|
Rank |
DOB |
Drafted |
Pos |
Allan |
Andy |
Philip |
Daniel |
Ryan |
Cara |
Ian |
Brian |
Tim |
|
4 |
1993/03/29 |
#66, 2011 |
C/LW |
4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
4 |
Adam Lowry shot up these rankings considerably within the last year. After a year of consistent improvement in the AHL, Lowry’s smarts and defensive acumen landed him a gig in the Winnipeg Jets’ top-nine. The season wasn’t flawless, but Lowry’s size and smarts translated right away; the next step will be finding offence.
Stats:
Twenty three points isn't a horrible total for a rookie playing third line minutes, but the scoring rate is definitely closer to that of a fourth liner. Nothing says this won't improve, and it should as he grows towards his prime, but it does raise the question of where Lowry's ultimate ceiling will be.
AIH Authors' Thoughts:
Andrew:
See my comments for Alex Burmistrov. Lowry played very well, surprising a lot by ending up with the big club all year. I have him ahead of Burmistrov as he’s earned it. But should continue to push himself to excel.
Brian:
What can be said about Adam Lowry that hasn’t already been said? He’s already proven that he can be a really good third liner. Can he become a second liner? Possibly. All Lowry needs to do is step up his offensive game and he’ll continue to be a force to be reckoned with. I also believe that Lowry will be the future captain; the kid just oozes leadership skills.
Ian:
I’ve been a fan of Lowry since he was playing for the Swift Current Broncos. He got switched from left wing to centre upon making his pro debut, and then turned a lot of heads once he made the big club, even garnering some Calder votes. I see him improving his game even more this upcoming season. He’s the type of player the Jets will want to have around for a long time.
Tim:
I am a huge fan of Lowry. He is a work in progress offensively, but his hockey IQ has already made him into a stout two-way player. Lowry already looks like a long-term lock for the third line, and how far he can climb beyond that will likely be based on increased offence. Regardless, I am a big fan of the player who can carry play into the offensive zone, even if it doesn’t result in high-flying numbers. Give this kid a couple strong two-way wingers and his line will be hell to play against.
Video:
Summary:
It will be tough for Lowry to climb much higher up these rankings, unless he manages to jump Mark Scheifele on the depth chart. Regardless, he figures to be a long-term factor in the Winnipeg Jets middle-six. He has the size which NHL GMs covet and the defensive game to back it up.
Lowry ranked 12th on the league's tally of hits last year, but he isn't running around hitting without a purpose. What Lowry does is separate skaters from the puck. It will be interesting to watch his deployment this year: will Adam be given defensively sound two-way wingers and asked to carry a heavier shutdown load? A line comprised of Alexander Burmistrov, Adam Lowry and Joel Armia could be a lot of fun to watch. Their size, speed, skill and major puck possession ability, on paper, makes for quite the trio.
