NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Blake Speers

 

Get to Know Blake Speers

Date of Birth: January 2, 1997 (18)
Place of Birth: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 181 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Center/Right Wing
Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Two years after being selected 11th overall in the OHL Priority Draft, Blake Speers is on his way to another draft selection this June. A Sault Ste. Marie native, Blake Speers cut his teeth on a very impressive Greyhounds team, and despite playing something of a supporting role to the Greyhounds top players, made a name for himself with NHL scouts. Because of the Greyhounds deep lineup, the quick skating Speers transitioned from center to wing in his draft season.

Statistics

What Scouts See

Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects

For Blake Speers, offense is the best defence. Has slick hands and good overall puckhandling skills. Great passing ability and a very accurate shot. Plays a puck possession game; not diminutive in size, persay, but does need to get stronger. Not afraid to battle along the boards, but his size does show through against bigger opponents. Has all the tools to be a successful contributor when played in the right role.

TSN

Speers is a very determined and purposeful player. He gets involved in all areas of the game, from the offensive parts to the defensive parts, and has a real determination to contribute whatever it may be. Always in the play and on the puck. Improving the explosive elements in his skating will allow him an even greater influence on the game.

What BSN Avalanche sees

After a strong 19 goal and 40 point debut in his first 67 OHL games, Blake Speers showed some impressive growth in his sophomore campaign. Because of the Greyhounds’ incredible depth, Speers was asked by the team to move to wing, and despite learning a new position he scored 24 goals and 67 points in only 57 games played. Speers also added 9 points in 14 games.

Speers has some strong raw skills in his game. He is an excellent skater who can dart around the ice very quickly. Speers has a very quick release and is good at finding open shooting lanes through traffic.

Offensively Speers is something of a paradox. He plays a very simple offensive game but also demonstrates exceptional vision. Speers doesn’t make many flashy plays, but he does an excellent job finding space for himself and others on the cycle and can almost always find a simple productive play to make. Defensively Speers’ game is still evolving, but he is very obviously committed to the defensive side of the puck and has the smarts to grow that side of his game.

Speers’ biggest limitation is undoubtedly his size. Speers is a shifty player who does well with his skating to avoid contact, but it also means he has an underdeveloped physical game and struggles when he is forced to play through bodies, especially away from the boards.

NHL Potential

On the high end Speers has the potential to play a role as a 2nd line winger in the NHL. But if Speers does eventually make his way to the big leagues it will more likely be in a depth 3rd line role while contributing depth scoring.

Expected Draft Position

Speers is ranked by most scouts as a mid-late 2nd round prospect, but some scouts rank him as high as 44th overall.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

Blake Speers is a versatile forward with very compelling upside. At 5’11” Speers doesn’t fit the Avs’ public interest in bulking up their team, but his offensive tools and dedicated two way play are still appealing. In the end Speers may be a poor fit for the Avs due simply to where he’ll fall in the draft.

With a high 2nd rounder in an exceptional deep draft, the Avs would likely be “reaching” too far down the board to take Speers at 40th given the other talents available. It’s also doubtful he will be available when the Avs pick in the 3rd round. If Speers does slip to the 3rd, the Avalanche would be wise to consider him.