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2017 NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profile: Owen Tippett

Name: Owen Tippett

2016-17 Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Stats: 60 GP, 44 goals, 31 assists, 75 points, 24 PIMs

Future Considerations Ranking: 6th

NHL Comparable Player: Bill Guerin

The Dallas Stars could have another Tippett on the roster if they select this goal scoring forward from the OHL.

Owen Tippett, who isn’t related to former coach Dave Tippett, has spent two seasons in the OHL playing for the Mississauga Steelheads and nearly quadrupled his production from his rookie season.

Tippett is seen as having the potential as being a top power forward in the NHL. He is big, at 6’2” and 205lbs, and can skate extremely well. He is nearly always speeding down the wing to put him in the best shooting positions.

There are some, like Future Considerations, who say that Tippett is the best goal scoring forward in this year’s draft. He is constantly getting himself into the position he needs to be to score.

He has an excellent shot, probably better than many NHL players, and top end offensive instincts and skills.

Tippett lead the Mississauga Steelheads in scoring during the regular season, beating Michael McLeod, the New Jersey Devil’s first round pick in 2016.

So what is the down side to Tippett?

It is his defensive game, like so many offensively talented young forwards, it isn’t consistent.

The hockey IQ that puts him in the perfect place in the offensive end isn’t really there for work in his own zone even though he does make the effort to get back there.

Will the Dallas Stars select him at third overall? It seems unlikely – but if the Stars are tempted to drop back a few spots to pick up extra assets then Owen Tippett could end up in Victory Green.

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