Quinnipiac lands game changing commit in Ty Smilanic

Ty Smilanic with the USNTDP

The Quinnipiac Bobcats landed a major commitment on Wednesday with the news from Jeff Cox that the program landed United States National Developmental Program center Ty Smilanic a potential first round pick in 2020. This is a game changer for the Quinnipiac program who have never landed a potential first round draft pick in the Rand Pecknold era.

Quinnipiac lands a major commitment in @USAHockeyNTDP
U-18 C Ty Smilanic, a potential first round pick in 2020 NHL Draft. He should be a big time center in ECAC Hockey next season.

— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) November 20, 2019

Smilanic is a potential CHL flight risk especially should whichever NHL team selects him prefer he take that route. WHL-Regina have been waiting in the wings after recruiting him for years. Something to watch in the summer

— Over the Boards (@overtheboards) November 20, 2019

4.75⭐️Ty Smilanic to Quinnipiac. Powerful stride w/separational speed. Puts defenders on their heels and can launch the puck on goal. Skilled and strong, he can play a number of ways. Responsible defensively. See all 16 reports and our @nhl_nz grade ⬇️
👤https://t.co/fJm1zNWd14 https://t.co/P7F2Csvb8G

— Neutral Zone (@_Neutral_Zone) November 20, 2019

Smilanic a native of Denver, Colorado was a former Denver Pioneers commit with the two parting ways in September of 2018. The 2002 born Smilanic is a 6'1, 177 pound left shot center shot center who has four points in two USHL games this season. He has not played since October 20th but its unknown if he has an injury.

Central Scouting has him ranked as an A rated player in their most recent rankings on November 11th. In an NHL.com article, the director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr had this to say about Smilanic. "He plays the game with speed, quickness, smarts and skills. What sets him apart is he's always on the puck, he's always forcing the play, always making things happen."

Many other publications have him ranked in the top 30, Smilanic should see his name called on the first night of the draft. His WHL rights are held by Regina so he is still a possible flight risk. Should Smilanic be a first round pick, Quinnipiac may only have him for a season or two but in the long run it is worth it as this may open the path to other higher end players.

Links

EliteProspects Player Page
USHL Player Page

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