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DRAFT PROFILE | Could Panthers Pick, Adam Mascherin, Be a Good Fit for the Habs?

Matt Smith
Adam Mascherin (Photo by TERRY WILSON / OHL IMAGES)

DRAFT PROFILE: Adam Mascherin – Panthers Pick To Re-Enter NHL Draft

by Matt Smith, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

We will continue our look at prospective draft picks for the Montreal Canadiens at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft with Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers.

Adam Mascherin, LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 
June 06, 1998 | Maple, Ontario, Canada
5-9, 197 lbs. | Shoots Left | @amascherin_23
2017-’18: 67 GP, 40 G, 46 A, 86 PTS (Kitchener Rangers)

CSB: No.  (NA Skaters) | ISS: No.  | THN: No. | HP: No.  | FC: No. 

Selected with the second overall pick in 2014 OHL Draft, behind only Jakob Chychrun, Adam Mascherin was able to assist the Kitchener Rangers instantaneously, scoring 29 points during his rookie season, and was named to the OHL All Rookie Second Team. His second OHL season, he virtually tripled his point production, finding the back of the net 35 times, while adding 46 assists. His third season with the Rangers, he reached the 100 point plateau in 65 games, scoring 35 goals for the second time, and finishing third in points behind only Taylor Raddysh and Alex DeBrincat. 

Mascherin’s production during the 2015-2016 season led to the Florida Panthers selecting him in the second round, 38th overall during the 2016 NHL Draft. He has since informed the Panthers that he would not sign with the team, allowing him to re-enter the draft in June.

Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon will now have to look at trading the rights of the former second round pick in order to get a return on his 2016 draft selection. The deadline for a team to sign Mascherin before he becomes eligible to re-enter the draft is June 1st.

The Ontario Hockey League recently announced the results of the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches Polls for the 2017-2018 OHL regular season, with Mascherin’s name appearing in three Western Conference categories.

The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.  Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.

Adam Mascherin’s would place in the top two of the following three categories.

#1 Best Shot
#2 Most Dangerous in Goal Area (behind Boris Katchouk, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
#2 Hardest Shot (behind Evan Bouchard, London Knights)

Mascherin is often described using military terms such as a tank, and a sniper. His shot is powerful, with a release that can fool opposing goaltenders, and with his strong lower body, he’s able to protect the puck and score goals in tight. Mascherin may not be a giant, but his low-center of gravity makes him difficult to knock off the puck, powering through opposing checks.

He’s able to use his body effectively along the boards to win battles, as well as provide solid forechecking. With the puck on his stick, Mascherin is miraculous. He’s not just a goal scoring machine, his puck distribution is solid as he has the proficiency to make strong, accurate passes to his teammates.

All in all, Adam Mascherin would most definitely be a solid addition to the Habs list of young prospects. The Canadiens need help scoring goals, we’re all very aware of this, and the Kitchener Rangers’ forward could certainly help in that department. The fact he’ll be turning 20 in June could also be enticing for the Canadiens, as he’d be eligible to join the Laval Rocket roster right away.

The decision now rests with Trevor Timmins and general manager Marc Bergevin. Will they use one of their picks to select a goal scoring Adam Mascherin if he goes unsigned between now and June 1st? The 2018 NHL Draft is quickly approaching, let’s hope the Canadiens use their picks wisely.

https://twitter.com/OHLRangers/status/976930527243464704

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