Red Line Report, an independent international scouting service, projects University of Wisconsin men's hockey center Joe LaBate to be chosen in the third round of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
LaBate, an 18-year-old incoming freshman from Holy Angels (Minn.) Academy, is No. 65 on Red Line's list of top prospects for the draft, scheduled for June 24 and 25 in Minneapolis.
Anyone who selects LaBate will do so for obvious reasons: He's listed at 6-foot-4, has a big, athletic frame that could easily add another 20 to 25 pounds, and has above-average offensive skills.
Here's the RLR synopsis on LaBate, who recently took part in the NHL scouting combine in Toronto:
"Huge, but physically under-developed center has a massive and athletic frame to grow into. He's tall and reed-thin right now, but will ultimately fill out to a 210-plus pound monster. Very good in front of the net and has excellent anticipation, always knows where the puck is going. Has a heavy shot with a quick release. Uses his wide base in the corners and (in) front of the net to gain and hold space in prime real estate and to protect the puck while getting his shot away. Outstanding puck-handler with soft, quick hands for such a big man-child. Has fine hockey sense in all three zones, but is raw in many aspects, such as defensive coverage and faceoffs. Already has a long stride, but must gain strength in his Bambi legs. He's all about projection at this point, but his long-term upside is sky-high.''
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