Part of draft projections that make them so hard is the fact that players can take time to blossom. Not all of them are prodigious scorers from the time they are 12 years old. Some need some seasoning. That is why scouting every league no matter the pedigree is very, very important.
Dylan Gambrell is a player that slipped through the cracks for two years as he never really found a proper home for his skill set. He was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NHL draft at pick number 60 by the San Jose Sharks. Playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL in the few years prior to his selection, he never stuck out from the rest of the crowd. He just seemed to be a player that for better or for worse, put his head down and played his game.
Going to the University of Denver changed all of that though, he played on the “Pacific Rim” line, where he was able to exceed a point per game offensively. The first time he has done that since he was 15 years old.
This is what Future Considerations had to say about the player:
“Gambrell does not panic under pressure and he protects the puck very well with his strength and with his reach when carrying it wide. He has very good vision and decision making ability, and sets up his teammates very well from the perimeter. He is also able to lead a teammate through the middle of the ice with a quick lead pass. More of a pass first player, Gambrell can also put the puck in the net with his quick shot from closer range.”
He has shown that he can dominate against players he is older than, where does he go from here?
Name: Dylan Gambrell
Age (as of 10/12/16): 20
Position: Center
2015-16 Team: University of Denver Pioneers
Where he’ll (probably) be next year: University of Denver Pioneers
What we like: Skating, ability to learn
What to improve on: Establish a more proven track record
Highlight:
Gambrell is #7 in the video and scores two goals on this night against Notre Dame. If you like hard rock, this clip is definitely for you.
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our