Brayden Gorda
Position: Defense (left-handed)
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 190 pounds
Birthdate: 1999-04-17
Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
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Scouting Report:
Gorda is coming into his second season with the Edmonton Oil Kings and is expected to take on the role of a top pairing WHL defender. Gorda is an excellent two-way defender whose skating abilities would rival some NHLers, and he’s coming off of a strong rookie season in which he was nearing the 25-minute-per-night mark down the stretch. Gorda has had to deal with a number of setbacks coming into the 2016-17 season, including an injury to his hand after receiving a slash in August at the Ivan Hlinka U18 tryouts. The injury cost him a chance to represent his country alongside some of the best draft-eligible prospects, as well as an opportunity to gain international exposure. He had a rough start through the first few games, but he has looked much better as of late, gaining confidence each game. As the season progresses, Gorda needs to find more consistency on a nightly basis, as well as look at jumping up on the rush, something at which he’s proven to be very effective. If he is able to become more consistent, there’s no doubt he will hear his name called in the first three rounds of the upcoming NHL draft in Chicago.
Strengths:
- Smooth skating / excellent stride
- Can make a solid first pass
- Heavy shot from the point
- Confidence to jump up in the rush at times
- Excellent two-way game
- Thrives in the transition aspect of the game
- Gaps up well
- Calm presence on the back end
- Excellent at picking up his man on the opponent’s rush
- Maintains good gap
- Uses stick to add pressure
Weaknesses:
- Bad shot selection at times
- Bad puck decisions
- Too weak below the goal line
- Struggles to clear the net
- Lacks consistency
- Lacks intensity
Projections (If plays a full 72 games): 6G-23A-29 pts
