Owen Pickering has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the NHL. I’ve had the chance to watch his development closely, and I’m genuinely impressed with his potential. He possesses a rare combination of size, skating ability, and hockey sense that’s highly coveted in today’s NHL. Think of a modern-day defenseman – mobile, efficient, and capable of contributing offensively. That’s Pickering.
One of his biggest strengths is his skating. For a player of his size, he moves effortlessly around the ice, possessing excellent edge work and a smooth stride. This allows him to cover a lot of ground defensively and join the rush effectively. He also has a strong understanding of the game, reading plays well and making smart decisions with the puck. His puck-moving ability is another plus, as he can make accurate passes to start breakouts and contribute to offensive zone entries.
However, like any young player, Pickering has areas where he needs to improve. While he’s physically imposing, he needs to add more strength to his frame to be more effective in puck battles against NHL forwards. He can sometimes be a little too reliant on his reach and needs to be more assertive physically. Consistency is another area where he can improve. While he shows flashes of brilliance, he needs to bring that level of play every night.
Despite these minor weaknesses, Pickering’s upside is immense. He has the tools to become a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL. His combination of size, skating, and hockey IQ is rare, and if he can continue to develop and refine his game, he has the potential to be a star.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | January 27, 2004 |
| Drafted | 21st overall, 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Height | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Hometown | St. Adolphe, Manitoba, Canada |
| Position | Defense |
| National Team | Canada (U18) |
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