Leafs 5th. pick, 157th. overall is: Ryan Rupert - Forward LC
Ryan Rupert
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Woodlief
using his big frame to create space and his skating ability to find open lanes to drive the net. He stands 6-3 and is a natural goal scorer with plenty of confidence.
He's a scout's dream in the way he prepares himself and plays an unselfish game, making smart decisions with the puck. With his bloodlines, he certainly understands what it will take to make it at the next level.
35. Ryan Rupert - F - London Knights
If he was taller, Rupert would be inside my top 10, but there are definite concerns as to whether he can be successful with the type of game he plays, at pushing 5'9. He's one of the most complete players in the draft and one of the top two way centers. His tenacity away from the puck and compete level makes him a very good defender. This particular skill also lends favorably to his ability to win loose puck battles in the offensive end. His forechecking ability was absolutely massive in London's victory over Niagara in the OHL Championship. As a playmaker, he sees the ice well and is patient with the puck. He'll work the cycle in order to tire the opposition, and is able to create plays for his linemates with his puck protection ability. But he can also finish off plays, especially around the net. He's smart and picks his spots well to hit the net hard, often finding loose pucks to put into the net. The one thing he'll have to work on is his ability to stay out of the penalty box, as he can cross the line between rough and dirty. Being a pest is a great quality to have for a smaller player, he just needs to cut down on the undisciplined penalties. Even though Rupert remains unranked by Central Scouting, a terrific playoff run should at least see him drafted in the later rounds.
His aggressive backcheck on Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau was the straw that broke the star's stack.
With 2:04 left, Huberdeau overreacted to being stripped of the puck by tearing after Rupert. In the ensuing skirmish, Huberdeau cuffed Rupert in the head, earning the extra penalty as both were sent off. Sea Dogs coach Gerard Gallant also took a bench minor, leading to a 5-on-3 even the Knights power play could convert. Vladislav Namestnikov scored moments later to cinch a 5-3 win at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
Huberdeau also got an elbowing penalty in the first minute of the game after a questionable hit on Matt Rupert.
"Getting punched is not that good, but it didn't really connect," Ryan Rupert said with a smile. "It was just a little scrum. It makes it that much better getting the 5-3 win."
As a Knights fan, I love having the Rupert twins on my team. But Ryan is definitely the more talented of the two. He's not big, but he plays hard every shift and plays bigger than his body. Not highly skilled, but willing to go into the dirty areas and get garbage goals. Heart and soul player.
I love having the Ruperts on my team. They are the players you love to have, hate to play against, hope we get the twin.
I remember in the Memorial Cup Hubs on the seadogs took a run at one of the Ruperts (I forget which) just to send a message that they won't be bothering him. They are great at what they do.
Good pick. Has definite bottom 6 upside, and from what I've read, his size is the biggest reason he was ranked so low. If he grows a few inches, this turns into a really smart pick. Solid move Morrison.
Good pick. Has definite bottom 6 upside, and from what I've read, his size is the biggest reason he was ranked so low. If he grows a few inches, this turns into a really smart pick. Solid move Morrison.
He doesn't need size in my opinion. I would say he is kind of like Marchand, just without all the dirty plays.
I love having the Ruperts on my team. They are the players you love to have, hate to play against, hope we get the twin.
I remember in the Memorial Cup Hubs on the seadogs took a run at one of the Ruperts (I forget which) just to send a message that they won't be bothering him. They are great at what they do.
The Rupert's would be an interesting selection. Burke does like twins...
I'm beyond exciting to see these guys fight for a spot; even if they do not get beyond the Marlies, I would love to watch these players. So much heart and character. They play the puck and boards very well. They bring an element the Leafs have been lacking for some time; the balls to crash the net.
I hope they get the second one; great chemistry (of course).
Haha. Yeah, there was that dirty play I guess. But the other guy kind of skated into him and initiated it a little. But still Rupert shouldn't have done it. If I recall correctly, the player he slashed didn't miss a game.
I love it. Nice roll of the dice. I don't care for them taking his brother because I don't think they are similar talents but if that happens in the 7th it isn't a big loss. A perfect fourth liner if he progresses.
