With the 65th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected center Alexander Campbell.
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Alexander Campbell
center
Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
committed to Clarkson University (NCAA)
18, 5’11”, 155 lbs.
RANKINGS
McKeen’s: #173
ISS: #60
Future Considerations: #94
HockeyProspect.com: #52
Central Scouting: #43 (North American skaters)
Bob McKenzie, TSN: #60
HockeyProspect.com
“Campbell is a diminutive–yet elusive winger who comes equipped with an adaptable-attack. He features one of the slightest-frames out of any draft eligible forward; yet has an excellent top-gear which is a testament to his skating mechanics. There are few players who are more technically refined coming out of the gate, and this allows him to compensate for his lack of power. His stride is very efficient; he leans further back, relying on his quads and he’s adept at balancing himself when in full-flight as a result. The most significant aspect of his skating is in regards to his pivoting and edge-work. Due to his size, defenders look to physically initiate with him, but he’s very good at angling himself away from physical contact while in motion as a result of his agility.”
Future Considerations
“As a smaller player, Campbell relies on his skating to drive the play. Despite his slight frame, he is built for speed and agility, two things which he exemplifies in his skating. He has separation speed and great edge work. Due to his great hands, he has the ability to craft offense every time he is on the ice. He’s a proficient passer who can also accurately pick corners of the net with a quick wrist shot. Highly skilled, he plays without fear, which is huge for a guy who doesn’t have a power element to his game. He displays a lot of heart to make up for that shortcoming. He has a knack for making strong passes consistently on the rush and in tight areas around the net, but also uses his smarts to make himself available for quick shots around the net if the defense is overtaxed. Although he tends to get slowed up by physical play, he is a dogged worker who finds where he needs to be and plays smart, heads up hockey.”
Corey Pronman, The Athletic
“Campbell was part of the best line in the BCHL, often lining up with Alex Newhook and Riley Hughes (NYR) and rolling over opponents. Therein lies the debate with Campbell among scouts. Was he a big reason why Victoria’s top group was so dominant, or did he ride Newhook’s coattails? I have time for the player and he has talent, but I never saw a game where I was incredibly impressed. The best thing about his skill set is his hockey sense. Campbell sees the ice very well and makes plays at pace. He does skate and handle the puck well, but he’s not the main player you want carrying the puck up the ice at the pro level. Campbell competes well, but he’s small and slight, and he’ll need to bulk up a ton as he advances up the levels.”
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PHOTO CREDIT: Justin B. Bradford // Penalty Box Radio
