Left winger Colby Barlow is one prospect the Arizona Coyotes should consider selecting with the 12th overall pick.
If available at the Arizona Coyotes 12th overall pick, should the team select left winger Colby Barlow?
The 18-year-old forward was the captain of the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack this past season where he had 46 goals, 33 assists and 79 points in 59 games.
Barlow can do it all. He is a natural goalscorer who can produce at a high level at both ends of the ice.
“He is a strong skater who can transport pucks through the neutral zone,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman wrote. “He's a hard-working forward who has some physicality, can kill penalties, and is quite physically advanced for his age. Offensively he has excellent stick skills and a great shot.”
The most notable aspect of Barlow’s game is his electric shot which makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the puck.
“One of the few players to come close to hitting the 50-goal mark this season, Barlow has scored at all levels and is as confident as anyone handling the puck,” Steven Ellis of the Daily Faceoff wrote.
It's Barlow’s two-way game that projects him as a potential top-ten pick. Barlow is a multidimensional player that can make an impact in many different ways. He is one of the safer, more reliable prospects in this year's draft class.
“The reality is, Barlow has a very safe projection as a complementary piece on a scoring line who can be on the ice to protect a lead or when a goal is needed,” Brock Otten of McKeen’s Hockey wrote. “Goal scorers who play both ends effectively are rare. These types typically transition to the NHL very well.”
If he is with the Coyotes, Barlow could play both big minutes on the power play and penalty kill. His ability to produce points is undeniable and has the potential to position himself as the most effective two-way forward on the team.
Also Barlow must be mature for his age due to his tenure as captain of the Attack which means he should be able to hold his own upon entering an NHL locker room.
Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong should highly consider selecting Barlow at the 12th pick if he is still on the board.