Observations:

February 2013: Mitchell Theoret first broke into the OHL as a 16 year-old with the Niagara Ice Dogs in 2009.  In 53 games played that season, the Montreal native posted only two goals and six helpers, adding just one assist in Niagara’s 5-game playoff series loss to the Ottawa 67’s.  In his sophomore year, Theoret saw himself take a larger role on a much-improved Ice Dogs club.  Although he was not recognized in Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters in 2011, Mitchell Theoret was drafted in the seventh round by the New York Islanders along with teammate and first-rounder Ryan Strome. Since being traded to the powerhouse Belleville Bulls in early January, Theoret has 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 18 games and is a plus-11 to boot (much improved from his combined minus-3 in his first two seasons with Niagara).  Although he certainly possesses offensive upside, the seventh-round pick was drafted for his consistent tenacity and willingness to play the physical style of game.  Theoret can play in all situations, but his commitment to battle and fight makes him a real asset to a team’s penalty kill.  This player’s success will rely heavily on how the Islanders’ coaching staff chooses to develop him, however, how he plays in Belleville’s 2013 OHL playoff run will go a long way in determining his ceiling.

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Theoret has potential to be a sandpaper, meat-and-potatoes, fourth-line, penalty-killing centremen.  His tenacity and character give him lots of potential, assuming the Islanders’ brass don’t rush him into the NHL too quick.

Footage:  Theoret 2 Goals vs. Windsor

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Mitchell Theoret stats courtesy of EliteProspects.com