Mitch Moroz, Proving Naysayers Wrong

The year Mitch Moroz was drafted, it was due to his physical play. Nothing more and nothing less. He had shown flashes of skill, but was more known as a “Kicking Ass and Taking Names” type of player. All I heard was how it was a waste of a pick. How he would have been available later in the draft. It was overcompensation to try and get bigger in the bottom six. The kid is proving people wrong. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Moroz a few times and know it’s not just a lucky season either.

He is turning into a prototypical Power Forward. something this organization sorely needs. He brings size, some skill, a hard shot, a never quit attitude and not a single ounce of “nice guy” in his body. He can finish plays and finish punches. He goes to the greasy areas to score goals. He finishes checks and plays a power forward game in it’s truest form. He is turning out to be a pretty damn good player and an excellent choice by Super Stu. But the more I hear interviews with him, and think about the way he plays, the more excited I get.

At the time, many “experts” and “armchair personnel” said that the Moroz pick, was a sad attempt at luck. Trying to draft a “Milan Lucic” type and get lucky if it turns out. While he doesn’t seem to be as offensively gifted as Lucic, Moroz could be not far off. First let’s take a look at my man Mitch’s stats.

LW-Mitch Moroz

Shoots: Left Born In: Calgary, Alberta

Height: 6’3 Weight: 214lbs

13/14 GP:70 G:35 A:28 Pts:63 PIM:156 +25

12/13 GP:69 G:13 A:21 Pts:34 PIM:140 +21

11/12 GP:66
G:16 A:9 Pts:25 PIM:131 +5

A huge jump in production from his draft year, to his final junior year. Getting more ice time, while playing on the top line with Lazar definitely helped him. The jump in production has a little to do with line mates. But a large part is due to his never quit attitude and going to the dirty areas. A little back story on this.

Growing up, Moroz’s favorite player was Ryan Smyth. Just like a large part of Alberta, but Smytty non-the-less. Even though different type of players. Moroz tried to model his game like Smyth. Most notably, going to the front of the net and taking abuse. Something Moroz has done his entire career. So when he was drafted by his favorite team, it was a dream come true. But nothing would top the player who took him under his wing during training camp. His hero, talked to him and helped him through training camp.

I mean how cool would that be, literally grow up idolizing a player and trying to be like them. Then as the journey of your dream continues, you end up training and getting advise from said hero. Just unbelievable. Moroz plays a much more physical game than Smyth ever did. he hit’s as much as he can and will fight whenever someone asks. But he has developed a huge part of his game after the beloved Smytty. He goes to the net. He wins most puck battles. He doesn’t have the skill or speed of most players. But he battles for every single inch and every single goal he scores. Sound familiar? Let’s take a look at his idols junior stats.

LW-Ryan Smyth

Shoots:Left Born In; Banff, Alberta

Height: 6’1 Weight: 177lbs. (Draft Weight)

16yo GP:64 G:19 A:14 Pts:33 PIM:59

17yo GP:72 G:50 A:55 Pts:105 PIM:88

18yo GP:50 G:41 A:45 Pts:86 PIM:66

Right off the bat, Smyth had way better scoring totals. As it’s been said a lot in recent days, determination and skill. An excellent mixture. Especially when a teenager being drafted. He could put up the points. Moroz does have stats close to Smyth at all. SO why did I bring them up? Because, by watching him, you can see Moroz has taken a lot from Smyth in the offensive zone. He goes and stands in front of the net. He has the hockey sense to get to places to crease chances. He is the hardest fore checker on an Oil Kings team that includes Curtis Lazar and Henrik Samuelsson. Two guys who could skate circles around him. But yet, he seems to always be the first in, making a big hit. That’s how much of a determined player he is.

So while he may not be at the same level Smytty was, he does show the same levels of compete. The “Passion” that so many have used to describe Ryan Smyth.

I get that the stats don’t support this. But the play does. By watching him play for the Oil Kings. Listening to many of his interviews. Also by what guys on his team say. He has taken a lot from his idol. Probably even more from the week long training camp guidance from his hero. He could very well be the next heart and soul guy this team will need since “Captain Canada” retired.

But while he isn’t as skilled as Ryan Smyth and might end up being an NHL average of 15-20 goals a year player. He makes up for it in another way needed by this team. He is big and as mean as can be. He can throw with the best of them. He will hit a guy with everything he has, every single shift. He is also a guy who is described by teammates as an “amazing teammate”. The highest compliment a player can get from teammates. I take it, he deems the title, from playing hard every shift. I could also see it because he isn’t scared to jump a guy who takes a run at him player, or give his keeper a snow shower. Again, a Power Forward in the truest fashion.

I know some reading this are already calling me a moron since it’s all evidence from opinion. Fair enough. Now how about I support the other side of the argument with facts. Here is a guy who has pretty damn close junior years before his jump to the NHL. he’s also another guy who was drafted for his physicality and a glimmer of skill.

LW-Milan Lucic

Shoots:Left Born In: Vancouver, BC

Height: 6’4 Weight: 220lbs.

19yo GP:70 G:30 A:38 Pts:68 PIM:149 +32

(Lucic only made the WHL when he was 18, before that he played in the BCHL)

Pretty similar stats if you ask me. Lucic had a much more drastic jump in points. But still was only separated by five points in the same amount of games. So all-in-all, their stats are pretty damn close. Both were drafted for their physical skills, with very few glimpses of skill. But so far, Moroz seems on an almost identical path as Lucic. Both play a physical game and will drop the mitts with anyone who comes calling. Both showed in Junior they can finish off plays as well as players faces. So another positive with Moroz, proving naysayers wrong, he looks on a path similar to Lucic. Maybe even to become as impactful down the road, even though not as likely.

But back to what I was getting at before numbers and player comparisons were brought in. I think we could end up having a gem of a player in Mitch Moroz. I am not saying he will ever put up numbers like Lucic or Smyth. But I am saying he could very well turn into a player that Edmonton loves, just as much as their hockey team. We love hard working players. Plain and simple. Guys who care and work hard every game. Moroz could be the next guy who brings this every night.

He brings the work ethic and passion for the game that a recently retired player did. He does a lot of things that most players just wont do. he also brings a physical element that team LOVE and look for. he’s a nice mix of finish and fight. Even though I did compare Moroz to a Ryan Smyth or a Milan Lucic, he will never be either. He is his own player. But if he keeps on the same path that he has been following, keeps the drive and passion to play the game and continues to be a professional like his mentor. he could very well end up being a steal at the 32nd pick. He is already a nice mixture of Smyth and Lucic in the WHL with Edmonton. There is nothing stopping him from becoming the same type of player, in the same city, but on the big team…… Nothing but himself.

All I am saying is, Moroz is another player to be excited about as early as next year. He has improved his game enough, and brings enough elements missing from the Oilers. He could very well turn some heads come September. He may never turn into that “Milan Lucic” everybody is turning over boulders for. Moroz looks like a diamond in the rough.

Thank you so much for reading! Give me a follow @sharkyzeee and have a great day!