Draft Profile: Matt Puempel

In my seventh installment of prospects I’d like to see the Rangers (#15) draft tonight, I take a look at LW Matt Puempel who as a member of the Peterborough Pete’s had 34g, 35a last season.

Most experts feel that if Puempel didn’t suffer a bone chip in his hip that required season ending surgery he would have topped 40 goals. The hip injury is not cause for concern as it is not considered chronic.

The 6′ 0″ Puempel is said to be natural born goal scorer who has a great shot and he can unleash it anywhere on the ice. He’s also a very intelligent player and seems to find his way to loose pucks in front of the net.

Concerns with Puempel include his size, strength, skating ability and compete level.

Central Scouting’s take on Puempel…

“He is dangerous with the puck and has an excellent shot, he has the ability to make highly skilled passes through traffic and can make his linemates better. His goals are skilled goals. He goes to the net and he battles. He’s not shy about getting involved in traffic and going to the net.”

While former Rangers assistant & current Petersborough coach Mike Pelino says this about Puempel…

“I definitely think he would benefit from another year of junior,” he said. “I’m sure people thought that of Jeff Skinner, too. In hindsight, it wasn’t necessary. But you also look at a player like Michael Del Zotto and think that he could have used another year of junior before making that jump.

“With Matt, he has some things he could work on with another year with us. But if he goes to a camp and impresses his new team enough, he’s got the skill to do that.”

Here’s some video…

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