Projection: Middle Six Winger

Strengths: Physicality, Finishing, Puck Protection

Development Opportunities: Explosiveness, Strength

Laurin offers a unique combination of size and skill in a way that is easy to get excited about. He leans first and foremost on the physical tools, being sturdy on his feet, difficult to knock off pucks, shields pucks well from opponents, all while having the footwork and handling to swiftly navigate around defenders. There are some sequences where at full speed in open ice or attacking off the wall where you see his handling working while in motion, beating a defender to the inside with a power move that really sell you on his tools. In the offensive zone, he has a solid sense of positioning and timing, rotating well into open spaces and can fire off catch and releases, being a constant shooting threat. Andrew brings a consistent forechecking and physicality presence, all blending to a promising package of tools to bet on moving forward.

I could nitpick things about Andrew’s game he needs to work on, but ultimately I think my fuzziness on him hinges on deployment and what a team is looking to get out of him. At the very least, I can see the easy path forward that if given a third line job, he could lean on the physical / compete side of things and be effective in a more energy / forechecking role. But if he’s utilized with the right linemates that handle the two-way transition duties, Laurin could support them well bringing a physical element and goal scoring touch. The bet is that he can work his way into that top six complimentary support role, and I can see him getting there.

Similar to Martin, there were moments where you saw what Laurin was all about. Using his 6’2 frame and eagerness to apply pressure, not shying away from the physical play, and winning his fair share of pucks on the forecheck. Laurin tied the game up at the start of the third frame, catching a pass from Jax Martin and walking in and blasting it high into the top corner. Energy, physicality, and powerful shots are always key points in a viewing of Andrew, and this one was no different.

It was a quieter game from Laurin, but he scored a late third-period goal that showcased some of his tools. He picked up a puck along the half wall, made a quick move off the wall toward the middle and fired a puck home from the top of the faceoff circle. That bigger frame, hands, and powerful shot has been all the key themes of what puts Andrew on my rankings, and while it wasn’t his best performance it’s always nice to see flashes of the tools and abilities.

I’ve seen quite a bit of Laurin before this season kicked off and I knew he’d be one to watch on this Quinte squad. Once again I was impressed with the physical tools, that strong on his feet fluid skater, plays with power and confidence, all in a big frame was once again the central theme. Especially when attacking off the rush, he protects the puck incredibly well, relying on his frame to shield pucks and mixing in some slick moves to make him really tough for defenders to handle. He tallied an assist in the Quinte game I watched, shielding the puck to the outside with a power move then dropping the puck to the slot to his wide-open teammate. It’s early so I don’t know where he’ll slot in, but he’s definitely someone on my radar to include when I start rolling out rankings over the next few months.

After a solid showing in my views at the WSI for his offensive abilities, Laurin impressed during the Draft Day Showcase for his persistent puck pursuit. Andrew was almost always noticeable for his forechecking effort, applying pressure, and doing all he could to fight for pucks and win battles. He did have a few flashes of offensive flair, scoring a nice goal off a quick shot after forcing a turnover, but this non-stop effort off the puck was what stood out across the games I watched.

Laurin was the most dangerous forward in this game, consistently creating quality scoring chances with his blend of puck protection, handling in motion, and desire to combine those abilities to attack. Especially from down low and along the wall, Laurin consistently used his frame to protect the puck, dodged checks with a slick deke, creating plenty of space for him to drive or dish off. The physical tools were just really impressive, how he moved in his big frame and effectively beat defenders 1-on-1 many times.

The lone goal scorer for Draftday White was Andrew Laurin, who tallied twice. As one of the taller players on the ice, he effectively used his size and reach to create large gaps between defenders and the puck, waiting patiently to open a shooting or passing lane. His shot was dangerous, as he scored once off a quick one-timer in front and again as the trailer on a 3-on-2, outwaiting both a defender and the goalie before ripping it home. His hard, whipping shot motion generates a ton of power and made him a real scoring threat in this game.