Tough: 50

Strengths: Excellent speed. Very good shooting touch. Effective forechecker and plays with lots of energy.

Weaknesses: Has had trouble staying healthy. Concussions in each of the last two seasons is a concern.

Is essentially a middle-class man's version of Scott Glennie - similar styles. Frequently in on the forecheck and uses speed to open up space for himself. Very good in transition and can kick into an extra gear to beat d-men. Good at finishing his chances. Gave us a glimpse of what he's capable of at the Top Prospects Game with 2 goals and a lot of buzzing around.

Skating improved this season - less bowlegged and a longer stride. Good first step quickness. Effective penalty killer, but could be better at backchceking at even strength. Plays with some grit and will initiate contact. Will need to get stronger at the next level.

Summary: If not for the health issues over the last two seasons, he might have sneaked into first round consideration on skating and raw skill. But he's a bit too risky for a team spending it's first/only 1st rounder.I like him a bit better than the consensus - I'd consider him in the first half of the 2nd.

Draft Day: He's a bit of wildcard. Anywhere in the 2nd round is my guess. Some chance of him sliding into 3rd.