Carter Ashton – 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings

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Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW.

“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:

Syracuse Crunch Forward Carter Ashton
Syracuse Crunch Forward Carter Ashton (Scott Thomas/Syracuse Crunch)

Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below, as well as a running live updated NHL 2009 Draft rankings.

15. Carter Ashton – Saskatoon, SK – 6’4″ – 212 lbs – WHL – Lethbridge – RW

One-Timer: The son of former NHLer, Brent Ashton, who played 2 games shy of 1000 in the NHL, Carter has the “hockey gene” embedded. To go with that, he has a great physical frame (6’4”-ish, 210 lbs-ish) with which to build on. The budding 2-way power forward out of the “Dub” has seen his stock rocket as this season went on.  The physical forward doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff and established himself as a 30-goal scorer this year. He also skates well and has smooth “hockey hands”. He has great character and quite versatile as well. As noted below he was the VO-2 Max “Champ” highlighting his super endurance level. Although some current draft eligible prospects are at a higher level right now, this ranking is based on the immense potential Ashton possesses. For the same reason, against many ”expert” rankings, I have Ashton ahead of Kassian for the top ranked true power forward.

NHL Player(s) Comparison: Mike Knuble, Ryan Malone, Kevin Stevens, Cam Neely

Bio/Interview Links:

http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2009/6/8/902606/scouting-the-09-draft-carter-ashton

Q & A By Dan Rice (2015)

 

Scouting Combine Performance:

  • Gare Joyce reported: “The best VO 2 max numbers were posted by Lethbridge’s Carter Ashton, the only prospect to last the 17-minute duration.”

International Tournaments: Ashton registered 3 points in 4 games for Canada at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Canada’s gold medal win. He also notched 1 goal and added 5 assists in 6 games for Team West at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

ETA = 2 to 3 years

Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 2.5/5   Reward = 4.5/5

NHL Potential: 1st or 2nd line goal-scoring power forward

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8.5/10   Defensive = 8/10

Other Rankings:

  • ISS: n/a
  • CSB: 12-NA
  • TSN: 19
  • THN: 20

Video Links:

 

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