Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: October 7, 1994
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 200 lbs
Shoots: Left
2012-2013 Regular Season Stats:
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 68 | 40 | 47 | 87 | -21 | 94 |
Similar to Max Domi, Kerby Rychel is the son of a former NHL player who blends his father’s work ethic with some additional skill the older never had. He has good offensive awareness, a great shot, and an ability to play in front of the net. He doesn’t skate overly well, and he’s not the best playmaker. But, as his numbers show, he has the ability to the put the puck in the net.
Rychel doesn’t play the strongest two-way game, but his work ethic and willingness to be physical with his body will serve him well.
Rychel is ranked #17 in the final Central Scouting North American Skater rankings.
Scouting Reports:
Rychel, the son of former NHL player Warren Rychel, has been a productive OHL forward the past two seasons, averaging over a point per game during that span. He has above-average puck skills, good offensive instincts, and a great shot. While he has good skill, I would not define him as a creative player. The Spitfires used him on the right point of their power play, where he was free to unleash his big one-timer. He can be effective in front of the net, as he has good hand-eye coordination, and a quality power game that helps him establish body position. He projects as a good secondary scoring option, with skill and physicality adding to his value. His skating is roughly average; he has some poor mechanics, but decent speed. He also needs to work on his defensive game.
– Hockey Prospectus
Coming off a 40-goal season, struggled without linemate Alexander Khohklachev prior to return… Possesses NHL size and a knack for scoring goals… Good player in traffic and has a strong net presence… Needs to show a more consistent compete level… Skating an area of development.
Why he’d be a good fit in Columbus:
If there’s one thing the Jackets have been missing a bit of late, it’s someone that is willing to get in front of the net and cause havoc who ALSO has the ability to clean up the trash and score those dirty goals. Rychel can be that kind of player. He also can play in multiple spots on the Power Play, which would help an area of need for the Jackets.
He’s not the best skater or defender, however, which would be areas he would need to clean up to be an impact player for Columbus.
Rychel in Action