Rolf Jakob MacWallace Prospect Scouting Report

[RJMW 167]

Rolf Jakob MacWallace

Defenseman -- Right-Handed

Born: Malmo, Sweden

5'10'' -- 175 lbs [178 cm / 79 kg]

 

A top prospect for the Season 100 VHL draft MacWallace has the mentality and skillset to exceed at the highest level. A product of the Malmo Redhawks and the Malmo Nighthawks orbit, MacWallace has a very refined game. His skating is already beyond what could be expected for a player at his age. Less tangibly, his vision is at a level on par with some VHL veterans. However, there are questions about his physicality and defense which is worrisome for a player who aspires to fill a top pairing role on the defence.

 

Strengths:

 

Skating - Rolf is a naturally gifted skater and has been working on his edgework and speed since he began playing hockey at 2 or 3 years old. It can only be improved as he continues to play against tougher competition. Regardless it is a big asset especially as he seeks to control the flow of the game.

 

Puck Handling - Again, a uniquely gifted player and the effort that has been put into his handling is clear when watching him play. His handling and skating together create a technically gifted offensive defenseman with the ability to navigate incredibly tight spots on the ice. He can receive the luck anywhere and has had little difficulty doing so up to this point. Time should reveal that he will keep this up at every level.

 

Vision - Rolf began as a center, his vision is part of the reason he switched to playing defense. Rolf has a unique ability to visualize and execute tough passes. Combined with his skating and handling he can operate as the motor of a team's offense, starting plays from deep within his own defensive zone.

 

 

Weaknesses:

 

Strength - Yes. Rolf is not physically strong, he cannot bully many off of the puck. He may have difficulty holding onto the puck when larger bodies apply pressure to him. His skating has gone a long way in making up for this, but questions surround if it can persist.

 

Defence - Rolf is a unique offensive talent. Insisting on playing as a defenseman may harm him in the long run. There are many glaring holes in his defence. As discussed, he does not have the size or strength to force players off the puck. Despite his stick handling, he has not yet proven consistently effective in executing defensive plays with his stick. His IQ defensively is not near the level offensively. He has often left passing lanes open, covered the wrong man and overall has proven to be a liability on defence at times. He will need to address this if he wants to succeed at the next level.

 

Rolf projects to be a top-pairing offensive defenseman, he would be best paired with a shutdown guy until or if his defensive liabilities can be flattened.

 

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