In our 2017 NHL Draft Preview, we look closely at some of the prospects that could be available when the Hurricanes draft at 12th overall on June 23 in Chicago.
Cody Glass
- DOB: April 1, 1999 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
- Center | Shoots: R | 6’2”, 180 pounds
- 2016-17 Stats: 69 GP - 32G, 62A, 94 Points, 36 PIM
Prospect Breakdown
Glass started the year as a blip on the radar, but by no means one of the first forwards mentioned when it came to this year’s draft. A few months later, he has firmly planted himself among the elite. Apparently a 94-point season in your draft year will do that for you. Glass is now rated as the sixth overall rated North American skater by Central Scouting.
The Manitoba native was terrific this season for Portland of the Western Hockey League, leading his team to a fourth place finish in the league’s United States division, and a wild card spot in the playoffs. His 94 points finished seventh among all skaters, and second among draft eligibles behind Spokane’s Kailer Yamamoto who finished with 99. As an 18-year-old, Glass’s 62 assists ranked him seventh among all WHL players, despite being the only player in the top 15 who had fewer than 20 power play assists.
He should be one of the WHL’s top point producers next season as he continues to grow his game. Portland will be even more dangerous with the addition of 2016 Islanders first-round selection Kieffer Bellows, who is joining the Winterhawks after playing his freshman season at Boston University.
Scouting Analysis
In this draft, Glass is nearly unmatched as a playmaker. He controls offensive tempo both on the rush and in possession where, despite not being the biggest player on the ice, he is quite difficult to separate from the puck. He regularly thinks the game a couple passes ahead, and at times can make you wonder how he sees the plays develop that he inevitably completes.
Deadly with the puck, Glass knows how to orchestrate a power play and loves to set up his linemates for easy backdoor tap-ins when defenders overcommit. He’s the type of player that if his wingers go hard to the net, they will be rewarded with grade-A scoring opportunities.
Glass isn’t going to blow you away with electric skating ability, but you don’t notice his feet negatively. His compete level is extremely high, and he is committed both as a relentless forechecker and a willing puck retriever. He has the poise to play in all situations as a two-way asset, and has all the makings of a top-two center in the future.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, in a year where the center-ice position is among one of the Hurricanes’ biggest needs, there are not going to be many defensemen or wingers that go off the board before they pick.
Vancouver, Vegas, Detroit and Los Angeles all will likely be looking to improve their rosters down the middle as well, so Carolina would need a stroke of luck for Glass to last until their selection. However, if Glass is somehow still on the board when the Canes pick at 12, they would be smart not to let him fall further.