On a team loaded with defensemen who will be drafted this year, Derek Forbort has separated himself from the pack as the best NHL prospect.  Not only does Forbort possess the size that allows you to envision him as a top pair defenseman down the road, he is an elite athlete with tremendous upside and ability to improve his play.

Players who measure 6’4.5” 198lbs with Forbort’s skating ability don’t come around very often.  His stride is efficient and powerful and Forbort is in control of his body at all times.  Forbort is able to quickly get to loose pucks and transition to offense either through a sharp pass to his partner or to a supporting forward.  In addition to the short breakout passes, Forbort has a creative side and will look to headman the puck through the neutral zone. Also, Forbort is equally adept at using his size and skating to escape a pursuing forward and quickly take the puck up ice on his own.

Forbort’s ability to separate as he skates out of his zone and goes through the neutral zone allows you to glimpse his offensive potential.  Forbort also possess a strong shot that will suit him as he can grow into a role manning the point on the power play.  The exciting thing about Forbort is that he has improved in all these facets of his game as the season has progressed.  Forbort has smoothed out his footwork and is better at taking on fast skating forwards who try to beat him to the outside.  He’s adapted to the quicker pace in play and is now better able to gauge the amount of time and space he has.  His confidence in closing the gap and attacking puck carriers has also improved.  Forbort takes a good angle at the puck carrier and is strong at separating the player from the puck.  As he fills out, Forbort will be able to attack at the NHL level with the same confidence.

It’s difficult to find an aspect of Forbort’s game that stands out as a weakness.  The only question mark at the beginning of the year would have been Forbort’s ability to adapt and improve to the level of play seen by the USNTDP’s opponents in the USHL and NCAA not to mention the international tournaments.  Forbort has made the transition from Minnesota High school to the USA’s top Jr. program rather easily. .  NHL teams who consider Forbort a top 10 player in the draft are betting he can do the same when he steps into the pro ranks.  Forbort’s high ranking can be attributed to the fact that he has become a less risky pick in this regard while still showing the athleticism and potential for an even higher ceiling. He’ll have time to season and enhance his strengths at the University of North Dakota before he is deemed ready to make that step.

Pros: Athleticism, skating ability, upside in all facets

Cons: Only 1 season at high level, needs to continue to improve

Skillset comparison: Jay Bouwmeester