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#25. Jaden Schwartz | C | Tri-City (USHL)

Date of Birth: June 25th, 1992
Height: 5.10
Weight: 193lbs.
Shoots: L
Season Statistics: Regular Season | 60GP 33G 50A 83P 18PIM
Playoffs | 3GP 3G 0A 3P 0PIM
TSR Midterm Rank: 29 | Position Rank: 17th Forwards
League Rank: 4th USHL | Country Rank: 12th Canada

The easiest way to sum up Jaden Schwartz is this:  he produces points.  Whether he is deflecting shots in front, picking corners on wrist and slap shots, or threading passes to his Tri City Storm teammates so they can finish, Schwartz possess all the offensive skills necessary to be considered a first round pick in this years draft.

Schwarz’s hockey sense and knack of having the puck follow him stand out above all else.  He is able to sense the amount of time he has to pass, shoot or skate the puck and exhibits great patience when he does have time.  Schwartz has soft, quick hands and is able to handle bouncing pucks or gather pucks from his feet.  Schwartz also has the ability to handle the puck close to his body in tight traffic or carry the puck out in front of him as he attacks defensemen with the intent of getting around them.  Schwartz can make the soft saucer pass or the crisp tape to tape pass.

Schwartz’s isn’t a great skater but he moves equally well to his right or left and also doesn’t lose speed when he has the puck.  In fact, he almost looks quicker when he does have the puck.  When he does have the puck, in any zone, he exudes a confidence that makes you watch him because you know he will do something good with it.   You will often see him win battles on the boards against bigger stronger opposition through his skill and determination to have the puck.  When Schwartz does not have the puck, he is very good at providing support and makes himself an easy outlet to receive the puck.  Defensively, Schwartz is effective in playing his position, backchecks with a purpose and will even block shots when needed.

The only negative to Schwartz’s game is his size.  He will need to get bigger than the listed 5’10” 180lbs since his skating is not quite strong enough to compensate.  If Schwartz gets bigger and faster, he’s sure to contribute as a top 6 forward at the NHL level.

Pros: Superb offensive puck skills, reliable defensive player

Cons:  Strength and high end speed

Skill set Comparison:  Patrick Kane

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