DRAFT PROFILE | Jamieson Rees: Skill And Grit From The Hammer To Chemical Valley
We will continue our look at prospective draft picks for the Montreal Canadiens at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft with Jamison Rees of the Sarnia Sting (OHL).
Jamieson Rees, Centre, Sarnia Sting (OHL) 
February 26, 2001 | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
5-11, 172 lbs. | Shoots Left |
2018-’19: 37 GP, 10 G, 22 A, 32 PTS
CSB: No. 30 (NA Skaters) | ISS: No. ?? | THN: No. 38 | HP: No. ?? | FC: No. 73
The Montreal Canadiens have made enormous strides recently to restock their prospect pool, which is currently ranked 10th overall by The Hockey News. Last summer in Dallas with 11 draft picks at their disposal, the Habs used seven picks on centres, filling an organizational need, most notably, selecting Jesperi Kotkaniemi third overall.
Will we see the same tactics used to fill needs within the organization (mainly left-handed shooting defenders), or will the Canadiens simply select the best players available, regardless of position?
One player that recently caught my eye during the IIHF U18 World Championship was Team Canada forward Jamieson Rees, a player that seemed to empty the gas tank shift after shift, scoring two goals and eight points during the tournament. Rees played on a line with Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Tracey and Connor Zary of the Kamloops Blazers, a line that accounted for 10 of Canada’s 37 goals scored during the tournament.
Jamieson Rees is a player who plays much bigger than his actual listed size, bringing a physical element to his game and an unyielding work ethic, along with speed and skill. However, that physicality did lead to an eight game suspension earlier this season after Rees delivered a blindside hit to Cole Coskey of the Saginaw Spirit. Rees also missed time due to a lacerated kidney, restricting him to just 37 total games and registering 32 points. Next season, if he can stay healthy, he should be able to improve on these stats and a 0.86 points per game.
Rees reaches top speed quickly due to his superb acceleration. He uses his speed effectively to put pressure on opposing defenders, break up passing lanes and, of course, move in quickly on the forecheck. Once along the boards, Rees is relentless in his pursuit of the puck despite his lack of size, battling opposing defenders to create turnovers and scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Offensively, Rees managed to score 10 goals and 32 points in just 37 games. He exhibits the skill, hands, and hockey IQ to make plays at high speed, which leads to passing lanes opening for his teammates or a clean shooting lane for Rees to make the most of. His shot is quick and accurate, but it could use more strength behind it. This is something that will improve over time with the appropriate conditioning and development.
Taking his work ethic into consideration, and the fact he can be trusted in all situations, Jamieson Rees would be an excellent second round selection for the Montreal Canadiens, or a gift if he somehow falls to round three. He’ll need to learn to play on the right side of the line, as he does tend to lack discipline at times, but with proper coaching and mentorship, Rees should be able to play on the line, as opposed to over it.
The decision now rests with Trevor Timmins and general manager Marc Bergevin. The 2019 NHL Draft is set for June 21st and 22nd in Vancouver; all we can do is hope that the Canadiens use their draft picks wisely and continue building an impressive group of young talent with their 10 picks this year.
===
Missed our draft profiles?
Get caught up on these prospects for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft!
- Raphael Lavoie, A Versatile Scoring Threat
- Philip Broberg: Exceptional, Smooth-Skating Defenceman
- Blake Murray:Mid-Round Pick Boasts Size, Shot
- Bobby Brink: Strong Skating, Two-Way USHL Winger
- Moritz Seider: DEL’s Rookie Of The Year
By Matt Smith, Staff Writer. Edited by Cate Racher.
All Habs Hockey Magazine
Copyright © 2019 Rocket Sports