Scouting Report
EVALUATED 05/04/2024
Jordan Malette
Regional Scout - Ontario
Projection: Top line centerman
Projectable skills: Puck management, Playmaking, Shooting ability, Work rate
Development Opportunities: Strength, Skating
Adam embodies practically every quality I am looking for in a player. He's a cerebral puck manager, a top-notch playmaker, and he just doesn't stop going. There are so many things I could say here about what he brings to the table, but the key word to me is efficiency. Whether it's in transition or within the offensive zone, everything he does is efficient. His game doesn't revolve around commanding the puck for long stretches but from making quick decisions to link plays together and improve the position of the puck. That aspect of his game makes me so optimistic about him moving forward, as I have no reason to think his game shouldn't translate perfectly to the next level. If I'm starting a franchise from scratch, Adam is easily the player I want to select to build around, as he has every quality I am looking for in that #1 centerman to bring the top of your line-up together.
I had trouble thinking about what I'd want him to focus on moving forward, but with any young player, adding muscle and getting stronger is always a priority. His skating isn't an issue at all, but especially thinking longer term than junior and him being slightly undersized, continuing to prioritize skating development to ensure his quickness can remain a competitive advantage as he climbs the hockey ladder is a development area for Adam.
Skating
9Puck Skills
9.5Hockey IQ
10Playmaking
10Scoring
9.5Physicality
7.5Defense
8.5Overall
9.14Game Reports
EVALUATED 12/03/2024 Jordan Malette
Regional Scout - Ontario
While Valentini's performance wasn't quite dominating, I still thought he was fantastic. As always, whenever he was on the ice, he commanded the game, dictated the flow of things, and was the primary puck carrier behind so much of the Marlies transitions. Within the offensive zone was where he made his mark, constantly spotting teammates in scoring positions and threading pucks to them to give them quality scoring chances. Whether it was a slick touch pass to the slot or a cross-ice pass through lanes, Valentini consistently moved pucks to open teammates within the offensive zone, even hitting a teammate backdoor for an open net through these passes. The transition impact and passing game have been what I've adored from Adam since day one of the season, so while it's no surprise, it's still always terrific to see.
Game Reports
EVALUATED
Will Scouch
Regional Scout - Ontario
Another really solid overall game from Valentini through two periods. He was quick, dynamic, creative, and pushed defenders onto their heels with his intensity level and forechecking intentions. He created chances for others here and there as well as earned some chances of his own, but just 4 minutes into the third period some excellent work in the offensive zone landed him on the scoresheet again with the goal that put Canada White up 3-0. To use a cliche, Valentini just wanted it more. Wrestling the puck free from multiple defenders, grinding play into the middle of the ice with some assistance from J-C Lemieux, Valentini fired a quick, well placed wrist shot. Valentini really came alive in the third period, slicing and dicing around the ice looking for open space in the offensive zone and finding creative ways to generate zone exits and entries when called upon.
Game Reports
EVALUATED Will Scouch
Regional Scout - Ontario
A bit of a game where Valentini came and went, his bright moments were really bright. Clearly a skilled and agile player, Valentini had a ton of “almost there” moments. Using skill to drive deeper into the offensive zone, attacking scoring areas effectively, and trying to get through pressure in ways that should project just fine to higher levels. He struggled to finish plays consistently, losing puck control, or losing physical battles when the time came, but he was pushing Sweden back into their zone often, and forcing them to step up to block zone entries in a more difficult way than they’d prefer. He showcased his quickness a few times, highlighted by jumping into open space and fetching an offensive zone rebound completely on his own and nearly putting Canada up three relatively deep into the game. Not too long after, Valentini pulled off a beautiful spin, driving around the net for a wraparound chance that did everything but go in the net. Not 10 seconds later, Valentini handed possession back to Sweden with a soft pass along the boards deep in his own end, which somewhat summarises the best and not-so-best bits in his performance. In open space there were some really nice moments of deception looking off his partner on the rush and disguising his intent with the puck, but he seemed to be a bit all over the map in this one.
Game Reports
EVALUATED
Austin Robson
Regional Scout - Eastern Canada
Valentini was the most productive forward in this game for the Canadians, finishing the contest with 2 goals and 2 assists. He’s an elusive and agile skater with high-end puck skills to boot, which allows him to thrive as a puck-carrier in transition on most occasions, even if I thought he took some poor routes to problematic areas in this game. What impressed me the most about Valentini was how quickly he processed the game and how little time he took with his puck touches to get it to prime scoring areas. His ability to spot options through traffic and execute difficult feeds through seams allowed his line to play with tempo and pace as he manufactured plenty of looks in the middle of the ice for teammates attacking downhill. One of his finer sequences in the game came in the third period when he drew a defender towards him below the goal line before executing a slick backhand pass to an open teammate in front that lead to a goal. Both his goals came off strong off-puck positioning where he got lost in the defensive zone coverage, made himself a passing option in a dangerous spot and wired a quick shot upon reception that beat the goaltender cleanly.
Player Card
- All Data is derived via 5v5 per 60 minutes rate displayed in percentile format.
- Data Courtesy of In Slat.
COMMITTED:
Michigan
06/07/2024
SIGNED:
Chicago Steel
30/04/2024
LEAGUE PREDICTION
-
NCAA
Confirmed
100%
TEAM PREDICTION
-
Michigan
Confirmed
100%
TIMELINE
- 2024
05/09/2024
Adam Valentini is traded to the Kitchener Rangers
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06/07/2024
Adam Valentini commits to Michigan
- 2024
30/04/2024
Adam Valentini signs tender with Chicago Steel
- 2024
12/04/2024
Mississauga Steelheads select Adam Valentini at the 2024 OHL Priority Draft
