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Philadelphia Flyers: A Look Back at Scouting Reports – Part 1

By Julianne Prestis

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Although the Flyers did stuff this week and extended the contracts of both Jake Voracek and Sean Couturier, the offseason is boring. Have you ever spent hours contemplating what you want for dinner, only to give up and reheat some leftovers? That’s what it’s like sometimes trying to come up with ideas for articles.

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However, with the aforementioned resigning of Sean Couturier, I read an interesting comment thread. “Sean Couturier has never lived up to his offensive potential!” the comment said. “He was supposed to put up huge numbers!” Another commenter, probably burnt out on this particular argument, wrote back, “He was always touted as a two-way center. Go back and read his scouting reports.”

That got me thinking: Which players have lived up to their scouting report? Which players have exceeded it, or failed to live up to the hype? Were any reports way off the mark?

So, here we are. Even though it means a few roster players will be left out, I decided to leave out the ones who haven’t played at least three seasons in the NHL. I’ll also be doing this alphabetically and in parts, so the first three up are Couturier, Michael Del Zotto, and Sam Gagner.

Sean Couturier

Oct 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) skates up ice with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Flyers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: 8th overall, 2011 (Philadelphia Flyers)
Career NHL stats: 45 goals, 73 assists, 118 points in 287 games
Scouting reports:

From The Hockey News:

"Assets: Has outstanding two-way instincts. Is capable of playing a shutdown role with aplomb. Also boasts very good offensive upside and a very projectable frame.Flaws: Isn’t the fastest skater, so he needs to work on that aspect of his game in order to maximize his two-way upside. Is also somewhat of a work-in-progress offensive player.Career Potential: Talented two-way center with good upside."

From NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Bordeleau:

"At his size, he’ll be hard to pass up in the draft. He possesses a very good work ethic and he’s out there for every important faceoff. He’s very responsible in the defensive aspect of the game — a rare quality for such a young player in junior hockey."

From NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards:

"Sean has excellent puckhandling and playmaking ability; he sees the ice and reads the play very well … He’s extremely smart and gets himself into good scoring position. He plays a solid two-way game and is very responsible defensively."

From Hockey Prospectus’ Corey Pronman (archived, via Broad Street Hockey):

"His greatest asset though has to be his head and how he thinks the game. He consistently executes on passes and the speed at which he makes good decisions with the puck will translate seamlessly to the NHL game. He does so many little things right and at a quality level, be it on the forecheck, positioning, play in front of the net, on defense that’s it’s hard to imagine him needed a significant amount of coaching at the technical level when he goes pro."

Verdict: What The Hockey News listed as his flaws remain to be spot-on. While Couturier’s skating has improved, it still isn’t perfect, and the offensive side of his game has been talked to death. However, Couturier has become one of the best defensive forwards in hockey despite these issues, so I’d say he’s lived up to his scouting reports.

Michael Del Zotto

Drafted: 20th overall, 2008 (New York Rangers)
Career NHL stats: 37 goals, 22 assists, 158 points in 381 games
Scouting reports:

From The Hockey News:

"Assets: Skates very well, both up and down the ice as well as laterally. Understands the power-play dynamic and is good at making plays as the quarterback. Oozes offensive upside.Flaws: Needs more work in terms of his defensive-zone coverage, and must utilize his frame more in order to become a better defender. Must also limit his mistakes with the puck.Career Potential: Offensive defenseman with upside."

From TSN’s Bob McKenzie (via Hockey Buzz):

"He’s a great passer with a good shot. Maturity is a question mark. He’s certainly got all the tools; he’s just got to get the toolbox organized."

Verdict: Numbers-wise, Del Zotto had a good year with the Flyers (the third-best of his career, and his best since 2011-2012). However, he spent some time as a healthy scratch, so McKenzie’s quote remains spot-on. After two bad seasons with the Rangers and Nashville, Del Zotto’s toolbox isn’t organized just yet, but it seems to be on the right track. Another set of scouting reports that nailed it.

Sam Gagner

Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Sam Gagner (9) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted: 6th overall, 2007 (Edmonton Oilers)
Career NHL stats: 116 goals, 220 assists, 336 points in 562 games
Scouting reports:

From The Hockey News:

"Assets: What sets him apart is his awesome vision and uncanny ability to always find the open man. Can play center and wing. His great moves are an asset in one-on-one and shootout situations.Flaws: Is somewhat smallish and frail, so he struggles to win more battles in the corners and avoid injuries. Doesn’t shoot the puck nearly enough. Must continue to work on his play without the puck.Career Potential: Creative playmaker with some upside."

NHL Central Scouting Report (via the Oilers):

"A skilled forward with the ability to make the big plays…has very good hands and is creative with the puck… has a good wrist shot with a quick release… has high-end passing skill both forehand and backhand…sees the ice very well… reliable in the defensive end and used in critical situations… a good skater, but needs to work on his acceleration and mobility…needs to improve his ability to fight through checks."

Verdict: A week ago, our very own Marc Naples posted a very good write-up on Gagner’s career. While he’ll be a rehab project for the Flyers, Gagner has definitely lived up to the positive aspects of his scouting report. “High-end passing skill” and “sees the ice very well”? Both came in handy during his 8-point game against the Blackhawks.

So, what’s your takeaway from part one? Do you think these three players have exceeded expectations? Were their scouting reports accurate, or full of bold-faced lies?

Next: A Way Too Early 2016 NHL Mock Draft

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