The Red Wings were thinking small on this one:
With the 97th pick in the 2019 #NHLDraft, the #RedWings select F Ethan Phillips.#DRWDraft | #LGRW— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
Ethan Philips is a smaller guy – 5’9, 146-pounds – but has a handshake that will break your bones. https://t.co/qFc9mNSbor— Sunaya Sapurji (@sunayas) June 22, 2019
At #97, #RedWings select F Ethan Phillips. Profile: https://t.co/NSwjS8e8BN— Red Wings Prospects (@DRWProspects) June 22, 2019
At No. 97, the Red Wings go with Ethan Phillips out of Sioux Falls (USHL). 5’9″ Forward— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) June 22, 2019
Welcome to the @DetroitRedWings @Ethanlaphillips— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) June 22, 2019
#RedWings 4th round pick Ethan Phillips is a center from Sioux Falls (USHL), listed at 5-9, 150, shoots right. Had 16-27–43 in 50 games. He’s Boston University commit, like Wings 3rd pick Robert Mastrosimone.— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 22, 2019
.@DetroitRedWings select their second BU forward of the afternoon as Ethan Phillips (@sfstampede) becomes a top-100 pick! #GoBU pic.twitter.com/4QOlN630ef— BU Men’s Hockey (@TerrierHockey) June 22, 2019
Ethan Phillips, RW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL): Team West’s MVP at the USHL Top Prospects Game, Phillips is a Boston University commit who put up two points in the West’s win. Back with Sioux Falls, he’s got 22 points in 19 games after starting the season with Selects academy— Sarah Lindenau (@Lindy72) June 22, 2019
Ethan Phillips was Zadina’s billet family in Halifax. Was at draft with him last year in Dallas.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 22, 2019
Per Elite Prospects:
Rankings
Ranked #93 by THE ATHLETIC
Ranked #50 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #78 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #129 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #78 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #79 by TSN/McKenzie
Highlights 1-time USHL Clark Cup ChampionDefensively, he is a smart player who manages risk and reward and is an effective shut-down guy at his foundation, Future Considerations 2019
Welcome to #Hockeytown, Ethan!#DRWDraft | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/LgusSlvgzD— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
Says he weighs 145 pounds. https://t.co/fsR0KKngmu— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 22, 2019
See you at #DRWDC, @Ethanlaphillips. #DRWDraft #LGRW pic.twitter.com/txbHpTf2DR— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
#RedWings Ethan Phillips: “I had a feeling that there was some pretty good interest. I felt like I had a really good interview with them at the Combine. I had a good connection with them. And then talking to some of their scouts throughout the year.”— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) June 22, 2019
From The Sports Forecaster:
Scouting Report: A smallish forward with plenty of energy, he is highly skilled and quite versatile (he can line up either at center or wing, which adds to his overall value). His professional position might end up being wing, as he might be too slight to play the role of No. 3 defender down low as a center. Either way, he must get physically stronger to maximize output at the highest level. He will need to improve his play without the puck, as well.
Long Range Potential: Diminutive but talented and energetic forward with upside.
#RedWings 4th round pick Ethan Phillips on being 145 lbs: “I think the biggest thing for me is to put on the strength. I’m not too worried about my weight. It comes with time. Being strong for my weight is something that needs to come for me.”— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) June 22, 2019
Phillips family in the house! #DRWDraft #LGRW pic.twitter.com/AC0OuETrfb— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
Looking good boys. #DRWDraft #LGRW pic.twitter.com/X09x4x7PmM— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
“It’s like the world is lifted off your shoulders. It’s a good feeling.”
Ethan Phillips reacts after being selected 97th overall by the #RedWings in the 2019 #NHLDraft. | #DRWDraft pic.twitter.com/sTGVVpVE32— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 22, 2019
The Red Wings posted a clip of Phillips’ scrum:
Update: MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a clip of Phillips speaking with the New Jersey Devils’ website:
Update #2: Here’s CBS Sports on Phillips:
The skill level of Phillips is not in question. He has displayed the ability to make high-end offensive plays throughout his time playing Midget hockey in Connecticut and his one season with Sioux Falls of the USHL. Phillips’ downfall is the complete lack of physicality to his game. He’s listed at 146 pounds. That is not a misprint. He will have to add a good 25-30 pounds of muscle to his frame to compete at the professional level and there is no guarantee his speed and skill with translate with that much extra weight on his frame. Phillips make for an intriguing high-end lottery ticket, but the odds are against him. He is off to Boston University this fall.
