Projection: 2nd Line Center

Tools: Straight Line Speed, Compete, In Tight Finishing

Development Opportunities: Lateral Quickness, Small Area Game

Roulston is an incredibly powerful and explosive skater, and that is at the center of his game. His feet are always moving up and down the ice, whether carrying it in transition or in puck pursuit, the work rate and skating are constantly making an impact. The off-puck engagement is a constant too, hunting down pucks on the forecheck and being a relentless hound trying to win pucks back all over the ice. The 6'2 frame and strong skating give a promising set of physical tools, and he uses them to beat defenders wide, attack lanes, and drive to the net with purpose. While the physical tools are the primary elements you notice, there is more than adequate skill to his game, showing the ability to protect pucks with slick moves and finish from in tight.

The combination of sheer compete, explosive skating, and two-way play make for an easy projection to a quality middle of the lineup centerman on an OHL roster. I think he could lean more into the cycle game, getting a little more swift on his feet and handling in tight areas to really dominate as a power forward, and elevate that ceiling to a true offensive force to layer on top of a reliable 200 foot game. He may not be the flashiest player in this class, but probably the most projectable to being a really quality piece down the middle.

Roulston showed a playmaking touch and a willingness to battle in this game. Landon was battling low to win possession, securing pucks deep in the offensive zone often. It was an obvious commitment to the 200 foot game from Landon, always looking for ways to strip pucks and apply pressure, being a pest for the 67s puck carriers. After forcing turnovers, Roulston was scanning for options, quickly moving pucks to open teammates to set up scoring chances. He finished a goal from the slot off a turnover, capitalizing on an opportunity. The two-way play has been a central theme to every viewing of Landon this season, so this was certainly no surprise.

Landon brought a strong two-way game, providing effort at both ends of the ice. I noted him on a handful of sequences, completing backchecks, applying pressure, trying to win back pucks, and just always being active even on the defensive side. He brought his usual offensive impacts, protecting pucks wide, controlling the play, and driving the net, but the effort level all over the ice was the key element I wanted to highlight. It wasn't anything flashy, but I liked seeing that even when things weren't clicking offensively, he was still impacting the game and being engaged. He scored two in this game, both driving the net and scoring with a nice finishing touch in tight. Of course, Roulston is one of the top players in this group and it was great to see him against his peers after a year of watching him play up with the '09s.

Roulston showed strong puck protection, always managing the puck well, and making the right decisions. He was often the backbone to his line whenever he was on the ice, having a strong impact in transition and as a playmaker. Especially low in the offensive zone, I thought he thrived along the boards and off the cycle, shielding pucks with his frame and finding ways to spin off checks and get out from pressure. While he only added one goal on the scoresheet, scoring on a tip, Landon had a strong showing and was the Vaughan forward I was most impressed with.

Given he played with the '09 Marlies, I was very familiar with Roulston's game entering this process of getting to know the 2010s. He had a solid game, but I was just mainly impressed by the advantages he could create with his physical tools now that I am seeing him against his own age cohort. His ability to get a step on opponents with a burst of speed or protect the puck with his body was just way more impactful now that he's playing at his own level. When he had the puck, the Top Notch defenders had difficulty shutting him down due to his ability to fend off pressure well with his physical tools.

The 2010-born forward was one of the centrepieces of the Rangers' offence, especially in transition and creating off the rush. Roulston's powerful skating was the starting point to his success, as he could easily gain separation from defenders and propel himself up ice with a few explosive strides. With the puck, Landon was assertive, relying on smart tactical touches to dodge defenders, dictate the flow of the game, and move pucks up ice. His puck handling seemed calculated and methodical, always having the perfect touch to move pucks around sticks and being difficult for defenders to contain. All of these abilities enabled Landon to beat defenders 1-on-1, constantly win lanes to the dangerous areas, and attack the net for plenty of scoring chances. I can't say with certainty as I haven't seen any of the 2010 class, but after a strong showing like this, I'd be surprised if Landon wasn't near the top of the '10 group once I eventually start to untangle that crop.

Landon had a fantastic showing in my viewing of the North Stars and made a very strong first impression. His explosive and powerful skating was at the forefront of his game, which made him stand out on the very first shift. He was flying up and down the ice, controlling the play and making a tremendous impact in transition. While this skating and transition involvement was impressive, I mainly appreciated his constant ambition to attack the middle lane and penetrate for scoring chances. On almost every rush sequence, Landon was trying to attack defenders one-on-one, successfully dangling through defenders with ease and getting into prime scoring areas repeatedly. It was remarkable how many of these sequences Roulston pulled off, speaking to a player with not only the confidence to attempt to deke by defenders but also the ability to execute them.