Rankings
NHL Central Scouting: 7th among North American skaters
International Scouting Services: 5th among all skaters
TSN: 6th among all players
The Hockey News: 7th among all players
Red Line Report: 13th among all players
ESPN: 6th among all skaters
2016-17 Season
Tippett registered 75 points (44 goals, 31 assists) in 60 games for the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League, ranking fifth in the league in goal scoring. He recorded 19 points (ten goals, nine assists) in 20 games as the Steelheads advanced to the OHL championship series. Tippett picked up one goal and one assist for Canada at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.
Background
Tippett recorded 20 points (15 goals, five assists) in 48 games as a rookie in the OHL in 2015-16. He won a gold medal with Canada White at the 2015 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, leading the team in scoring with eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games. He registered three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games for Canada at the 2016 U-18 World Championship.
Quotable
"NHL shot and NHL skater - exceptional acceleration and separation speed to pull away - one of the best skaters and shooters in the draft class - prime scoring area is from anywhere inside the offensive zone because of his instant release and heavy, accurate snap shot - great knack for anticipating and recognizing opportunity; all he needs is one chance and the puck is in the back of the net." - NHL Central Scouting (
NHL.com
)
"He has good size and strength, difficult to defend against. He has an awesome shot, quick release and accuracy. Very good one-timer which he needs to be more accurate. He's a very good skater with a powerful stride and speed. Has a second gear to get away from a check. Not many weaknesses to this player. On his way to an early first round pick and potential top 2 line NHL." - International Scouting Services (
isshockey.com
)
"Quite often he's completely one-dimensional, but it's a great dimension: he is head and shoulders the best pure goal scorer in the draft. Just has that natural sniper's touch from anywhere inside the blue line. He thinks shoot 1st, shoot 2nd, maybe pass 3rd, and backcheck a distant 4th. But it's hard to knock him when he's beating goalies at will. Gets off quick release shots from seemingly impossible angles, and is able to pinpoint shots to the tiniest bit of daylight." - Red Line Report 2017 Draft Guide (
redlinereport.com
)
This story was not subject to approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.
