With the Sixth Pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights Have Selected Cody Glass From the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL.
About Cody Glass
Cody Glass does everything hockey teams love. His strong work ethic and high motor bode well for his future in the NHL. Few forwards available in this draft are as well-rounded and mature as Glass, who has the potential to develop for a few more years before making the jump to the NHL. With the Vegas Golden Knights stockpiling assets, Glass has the potential to be a major part of their future. The 6-foot-2, 179-pound Glass scored an impressive 32 goals and 94 points in 69 games last season with the Winterhawks and could be a big-time point producer in the Golden Knight’s top-six when he makes it to the NHL.
THW Prospect Profile Excerpt:
The Portland Winterhawks have put a lot of expectations on Cody Glass and thus far have been richly rewarded. Late in the 2015-16 season, Dominic Turgeon was injured, catapulting young Glass to the top line in a first-round matchup with the Everett Silvertips. Just 16-years-old, Glass took the challenge on and played well overall despite the four-game sweep. But it was a big lesson getting a first-hand look at the expectations placed on a top center in the WHL.
Those experiences were the foundation of an impressive campaign with returning bench boss Mike Johnston. Glass was the top center all season for the Winterhawks and as the season progressed, so did the refinement of his skills. He is more of a playmaking center but has the size that NHL teams will look for, even if he needs a few seasons to pack on muscle to his 6’2″ frame.
Outside of the physical elements, the skills Glass brings to the table are impressive. He has excellent vision and offensive creativity and can thread a pass to the crease, dangle the puck to attract defenders and find the open winger for the shot on goal. Glass’ skating is a bit awkward, but he has good speed and rarely gets beat. It is easy to see, with some work, Glass being one of the quicker skaters on his NHL team. He should have potted even more goals during his Sophomore season. Glass is a pass-first center but has a dangerous shot that is not uncorked as often as it could or should be. That said, his playmaking skills are excellent, so it’s a minor quibble that he likely grows out of with further seasoning in the WHL.
Full player profile can be found here
How This Affects the Golden Knights Plans
Glass becomes the first player in history selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in an NHL Entry Draft. With the franchise just getting started in the 2017-18 season, Glass will have the time he needs to properly develop before making the jump. Given the timeline for his development, Vegas could benefit greatly from Glass at some time in the next two to three years as they look to compete for a Stanley Cup.
