Brandon Carlo
Position: D
Current Team: Tri-City Americans, WHL
Date of Birth: November 26, 1996
Place of Birth: Colorado Springs, Colorado USA
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Right
Next up is Colorado – born Brandon Carlo, a 6’5″ defenseman, currently plying his trade for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL. He brings remarkably smooth skating, great vision and the obvious physical presence to the game. He is ranked #25 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and is #21 overall in the ISS Rankings, so he is a solid contender for a late first round selection. However, as a blue-liner who has not displayed a developed offensive game to date, he might fall into an early second round slot. Here’s how NHL Central Scouting characterizes his game:
He’s a really good skater and has great mobility for a player his size. The reach and range are there. He handles the puck well and is one of the best guys I’ve seen this year at being able to pass off the boards to a teammate. — John Williams, NHL Central Scouting
A Good Fit in Columbus?
Maybe. If the Blue Jackets go with Provorov or Werenski with their first pick, and stand pat with their #34 and #38 picks in the second round, they might split those picks between defense and offense, and Carlo might be a viable option if he is still on the board at that point. They could afford to grab a primarily defensive blue-liner at that point, as Carlo provides stay-at-home size with smooth skating and puck-handling. That’s a combination Columbus has lacked of late, and the opportunity might be tempting. Though listed here at 185, NHL Central Scouting has him 11 pounds heavier, which would be just fine. He’s also a right handed shot, which the Blue Jackets could also use.
Carlo Up Close
Keep an eye on #26 in this shift-by-shift look, as Carlo plays for the USA vs. Slovakia.