Draft eligible Barrie Colts defenceman Jack Brauti has 9 points through 12 games in the month of February, adding to an impressive second half.
The Barrie Colts have been riddled with injuries and gaps on the blue line all season long. Jack Brauti has been called upon to help fill those gaps, and he has not dissapointed.
From the season-ending injury to Beau Akey, to the trade of Connor Punnett, the Colts have had to dig deep into their depth pool.
Brauti's ice time has been on a steady incline all season. Now he is a solid top four — maybe even top pair — defender on the Colts blue line. The 2006-born defender has been dominant in the second half, and he has even gotten himself into some draft conversations.
He had 9 points in the month of February through 12 games, and his offensive game is finally flourishing.
Brauti's a very smooth skater, and he has a tremendous first pass. He rarely misses a pass and his vision for passing lanes is high end, especially on the breakout. He has been able to turn that talented transition game into offence in the second half.
Not only can he move the puck well, but he has a heavy shot from the blue line as well.
When looking at the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft class and the deep talent pool of defencemen from the OHL, Brauti has asserted himself into that group with his performance as of late.
I wouldn't be surprised if a team takes a 5th-6th round pick on Brauti. He has all the fundamentals and tools to be successful at the pro level down the line, but he is a project in the works.