NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Anthony Cirelli

 

Get to Know Anthony Cirelli

/Date of Birth:  7/15/1997
Place of Birth:  Woodbridge, ON, CAN
Ht: 6’0” Wt: 165 lbs
Shoots:  Left
Position:  Center
Team:  Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Anthony Cirelli might not always score goals, but when he does, he makes sure they’re the Memorial Cup winner.  

In the meantime, he keeps himself busy developing his solid 2-way play and using his high hockey IQ.  His aggressive forechecking and willingness to play along the boards makes him a great option for an NHL bottom 6, and his 36 pts in 68 games provides important depth scoring.  Whenever he’s on the ice, his hard work and active stick make a difference for his team.  He’s a player with great potential as a pro for the club who selects him at this year’s draft.  

Statistics

What Scouts See

Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

A tough guy for me to get a read on this year. When you’re watching the Generals, he’s not a guy that stands out because he’s consistently had the opportunity to play with some fantastic players (like Michael Dal Colle). But he finds a way to reach the score sheet and do things to help his team win. His hockey sense is strong, as is his play away from the puck. I think the thing I have a tough time guaging is his offensive potential, because he doesn’t play a ton with the puck on his stick. In 2008, I found it similarly difficult to gauge the potential of a young Windsor forward named Adam Henrique (because of the role he was asked to play). And he’s turned out OK. Next year will certainly be telling for Cirelli.

Mike Mackley, Overtime Sports Nation

Cirelli is an excellent two-way player, who see’s the ice very well. His hockey IQ is off the charts as he continuously shows his effectiveness at both ends of the ice. While Cirelli could stand to add strength to his core, he is just 17 years of age and that will come with time and development. Cirelli boasts a number of skills you just can’t teach. His work ethic and compete level is off the charts, he competes on every puck, goes to the dirty areas of the ice, and is willing to take a hit to make a play. While Cirelli is defensively responsible he also has some noticeable offensive upside. He has deceptively good hands and playmaking ability, strong vision, and has an ability to find the soft spots in defensive zone coverage’s. Cirelli is very cerebral in his approach, takes direct routes to the puck, is effective on the forecheck, and shows an ability to find the back of the net.

What BSN Avalanche sees

Just as the scouting reports imply, Cirelli isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s deceptively effective.  He may be surrounded by talent, but he still makes them better with his good heads-up plays.  From his passing to his shooting and skating, nothing really stands out as noticeably outstanding, but good things seem to happen more than usual while he’s on the ice.

It’s also very clear he has his coach’s trust.  He takes a lot of D-zone draws, and he’s not afraid of the dirty areas or throwing/taking a hit.  His forechecking and backchecking is downright tenacious, and he obviously takes pride in the details of his game.

However, that doesn’t mean his offense isn’t there.  He has a decent burst of speed to help with rushes, and his puck handling in tight spaces is strong.  He creates chaos for defensemen, especially away from the puck. Cirelli’s offensive upside may not be as high as some of his teammates, but it’s there.  And as shown by the clip below, it comes in handy from time to time.

Highlights 

NHL Potential

While there’s an off chance that Cirelli becomes a top 6 player, he’s a very safe and effective choice for a 3rd line defensive center down the road.  His hockey IQ and work ethic means he’s likely to become an excellent pro and effective depth option.

Expected Draft Position

Prior to his heroics during the Memorial Cup, Cirelli was ranked 67 among North American skaters by the central scouting service.  However, he may go a little earlier than that now.  He might crack the late 2nd round, but 3rd or 4th round is more likely.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

It’s no secret the Avs are short on forwards, but the team does have a good group of depth and/or defensive players on the way, particularly of the smaller persuasion.  I’m not sure Cirelli would be a great fit from a straight needs-based approach, but his skill, character, and compete all scream “potential Avalanche draft pick”.  If he falls to the team’s 4th or so round pick, his name might be one to keep track of on draft day.