2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Gavin Brindley
While Connor Bedard is a lock at #1, the Blackhawks have plenty of options at #19. One prospect that stands out is Michigan forward, Gavin Brindley.
The Chicago Blackhawks are primed to select Connor Bedard at #1. They will likely pick another forward at #19 to complement Bedard, and other top forward prospects like Lukas Reichel and Frank Nazar. One possible prospect the Hawks could target with their second first round pick is Gavin Brindley.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Brindley is a 5’9” and 157-pound right winger who spent his draft eligible season with the Michigan Wolverines of the NCAA. He also represented the United States internationally at the Under-20 World Juniors. The 18-year-old had an all-around great season and only continued to improve as the year went on.
The first two things that stand out about Brindley are his skating (speed, agility, edges) and compete level. Both his skating and compete level are high end, and that combination is very scary for opposing teams. Brindley is also a skilled puck-handler, has good hockey sense, and is awesome defensively.
The main concern with Brindley is obviously his size/frame as he’s only 5’9” and 157-pounds. If he wants to play in the NHL he’ll have to add more muscle and weight to his frame. He’s also an older birthday for his draft-year and there are questions surrounding his production due to playing with Adam Fantilli.
Statistical Profile:
From a statistical standpoint, Brindley had an outstanding season. He produced at just under a point-per-game (0.93) for Michigan this year with 12 goals and 26 assists in 41 games as a true freshman. He also finished eighth in points amongst draft eligible players since 1999/00 (ahead of the likes of Tage Thompson, Brady Tkachuk, and Matty Beniers). Brindley also represented the United States at the World Juniors where he posted a respectable four points in seven games.
Where Is He Ranked?
Brindley is generally ranked in the mid 20s, but rankings vary from the early teens to the 40s. I think due to his size he’s probably seen as a late first-rounder by most NHL teams. However, I do think he’s a realistic option for the Hawks at #19.
What Others Are Saying:
“Gavin plays at Michigan, got on the scene with Tri-City last year. Super fast, had the mental ability to play with a guy like Adam Fantilli, could shoot the puck, played on the inside, he’ll be a good player.”
“Brindley was a top player for a top college team in Michigan this season and saw his role elevate as the season went along. With excellent skating and work ethic, Brindley buzzes around the ice, playing with a ton of pace and giving his best effort nightly. He’s able to make skilled plays at full speed, and plays with courage, going to the net and engaging along the walls. Brindley’s pure offensive touch won’t dazzle, but he has good hands and hockey sense and can make plays at higher levels. There aren’t a ton of two-way forwards in the NHL who barely touch 5-foot-9, but Brindley has the right mix of traits to be the next one.”
“Brindley is an excellent skater with great agility, speed, and edgework that make him a dynamic puck carrier. His skating ability is a massive part of his game, and he pairs it very nicely with his ability to keep his head up and move the puck. He is constantly on the move and plays with high intensity, frequently darting into open space and getting to the dirty areas to duke it out with the defense. As a smaller player, he does find himself physically outmatched at times around the net, but he does a great job peeling away from battles.”
“A lot of credit goes to my skating ability. Obviously, I’m an undersized guy. That would mean being quick on your edges and spinning off guys and using your body to protect the puck is really important and behind the net. I think I use that to my advantage… I’m definitely a playmaker. I made reads and decisions on the fly whether to pass or shoot. Just making hockey plays is one of my best attributes... I think my skating and having a good hockey mind is important for myself.”
Film/Video:
Potential & Should The Hawks Draft Him?
Gavin Brindley projects as a middle-six winger, in my opinion. His combination of speed, sticktoitiveness, and skill make him a very intriguing prospect. His playstyle is pretty comparable to former Blackhawk, Brandon Hagel. I think a realistic projection for Brindley is a middle-six winger, who can play on PK1, and produce around 35-45 points a season.
Kyle Davidson has identified traits like speed, competitiveness, and hockey sense as traits that he wants to build this team around. Gavin Brindley checks all of those boxes, and even brings some skill to the table. I believe that Brindley is both a realistic and idealistic pick at #19 for the Hawks.
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