The 2023 NHL Entry Draft is rapidly approaching, and it’s time to look at who the Blue Jackets could pick on Wednesday, June 28th. The Columbus Blue Jackets own their first rounder, the third overall pick, as well as the LA Kings’ pick, which is pick 22. Next up: Quentin Musty
Having covered the likely candidates for the Blue Jackets’ third overall pick, it’s time to move on to some prospects that could be available should the Jackets hold onto the LA Kings’ pick. Quentin Musty is a big winger that put up good numbers in the OHL this season. The Jackets don’t need much help on the wing, but you can never have too many big bodied, skilled forwards.
However, one should pump the brakes on Musty being an NHL power forward. He may be big, but he isn’t a very physical player. His strengths appear to be creating offense and shooting the puck. His weaknesses seem to be consistency and play away from the puck. On the question of NHL projections: Can his skill translate to the next level? Will his lack of physicality and problems with consistency be red flags?
I’m not sure how interested the Jackets will be in a player like Musty. If I had to guess, they are likely more interesting in players that play center, are big and physical, and/or have a high motor and work ethic. But if Musty ends up being best available at 22, you aren’t upset at the offensive upside.
Quentin Musty
Position: LW
Team: Sudbury Wolves
Date of Birth: July 6, 2005
Birthplace: Hamburg, NY
Height: 6’2″ / Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Left
Rankings
Ranked #11 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #24 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #21 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #17 by THE HOCKEY NEWS
Ranked #26 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #29 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #31 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #14 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #31 by SPORTSNET
Ranked #25 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #15 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #44 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #21 by SMAHT SCOUTING
2022-23 Stats
Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Games Played: 53
Goals: 26
Assists: 52
Points: 78
PIM: 71
Plus/Minus: +16
Scouting Reports
“As an individually skilled player, Musty is one of the most creative on puck players in the Ontario Hockey League, regardless of age or draft status. He routinely beats the first layer of pressure and consistently beats defenders one on one because of his silky mitts and ability to protect the puck. He has that uncanny ability to miss sticks, sliding the puck between tiny gaps, helping to prolong possession so that he can create scoring chances for himself or linemates.” – Brock Otten, McKeen’s Hockey
“Musty has an excellent shot from range, distributes quite well off of the rush and does a great job of creating space for himself. His ability to create consistently at 5v5 is a credit to how well he handles pressure. Musty will take advantage of tight lanes when looking to thread the needle and will look to complete drop passes when hitting a wall. He’s got so many tricks that he can rely on to open up space when he is right about to shoot. There are times where he struggles to navigate the puck around tight pressure, but it’s become far less frequent as the season has gone on.” – Josh Tessler, Smaht Scouting
“Musty is a player with a lot of offensive touch in his game. He’s a highly-skilled puckhandler who can make difficult plays with the puck at a high rate. He tries to make things happen and shows a strong level of creativity. Musty is a good passer who can hit open lanes and has the patience to pull up and make plays. He can score goals and is a shot threat from range but is certainly a player with a pass-first mentality. His effort is fine, he can use his big body to win battles but his game-to-game consistency isn’t the best. He’s a one-way winger, which combined with his so-so skating ability, is a concern for higher levels. There may be times you want more from him, but I think he will score so much that he will be a top-six wing.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic