Jonathan Morello Scouting Reports

Note: Grading takes into consideration comparisons to other draft eligible prospects and also players competing at the Tier 2 level in Canada.

First live viewing of Jonathan - November 12th vs Haliburton @ St. Mike's Arena

The most obvious element that draws attention to Jonathan's game is his speed.
He's an open ice threat who is easily one of the fastest skater's at the Tier 2 level in Canada. His edges, and the way he powers out of his turns is elite for this level and project well for future levels (USHL / College / Pro)
When pucks are chipped to open space he rarely arrives second. His speed and length create turnovers as F1 on the forecheck, and extend plays along the wall.

Jonathan always seems to be around the play. In the game, vs Haliburton, he consistently had the puck on his stick from shift to shift. There's no place to hide at St.Mike's College Arena. It's a small venue. Jonathan displayed solid battle and push back in the hard areas - especially around the crease in the offensive zone.

He ended the game with 2g-1a and could have had more. He hit a post on a breakaway in the second period (a play that showed off his quickness in open ice and ability to pounce on a puck and out-skate his opponent to the net)

Defensively, Jonathan is aware. The group appears to be attempting to play a man vs man D-zone coverage. His read/react was responsible. There were times, however, that his 'routes' to his check / angle his body / positioning could have been better. It's important to keep the opponent in front of you in the D-zone / off your strong side shoulder ... so they don't slip off the check and have a lane to the net or inside position coming off the cycle.

On the penalty kill, his speed / size / and length are assets.
Shift maintenance is always important and will become more important as Jonathan matures to higher levels. There were a few occasions he could have made more simple plays dumping pucks deep and changing sooner ... instead of trying to extend via a zone entry offensively while on the PK.

One thing Jonathan is even more capable of is taking the puck to the paint when he gains a step / the edge off the rush. There were a couple of instances that he elected to direct a puck on net from the wide flank instead of using the space / lane that available in front of him. Letting the defender and goalie off the hook in the process by making the easier play for them to defend.

Projects as a potential NHL 3F - possible 2F in time.
Brings positive combination of size, speed, skill, hockey sense, and compete.

At this time he projects as a 4th round NHL pick - potentially higher if his even strength production goes to another level,

According to 'Chris Brooks' from Clarkson, Jonathan is heading to the USHL (Dubuque) next year before beginning is college career.