Prospect Info: Nolan De Jong (D), #197 Overall, 2016
- Thread starter Fel 96
- Start date
- Status
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
PariseSuterKoivu
Registered User
- Jul 9, 2012
- 300
- 22
Circulartheory
Registered User
My notes on De Jong:
STRENGTHS: A very smooth and agile puckmoving defenseman. He moves very well laterally with
great first steps and great top speed. He is mobile enough to move his body positioning without
sacrificing the ability to make plays; can do all of it in one smooth action. He has good puck control
and can handle the puck at any speed. He also has strong vision and has a very good first pass. He
anticipates the play very well in the offensive zone and plays with a good combination of energy and
poise. He is not afraid to insert himself physically.
WEAKNESSES: He is a very lanky player and requires a lot more muscle to succeed at higher levels.
Although not afraid to use his body, he is not effective at using it because of the lack of strength. In
addition, although mobile and good puck skills, he isn’t overly creative with his play. His shooting
ability was also a huge weakness; badly placed and forced shots with poor strength and accuracy. He
has great offensive instincts but has bad defensive hockey sense; needs to learn how to pressure
players while maintaining defensive positioning as he gives too much time to players to make plays.
NHL PROJECTION: Raw puckmoving defenseman. He has some nice qualities to his game that can be
used as a PP specialist, but at this point in time, his game is very raw, he lacks muscle, he lacks
defensive consistency, and for all the offensive skills he has, it just hasn’t resulted into stats and
point
STRENGTHS: A very smooth and agile puckmoving defenseman. He moves very well laterally with
great first steps and great top speed. He is mobile enough to move his body positioning without
sacrificing the ability to make plays; can do all of it in one smooth action. He has good puck control
and can handle the puck at any speed. He also has strong vision and has a very good first pass. He
anticipates the play very well in the offensive zone and plays with a good combination of energy and
poise. He is not afraid to insert himself physically.
WEAKNESSES: He is a very lanky player and requires a lot more muscle to succeed at higher levels.
Although not afraid to use his body, he is not effective at using it because of the lack of strength. In
addition, although mobile and good puck skills, he isn’t overly creative with his play. His shooting
ability was also a huge weakness; badly placed and forced shots with poor strength and accuracy. He
has great offensive instincts but has bad defensive hockey sense; needs to learn how to pressure
players while maintaining defensive positioning as he gives too much time to players to make plays.
NHL PROJECTION: Raw puckmoving defenseman. He has some nice qualities to his game that can be
used as a PP specialist, but at this point in time, his game is very raw, he lacks muscle, he lacks
defensive consistency, and for all the offensive skills he has, it just hasn’t resulted into stats and
point
Last edited:
Circulartheory
Registered User
Minnewildsota
He who laughs last thinks slowest
- Jun 7, 2010
- 8,700
- 2,999
- Aug 5, 2011
- 28,371
- 1,391
thepuckmonster
Professional Winner.
This is a very, very accurate assessment. My boyfriend coache De Jong on the Grizzlies this year, and he confirms all these points.
Though Nolan has put on 10 more pounds since his draft stats. Great low risk/high reward pick, hr was a projected to be a 4-5th rounder. Nonis was super high on the kid.
The Wild own the rights to this kid until Aug 15th then he's a UFA. Wore the 'C' last year at Michigan.
Any chance the Wild sign him for AHL depth? I see his ceiling as a bottom pair defensively responsible d-man. Likely not a NHL player.
Any chance the Wild sign him for AHL depth? I see his ceiling as a bottom pair defensively responsible d-man. Likely not a NHL player.
gphr513
Watch the world burn
Saga of the Elk
Honoured Person
- May 31, 2008
- 3,136
- 935
To his credit, he finished strong. To become captain of one of the nation's top programs is a tremendous accomplishment too, so I'm sure he has a bright future ahead of him. I do think they would have signed him by this time if it was going to happen, and I just didn't see NHL level ability there.
- Status
