Week 2 Prospect Profile: Eric Locke

I am back again for a second week with another 2012 Draft Eligible prospect profile. This week, as we do each and every week we break down the games of the top prospects in the OHL and this week we have a special prospect; Eric Locke of the Barrie Colts. I have seen Eric play many games in the past year and I feel like I have as good a read on his game as anyone. Here is what I see:

NHL Draft Prospect: Eric Locke – Barrie Colts

The Line:
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 182 lbs
Shoots: Left
Draft Eligible: 2012

Don’t let the small height fool you; Eric Locke will go into all of the dirty areas. The Toronto, Ontario native started last season with the Windsor Spitfires but finished the season with the Barrie Colts following a mid-season trade.

Locke is a pure goal scorer, he has an elite shot and elite hands. His skating ability is above average and he is a very capable penalty killer. Locke is not the kind of player who is a pure sniper and a defensive reliability. Locke will play the defensive role if asked.

The one limiting factor to Eric going as high as the first round is his size. He is a very smart player and finds ice by bumping off players to find space in the slot but you cannot teach a player to grow. I really like his game more and more every game I see him play in. I expect him to have the same effect on the scouts as well.

NHL Player Comparison: Joe Pavelski