Very good pick Habs fans. He's a hell of a player.
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Thrower is a hard-nosed, hard-hitting blueliner. Owns a rocket of a slapshot and grew leaps and bounds defensively this year, showing huge growth in his decision making with and without the puck. Was forced to play a ton of minutes late in the season and proved that he can be a #1 defenceman when the Blades lost key defenceman to injury. He leads by example and will fight any challenger, also excelling as an agitator. A likely top 45 selection in the draft, but could go as high as the late 20's.
NHL Style Comparable: Kevin Bieksa/Kris Letang hybrid
Top End Potential: #3 Defenceman, 2nd Unit PK, 2nd Unit PP
All round defensman with good offensive upside, he's also a fantastic fighter.
He doesnt have the size to be a heavyweight but hopefully he will grow and fill out. Skating could improve. Tough as nails. No quit. Doesnt run around much. Smart
The Blades once again crapped out of the playoffs, but Thrower had just returned from an upper body injury.
The strapping young D man was a catalyst for his club and played on the top pairing with 2011 first round Duncan Siemens, where he faced opponents top lines. Both will be crucial parts of the team next year when Saskatoon hots the memorial cup, but right now is Throws time to shine. "Hes one of those players who can do it all," said one scout "Finishes his checks, runs the PP, and hes not afraid to defend himself"
That much was evident when the D man took Plymouth power forward Tom Wilson at the CHL/NHL top prospects game,
Back in the Dub, Thrower was one of the Blades most frequent fighters, though his skill set extends beyond his ability to throw his fists, "His decison making is getting better," the scout said. "Hes also getting back quickly when he joins the rush:"
He reminds me a bit of James Wisnieszki.. Both undersized but stocky right-handed defensemen with a big slapper that do not mind the physical aspect of the game and can drop the gloves.
God the timing of this draft has really worked out for the Habs. I think the Leafs would've grabbed both Gally and Collberg if they'd been available at 5 and 35. Now to see Thrower still on the board at 51 makes me think a lot of orgs are busy grabbing forwards that they didn't take in the first round. He's a great addition to our depth, plus he's already slated for next year's memorial cup. Fantastic pick, maybe not quite as exciting as the players we got at 3 and 33, but I'm guessing Timmins was grinning ear to ear as he made all of his early picks.
He's no heavyweight and won't take on the Lucic , Neil ect but if he develop well he's the type of guy who's going to take care of the Brad Marchand , Steve Ott and other lightweight/middleweight pests of this world. He also hit like a train and has the potential to be a big shot on the PP.
He's not going to become a #1-#2 franchise defensemen but the potential to be a solid #4-6 rugged in your face D is there. He does have work to do but i like the pick , especially at #51.
Not a heavyweight by any means, but just a solid, rugged D. Probably an ideal 3rd pairing guy, with the potential to be even a pretty good second pairing guy. I think there's some decent offensive potential there too.
Happy to pick him and also have you drop in every now and then.
