Lawson Crouse
Ht/Wt: 6′ 3″/200 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Kingston (OHL)
So who is Lawson Crouse? Here is what I believe: Lawson Crouse is a power forward with good skills, a good work ethic and a willingness to do what it takes to win – the type of player all teams covet. What I am still unsure of is how much of a scorer Lawson will be at the NHL level. Is he that elite scorer that he showed at the Ivan Hlinka tournament where he tied for the lead in goals scored (six) with Brock Boeser of Team USA or is he a secondary scorer worthy of a second or third line. NHL scouts think highly of Lawson as Bob MacKenzie’s pre-season poll of ten NHL scouts has him fifth overall. I like him a lot but I am still uncertain what his scoring level will be. I am sure he will straighten it all out for me as the season progresses. Lawson has six points in his first eight games in this year’s OHL season.
Profile from: Eldon MacDonald of The Hockey Writers – updated Oct. 19th
Lawson is a ‘big’ man who can impose himself on opponents and make it extremely difficult for them. He is a strong skater with a good burst of speed and if he has the slightest step on a defender, it is an almost impossible task to regain position vs. him. Good puck skills and is a smart player with and without the puck. Developing into the type of player that can be a force at the NHL level.
Analysis: Craig Button – TSNs Direct of Scouting – updated Sept. 25th
A big-bodied forward who gives opposing defenses headaches with his effort on the forecheck…tough to contain with his huge frame and strength…impossible to separate from the puck and consistently is successful winning pucks and generating scoring chances through his hard work…moves the puck well with good vision and passing skill…a strong net-front presence… has decent speed for his size, though he could improve his quickness…plays hard on defense; forces plays and takes away angles…uses his size to play physical, including laying some devastating hits…is a moose along the wall down low…tremendous potential going forward. (August 2014)