Sunday, June 14, 2009

Acolatse, Sena - D - Seattle WHL

Sena Acolatse / Seattle Thunderbirds WHL

D/RW-R / 5-10.75, 209 / 28-Nov-90

Skating: 45 / Skill: 40 / Sense: 40 / Compete: 40 / Tough: 70

Strengths: Rugged and a very good fighter. Tremendous strength for a 5-11 player.

Weaknesses: No improvement over last three seasons.

Here's a case of a (late birthdate) guy who looks like a decent prospect at 16, but drops because by the time his draft year rolls around, he's the same player he was that first season. It's even arguable he took a step backward this season, but getting shuffled to forward didn't help. Two seasons ago I thought there was a little puck upside, but it just hasn't come through (yet). You have to hope this guy is a late bloomer, but I would question that, given he physically already looks like he's in his mid-20s.

Still draws interest for his toughness and fighting ability. He's one of the toughest guys in the Dub, and that's got to be worth a look for NHL teams, even with the smallish (well, short at least) size.

Summary: Lack of improvement in his game means he's probably a what-you-see player. Don't know if there's any aspect of his game in its current state that suggests a pro player - but for one: that's the fighting ability. Probably wouldn't argue at all for this player unless I completely missed out on getting a fighter in before the last pick.

Draft Day: I don't know if this guy will be on anybody's list, I would think the fighting ability would be worth some interest. But flip a coin on whether he'll go at all.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sena has got more skill that most of your top 20. You have missed the boat on this one my friend. I like the fact that Sena is open to playing forward So many players are reluctant to switch positions for fearing of getting out of their comfort zone but not Sena. It’s also a pretty good “team first” attitude. Remember Dustin Byfuglien when he played for Prince George? He was a defenseman with the Cougars but is now a forward with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. Sena is not as big as Byfuglien but he’s probably as strong and possibly a better skater and I think he could make the transition as well.

Anonymous said...

In to the NHL