Prospect Scouting Report-Finn Mercer

[Steve 2,060]

Prospect Scouting Report

Finn Mercer

 

Finn Mercer is a typical player coming out of college hockey. He is a natural center man and his favorite NHL player is Kopitar. Though still trying to find his game, Finn does put in the work to succeed. He follows directions and is like a sponge, trying to absorb all that he can learn.

 

Some of his pros would be his ability to see the ice. He can make a play happen when there really isn't one to be had. So his hockey IQ is high. He is also trying to bulk up and add some muscle to his already large frame. His face offs are good, but not on the level that would work in a major league. He is working on being hard on the dot. He can skate well enough for the league he is in, but that will have to change if he expects to move up a league. The kid does have grit, and is willing to go with anyone that feels the need. That can be a good morale boost for the team or a liability. Something he will have to work on moving forward. He seems to be a good team mate and is well received by his current team, the Las Vegas Aces. He has good potential and if he puts in the work, he could be a top ten skater in a couple of seasons. It is really up to his willingness to learn and the effort he puts in.

 

There are a few things he needs to put some extra effort in if he wants to live up to his expectations. Skating has been one of his downsides. He is strong on his skates but lacks that jump off the line. He needs to really work with the skating coach to learn how to have that explosive launch. I believe he will get there in time, and a lot of work. That one skill would benefit him in many ways, obviously, but would compliment his very good passing skills. If Finn wants to compete in the league he is in, he needs to get a lot stronger. It has been noted that he can be knocked off the puck with ease, something that is not going to get him very far. So strength training is a must. It would benefit most areas of his game and you never want to be know as being too soft in any league.

 

An honest rating of Finn Mercer would be that he has a high ceiling if he chooses to work for it. By all signs, he is putting in the work. Like so many before him, let's see how long he continues that work ethic. Many fall off and become an average player with no real value. Most teams would rather pick a consistent player that works hard for ice time. Finn Mercer should fit into that role.

 

 

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