Brendan Leipsic is a dynamic offensive forward with tremendous speed, definitely an a plus asset in today’s NHL. His size (listed at 5’8, 165-pounds) was a major reason why he fell this far in the draft, however the Preds scouts are extremely “bullish” on his pro potential; several times his game was compared to Boston’s Brad Marchand (who himself is listed at 5’9, 183-pounds) and the Preds own Gabriel Bourque –both undersized forwards who find ways to further elevate their games during the playoffs. The scouts considered Leipsic very strongly for the No. 50 pick, but used a little table-side strategy believing that he would remain on the board for pick No. 66 … the gamble worked out and Nashville was able to get players with its first three picks today who the scouts are all very excited about.

For those concerned about his size, note that the WHL is generally considered the most physical of the three CHL leagues and Leipsic still found a way to net 28 goals and 58 points during the regular season, before adding seven goals and 15 points in 20 playoff games for the Portland Winterhawks.

When pushed by David Poile about Leipsic’s size and the Preds desires to get bigger and more physical, the scouts replies were consistent and blunt, “We don’t want to miss Leipsic.”