Owls' Quick Draft Hits: Morgan Frost

#Morgan Frost: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

A left shooting, average sized centreman Morgan Frost is blooming at the right time – he went from a fourth rounder in the OHL draft two years ago, then surprised by making a very solid Greyhounds squad as a 16 year old – an achievement that’s impressive enough for many CHLers, despite numbers that weren’t eye popping (27 points in 65 games). Then, he came back this year and pushed himself from a middle-six centre to the go-to guy up the middle for the powerhouse Soo this season, spending most of his 62 point season firmly cemented on the top line with Bruins prospect Zach Senyshyn.

The skill that most led to this meteoric rise in success for Frost was improvements in his skating – he went from an average OHL skater with a good top speed to an amazing one with an excellent top speed, and incredible acceleration lets him explode past players to get some separation that he never relinquishes. Tight edgework lets him maneuver well even at top speed, and that’s critical for speedsters like this. This defining trait was on full display at the Top Prospects game, where Frost finished first in the 30M sprints (both with and without a puck) against competition that included players like Nico Hischier. In his game, he relies on speed to create space, find space, and make space, challenging defenders to keep good gaps and open up holes for passing or shooting lanes.

Frost definitely projects as a playmaker at the next level – his passing and vision is top notch, and Soo even used him as a powerplay distributor (i.e. playing at the point) this year, but shot is accurate but needs strength, and his net-front presence is decent but also could use some bulking up to keep him from being pushed around too easily. Defensively, Frost’s a tenacious backchecker who always has the jets on and kills penalties well, but he can have trouble breaking up cycles or winning battles because of his strength. As another positive, Frost's 52% faceoff win percentage is something that might continue to improve, and it's never a negative to be good at faceoffs. Overall, he makes good decisions and plays smart hockey, which are both things that will serve him well if he continues further.

I think the best NHL comparable for Frost is someone like Vincent Trocheck -- he’s the kind of player who might end up being a scoring winger at higher levels if he can’t handle the defensive responsibilities of playing up the middle, but the offensive skill is definitely there.

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