John Moore: 2009 Draft Profile

In preparation for the NHL Draft on June 26, Die by the Blade will profile potential Buffalo Sabres Draft Picks.  This feature will run daily with one or two players profiled each day.

John Moore

Defense

Chicago (USHL)

6' 2"  189 lbs.

Shoots:  Left

Hometown:  Winnetka, IL

Date of Birth:  November 19, 1990

Stats:  57 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 PTS

Scouting Report

The Good - Moore is a world class skater that is agile both with and without the puck.  His acceleration is unrivaled by any potential draft picks.  He uses his speed to create offensive opportunities and is great in transition.  He has a huge advantage over slower opponents.

He is an extremely smart and creative player on the blue line.  He knows when he has a good opportunity to pinch in from the point and almost never gets caught making a bad decision while in the offensive zone.  He has an outstanding shot from the point and almost always finds the net with his shot.  He is a great leader in the locker room and is well liked by his teammates.

The Bad -  Moore needs to become a more complete player.  He is great in the offensive zone but needs to work on his defensive zone play.  He is often out of position in his zone and gets caught chasing his opponent around.  He needs to be able to read the play better to become a top NHL defenseman.

He has been criticized for playing small.  He is a tall kid but he plays a soft game.  He needs to be more aggressive along the boards and use his size to create opportunities. 

His level of competition has come into question as is the case for any player who plays in the USHL.  He needs to continue to develop his game and sow he can play at a more elite level.

What They are Saying

NHL Scouting Director Jack Barzee

He resembles (Calgary Flames) defenseman Jordan Leopold and similar to Leopold at the same age he needs to get a little bit better at playing more aggressive and more physical, but John is going to be a one-two defenseman in the NHL."

Why the Sabres Might Pick Him:

The upside with a player like Moore his huge.  He has played against inferior competition and could become an even better player when pushed by tougher competition.  He could be a potential replacement for Brian Campbell who is still not replaced on the Sabres blue line.  He is too good to pass up.

Why the Sabres Should Pass on Him:

The Sabres organization is stocked with young defensemen.  Moore would get lost in the shuffle with the talent the Sabres project to have on the blue line.  His play in the defensive end needs to improve and he is still many years away from contributing at the NHL level.