Matthew Gard
Ht/Wt: 6′ 4″/192 lbs
Position: C
Team: Red Deer (WHL)
Player Profile
Corey Pronman – The Athletic – June 10th: “He can get his points, but I don’t see a forward who makes others better and will create a ton of chances in the pros. The amount of offensive upside in his game will be a debate point, and the lack of sense could push him to the wing. He projects as a bottom six forward.”
Scott Wheeler – The Athletic – June 2nd: “Gard is a big, strong center who can really skate and that combination always gets the attention of scouts. He can get after guys on the forecheck, finishes his checks and wins his battles when he’s on top of them, can support play in the defensive zone and still jump into the rush with his skating, gets free for breakaways and has made just enough plays this season to be a talking point among scouts.”
Steven Ellis – Daily Faceoff – May 27th: “He has a good 6-foot-4 frame and can make some highlight-reel plays. His true value comes in just how hard he battles in his own zone, rarely allowing opponents to get the better of him.”
Jason Bukala – Sportsnet – March 26th: “Offensive upside is attractive. Dangerous working off the half wall and cycle. Has a plus release. (47GP-13G-29A)”
Smaht Scouting – March 23rd: “Kevan regularly utilizes his fast straight line skating and strong puck skill battles to win pucks on the forecheck and make quick dishes to teammates. He’s got soft hands that allows him to make quick, accurate passes in tight spaces and a fast release that allows him to finish plays on the rush and the offensive zone.”
Ranked #53 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #44 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #50 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #60 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #44 by THN/KENNEDY
Ranked #54 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #60 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #77 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #58 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #37 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #58 by HPR/MALLOY
Ranked #57 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #70 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #61 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #60 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #66 by SMAHT SCOUTING
EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide: Proactive and calculated, Gard gets above the puck, guides attacks to the outside, clamps down on sticks, and supports down low. In the rare instance he’s not already positioned perfectly, his open-ice speed and reach propel him back into the play. And he’s just as effective on the forecheck, combining these same skills with physicality.
