• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
NHL Entry Draft

The 2015 NHL Draft’s “Every Coach’s Dream”: Lawson Crouse

By Christopher Ralph April 7th, 2015

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

 by Eldon MacDonald (edited by @ChrisRalphTHW)

NHL Draft War Room: Lawson Crouse

Ranked #11 – Mar-15 Rankings

Lawson Crouse

Power forward Lawson Crouse is regarded very highly as his place in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm rankings depitcts. (OHL Images)

  • Hashtag: #EveryCoaches’Dream
  • Team: #67, Kingston, OHL
  • Position: Left Wing
  • Shoots: Left
  • Height: 6’3
  • Weight: 212 lb.
  • Born: London, ON, 23-Jun-97
  • Twitter: @LawCrouse

Stats


 

Other Rankings

  • 3 – ISS – Top 30, Mar-15
  • 4 – SN – Damien Cox, Feb-15 – Top 30
  • 4 – NHL Combined – Top 305, Mid, Jan-15
  • 6 – FC – Top 30, Mar-15
  • 6 – McKeens – Top 30, Mar-15
  • 6 – TSN – Bob McKenzie’s Poll of NHL Scouts – Top 60 – Mid, Jan-15
  • 8 – HP – Top 60, Feb-15
  • 11 – THW – Christopher Ralph, Top 30, Mid, Feb-15
  • 11 – TSN – Craig Button – Top 100, Mar-15

THW’s Draft War Room: “The Coach’s Dream”

Eldon MacDonald, THW:  A few words on Lawson Crouse:

Every Coach’s Dream: Lawson Crouse is a coach’s dream because he not only does all the little things right, he also serves as the role model in inspiring other teammates to do them as well. It also does not hurt that he has that large-size, mature NHL physique and prepared to use it.

On Kingston LW Lawson Crouse: "I see many Cam Neely-type traits in Crouse. He could one day be that type of player."

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) March 28, 2015

Five Reasons Why Lawson Crouse May Be Selected in the Top Ten of the 2015 NHL Draft

  • Big Man Game: Coaches love a big man presence on their side who can change the complexion of a game by how he uses his size and strength. This element to Lawson Crouse’s game bought him a ticket to the Team Canada U20 Team and was a key contributor in helping Canada bring home a gold medal in that tournament.
  • Havoc Creator: Coaches love a player who can throw their opposite counterparts into a frenzy by creating havoc all over the ice and leaving the opposition’s game plan in tatters. “Raise a little hell”, that describes what Lawson Crouse can do – net drive, net presence, board battles, scrums, forechecking, bodychecking.
  • Role model: Coaches love a player that they can use an example to inspire other players. Lawson Crouse serves as that role model, particularly for the younger guys.
  • Hardest Worker: Coaches love a hard worker. They must love Lawson Crouse too because they just voted him as the hardest worker in the Eastern Conference of the OHL and it wasn’t even close.
  • Defensive Excellence: Coaches love that top-end defensive guy who they can throw out against the opposition’s best and make sure that the game doesn’t get out of control by the opposition’s top forwards. It is as essential part of their game plan. Lawson Crouse is that defensively excellent forward who can compete the game plan.

Offense

  • Shooting: NHL shot and release – needs to use it a bit more often.
  • Skating: Big man stride, big man balance, big man force – Some question his skating; I am not one of them.
  • Net Drive and Presence: Formidable for both. Can be game changing.
  • Cycle Game: Very good at maintaining puck possession in the opposition zone for extended periods due to his willingness to use his large frame and reach to constantly win puck and board battles.
  • Lawson Crouse Passing: Lawson Crouse may not be the next Sidney Crosby of passing. However, he excels at Lawson Crouse passing – knock a body over or off balance and let your linemate pick up the loose puck. I would call those passes more crunchy than crisp.

Defense: Lawson is a high-end defensive forward, very disruptive to the opposition D on the forecheck, very supportive of his own defenseman on the breakout. He uses a combination of mental strength (ability to read the opposition) and physical strength (size, strength, reach) to intimidate the opposition. He is also effective on the PK and will likely find regular employment there when he reaches the NHL.

Awards and Achievements

  • 2014-15: IIHF U20 Tournament – Team Canada – Gold Medal
  • 2014-15: Selected for BMO NHL/CHL Top Prospects Game
  • 2014-15: Eastern Conference of OHL – Hardest Worker (Coaches Poll)

Improvements to make:

  • Shot – His shot is great but he needs to use it more.
  • Passing – Passing is probably never going to be Lawson’s go to weapon of choice. Improvements to this part of his game will help his overall game by giving him more options and giving the opposition more to worry about.
  • Offense – Lawson has made his mark with the defensive side of his game. He needs to give the same commitment to improve and attention to detail to the offensive side that has made his defensive game so good.

NHL Projection: Lawson definitely will make the NHL in a top 9 grinder, checker, energy-guy role. Top 6 is also well within his grasp if he can improve the offensive side of his game just a tad – more shooting, more work on the passing option and just more attention to the offensive side of the game in general.

Draft placement: As can be seen from the rankings above, Lawson is currently in the 3 to 11 range. I currently have him at the lower end at 11 because I want him to show us a little more offense.

http://t.co/XjymQcv3NG
#3 Lawson Crouse @LawCrouse
2015 – 23GP 13G 10A 23PTS. Power frame and presence on the puck. Strong shot velocity.

— ISS Hockey (@ISShockey) March 7, 2015

Those in the Know

  • Quote 1: Pro Hockey Talk – NBC Sports – Benoit Groulx, Coach of the Gatineau Olympiques and Gold Medal Winner as Coach of Team Canada at the 2015 IIHF U20 tournament, “Everytime he’s out there, you know what he’s giving you. You know what he brings to the table. He’s a big body, likes to get involved. Smart player, solid with the puck. He’s solid also on the defensive game.”
  • Quote 2: TheWhig.com – Paul McFarland, Head Coach of the Kingston Frontenacs, “He’s the kind of role model we want to represent not only our team and our league, but the game of hockey. He’s someone all the younger guys on the team — and even some older guys — look up to.”
  • Quote 3: NHL.com – Ryan Jankowski, Director of Player Personnel for Team Canada, “Lawson is big (6-foot-4, 211 pounds), strong, plays a very straightforward game, he’s exceptional on the penalty kill. Other guys are great players and I hope they don’t feel slighted, they’re going to get their opportunity, but in this case because of his size and his strength, and it being a big-man tournament, we felt Lawson was a real credible guy for us.”
  • Quote 4: OHLProspects.ca – Brendan Ross, Manager of Dobber Prospects and scout for McKeen’s and Scout.ca, “After juggling him around on this list a few times, Crouse lands among the OHL’s best and for good reason. He was one of Canada’s most consistent players at the recent World Juniors showing scouts that he’s not only a great defensive player but also owns skills conducive to top-six upside. His production may scare some people but he’s the lone wolf (due to injuries) on a Kingston team struggling to score. Blessed with good offensive instincts, soft hands (particularly in traffic) and a pro-level shot, Crouse has the offensive tools to flank a top-six pivot and produce at the next level.” 
  • Quote 5: NHL.com – Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com Staff Writer, “Played a key fourth-line role for gold medal-winning Canada at the 2015 WJC. At 6-4 and 211 pounds he’s physically engaged each time he steps on the ice as the prototypical power forward. He’s regarded as the hardest hitter in the OHL and possesses good offensive tools for a big man.”

Interviews

  • Interview 1: HockeyNow.ca – Kristopher Bras – 1-Feb-15
  • Interview 2: The Pipeline Show – 19-Oct-14 (Audio)
  • Interview 3: NHL.com (Video)

Profiles

  • Profile 1: The Hockey Writers – Shawn Reznik – 8-Mar-15
  • Profile 2: NHL.com – Mike G. Morreale – 5-Mar-15
  • Profile 3: BSHockey.com – Jeremy Crowe – 26-Feb-15
  • Profile 4: OvertimeSportsNation.com – Mike Mackley – 24-Feb-15
  • Profile 5: Sportsnet.ca – Kristina Rutherford – 4-Dec-14

Videos

Want to follow Lawson Crouse for a shift? Here's an ISO video of the #2015NHLDraft top prospect on the powerplay http://t.co/qQ1XN1Q5Vh

— Ryan Yessie (@RyanYessie) March 15, 2015

  • Video 1: IIHF 2015 World Junior Tournament Highlights – BigWhite06
  • Video 2: Highlights – TheHockeyVidz
  • Video 3: Hat trick (28-Nov-14) – TV Cogeco
  • Video 4: Feature – Rogers TV.com
  • Video 5: Fight versus Phil Baltisberger (14-Nov-14) – Hockey Prospect Videos

[catlist categorypage=”yes” numberposts=3 excludeposts=this]

  • Tags
  • 2015 NHL Draft
  • Lawson Crouse
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 20th 6:10 PM
Column

Red Wings News & Rumors: Protocol, Rasmussen, Howard & More

Jan 20th 6:00 PM
Nashville Predators

Predators’ Forward Depth Leading to Wins

Jan 20th 5:35 PM
Column

Islanders Weekly: Shutouts, Injury Scares & Scoring Concerns

Jan 20th 4:33 PM
Archives

2010 NHL Entry Draft: 5 Forgotten Picks

Jan 20th 4:15 PM
Vegas Golden Knights

3 Pros and 3 Cons to Golden Knights’ Goalie Split

Jan 20th 4:05 PM
Florida Panthers

Panthers Offense Flourishes but Goaltending & Special Teams Need Work

Jan 20th 3:15 PM
Column

Red Wings Wednesday Weekly: Hockey is Back Everyone!

Jan 20th 2:35 PM
Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Seeing Hot Starts From Some but Serious Concerns Linger

Jan 20th 2:20 PM
NHL Entry Draft

2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini’s Top 75 Rankings

Jan 20th 1:50 PM
Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers’ Goaltending & Defense Among Standouts Through Week 1

Editor’s Picks
World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information