Peter Holland: 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.

Peter Holland

Center

Guelph (Ontario Hockey League)

6'-2"  195 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Hometown:  Caledon, ON

Date of Birth:  January 14, 1991

Stats:  68 GP, 28 G, 39 A, 67 PTS

Scouting Report

The Good - Holland has the size and skill to become a power forward in the NHL at some point.  He skates well and has great athleticism for a player his size.  He is able to battle along the boards because he uses his size very well.

Holland is physically imposing and he is hard to knock off the puck.  He plays the game with confidence and he remains composed when he is in traffic.  It's difficult to force him to make a mistake because of pressure.

His hands are extremely quick which helps with his remarkable shot release.  His vision with the puck is outstanding and he is extremely creative when in control.  If his goal scoring does not transfer to the NHL he should at least be a decen play maker in the NHL.

If he works hard he could become a solid two-way forward in the NHL.

The Bad - Holland needs to be more consistent in his all-around game.  His effort towards the end of the season was questioned by many scouts. 

He needs to be a more aggressive player to make an impact in the NHL.  He needs to be more involved, too often he will be on the perimeter while he allows his team mates to do the dirty work.  He also has been criticized for being lazy in the defensive zone.

What They Are Saying

NHL Central Scouting's Jack Edwards

"When he is competing, he is very noticeable and effective. He is used both on the power-play and penalty-kill units, and at times he has been used at the point on the power-play.

Links

2009 NHL Entry Draft Prospects: Peter Holland - Stanley Cup of Chowder

Prospect Peter Holland Player Profile - Hockey's Future

NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles: Holland, Peter

Scouting the 09 Draft - Peter Holland - Matchsticks and Gasoline

Why The Sabres Might Pick Him

Much like Kassian, he fits the bill as a Power Forward.  We are kidding ourselves with think the Sabres would not want to get a big strong Forward in the first round.

With the right initiative he could become a very good two-way Forward in the NHL.  He has talent at both ends of the rink he he decides that he wants to play hard.

Why The Sabres Might Pass on Him

He has very good two-way skills but he has shown a tendency to be lazy.  It's possible that he could change and work hard to become an elite player but Darcy Regier can't take any chances with this draft.  If the Sabres make the playoffs next season than Regier might be able to keep his job but he needs to start seeing some of his draft picks pan out.