|
Clayton Phillips, D |
||
|
Shoots: L |
Height: 5-10 |
Weight: 182 |
|
Born: 1999-09-09 |
Hometown: Edina, MIN, USA |
Drafted: 3rd round 2017 93rd overall PIT |
Observations:
April 2018 – After only three USHL outings with the Fargo Force, Phillips was dealt at the start of the season to Muskegon. Describing the 5-11, 188-pounder as “a top defenseman in this league,” Lumberjacks’ GM John Vanbiesbrouck said he was “pretty excited.” Phillips, named to the USHL 2016-17 all-rookie team, gave Muskegon the desired offensive lift with four goals and five assists in just 13 games. In December, though, Phillips joined the U of Minnesota as blueliner Nate Knoepke returned to the USHL for the second semester. Termed “a dynamic player” by Gophers’ head coach Don Lucia, Phillips nonetheless went pointless in 11 games in his NCAA baptism. A two-way D-man with offensive instincts, the native of Minnesota’s hockey hotbed in Edina remains on Pittsburgh’s long-range radar. Mark Allan
October 2017 – The young defender is off to a solid three-game start with a goal, two assists, 19 PIMs and minus-2 in his second campaign with the USHL’s Fargo Force. The native of Edina, Minn., is staying close to home after committing to the U of Minnesota starting next season. He’s on Pittsburgh’s long-term radar. Mark Allan
June 2017 – A self-described offensive defenseman who loves to jump into a rush, Phillips says he doesn’t want to neglect the other side of the puck. As a longtime fan of the Penguins, he models his play after Pittsburgh star Kris Letang. After seven goals, 20 points and plus-18 in 56 games with the Fargo Force of the USHL, Phillips has expressed a desire to follow Jake Guentzel’s path and stay close to home by attending the U of Minnesota.
Like virtually every teen player, Phillips needs to add muscle. By drafting a young player who plans to go the NCAA route, the Penguins have signaled they’re prepared to wait for him to mature. Mark Allan
Fantasy Outlook: C+
A long-term project, Phillips might one day become an important contributor to Pittsburgh’s offense.
Footage:
Clayton Phillips pots his first USHL goal, and makes it look easy:
Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.