Wings Nation First Round Targets: Cody Glass
6 years ago
Cody Glass is probably my favorite prospect that the Red Wings could realistically select in this draft. He improved drastically from his previous season in the WHL and has good size and skill. His frame and attributes give him first line center upside. Glass was also one of the biggest risers on various rankings throughout this season.
The Portland Winterhawks center stands 6’2” and weighs 179 lbs. He used excellent hockey sense and puck protection skills to dominate the WHL last season as the Winterhawks top center. Cody Glass, in my opinion, bottoms out at a 2nd line center and could end up being the best center in this draft behind Hischier and Patrick if he reaches his potential. The Red Wings would be wise to take him if he is available at the 9th overall pick.
The Stats
Glass went from 27 points in his rookie season to an impressive 94 points during his draft year. He is an excellent playmaker, putting up 62 assists in 69 games. He uses his high level hockey sense to create offense and space for his teammates and can finish off plays with a heavy shot. Cody Glass will probably need another year in Portland before he is going to get a chance at an NHL job, but his stats show that he could end up being a great two-way center in the NHL.
The Eye Test
Curtis Joe from the website Elite Prospects speaks highly of Glass’ hockey IQ:
A dangerous two-way center that thinks the game at a high level, never making the same mistake twice. He is analytical and patient in the development of his strengths. He transitions up-ice quickly and is able to create and dictate offensive chances on the rush. He attacks hard and fast and consistently displays excellent puck control. His decision making is very good, indicative of his high level of hockey sense. He plays a complete game and elevates his play as energy levels rise. At the next level, he will need to be even faster and more physically assertive to make his presence felt. All-in-all, an intense, quick-thinking competitor that can elicit a crowd’s excitement when he’s on the ice.
Failed to load video.
Does He Fit In With Red Wings?
Glass says he models his game after Patrice Bergeron, although comparisons I have seen are Mark Scheifele and Ryan Johansen. This shows that he is a solid two-way center who uses his size and hockey sense to dominate all over the ice. He is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer and sets up teammates using high-end vision. That being said, he still possesses a shot capable of finishing off scoring plays on his own and can create offense with solid skating and good hands.
The Red Wings’ center prospect pool is their weakest of any position. Glass has the potential to center the Red Wings’ number one line in the future so he would be my selection for the Red Wings. Let’s cross our fingers that he is available at the 9th overall selection.
