REVS 2013 Top 15 Draft Prospects #5. Hunter Shinkaruk

#5. Hunter Shinkaruk

As a late birthday, left winger Hunter Shinkaruk has been on the draft radar longer than other players but like Seth Jones will be one of the older prospects in this draft class.  Hunter had a impressive rookie campaign that saw him net 42 points in 63 games. Then he exploded for 91 in his full sophomore season. This year at his current pace he could possibly top the 100 point mark and that is without Etem Emerson who was a linemate of his last year in route to a successful year. Hunter has recognized the attention on him this year comes with great difficulties. He is no stranger to adversity. Hunter states “I was getting hit after whistles more than before whistles,” he said. “But that’s what I want, to have that spotlight and to be the best player I can be.” 

 

Shinkaruk will need to tighten up defensively scouts will agree. “He has a lot to learn, as all young kids do,” said one scout. “Hunter was always so gifted growing up that he was allowed to get away with some things defensively. Now he needs to learn to play a team game.” Hunters speed is his greatest assest. He is listed as at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds but most scouts aren’t worried about him handling the rigors of the pro game. “He’s not that small anymore,” said one scout. “Look at Patrick Kane or Sam Gagner; they had elements that brought them success. Hunter’s element is his speed. He’s a highly skilled kid and a very explosive skater.”

 

  

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-		Postseas.	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-
2007-08	Calgary Royals Gold Bantam AAA	AMBHL	33	10	30	40	24		|	Playoffs	3	2	2	4	0
2008-09	Calgary Royals Gold Bantam AAA	AMBHL	27	32	31	63	10		|	Playoffs	10	11	11	22	6
2009-10	Calgary Royals Midget AAA	AMHL	3	0	1	1	0		|
2010-11	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	63	14	28	42	24		|	Playoffs	14	4	5	9	0
	Canada Pacific U17	WHC-17	6	5	4	9	2		|
2011-12	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	66	49	42	91	38	17	|	Playoffs	8	2	9	11	6	-4
	Canada U18	WJC-18	6	4	4	8	6	3	|
2012-13	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	22	15	18	33	8	2	|

I have Hunter ranked to start this year at #5 but he will be in tough to stay in that top 5 lottery position at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. It is less of what is wrong with Hunter and more of what is happening with the other players ranked around Hunter. Hunter has the possibility of going anywhere from #4 OV to dropping to #8 OV. As much as they say his size is not a issue it is still a consideration in the overall game of selecting a top draft pick. 

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to www.twitter.com/revingev