The 2024 Draft Prospect received a "C" ranking on Central Scouting's Players To Watch List.
One player that should hear their name called at the 2024 NHL Draft is Bryce Pickford. The Seattle Thunderbirds right-shot defender is listed at 6'0", 170 pounds, and can impact both ends of the ice. A decent playmaker from the blue line, he continues to improve as the season progresses.
Pickford made the Thunderbirds full-time as a 16-year-old despite their stacked roster. A staple in the lineup, he was an important part of their blue line as Seattle made it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final.
"It was pretty unique," said Pickford. "We had a lot of top guys and pretty cool guys like Dylan Gunther and Brad Lambert and all those guys, but it was it's pretty cool. It was a good year; we had a good run."
Pickford continues to round out his game with an expanded role this season. He was already a good playmaker and has now added more physicality to his game. As he explains, this is an area he wanted to focus on heading into his draft year.
"My physicality. I think I've grown out, got a little bit bigger and confident in myself. So I'd say physicality and offensive blue line skills."
When watching Pickford play, he clearly understands when to jump in the play and when to stay back. He likes to carry the puck out of the neutral zone and is skilled enough to break through the blue line and into the offensive zone. A confident puck carrier, this is a skill that should help him as he makes the jump to the pro game.
While talking to Pickford, he also wanted to give a special shoutout to the Thunderbirds faithful. Whether on the road or at home, they constantly show up to support the team in any capacity. Playing away from home when you are 17 is never easy, but having a support system like the one in Kent can help ease those nerves.
"Our fans are pretty cool. I'd say they are the best in the league. They're crazy, but I love them because they always show up, and they give it their all."
Overall, Pickford is an intriguing prospect heading into the 2024 Draft. He has a lot of tools and is a player who is willing to step out of his comfort zone to get better. If he can continue to develop the way he is, he could be in store f
