2013 Draft Prospect Profile #28: James Lodge

James Lodge

Position: Center
Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 5, 1995
Place of Birth: Downington, Pennsylvania
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 155 lbs
Shoots: Right

2012-2013 Regular Season Stats:

2012-2013 Playoff Stats:

James (or Jimmy) Lodge is a centerman who is just starting to tap into his potential. His second season in Saginaw saw his offensive numbers skyrocket to over a point-per-game. He has strong offensive smarts, and can make plays with skill. He’s a good–not great–skater, but it must be noted that he is very undersized. His height is OK, but he really needs to add size and strength to his game. He’s going to need some seasoning in junior, and to continue to build size and strength.

Lodge is ranked #22 in the final Central Scouting North American Skater rankings.

Scouting Reports:

Lodge is a skilled forward, who developed well over the 2012-13 OHL campaign, as he exceeded one point per game. He is not a finished product by any means, but he has a significant amount of upside. He has high-end puck skills, conveying the overall look of a skilled player. He is very coordinated in his puck handling, with the ability to make top-level plays. Lodge has good offensive instincts, manifesting both in his puck creativity and in his gifted passing and crisp distributions. He can execute difficult plays. He is a solid to above-average skater as well. Still, his physical game leaves a little to be desired. He has improved in that area, but he could stand to be more consistent in his physicality, as well as to gain strength. He also tends to fly out of his zone a tad too quickly.

– Hockey Prospectus
Versatile forward who has had one of the most impressive second halves in the crop… Deceptive offensive player who thrives with the puck… Has a good shot and ability to find shooting lanes… Needs to continue to add strength… Could be a big riser come draft day.

The Scouting Report

Why he’d be a good fit in Columbus:

His offense is definitely blossoming, and of course the Jackets can use offense. That said, he’s going to need to bulk up, and he’s going to need to spend some time focusing on his own-zone responsibilities. He has the frame to fill out, and is a good enough skater with good enough offensive skills to be a decent addition in a few years.

Lodge in Action