Top Rangers prospects like Tim Erixon and Christian Thomas
are scheduled to participate in September’s Traverse City Tournament, but there
will also be a few relatively unknown players joining them.
Between now and September 10th, we’ll take a look at some of
the less-touted prospects that will don the Rangers’ sweater at Traverse
City. Today, we look at…
Tayler Jordan
HT: 6-6
WT: 203
Pos: LW
Shoots: R
Birthday: 2/8/90
Team: Portland, WHL
2009-2010 stats: 2g, 4a, 62gp, 131PIM, -3
2010-2011 stats: 3g, 6a, 60gp, 121PIM, +2
2010-2011 playoffs: 0g, 0a, 20gp, 44PIM, -5
WHL.ca
profile >
Tayler
Jordan’s fight card at HockeyFights.com >
What’s They’re Saying:
The Prospect
Park – “Jordan is a 6'6 203 left wing who was the heart and soul of the
Portland Winterhawks. He is not going to score 30 goals but what he will bring
is a Brandon Prust work ethic and a "cop on the beat" mindset to
anyone thinking about running one of his teammates. But our own notes on Jordan reminded us that
he plays the same way whether it is 3-0, 13-0, or 0-13. Never going to win any
awards for being a pretty skater but we do like how he plays defense as well as
brings energy to the game. Not going to
kid you folks as Jordan's potential is as an enforcer as well as an energy guy
who can kill penalties. Still Jordan's huge body would be perfect to tell him
to set up in the crease while opening up the ice for guys like Christian Thomas
and Ryan Bourque. It is going to be
funny to see when the Baby Rangers at Traverse City because someone will need
to remind Jordan, McIlrath and Randy McNaught that they are all on the same
team now. All 3 players have fought the others over the years in the WHL.”
Daniel Lizee (TheScoutingReport.org)
– “A gangly player who has no problems with fisticuffs. He's about as game as
they come and look for him to scrap at camp. His height and reach gives
him a significant advantage in most scraps. Hockey IQ is very low and with
hockey trying to curb straight up fighting, he likely will have a hard time
cracking a pro lineup.”
Curtis Deem (TheScoutingReport.org)
– “Tayler Jordan has a big frame, though he is lanky and really needs to fill
out and get stronger. He's not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone, and has
been a strong depth player for the Winterhawks throughout his career. Uses his body pretty well, though he isn't
very fleet of foot. He has pretty limited offensive upside, though could make a
name for himself in the professional ranks if he wants to be a physical presence.”
Kelly Friesen (Buzzing the
Net) – “Jordan is an enforcer. He has a huge 6-foot-6, 203 pound frame, you
notice him every time he's on the ice. However, Jordan's skating abilities
are not good enough for the NHL, or even AHL level. He was strictly in the
Western Hockey League for his size, not his skill. But he definitely made a
difference for his team some nights.”
OregonLive.com – “As the team improved dramatically, Jordan evolved into one of the Hawks'
most valuable penalty killers and bone-crushing checkers, though he doesn't get
a lot of ice time compared to his more high-scoring teammates. Over time, his skating and leadership
abilities have garnered enough attention to draw invitations to training camp
with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks. Jordan takes his assistant captain role very
seriously, and uses his spirit to keep teammates involved and focused on the
bench. He's also willing to do the dirty
work and sacrifice himself to stick up for his teammates, as evidenced by the
cuts and bruises that litter his face from dozens of fights and scrums.”
Thoughts: It’s important to note that the Rangers have yet
to offer 2010 seventh-round pick Randy McNaught a contract. McNaught missed all but eight games last
season with an ankle injury, so it was impossible for Rangers’ brass to fairly
evaluate him. That’s good news for
Tayler Jordan, who clearly possesses strong character and penalty-killing
ability in addition to his physical play and fighting skills. The two of them will make life very difficult
for opponents at Traverse City and although it’s quite possible that neither
has the necessary tools to advance their career, if Jordan outplays McNaught he
could earn a contract.
Click here for our full Summer 2011 Archive >
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