Jacob Middleton – The Next Ones: NHL 2014 Draft Prospect Profile

Jacob Middleton THW Close-Up:

Date of birth: 1/2/1996

Place of birth: Stratford, ON, CAN

Ht: 6’4″     Wt: 207 lbs

Shoots: Left

Position: D

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014

THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 53

Jacob Middleton
Jacob Middleton (Aaron Bell/OHL Images)

Other Rankings:

THW War Room Rankings (April): 57

Future Considerations: not ranked

Craig Button: not ranked

CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 172

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The Ottawa 67’s ended up last in the Eastern Conference of the Ontario Hockey League this season. It’s tough to show what you’re capable of on an underachieving team, more so when it’s your draft year, but Jacob Middleton did admirably. He was an anchor on Ottawa’s blueline and really showed a great two-way game all season. He knows when to carry the puck up ice and when to stay back and break up a play.

He’s a huge pain to play against because he uses his size and weight to throw people around. For a big man like Middleton, he has excellent reach and a willingness to lay big checks. What Middleton lacks in speed he makes up for it with his positioning. He’s also shown great balance on his skates.

Middleton was the 2nd leading scorer among defenseman for the 67’s this season. He’s calm with the puck and makes smart plays rather than flashy ones. He can carry the puck up the ice and spring lead passes from his own zone. Not known as a goal scorer, Middleton does do well with being a playmaker in the offensive zone.

Where Will He End Up In June:

I think Middleton has had scouts notice him enough that he will be a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Scout’s Honor:

“Middledon is a big-bodied, two-way defender that has strong mobility and a willingness to jump into the play. He makes heady passes and shows good vision and on-ice smarts. He isn’t afraid to add a physical tone to the game, either. (August 2013)”

Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations

A big defender who has excellent mobility, size, and snarl. Has good feet and pivots for a bigger man, and was strong and mean along the wall. Seems like more of a development pick at this point. He hasn’t figured out how to use his speed to pressure and close as well as he should, and if he can improve on the back end and add some offense, I suspect he will climb the boards.

Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Interview with Buzzing the Net

Profile on Last Word on Sports

Profile on OHL Writers

ETA:

2-3 years

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 1/5   Reward: 3.5/5

NHL Potential:

2nd pairing two-way defenseman that can be used in all situations

Strengths:

Size

Balance

Poise

Positioning

Checking

Good outlet passes

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Skating

Working on add power and accuracy to his shot

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 4/10    Defensive: 6/10

NHL Player Comparison:

– NHL comparison: Dennis Seidenberg

Video(s):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLgQq54HbVs

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph