Rob Wilton
B.C. Division, WHL

Is Justin Lies poised to break out this season

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

 

Heading into this shortened season, the Giants will be looking for depth guys that can produce offensively. Justin Lies could be the answer. The 2018 third-round pick comes into this season looking to build off a decent debut season with the Giants where he registered six points in 49 games. Lies is stronger, faster, and ready to break out this season as the Giants will rely on him to provide some depth scoring this season.

A breakthrough season is coming:

Lies was the second-youngest player on the team last season. Only Julian Cull, who suited up for one game, was younger. Lies showed maturity and drive that kept him in the lineup on a consistent basis. This should bode well as Lies knows what to expect coming into this season. He has been through a training camp, the ups and downs of a season, and understands what it takes to have success in this league. If Lies can use that experience and develop the way the coaches want him to, he will have a breakthrough season that should catch the eye of some NHL scouts.

Using the body:

Lies has great size for a 17-year-old listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds. For the right-winger to have success, he has to throw around his weight and use that big body to his advantage. Lies can really take advantage of teams like Victoria and Kamloops as these teams are going with smaller defensemen. If Lies can get in on the forecheck and use his body to pressure these defense cores, he can turn over pucks and create scoring chances. Lies should be able to use his speed and size to force turnovers. If he can, the Giants should have no problem getting chances on goal this season.

Contributing on special teams:

If Lies can continue to develop he should get some second-line powerplay time. With his size and skill, Lies would be a great net-front option. The Giants are going to need both powerplay units to click this season in order to be successful. Having shooters like Cole Shepard or Zack Ostapchuk combined with the net-front presence that Lies will cause problems for the opponent’s penalty kill. If Lies is given the chance this season, look for him to produce on the powerplay.

Projections:

Justin Lies is going to have a decent season as a middle-six forward on this team. He has tremendous upside and his size and skill allow the Giants to move him up and down the lineup. If he can find some powerplay success this season, he could notch 20 points this season. The BC division is going to be a high-scoring division based on the team rosters already released. Lies has a chance to have a breakout season as he gets set for his draft year in 2022.