NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Nathan Bastian

Get to Know: Nathan Bastian

Date of Birth: December 6, 1997
Place of Birth: Kitchener, Ontario
Ht: 6′-3″ Wt: 207 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW (occasionally center)
Team (League): Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Dan Stewart, Future Considerations

“I really like the game that Bastian plays as he is that big, imposing winger that can complement skilled linemates well,” Stewart wrote in an e-mail. “Some are bred to play the piano and some are bred to move it. On that Steelheads top line with Nylander and McLeod, he is the piano mover.”

Brock Otten, OHL Prospects

He’s 6’4, 210lbs and can play any forward position, providing a lot of versatility to a lineup. He’s also a great two-way player and a physical asset who is especially effective at using his body to gain possession in the offensive end. … Offensively, his biggest asset is his vision and playmaking ability, something that’s not common for a power forward. … He opened up space, but also did a great job displaying patience and poise with the puck, drawing defenders in before making a great pass to create a scoring chance.

What BSN Avalanche sees

He’s not afraid to play physical, nor does he fear the front of the net.  Most of the passes mentioned by the play-by-play announcers are headed for Bastian, so a lot of offense passes through him on any given possession.  He plays with a very clear drive.

His skating is just okay, and his game is certainly not flashy.  He’s also a complementary player on that line – he helps the play, but he’s not often the one driving it.  There’s nothing really wrong with his game, but I don’t really see him having the upside to develop into a top-line player.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Bastian’s unlikely to have the offensive capabilities to become a top line player in the NHL, but he does have a well-rounded game that should translate pretty easily to a tweener role. His ability to comfortably slide into any forward position increases his versatility, which likely will help him establish a good career as a reliable workhorse.

Expected Draft Position

Earlier in the year, he was given first round consideration, but a bit of a late season slip means he’ll probably still be around when the Avs head to the podium for the 40th Overall selection.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

If the Avs draft a defensemen in the first round, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Bastian was their next pick. He has the size and skills Roy covets, and his comfort with all forward positions makes him a John Mitchell upgrade. It certainly wouldn’t be the flashiest pick, but with the Avs current system weakness at the forward position, adding a reliable guy like Nathan Bastian would be far from a terrible move.