Beckett Sennecke has been rising up the draft rankings and could be a prime candidate for the New Jersey Devils at pick 10.
Beckett Sennecke has been rising up the draft rankings and could be a prime candidate for the New Jersey Devils at pick 10.
Born on Jan. 28, 2006, Sennecke is one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft. Listed at 6'3 and 178 lbs, he has the frame and physical tools to be a star NHL player for a long time.
In his second season with the Oshawa Generals (OHL), Sennecke recorded 27 goals and 68 points in 63 games. The Generals made a run to the OHL finals and he elevated his game tremendously. In 16 playoff games, he scored 10 goals and 22 points.
In his rookie season, Sennecke put up very good numbers despite many concerns about his skating ability. His skating became a weakness due to his massive two-year growth spurt that saw him go from 5'10 when he was drafted to the OHL to now 6'3. His stride has become more natural and he's learned how to use his size to position himself better. He uses his powerful strides to keep defenders on his hip and he uses his agility to drive to the net.
The 18-year-old also has a lethal shot. He has a heavy wrist shot and a highly effective one-timer. He's not necessarily known for his playmaking and hands but it's nowhere close to being considered a weakness. He is able to take the puck off the boards and get it into the middle of the ice at a high percentage and creates a lot of offence when doing so.
Sennecke can be a puck hound on the forecheck, using his physicality to win the puck back and his improved skating ability to chase down his opponents. He has the skills to be a dual-threat right winger who can be a thorn in his opponent's side because of his work ethic.
During the regular season, Sennecke was a bit inconsistent and at times waited for his linemates to be the play drivers but the ending of the regular season and the OHL playoffs was a different story. He was focused and was the perfect partner for Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie.
The Toronto-born winger has the profile of the player that Tom Fitzgerald has been talking about all offseason. Skilled but big and hard to play against. If the Devils take the appropriate time to develop Sennecke, he could payoff greatly for them.
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