Jordan Subban – The Next Ones: NHL 2013 Draft Prospect Profile

Unlike his brothers, Jordan Subban doesn’t have the hype of PK or Malcolm heading into draft day. However, he’s still a very capable defenseman, especially in the offensive zone.

One of the best puck movers in the draft, Subban is very mobile and poised with the puck on his stick. His height allows him to skate quickly and can achieve top speed in a few strides. Jordan has great puck handling skills and has an above-average shot from the point. With a quick first pass, coupled with the ability to see the ice, Subban can move the puck out of the zone with ease and spring rushes from the backend.

He’s a very offensive defenseman, which means his defensive game could use a bit of work. With him always rushing up the ice, he does get caught out of position quite a bit. It’s sometimes difficult to shut down a player one-on-one, and his defensive skills can be suspect at times. With some proper coaching, these flaws can be fixed in little time, but it is something Jordan should try to stress if he wants to make the jump from the OHL to the NHL.

Where Will He End Up In June:

His name is bantered about as a 2nd round pick. It’s a position that I feel is suitable for a GM to take him in. At worst, he will drop to the 3rd round, but probably won’t dip any farther than that.

Scout’s Honor:

“Puck-moving defenseman who is positionally strong on his skates and an excellent puck-handler. Undersized and in need of more muscle, he is a gambler type, who is a high risk-high reward player. Great moving laterally. Has a tendency to force the play with individual efforts over the safe play. If he grows, he will fly up the draft boards.”

Bill Placzek – DraftSite.com

“Subban is a skilled offensive defenseman in the mould of a puck mover. He skates with a smooth stride and is able to make dynamic lateral cuts. He reads the play well and can shoot the puck hard for his size. He’s a high-risk, high-reward gambling type who is competitive and willing to get physical if need be. He’s still a work in progress in his own end, needing better positioning and gap control.”

Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations

“Subban has received a lot of attention in this league — and most definitely will at the NHL Draft — simply due to his name. With older brothers P.K. and Malcolm being second- and first-round selections, respectively, he has a lot to live up to.

While Subban likely will be drafted in the third or fourth round, he just doesn’t have the same upside as his brothers. He’s got a good, heavy shot and solid skating abilities, but is shorter than what’s usually desired. Subban also needs to work on his defensive responsibilities.

What the youngest Subban brother brings to the table is intelligence – he named to the OHL’s Scholastic Team this year. He transfers that intelligence on the ice, where he plays a solid, smart offensive game.”

Hockey’s Future

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Profile on HockeyHouse.net

NHL.com’s article on Jordan following the paths set by his brothers

Interview with the Toronto Star

International Tournaments:

Jordan has played for the Canada Ontario U17 and the U18 team. In 11 games he has one goal and three assists.

ETA:

3-4 years

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 3/5 Reward: 4/5

NHL Potential:

2nd pairing defenseman that can QB a powerplay

Strengths:

Offensive skill

Puckhandling

Passing

Vision

First pass

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Defensive awareness

Positioning

Gap control

One-on-one battles

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 7/10 Defensive: 4/10

NHL Player Comparison:

Mike Green is a fair comparable to Jordan Subban. He may not be as big as Green, but Subban certainly has the offensive flair that Green carries with him.

Video(s):

***

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

Follow Shawn Reznik on Twitter: @ShawnTHW