Position: D
Weight: 203 lbs
Birthdate: July 7th, 1993 (18 years old)
Birthplace: Kaunas, Lithuania (Russian national team)
Acquired: Draft, round 3, 63rd overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft
2010-2011 Team: Guelph Storm
2010-2011 Stats: 51 GP - 2 G - 10 A - 89 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Guelph Storm
Team Role: Top 4, 2 way D-man
Last year: Pedan had a great year with Guelph in his first year in the OHL. He was a staple on their defense and really ramped up his offensive abilities in the playoffs, contributing 8 assists in 6 games. Pedan really adjusted to the North American game well, and his decent mobility with his size allowed him to shut down defenders and break up 2 and 3 on 1 rushes very easily. His hockey sense was a major reason why Guelph's defense was so solid last year. He had and has a very solid shot, but needs to learn to use it more.
Expectations: Pedan will only grow further into his already gigantic body, and will need learn to refine his defensive and offensive game so he can make it in the NHL. If he continues at the pace he's going, he will see time in the NHL in 1-2 years. We expect a very solid defensive year from Pedan with ramped up offensive prowess after an offseason training hard. He also needs to work on not taking bad penalties, as while he is known to drop the gloves to defend his teammates, a good portion of his PIMs came from normal penalties that should not have been taken. Pedan should have a very solid year for the Storm.
Projections: 63 GP - 5 G - 15 A - 20 P
Thoughts:
AT: I loved this pick and still do. Pedan (along with Mayfield) was exactly the type of pick we needed. Our defense is filled with skilled players, but no really large dominating force such as someone like Pedan who is known to use his body in order to make the plays he needs to make. Ty Wishart and Milan Jurcina are both larger players, but don't really have that "bone crushing hit" caliber to them. It's nice to have a player like Pedan in the system and I'm sure we will see him in the NHL sooner rather than later, possible in a year or two. We can only hope his game continues to stride forward and he continues to fill out that big 6'4" frame of his.
CH: Like Alex said, Pedan was exactly the type of pick the Islanders needed. We loved this pick when it was made at 63, as he marked the 4th of the 5 picks the Isles took in our top 100. Big and strong, Pedan has the ability to use his size to his advantage. He is physical and has no qualms about using his body. Now that he is used to the North American style, he should be completely adjusted and is primed for a much better second season. This was evident by his great play in last year's OHL playoffs. It's time for Andrei to take the next step, and if he does, the Islanders can say they have yet another potential NHL player on their hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment