Jordan Sambrook – The Next Ones: NHL 2016 Draft Prospect Profile

Jordan Sambrook

2015-16 Team: Erie Otters (#6)

Date of birth: 4/11/1998

Place of birth: Markham, Ontario

Ht:  6’2″ Wt: 186

Shoots: Right

Position: D

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 1st year eligible

Twitter: @JordanS_9

Other Rankings:

• Central Scouting NA skaters: 90

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Sambrook Pressed Into More Responsibility

One of the main questions coming into this season for the Erie Otters was how would the youngsters respond. One of the more intriguing players in that group was defenseman Jordan Sambrook. Gone were overage defenders Kurtis MacDermid, Cory Genovese, and Troy Donnay. Someone had to step up in their absence to help stabilize a questionable defense corps.

Sambrook not only has stepped up, but has taken on more responsibility. Part of that is due to his play, and part of that was due to injuries/suspensions to his teammates. No matter what he’s been asked to do, he’s usually responded well. He started out in the Otters top four and played a steady game. LA Kings prospect Erik Cernak eventually joined the Otters, allowing the team to put Sambrook on their third pair. Even from that spot, he’s made an impact.

https://twitter.com/307x/status/705819213315903488

Jordan Sambrook (2016 draft) doesn't get much pub but he's been great for Erie tonight – two goals for the defenseman

— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) January 23, 2016

He’s a two-way defenseman with a knack for jumping into the play. He possesses good awareness, but can get caught deep on occasion. He has decent vision, and makes a good first pass. He can also handle the point on the power play, as he’s played on the Otters second unit. He also possesses a sneaky, hard shot. He scored nine goals in 61 games, on shots mostly from the blue line. He also has a knack for scoring big goals in key situations, whether it’s to tie the game, or put the game out of reach.

Defensively, he likes to keep his opponents to the outside. He’s not afraid to play the body as a result. At just 187 pounds, he can sometimes get muscled off pucks. But if you consider that he is +12 playing primarily on the third pair, it doesn’t happen too often. He simplifies the game by making the smart play, getting the puck out or making a good breakout pass. Sambrook is not flashy, but gets the job done. He lacks the elite skill of some, but does many things well.

NHL Draft Projection:

Sambrook is likely still available in the fourth or fifth round of this draft. He has the potential to become one of the better values of this draft, given his game and upside. Smart teams might look at him as early as the third round, depending on their needs.

Quotables:

Smooth-skating two-way defenceman that displays solid creativity and offensive instincts, as well as a strong defensive game. Can play lengthy shifts due to his conservative style without the puck, and can be relied upon in all situations. Mobile with and without the puck, and could even become a bit quicker. His size allows him to be physically assertive and protect the puck well. All-in-all, a defenceman that has the potential to become a well-rounded all-around player that can log a lot of ice-time.

-Eliteprospects.com

Has come out of relatively nowhere (played midget last year) to jump onto the Otters 2nd pairing. Good size and he’s producing offensively. Could be a real diamond in the rough. Want to see more of him before I move him up significantly on my list.

-Brock Otten

Statistics:

Strengths:

Vision

First Pass

Awareness

Creativity

Size

Under Construction (Improvements to Make):

Choosing When To Be Aggressive

Strength

Overall Skating