The Swift Current Broncos have once again produced an intriguing NHL draft prospect in first year WHLer Coda Gordon.
Gordon has burst onto the scene this year, registering 29 goals through his first 64 games. That total sits right near the top of all rookie WHL players.
He's an interesting prospect for many reasons, but mostly just because he's a very well rounded player. He's got good size at 6'1 and he's not afraid to go to the front of the net. In fact, that's where he scores most of his goals as he goes to the crease, plants himself in front and makes life miserable for opposition goalies.
I haven't seen too many players in the WHL this year that are as dangerous as Gordon is right around the front of the net. He's got good reach in puck battles and has above average finishing skills.
He's not as physical as you might expect and that's the one area of his game that I would like to see him develop the most. For a big kid, he doesn't have much 'mean' in his game as he only has 12 penalty minutes at this point of the year, which is an astonishingly low number.
The other area of his game that could use some work is his general foot speed. He's a bit of an awkward looking skater, but with some hard work it shouldn't be an area that holds him back at the next level of hockey.
As mentioned, he's well rounded, is a strong player in all three zones and his hockey sense is at a very high level. There's lots to like for NHL teams looking to add a scorer with some size.
As far as a comparable NHL player goes, someone like Matt Moulson in NY might fit the bill. Goes to the net, not the most fleet of foot, but is a pure scorer in close.
Gordon is Officially On The Radar and I would expect an NHL team to call his name at the draft within the top 60-75 picks.
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