Meet the players: Devin Kaplan

While with the Development Program, Kaplan exclusively played a huge checking role, did an excellent job at creating turnovers on the forecheck, winning puck battles and creating ice room for linemates. He had 13 goals and 38 points in a combined 53 games in 2021-22 including eight goals and 18 points in 22 games against USHL competition. Pretty impressive numbers for a "checking line" player. At the Under-18 World Championships, Kaplan chipped in six points (1g, 5a) in six games and most impressive thing is, he did not take a penalty the entire tournament.

"He has great touch and puck skills," said NTDP coach Nick Fohr to NHL Network. "He's hard to defend and shines in tight."

Cutter Gauthier passes to his buddy Devin Kaplan in a drill. Kaplan's not too impressed and makes him do it again. pic.twitter.com/Mk4LcRBxwB� Giana Han (@giana_jade) July 12, 2022

Kaplan is difficult to take off the puck especially when he has the puck already on his stick. He is a decent north to south skater with a powerful stride, according to Flyer's assistant general manager Brent Flahr. Where his skating needs some work is in terms of making cuts and turns. Where he is going, he will certainly improve in that.

Like most players in this draft, it will take some time for him to be NHL ready, but once he gets there. I think he will be a huge asset in the future.