Each and every season a few draft-eligible European players head over and into the CHL. Many of them slide through the cracks at the draft but some of them gain big time exposure and end up hearing their names called by an NHL team each June.
Tim Bozon of the Kamloops Blazers is one player that I expect to be drafted this year after benefitting from some extra viewings.
The dynamic offensive forward is an interesting character. He’s originally born in St. Louis, has lived in France, he grew up playing hockey in Switzerland as a teenager and he speaks four languages.
Not only that, but he’s a heck of a hockey player.
He’s got excellent speed and features extremely good acceleration and foot work. He’s shown that he can get involved in the forecheck and play physical if that’s what’s needed in the game. With that being said, I would like to see more consistency from him in that area of his game.
Along with his skating, his offensive abilities are his strongest attributes. He’s got great hands, is an excellent handler of the puck and is both a strong passer and shooter. He spends quite a bit of time hovering around the offensive zone and around the goal, even if he isn’t overly physical.
He does play with a bit of an edge and isn’t afraid to get under the oppositions skin by using stick work from time to time.
I don’t think he will ever reach a level like European WHLers Sven Bartschi or Nino Neiderreiter, but he has a chance to be drafted inside the first 3-4 rounds this summer. He’s definitely a player to watch and one that is officially on the draft radar.
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