Adam Fox
2015-16 Team: U.S. National Development Team (#8)
Date of Birth: February 17, 1998
Place of Birth: Jericho, NY
Ht: 5’10” Wt: 185 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 first-year eligible
Twitter: @foxyclean
THW The Next Ones Ranking: 39th (June)
Other Rankings:
- THW Alternate: 36th (June)
- THW War Room: 58th (May)
- Future Considerations: unranked (June)
- ISS: unranked (June)
- Bob McKenzie: 55th (June)
- Craig Button: 38th (June)
The game of hockey has really put an emphasis on skating and puck-moving ability in recent years. American prospect Adam Fox, a 2016 draft eligible player, is a great example of how much the game has changed.
A product of the impressive U.S. National Development Program – which produces a laundry list of strong NHL prospects in every draft class – Fox skates well and seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to puck distribution. He even set the defenseman single-season scoring record for the National Development Program, a testament to his ability to get his teammates the puck. The fact that he’s a right-shooting blueliner – something as rare as a unicorn these days – only further increases his draft value. He’s not the perfect hockey player; he’s not particularly big, nor does he play physically big or mean, and his scoring line this season betrays a tendency to pass rather than shoot.
Fox is committed to Harvard for next season and given his size he seems a good bet to stay in college for a couple of seasons to fill out physically and round out his game. Whichever team drafts him will have to be patient with his development, but given the emphasis on mobility and puck-moving in the current NHL game, Fox will be a valuable asset for a hockey club. If he call fill out a bit physically and maintain his speed and skill, he could become a strong pro.
NHL Draft Projection:
There’s a chance that Fox could be selected in the very late stages of the first round, but he seems more likely to be a second round selection.
Quotables:
“Adam Fox had a breakout season with the NTDP U18 squad this year, setting a program record for most points by a defenseman in a single season. Fox is a true playmaker from the blue line, and his ability to dish the puck will make him a high draft pick in this year’s NHL Draft.” – Chris Dilks, SBN College Hockey
Statistics:
Strengths:
- Excellent passer.
- Good hockey sense and vision.
- Good skating and mobility.
Under Construction (Improvements to Make):
- Needs to shoot more often.
- Needs to physically bulk up.
- Doesn’t play particularly mean.
NHL Potential:
Fox projects as a top-four blueliner and likely a power-play quarterback. He compares a bit to John Klingberg stylistically.
Risk-Reward Analysis:
Risk – 1/5, Reward – 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offense 8.5/10, Defense 8/10
Awards/Achievements:
Fox represented the United States at the World Under-18 Championship, capturing bronze and being named the tournament’s top defenseman.