Adam Erne – The Next Ones: NHL 2013 Draft Prospect Profile

Adam Erne – The Perfect Blend for a Power Forward

Adam Erne had his dreams of playing for Jack Parker at Boston University.  That was until the opportunity arose to play in Quebec for the Remparts under the leadership of Patrick Roy.  He saw the talent that would be surrounding him and it was a pretty easy choice to forgo his college commitment to play with some of the best young players in the world.

Adam Erne THW Close-Up:

Date of Birth: 4/20/1995

Place of Birth: North Brandford, Connecticut

Ht: 6’1″      Wt: 196 lbs

Shoots: Left

Position: LW/RW

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2013

Twitter: @AdamErne73

THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2013): 18

 

Other Rankings:

THW War Room Rankings (April): 15

Future Considerations: 25

Craig Button: 16

McKeen’s Hockey (February): 10

Consensus aggregate of several services (NHL Numbers): 13

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[NHL 2013 Draft Guide – The Next Ones Draft Headquarters: Your quintessential draft resource] 

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In his first season, Erne was able to stand out, even on a team led by one of the most gifted forwards, Mikhail Grigorenko.  He was able to score 28 goals and finish the season with 55 points.  He upped the ante this season by finishing with 72 points.  He’s been a consistant force on Quebec’s top line.

He won’t be the biggest player on the ice, but you’d never notice by the way he plays.  Standing 6’1″, he knows how to use his body to lay some pretty solid checks.  He’s a creative winger, with great stick skills and a heavy shot to boot.  He’s a perfect blend of physicality and offensive skill, which is why he’s been ranked high in the rankings month after month.

His play this season led him to being selected to Team Orr in the 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game.  Erne played on the same team as fellow Remparts, Anthony Duclair and Nick Sorensen – two prospects who have also garnered interest from NHL teams and will be selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

It isn’t a matter of whether Erne gets drafted in the first round, it’s a matter of when.

Where Will He End Up In June:

He’s been ranked from as high as 10th to not even in the top 30 by ISS.  However, you can expect him to be selected anywhere between 15th and 25th.

Scout’s Honor:

“Erne had the best showing of any player for any player from the Q, using his powerful stride to create separation on the outside and created offense steadily. Erne also was a breakout catalyst, seeming to always make the right decisions with the puck whether it was dumping the puck or making a nice cross-ice pass.”

– Ryan English, QMJHL Contributor – The Scouting Report

“Erne is a solidly built winger who is not afraid to get physical, drive to the greasy areas on the ice and score the garbage goals while taking abuse. His skating is very impressive for a power forward as his speed, acceleration and agility are all strengths. He works very hard, despite maybe not being as offensively skilled as some of the other forwards on this list. Saying that, he does possess nice hands and decent vision to create plays. His shot is a rocket with quick release that surprises goaltenders.”

– Aaron Vickers, Managing Editor – Future Considerations (via FC’s Player Profile)

“Erne has a competitive edge, can skate, and offers a solid skill set.  NHL’s Central Scouting’s Dan Marr feels Erne has a good offensive game and can compete in every area of the ice, but he also plays that physical game, and that is what excites scouts for the 2013 NHL Draft.”

– Mike Morreale – NHL.com

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Erne’s Interview with NHL.com

Adam Erne the next great Connecticut born player (Flyers Faithful)

ETA:

2 years

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk: 1/5  Reward: 5/5

NHL Potential:

Top 6 winger

Strengths:

Stickhandling

Shot

Physicality

Board play

Going to the dirty areas

Puck control

Flaws/Aspects He Needs to Work On:

Foot speed

Agility

Filling out his frame

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 8/10  Defensive: 3/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

-With his ability to use the body, but also be able to effectively score and create plays, Corey Perry comes to mind as a current NHL player that could be compared to Adam Erne.  Erne may not ever reach the offensive numbers that Perry has put up in his career, but he will be a force on the ice each and every shift.

– Hall of Fame comparison: Joe Mullen was able to put up great offensive numbers by working hard and battling along the boards.  Erne possesses similar aspects of Joe Mullen’s game.

Video(s):

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

Follow Shawn Reznik on Twitter for up-to-date prospect info: @ShawnTHW