Morgan Frost
2016-17 Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (#16)
Date of Birth: May 14, 1999
Place of Birth: Barrie, Ontario
Ht: 6’0” Wt: 170 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2017 first-year eligible
Twitter: @_morganfrost_10
Rankings
- THW Alternate Rankings: 57th (January)
- Future Considerations: 49th (Spring)
- Bob McKenzie: 35th (Mid-season)
- Craig Button: 41st (March)
The more draft profiles we do, the more we’ve noticed a theme especially in the Ontario Hockey League this season. Players who start way back on draft lists have excellent seasons to put themselves on the map. Like his teammate Conor Timmins, Morgan Frost certainly did that.
After scoring seven goals and 27 points in his rookie season, Frost played a bigger role this season centering a line with speedster Zach Senyshyn. Frost turned in a season of 20-42-62 in 67 games while adding 2-6-8 in 11 playoff games. You could see the confidence in Frost’s game early on.
The thing that stands out about Frost on tape and in person is how smart he is. He’s got a knack of seeing a play one to two steps ahead of everyone else. He can put the puck in places for his teammates to make plays. Even if a play doesn’t work, Frost is relentless and can force second and third chances by creating turnovers.
The thing that pleasantly surprised me about Frost this season was improvement in his skating. His acceleration is vastly improved. This has helped take his game to another level, especially on the power play. Eight of his 20 goals this season came on the man advantage. He can use his speed to create chances and isn’t afraid to make his own plays if the opportunity presents itself.
Frost has also improved in the faceoff circle. He went from 47.5% in his rookie season to 53.1% this past season. He does need strength for the next level as do most players at this stage. He also needs more deception in his game. He has an underrated shot, but doesn’t use it enough. Teams have caught on to this and aggressively play pass on him. I can’t wait to see his development once he incorporates his shot more. In the right situation, Frost has intriguing upside at the next level.
NHL Draft Projection
Most seem to think Frost will go sometime in the second round. I’m right there with the industry. Frost is 40th on my personal list. Those who don’t take a center early will take a long look at Frost especially given his playmaking ability. I don’t see him slipping outside the top-50.
Quotables
“I thought Frost was a nice story last year. The son of a famous PA Announcer playing OHL hockey. I did not think more of him. Then he showed the work ethic, skill set and a little bit of a jam to really differentiate himself as a player on an outstanding team. A bit of a sleeper. I don’t think he gets drafted 1st round, but is great value in the 2nd round. And yes, you can see elements of his dad Andy’s voice when he talks!” -Steve Clark
“Frost has the ability to score in a multitude of ways and that versatility has allowed him to work his way up the depth chart on a very deep Greyhounds team. His strong play helped the team overcome the loss of Blake Speers early in the season. He has a great shot and an ability to find open spaces on the ice that has allowed him to thrive on the power play. At times he has played the point on the power play for the Hounds this year only to come up with a great defensive play to prevent a short handed opportunity. Can affect the game even when he isn’t scoring and has the upside of a 2nd line scoring winger at the next level.” -Peter Kneulman
“Frost, like (MacKenzie) Entwistle, has also been a favourite of mine among this crop of OHL prospects. He isn’t blessed with the physical skills that Entwistle has been, but there are a lot of things to like about his game. He has the speed and agility you like to see in smaller/average sized centers. He also really processes the game well. Right now, his game is most noticeable on the powerplay where he makes such quick decisions with the puck and is fearless in using his speed to attack open lanes in the defense. And despite lacking in the strength department, Frost does a good job as a defensive player and faceoff man. Once he gets stronger, I think you’ll see his production really increase. Thought he played very well in the playoffs, and finished the season off quite well. One thing that could also really benefit his game is improving his shot. Needs to get more velocity behind it and keep defenders guessing, preventing them from playing the pass off the rush. But I really like Frost’s potential as a two-way top 6 center at the NHL level. Think David Krejci, Vincent Trocheck.” -Brock Otten
Statistics
Strengths
- Good skater, great acceleration.
- Vastly improved at faceoffs.
- Smart and decisive.
- Excellent passer.
Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
- Needs more strength.
- Needs to shoot more.
NHL Potential
Frost projects as a middle-six center with second-line upside. He has a lot of Alexander Wennberg in him. Though not as dynamic as Wennberg, Frost’s smarts and playmaking ability have a place at the next level. He likely starts as a winger but could transition to center once he gets more strength.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 3.5/5, Reward – 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offence – 7.5/10, Defense – 7/10
Awards/Achievements
Morgan Frost is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs’ public address announcer Andy Frost.