DRAFT PROFILE | Blake Murray: Sudbury Wolves Forward Boasts Size, Shot, Goal-Scoring Potential, Good Mid-Round Pick for 2019 NHL Entry Draft
ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — The Canadiens will be entering the 2019 draft in Vancouver holding 10 draft picks, three of which fall within the top 60. Finding quality players with the potential of becoming NHL players is what Trevor Timmins has done especially when given multiple mid-round picks.
One such player that could be a Canadiens target is Sudbury Wolves forward Blake Murray.
Blake Murray, C/LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
July 5, 2001 | Uxbridge, On, Canada
6-3, 185 lbs. | Shoots Left | @blakemurray92
2018-’19: 66 GP, 30 G, 20 A, 50 PTS
CSB: 104 (NA Skaters) | ISS: NR | | McKeen’s: NR | HP: NR | FC: NR
Murray is a six-foot-three-inch forward who makes good use of his size. However, at 185 pounds, he will need to add more mass to compete at higher levels. Murray entered the OHL with the Wolves and at 16-years-old become a top six center in very little time. He was able to do so due to his work ethic and hockey IQ.
Murray is open to instruction and able to apply the lessons quickly. That aspect of his game allowed him to become a highly-trusted player by Cory Stillman, Sudbury’s head coach. Stillman played a similar style to Murray and knows what it takes to become a successful NHL’er.
Murray plays almost instinctively. His understanding of the game allows him to read and react to plays quickly over the entire ice surface. That ability to play the game at a higher pace makes him very effective and helps to make the players around him better.
“Murray was an integral part of the Wolves’ successful turnaround this year.”
When contacted by All Habs Hockey Magazine, author of Hockey 365 and Sudbury Wolves historian Mike Commito shared the following glowing review.
“The 17-year-old centre quietly put together a nice campaign. Murray led the team in goal-scoring for the second season in a row, potting 30, a marked improvement from his 21 as a rookie,” said Commito. “He may not be as dazzling or electric as Quinton Byfield, who he played with throughout parts of the season, but Murray was an integral part of the Wolves’ successful turnaround this year.”
“The Uxbridge native has the size, goal scoring ability and versatility that adds value to any lineup,” added Commito. “Murray can complement top lines and also provide value in a depth position further down roster, providing offensive skill on checking lines in either a centre or winger role.”
Offensively, Murray’s best asset is his heavy and accurate shot. He is also prodigious shooter who has the ability to change the speed and angle of his shot mechanics to confuse goaltenders. This skill, in combination with his desire to go to the dirty areas of the ice and crash the net, make him a dangerous offensive player at the OHL level.
Murray is also a faceoff specialist for Sudbury, winning 54 percent of his draws. His offensive style of play is likely to translate well enough to the professional level to make him capable of top-nine production, in my opinion.
Defensively, Murray reads the play well. His excellent defensive positioning allows him to react quickly using an active stick to interrupt passing lanes then launch the transition game. He is adept at using his size to cut off the cycle play and win one on one battles in support of his team’s overall defensive plan.
Tonight’s 3 shooting ⭐️’s
1️⃣ @blakemurray92
2️⃣ @ARuzicka21
3️⃣ @Hutchy_15 pic.twitter.com/72UP8kacVv— Sudbury Wolves (@Sudbury_Wolves) February 3, 2019
His skating is strong enough at the Major Junior level to take most defenders to the outside with speed. Murray uses his size and reach advantage to generate a lane to the net while protecting the puck. That being said, his skating will need improvement if he is to take the steps to the professional level. His ability to use his edges to create space or pursue the puck carrier will need improvement as well.
Consistency is another question mark for the young center. He’s had games where he has been dominant offensively and others where he has been quiet. Yet his game allows him to provide quality defensive play if he is not contributing offensively. This is another aspect of his game that he can improve upon with patient coaching, as he is a very hard working young man who is willing to work on his game.
Murray has done enough this season, scoring 30 goals (while adding four goals in the playoffs), to build his draft stock. I believe that he would be an excellent third round selection for the Canadiens. I would not be a surprised to see Murray playing a top-nine role on a NHL team in a few years time.
By Blain Potvin, Staff Writer. Edited by Cate Racher.
All Habs Hockey Magazine
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