C Clayton Keller - Boston University, NCAA (2016, 7th, ARI)
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Juxtaposer
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I haven't been able to see him play against the USHL, but he was one of if not the best player at the U17 this fall. Electrifying talent.
bigbadbruins7
Registered User
I can echo this. Haven't seen him at all outside of the U17 tourney but he was great. Was expecting him to thrive off of the space Max Jones was able to create for him but the offense started and finished with Keller. Great hands and vision
Pretty much Zach Parise 2.0. Similar size, tenacity and skill set. Definitely looks like a mid first rounder, like Parise. Doesn't have out of this world skill but a very skilled smaller player.
UvBnDatsyuked
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- Apr 30, 2005
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I have seen him play many times over the years when he was the Blues AAA org. Always impressed with him. (They were such a good team with Brown centering one line and Clayton centering the other.)
I haven't seen him live since Shattuck. I do think his puck skills, passing and certain aspects of his skating (edges) are tremendous. The one skill that I think is world class is his timing/anticipation. He shows up at the right area at the right time better than anyone at his age. He also understands the timing of passing and holding onto the puck. To me it seems like he has a higher % of plays with the puck on his stick where he makes something happen very positive than most other high level players. The last game I saw when he was with Shattuck, there were so many positive plays he made with the puck with just simple pauses and misdirections that the vast majority of players do not do or have the puck skills in order to do it.
I haven't seen him live since Shattuck. I do think his puck skills, passing and certain aspects of his skating (edges) are tremendous. The one skill that I think is world class is his timing/anticipation. He shows up at the right area at the right time better than anyone at his age. He also understands the timing of passing and holding onto the puck. To me it seems like he has a higher % of plays with the puck on his stick where he makes something happen very positive than most other high level players. The last game I saw when he was with Shattuck, there were so many positive plays he made with the puck with just simple pauses and misdirections that the vast majority of players do not do or have the puck skills in order to do it.
Zaddy
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- Feb 8, 2013
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Love this kid. Could be a top10 pick if he grows. He's not even that small. 5'9 with the draft 1½ years away. He'll likely grow to 5'10 or 5'11 by that time. Might be as tall as 6'0 when it's all said and done. One of my favorite players for the 2016 draft.
Does he not have acommitment to BU? I do not see him leaving, he gets to play in all situations at NTDP. Not like he is lacking ice time. But i could see other kids leaving? He is pretty small and will most likely need the time in college to get stronger and faster. Great hands but speed is good but not great for a smaller player. IMO.
The biggest difference for me between the U17 tournament and USHL play is that his lack of size and strength is far more apparent. I've seen him get rag dolled a number of times against USHL teams which is something that worries me a bit as many successful smaller players tend to avoid situations where that happens. He can be quite elusive at times though so perhaps if he bulks up a bit those instances will be fewer and farther between in the future.
That said, his skills are excellent and he has great potential going forward.
That said, his skills are excellent and he has great potential going forward.
Any updates on this kid? Thoughts?
His numbers are spectacular, yet he gets little attention on here. It seems he has been climbing the 2016 draft projections.
His numbers are spectacular, yet he gets little attention on here. It seems he has been climbing the 2016 draft projections.
William H Bonney
Registered User
He's been playing on a line with Jeremy Bracco and Colin White with the U18 team. I don't like that line stylistically because both Bracco and Keller are playmakers that need the puck a lot but you can't argue with the numbers he's put up with the U18s.
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Juxtaposer
Outro: Divina Comedia
And adding to that White isn't really a shoot-first player either. Lots of puck possession from these guys today but definitely too many forced passes and not enough shots.
He just had a fantastic goal at U18s. Cut from the boards to the slot and lifted a backhand high.
He added two really nice assists later in the game.
I'll be very interested in seeing how he develops next year. He's still quite undersized but he seems to have the talent to potentially go very high in the draft next year regardless.
I'll be very interested in seeing how he develops next year. He's still quite undersized but he seems to have the talent to potentially go very high in the draft next year regardless.
Woodhouse
Registered User
I met a very nice guy from USA hockey today at the airport. Talked about the NTDP and he had great things to say about Keller. Said size is an issue but he does all the things that successful small players do. He slips hits and goes to the tough areas with a lot of pace and determination. Says he's slippery in the sense of Kane.
Disclaimer: he did not compare the skill levels or even overall style. He just said he moves around the ice like Kane does.
Disclaimer: he did not compare the skill levels or even overall style. He just said he moves around the ice like Kane does.
He's listed 6th on Craig Button's November rankings. This guy has unreal offensive skill. 29 points in 16 games. He is definitely going to be a player that people argue over because of the size, but his potential alone is definitely top 10.
The Winter Soldier
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- Apr 4, 2011
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I posted about him Keller this summer. He is one of my favourite prospects this upcoming 2016 draft.
I believe he is a special player.
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showpost.php?p=105778755&postcount=477
I believe he is a special player.
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showpost.php?p=105778755&postcount=477
The Winter Soldier
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- Apr 4, 2011
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Think this is noteworthy given some older players were left off Team USA's Preliminary Roster yesterday. Clayton Keller was named to the preliminary roster.
When a 17 year old is named over some good older players, the kid is usually pretty good. I Hope he makes the final cut. He's a special talent.
When a 17 year old is named over some good older players, the kid is usually pretty good. I Hope he makes the final cut. He's a special talent.
Rogie21
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- Sep 10, 2005
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A Keller highlights video from a game last month. Led the U17s in scoring last season and easily leads the U18s with 16-34-50 in 25 games. When he committed to BU, I recall reading several comparisons to Zach Parise in talent and compete level.
The Winter Soldier
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- Apr 4, 2011
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For all the smaller skilled players coming into the league. I am especially high on Keller. I think he may be one of the more special players with this profile for years to come. His skating and hands are potentially elite.
