Detroit Hockey Now’s audit of the Red Wings’ prospect system brings us to a prospect whose ceiling is still a little difficult to discern in 2022 draft pick Tnias Mathurin, a defenseman.
When I watched the 6’3,” 201-pound defenseman take part in the Wings’ summer development camp, I had no doubt that the Wings drafted a “support player,” but whether the North Bay Battalion blueliner is simply a third-pair guy or something more was hard to tell.
Red Wings director of amateur scouting Kris Draper spoke with Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff about the big defender:
“Big D-man out of North Bay,” was how Red Wings director of amateur scouting Kris Draper began his assessment of the rearguard for the Ontario Hockey League’s North Bay Batallion. “I was able to see him quite a bit in the playoffs. We like his size. He moves well for a big man and is a pretty athletic defenseman.”
While defense is his forte, Mathurin does display some offensive instincts. Interestingly, his 15 points last season as an OHL rookie weren’t far off the 19 points he gathered the previous season with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders AAA U16 squad. Mathurin was captain of that club. Mathurin was also +17, an impressive number for an OHL rookie. In 13 playoff games, he dished out four assists.
He displays vision in the offensive zone, and makes an astute first pass. Mathurin shows some zip in his shot and displays a knack for getting into shooting lanes.
“He’s got a good stick, and he’s pretty mobile defender,” Draper said.
Continued; the Wings will invite Mathurin to the prospect tournament this September, and he’ll have an opportunity to establish himself in a more-defined role.
