Breaking down pros and cons of Draisaitl's game

Prince Albert Raiders GM Bruno Campese was on Sportsnet 960's Boomer in the morning Thursday, sharing thoughts on high-end prospect Leon Draisaitl.

On his transition to North America and subsequent development:

"He's made huge inroads. One of the things with Leon is he speaks great English, so you didn't have that language barrier heading over to North America. And then he made the transition. I think part of it was because of his big frame. You just talked about that. He had a big frame, so playing in the league, I mean that was one of the things that - sometimes when you draft a European, you're always worried about it coming over that young if he can face the battle within our league, and he certainly was able to do that. And from that point on, his growth and development has been unreal. He had a real good year in his first year, but this year here he just took it to another level."

On his playmaking ability:

"Honestly guys, it's through the roof. I've never seen a guy be able to make plays equally as well on his backhand as he can on his forehand. It's crisp. It's soft. It's whatever you want it to be and it's on the money. That's when his awareness on the ice, his hockey sense, is excellent. And his ability to make plays, through seams - and he always seems like he's one step ahead of everyone else. So, I mean, that's probably his biggest attribute - being a playmaker is something that comes natural to him. He enjoys setting things up. To his detriment a little bit, he's got a really deceptive shot. He did score close to 40 goals this year. I think he could score more if he was willing to take more opportunity, or more risk at times shooting the puck."

On his consistency:

"Well, if you look at it he had a great first third of the season. And then, I think, like our team he struggled through that second third of the season. It wasn't in isolation. And then in the third part of the season him and Josh Morrissey really took their games to another level and our team play improved as well.

"I think part of it is he was really good up until December and then what happened is he went to the World Juniors with Team Germany... the kid's a winner. He wants to compete and be the best at everything he does and I think he went to Team Germany thinking that he was going to be able to lead that team to a lofty team position and it didn't happen. When Germany and those lesser teams, countries go into those tournaments it's tough competing against the top nations in the world.

"So I think he went into that tournament - if you look at his stats through that tournament, it's not that he doesn't play hard or physical, it's just that he took some very undisciplined penalties, which is not like him. I think he got suspended for two games during that time. I think it was just a little bit of frustration, a little bit of maturity. But I thought he came through it.

"When he came back, he struggled a little bit after that. But then after that, he got on fire and I think in his last 21 games, he had like 48 points. But I do think it was that world tournament that he just put a bit of undue stress on himself.

"You know, it's funny guys. When I hear some of the inconsistencies. I was with the Calgary Hitmen when Ryan Getzlaf got drafted and I remember talking to Rich Kromm, the head coach at the time, we would be sitting in our office talking about that scenario. We kept on hearing about how Getzlaf was this, and Getzlaf was that. Rich and I kept looking at each other going, 'God, this guy should be a top 5 NHL draft pick.'

"And it was a great draft that year. But he didn't go until 19th overall. To me it's just amazing when you look back. And, you know, we had the opportunity to watch Getzlaf every day at practice and in games thinking like 'Man, can this guy play. If he's not a Top 5 or 10 pick, there's something wrong.' And sure enough, he slides all the way to 19. If you go through it right now, there's probably not too many more guys you would want that year than Ryan Getzlaf on your team."

On how with Anze Kopitar and Getzlaf, there was never any doubting the skill. It was whether it could be brought every night:

"Yeah, I mean even with Ryan it just seems - and I make the parallel with Draisaitl - it just seems like their mindset is kind of one step ahead of someone else. And it just seems sometimes when they're not moving their feet or it looks like they're not involved, it's just that to them, no one has caught up to their speed yet.

"I can remember watching Getzlaf and you could clearly tell that he was waiting for things to happen. He had already seen it, but he was just kind of waiting and waiting. I think Leon's the same type of player. His ability to see things far in advance of everyone else - sometimes it looks like he's not getting enough done and yet you put him with elite players and I just think he's going to take his game to another level at the National Hockey League level."

On what he's telling GMs that want to pick his brain on Draisaitl:

"I just think that first of all, you look at his frame, I mean he's 6-2, he's a little bit over 200 pounds. He's really strong. I look at his base and the way he skates and the way he protects the puck. His puck protection skill, we haven't even talked about that, is unbelievable. When I talk about guys down from top of the circles down, it's almost impossible to strip the puck from him. You know, he turns his back and his rear end to you and he's very difficult. He's got a wide stance to him, so the centre of gravity is low and he has this ability to protect and look for things and then make things happen for him.

"I think he can be an excellent pro because of his size. I think he's going to be very durable. I do believe that you put him with elite players, I think you're going to be able to use him in different situations. You know, a power play type of guy that's going to be able to set things up and make things happen in special situations like that. I just think at the next level when he is playing with more complete, elite players, I do think he's going to be able to make that adjustment.

"The other thing, you know is - one thing we didn't talk about as well - is he's really worked. I mean, we have a coach in Cory Clouston that really stresses play away from the puck and that was one of the things that he really worked hard at this year. He wanted to be as good without the puck as he was with the puck. And he still managed to score 105 points. It took some work, and sometimes when you're asked to do certain things that you're not comfortable with - he certainly didn't shy away from it. I thought he really excelled at that.

"So I just think at the next level, he's continually working at his game from both ends. He's just not going to be an offensive-type player. I really think he's going to be a real good player in his own zone and be very cognizant of his abilities and his responsibilities without the puck as well."

On the areas on which he still needs to work:

"Again, I still think to play at that next level, his ability to play without the puck in his own zone I think is something that's going to really continually have to be harped on. He came from the German League where he could do whatever he wanted and he had outgrown that junior league. I think in our league he certainly proved he can score at our level and put up the points, but I still believe he has some work to do without the puck and be more consistent with that part of it where we turn pucks over until we recover it again.

"And the other thing, I brought it up, is I just think he has to learn how to shoot the puck more. He's one of those guys who wants to make everyone around him better. I think that is what elite players do. They make everyone around you a little bit better. But he has the opportunity to shoot pucks.

"He's got a really unique blade. I mean, pay attention the next time you guys have an opportunity to watch him play. His stick blade almost looks like a mini-goalie blade, to be honest with you. It's really wide, it's thick. It's somewhat deceptive when the puck comes off that blade and I think he could take advantage of shooting the puck a lot more as well."

On Draisaitl the person:

"He's just a really unique kid. He's very humble. He comes from a European background. His dad's been a pro player and a pro coach for many, many years. So he's got a really good hockey upbringing. He's very respectful. He's very humble. He treats people... he treats everybody the same. Our community has just really gravitated toward him."

On where he'd rank Draisaitl, in terms of the overall package, compared with players he's seen over the years:

"Players that I've been personally attached to, I've got to say he's probably in the top two or three. I mean to me, he'd be in the same category as a Ryan Getzlaf. I think Josh Morrissey is an excellent package. Leon Draisaitl - I would have to say those three individuals for me have probably been... you know, when I look at what they will bring and their whole character package as well, just outstanding individual."

Source: Sportsnet 960