Logan Stanley
When you look at Logan Stanley, the first word to come to mind is “Big”. One of the largest prospects in his draft class, he towers over opponents on the ice. But there’s more to being a hockey player than being big, and Stanley has shown that he can play a strong defensive role when give the opportunity.
Position: D
Current Team: Windsor Spitfires, OHL
Date of Birth: May 26, 1998
Place of Birth: Kitchener, ON (Canada)
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 209 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Coached by former Blue Jacket Trevor Letowski in Windsor, Logan had built a reputation as a strong defender, but has begun to show more of his offensive ability this season as the Spitfires have developed him into more of a two way threat. With a strong active stick on defense, he’s shown a talent for breaking up plays and disrupting passing lanes, and has begun to show that he can also kick off the transition game, making a strong pass out of the zone and helping his teammates move up ice.
One area he needs to improve is his skating, which has been flagged by several scouts as a weakness, and many wonder if his offensive skills will develop to allow him to play in a top tier role. It’s entirely possible that he could “top out” as a Hal Gill type of player – the rock solid backbone of the defense, but more of an asset protecting his team’s zone than a scoring threat.
A Good Fit In Columbus?
With the defensive pipeline well stocked from the last two years of draft prospects, it’s doubtful that Columbus will be calling Mr. Stanley to the podium. Though it’s true that you can’t teach size, Gabriel Carlsson fills a lot of the same needs and comes close to projecting the same physical presence. I don’t doubt that he will be drafted before the end of the second round, but the Jackets’ needs lie elsewhere.
Stanley In Action: