Prospect Info: JT Compher, RC – 35th Overall, 2013

[Woodhouse]

Source | Quote and/or Scouting Report

College Hockey News​

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The most skilled forward to come out of the U.S. National Development program this season, and in fact, he might be the best all-around player coming out of the prestigious team. At 5-foot-11, he’s not huge, but makes up for it with above average speed and is solid everywhere on the ice; think a poor man’s Patrice Bergeron. Despite is average size, he has above-average strength and should continue to bulk up after getting into a top-notch strength and conditioning program at Michigan.​

DraftSite​

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Warrior with good speed, decent size, and fearlessness in battle areas. Positions himself well when his team is without the puck. Strong on his skates and very mobile. Excellent face-off man with a strong quick release on his shot. Throws the opposition off with his tenacity and infectious edge. Hockey sense plus scoring ability and relentless two-way commitment. A center who distributes the puck exceptionally well and shoots it well. Very strong and has good upside to grow an offensive game. Strong on his skates and a good diagnostician while moving with speed on the attack. He added quickness to his stride but can get quicker. He was selected to the roster for the World Junior Under-18 Tournament in April, and was arguably the best player in the US win in the semis. (Committed to the University of Michigan)​

FC​

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A complete two-way game is what Compher should be characterized as. He skates well with good acceleration, balance and speed but could improve upon his lateral quickness. His best asset is his vision on the ice and ability to see options. His vision and quickness allow for him to play the role of defensive pick-pocket at times making a difference on both sides of the puck. His hands are creative and allow him to retain possession in traffic while assessing his options. His passes are accurate and crisply distributed.​

HF​

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2012-13: Compher skated with the USA NTDP U18 squad and represented the USA in the 2013 World Junior Championship tournament. Compher was the U18 team's second-leading scorer, finishing with 18 goals and 31 assists in 55 games and was plus-12 with 53 penalty minutes. Compher was the second leading scorer for the silver medal-winning USA squad at the U 18 WJC, trailing only Tyler Motte, scoring 3 goals with 4 assists and finishing plus-two with 8 penalty minutes in seven games. In a thrilling gold medal game, the USA fell to Canada, 3-2. Compher was ranked 34th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2013 NHL Draft.​

Hockey Prospect​

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JT was the captain of the U18 team and did an excellent job of leading by example with his intelligent, two-way play. He’s a Swiss army knife of sorts, the type of player coaches are happy to put on the ice in any situation at any time of a game. Need a goal in the last minute? He’s your guy. Need to keep the puck out of your net with the lead? He can do that too. Power play, penalty kill, 4-on-4, you name it. He can do it all with a consistently strong effort. He very rarely takes shifts off and plays the full rink. His skating is excellent with swift acceleration and agility. With quick starts and stops, he can dart around the offensive zone and is very effective in a cycle...read more.​

Hockey Prospectus​

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Compher is the top prospect to emerge from the USA development program in this draft (keeping in mind that Seth Jones played for the USNTDP last year). He is a great all-around player, above average or better at just about every area of the game, despite his 5'11" frame. He is a good skater who picks up speed well, and he has a high-energy element in his play. He forechecks and backchecks with speed, pressuring the opposition, while showing no hesitation to bang bodies. He is very skilled, with above-average puck skills and offensive instincts. On occasion, he will show elements of true offensive flash. He can make individual plays, and he tends to find his teammates well. He also has a big shot, and will be able to score from mid-distance. He is quite strong for a player of his height and age, but he will need to continue to bulk up so that he can play his style at the next level.​

McKeen's Hockey​

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Smart, tenacious forward plays an authoritative allaround game .. his vision of the ice is exceptional - sees plays before they happen which powers stout positioning and strong puck support - in the right place at the right time .. skating has improved substantially the past two years.. crossovers are crisp and effortless .. utilizes different gear changes - injecting bursts of speed .. demonstrates his fluidity and solid balance while making sharp lateral shifts .. strong and poised on the puck .. deploys nifty head and shoulder fakes to look off checkers .. manages space effectively - displays a sharp sense for pressure .. possesses nifty in-close passing and shooting skills .. locates his outlets with precision - and is adept at getting to the front of goal to unleash his wristshot .. versatile, plays in all situations and multiple roles .. outstanding defensive awareness and diligence...read more.​

Red Line Report​

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One of the more complete two-way forwards in the upcoming draft. Plays a hard-driving physical game and is an intensely competitive guy. Combines that with a fine offensive skillset that includes a rocket shot and sniper’s touch around the net. Tough to play against because he can contribute in so many different ways, and is always in constant motion. Looks to initiate contact and plays hard in his own end, too. High character kid who comes through in crunch time.​

TSN​

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J.T. combines the attributes of skill and will in his game. Has a strong competitive fire and is not easily denied. Very good quickness and he is capable of making plays at high speed and can beat defenders one-on-one. Has good hands with a good shot and is able to play in tight areas. Very good awareness and makes good plays with and without puck in all areas.​

USofH​

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A favorite of scouts I’ve talked to all year long, Compher has a lot of qualities that NHL teams crave and that could make him a late-first-round pick on Sunday. The captain of the U.S. National Under-18 Team this year, Compher is a gritty two-way forward who has a terrific shot and an ability to create some offense. He plays a blue-collar style of offense, which may make it seem like he doesn’t have the best skills, but he combines skill with his strength and it makes him extremely tough to play against. Compher, who missed considerable time with an early-season injury, played in every big situation for the U.S. over the last two years. He was a bottom-six forward on the 2012 gold-medal World Under-18 Team, playing more of an energetic, physical and defensive style. In 2013, he was a top-line forward and got all the toughest match-ups. He scored some huge goals including a shootout-sealer against Russia in the semifinals at this year’s U18s. He has terrific defensive sense, is a strong penalty-killer and initiates contact often. Compher is a bit undersized, but the way he plays makes it a non-issue. Expect him to make an immediate impact at the University of Michigan next season.​

A/V Club

Draft-Day Interviews

2013.06.30 – JT Compher meets with the media after being selected 35th overall. <2:38>

2013.07.03 – JT Compher speaks with WGR's Schopp & The Bulldog. <6:58>

Full Games

2013.04.23 – USA U18 vs Finland U18. <106:39>

2013.04.26 – USA U18 vs Russia U18. <154:14>

2013.04.28 – USA U18 vs Canada U18 (Gold Medal Game). <151:14>

YouTube Clips



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Click to read more...

 

[Woodhouse]

NHL Network analyst Craig Button:

"When you look at the package that J.T. has, it's skill, it's a competitive spirit. The biggest thing is, you watch a player that can skate and make plays, but he does it at high speed and at pace and tempo. He's just a threatening player when he has the puck. And when he doesn’t have the puck, he wants the puck."

 

[Chainshot]

FC's take:

No. 29
J. T. COMPHER
POSITION: Centre
SHOOTS: Right
TEAM: Under-18 (US NTDP)
8BORN: April 12, 1995
VITALS: 5’-11” / 175 Lbs
STATS: 47 GP 15 G 27 A 42 PTS 45 PIM
STRENGTHS: Compher is very quick out of the gates, strong on his feet as a result of his powerful stride, which makes him good on the forecheck and hard to elude on the backcheck. He is a strong player that is able to play with a little grit in his game, making his opponent’s uncomfortable. He is not overly big in stature, but his energy and strength allows him to play bigger than he is. He is a creative passer that makes crisp, accurate passes. He shows good vision and passing touch -- able to find open teammates for scoring chances quickly -- but shouldn’t be considered a high-end playmaker. Compher goes hard to the net. He has a good shot; heavy with a quick release, but doesn’t have that sort of innate goal scorer’s mindset, not just the instincts to go to the net, but create space and find little soft spots to get open for shots. He stays with the faceoff sequences and looks to win the battle or jump on the loose pucks. He’s feisty and plays with a gnatty quality, as he can get under opponents’ skin -- tenacious and determined player who gets right in the middle of things. He’s a bit of a pest, doing little things like grabbing the sticks of opponents after whistles. Shows that he will drop the gloves and stick up for himself if things get heated. He likes to push the pace of play on both sides of the puck. He is the ultimate team guy, a reason he was the captain of the U18 team. He will do anything the team needs to help them win. He sacrifices his body by making hits, taking hits and blocking shots. He is all over the defensive zone, but in a smart way. Ideally, he is a good pro two-way second line center or a brilliant checking line center with his relentless and edgy game.
WEAKNESSES: Compher owns a responsible two-way game, but there are questions about his offensive upside. The vision and some playmaking aptitude is there, but he doesn’t really have a determined identity as to who he is or what he does with the puck. He does a little of everything but not to the point where he it is a true weapon. His first step needs improvement, especially out of a transition, and he currently lacks a separation gear which hinders his effectiveness off the rush. Not a natural goal scorer per se as production looks to be born more out of going to and being around the net, utilizing positional play. Defensively, there is much to be excited about, however, he does over-commit sometimes by going down to block a shot too quickly and taking himself out of the play.
SCOUTS QUOTE: “A tenacious and determined player who gets right in the middle of things. Plays much bigger than his size would indicate. Does a lot of things well and shows flashes of greatness. Transitional game is impressive, very intelligent. Makes scoring chances out of turnovers with decisiveness and intensity.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top Nine Two-Way Centre

 

[Chainshot]

Hockey Prospects:

Compher, JT – RC – US NTDP Under-18 Team – 5’11, 184
JT was the captain of the U18 team and did an excellent job of leading by example with his
intelligent, two-way play. He’s a Swiss army knife of sorts, the type of player coaches are happy to
put on the ice in any situation at any time of a game. Need a goal in the last minute? He’s your guy.
Need to keep the puck out of your net with the lead? He can do that too. Power play, penalty kill,
4-on-4, you name it. He can do it all with a consistently strong effort. He very rarely takes shifts off
and plays the full rink. His skating is excellent with swift acceleration and agility. With quick starts
and stops, he can dart around the offensive zone and is very effective in a cycle. In flashes, he shows
outstanding stick handling ability and creativity. He can be very deceptive. He has a nice selection of
shots and shows good variety with a sharp wrister, good one-timer, big slap shot, and a nice
backhand. He gets good lift on his shots in tight. He takes the puck to the net and goes to the dirty
areas to battle.
His defensive game is very strong. He’s aggressive on the back check, forcing turnovers in the neutral
zone with good pressure from behind and acting quickly after regaining possession to catch defenders
flat-footed going the other way. He helps his defensemen out whenever possible with an honest effort
in his zone, an active stock, and shot blocking. He’s a strong penalty killer with good positioning and
is a threat to score shorthanded. Compher missed time early on in the season with injury, bringing up questions of durability with his sometimes-reckless play, but was a fixture in the lineup from the end
of November onwards. His excellent all-around play makes him one of the safest picks in this draft
class, and he has been consistent enough offensively this year to say that he could very well still be a
solid offensive contributor at the professional level, though at this point that’s not quite a sure thing.
Quotable: “I don’t see top six skills. He will probably go off the board between
25 & 35. Love his heart.” - NHL Scout
Quotable: “I spoke to Compher at the Combine and was very impressed. This kid
knows his game and how he will need to play to be effective in the NHL.” - Mark
Edwards

 

[krt88]

he's described as tireless worker and a leader so can't complain too much about that

 

[Paxon]

JT "DOES NOT" COMPUTER!

I will miss you Rej. I'm sure we'll have an appreciation thread. He was my favorite defenseman on the team but he was clearly not in the long-term plans even before drafting Zadorov and Ristolainen. Ehrhoff and Myers are the guys we're invested in, Weber is the veteran who if he stays long-term will ultimately be a bottom-pairing guy. Moving Sekera makes us worse next season, which is part of why I like it. The other part: JT Compher

I love this kid. Strong pick.

 

[Chainshot]

McKeen's #56

National team captain led the U18 NTDP with 32 assists despite
missing time early in the season recovering from a concussion .. the
Northbrook, Illinois native guided Team USA to a silver medal at the
U18 Worlds, tying for the team scoring lead (7-3-4-7) ..
SCOUTING REPORT .. smart, tenacious forward plays an authoritative allaround game .. his vision of the ice is exceptional - sees plays before they happen which powers stout positioning and strong puck support - in the right place at the right time .. skating has improved substantially the past two years.. crossovers are crisp and effortless .. utilizes different gear changes - injecting bursts of speed .. demonstrates his fluidity and solid balance while making sharp lateral shifts .. strong and poised on the puck .. deploys nifty head and shoulder fakes to look off checkers .. manages space effectively - displays a sharp sense for pressure .. possesses nifty in-close passing and shooting skills .. locates his outlets with precision - and is adept at getting to the front of goal to unleash his wristshot .. versatile, plays in all situations and multiple roles .. outstanding defensive awareness and diligence .. operates like a third defenseman .. resolute and utterly fearless in his approach - lays it all on the line .. pushes himself - dedicated to team and personal contributions .. gets bull-headed though - wants to be ‘the guy’ too much - which can obscure his decision making .. can get quite mean and prickly at times .. a reputed faceoff specialist - yet surprisingly average at the U18’s - winning 49.7 percent .. NHL teams will see shades of T.J. Oshie and gravitate to his character game and highly-competitive nature .. will temper expectations however due to concerns about his concussion history and whether he has the physical foundation to play his game at the next level ..could use a growth spurt.

 

[tsujimoto74]

All I can say, is this kid better be damn good if we gave up Sekera for him.

 

[SoFFacet]

JT Computer. Very nice. Thought he would go in the late 1st.

 

[Afino]

All I can say, is this kid better be damn good if we gave up Sekera for him.

yep, because Sekera was going to be the difference maker 3-4 years down the line with a loaded D prospect corps

 

[is the answer jesus]

All I can say, is this kid better be damn good if we gave up Sekera for him.

My thoughts exactly. Sekera is light years better than Mcbain so Compher better end up being a good player

 

[pyroxen]

All I can say, is this kid better be damn good if we gave up Sekera for him.

This. So much this

 

[start winnin]

I would've preferred Zykov because I think he has more offensive potential, but I like this kid's motor and intangibles.

 

[MagnumForce2]

Would have preferred Fucale or Zykov here. I wasn't a big fan of drafting Fucale in the 1st but at pick 35, it would have made sense. I knew that Fucale and Zykov wouldn't make it to pick 38 especially with Montreal sitting between at pick 36. Not a bad pick but not my choice. Hope Compher suprises.

 

[Disengage]

Kevin Oklobzija ‏@kevinoDandC 11m
And as @34ROCKYP points out, #Sabres and #Amerks fans can see J.T. Compher at War Memorial when Michigan plays #RIT on Oct. 12.

I'd recommend getting tickets early if you plan on going to this.

 

[krt88]

gets bull-headed though - wants to be ‘the
guy’ too much - which can obscure his decision making

that's a serious concern, sounds like a big ego guy

 

[1972]

My least favorite pick of the 5

 

[La Cosa Nostra]

Would Ryan Calllahan be a valid comparison for him? If he can provide great 2 way play, play chippy and put up 25 goals/50 points a season ill be ecstatic.

 

[Duddy]

is doing everything meh, but isn't really good at anything?

awesome

I really don't want to push an agenda against one of our players/prospects, but man the kid has to show me something that makes me forget Sekera.

He's basically nothing special and everything above 3rd liner will be bonus.

meh

 

[haseoke39]

The kid who was worth not moving Risto for Monahan, is how we'll remember him.

5 years down the line when Monahan is Jonathan Toews and Risto is a decent second pairing D, this kid better be ****ing fabulous.

 

[mike8219]

i would have picked Zykov

 

[SoFFacet]

The kid who was worth not moving Risto for Monahan, is how we'll remember him.

5 years down the line when Monahan is Jonathan Toews and Risto is a decent second pairing D, this kid better be ****ing fabulous.

So many assumptions.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

The kid who was worth not moving Risto for Monahan, is how we'll remember him.

5 years down the line when Monahan is Jonathan Toews and Risto is a decent second pairing D, this kid better be ****ing fabulous.

can i borrow your crystal ball for a few days?

 

[sonnEbunny]

So many assumptions.

Haha I second this, I like Buffalos draft right now I give them a very solid B.

 

[Paxon]

The kid who was worth not moving Risto for Monahan, is how we'll remember him.

5 years down the line when Monahan is Jonathan Toews and Risto is a decent second pairing D, this kid better be ****ing fabulous.

That makes literally no sense. The decision not to do the first deal had nothing to do with JT Compher and you know that.