Strengths: Skating, offensive creativity, shot release
Development opportunities: consistency, defense

Seeing him as recent as the WSI tournament in May, Liam has that offensive X-factor that others don’t have in this draft. When he’s at his best and playing with pace he’s a dual threat passer and shooter; taking every opportunity to curl into shot releases and dominate possession. His physical stature helps too as he’s a lanky 6’1 and uses his reach to his advantage constantly. That type of scoring IQ is tough to find and when partnered with an explosive skating stride and a determined demeanor, you have a hard time slowing him down. There were many moments this season where it seemed his pace of play was the biggest drawback as he can watch play unfold around him and not put in the effort without the puck as much as he does with it, but the WSI views gave me confidence that those habits are in there and waiting to be refined at the next levels.

The JPHL U18 forward has 7 goals and 2 assists in 6 games thus far in the young season. Liam is so effective with how advanced his physical elements are at the moment. In the game I watched of him he was able to cut and use length of stride and his reach to be explosive and evasive; protecting the puck as he sliced into scoring areas. He possesses a quick snapshot which comes off extremely quickly from the blade. At this point, I’d imagine he’s the most advanced of anyone in the draft available from the length of stride, power, stickhandling, etc. His ability to create dangerous scoring chances and actually finish is what is setting him apart early for me. At this point, the elements I’m looking to see more of are his play away from the puck in prescanning, choices in the cycle, and his ability to apply secondary pressure by being in supplemental positioning when he’s not the first forechecker and potentially gliding around the high slot. This is certainly being a bit nitpicky as it is just early into October but Liam is no doubt a top player for this draft and a contender for first overall.