#140 Cole Candella

[LastWordArmy]

#77 for our Draft list.

Candella is a tough player to rank, as he was limited to just 37 games this season due to a wrist injury. When he did play, he was the Bulldogs top defenceman, playing big minutes and in all situations. Candella scored four goals and 20 points for Hamilton, while also being tasked with playing against the opponents number one line. He is a good skater, with strong edgework and pivots. He has great mobility in both directions, that really helps him be a two-way player. Candella has good stickhandling ability, and can skate the puck away from fore checkers and out of danger. He is also a very good passer, both in starting the transition game and acting as a power play quarterback.

Link: http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/06/19/2016-nhl-draft-scouting-reports-players-76-80/

Click to read more...

 

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

20 points in 37 games is decent for a 5th rounder.

I guess I'm okay with it

 

[Josepho]

This one I like.

 

[coldhands]

Great pick at 140.

 

[canwincup]

I've actually seen this kid play twice, I really like the pick.

 

[Seatoo]

Rather have Ronning

 

[Disappointed EP40]

Also a pick I like here. Buying low post-injury makes sense.

 

[NuxFan09]

Forgetting the points, I always like taking prospects who are THE guys on their team. Sounds like Candella is a big minute guy for Hamilton.

 

[banme*]

This is a literally who for me, never seen him play. Seems like a reasonable pick though.

 

[Verviticus]

much happier with this pick

 

[turkulad]

Candella is a second year defender who has really stepped up in [Lemcke’s] absence to take control of a young defense corps. A jack of all trades kind of defender, Candella has been showing a lot more offensively in recent weeks, and as his confidence grows, so will the production. With good size and a well-rounded skill set, he’s certainly a candidate for a top three round selection.

-Brock Otten

It's not a bad thing to invest on a guy who's a) been injured so his stats have taken a dive because of that, and b) at the same time has thrived with added responsibility on his team.

 

[Billy Kvcmu]

20 points in 37 GP as a defenceman?
Sounds good

 

[Mudshark50]

http://thehockeywriters.com/cole-candella-the-next-ones-nhl-2016-draft-prospect-profile/

NHL Draft Projection:

At only 18, Candella still has a lot of time to develop his skills further. However, the 6’1†defenceman has the all-around skill and physicality to be a solid shutdown blueliner. While he’s not one of the top defensemen in the draft, Candella should have his name tossed around early in the fourth round.

 

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

20 points in 37 GP as a defenceman?
Sounds good

That is pretty good value in the 5th round.

Might be the best pick of the draft for us lol

 

[m9]

Sounds good to me. If there's one thing this team does well, and there might only be one thing, it's drafting 5th round defensemen.

 

[MS]

Seems reasonable. I've never seen him play.

Some scouting reports question his hockey sense, which is a concern.

 

[Disappointed EP40]

``Candella is a second year defender who has really stepped up in [Lemcke’s] absence to take control of a young defense corps. A jack of all trades kind of defender, Candella has been showing a lot more offensively in recent weeks, and as his confidence grows, so will the production. With good size and a well-rounded skill set, he’s certainly a candidate for a top three round selection.

Brock Otten, OHL Prospects``

Yea.. Looks like we got a faller. I`ve read he`d expect to go late 3rd, early 4th, so nice to see at 5th.

 

[GetFocht]

I'm interested to see how develops next season

 

[DCantheDDad]

This pick I do like. Good potential.

 

[Bitz and Bites]

That is pretty good value in the 5th round.

Might be the best pick of the draft for us lol

Probably the best value pick of the later bunch unless Jimbo can score someone good in the 7th.

 

[Scholarships]

I like this pick

 

[Gaunce4gm]

Can we start a prospect info thread on him?

 

[kanucks25]

I like this pick

 

[WhatTheDuck]

I was convinced a team would have seen enough of Candella in the first half to take him top 75. I can't imagine there are too many D in this draft with his combination of size and skating. Excellent value pick for the Canucks and a guy that could really rise up the charts with a healthy +1 season.

 

[Tank]

Fifth round Ontario magic - Corrado - Huton - Candella - trifecta!! Overall a good draft IMO. Cupboards are being restocked especially like our D going forward.