Leighton Carruthers

July 2022 – Carruthers was not selected in the 2022 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

October 2021 – Although the start of his draft season has not been as productive as he may have hoped, the move from Saint John to Rouyn Noranda looks to have been a  positive one for Carruthers’ exposure. The third-overall selection from the 2020 QMJHL draft has a very strong core which is evident by the consistency of his stride and posture. While there are minor deficiencies in the “gearing” of his stride, so to speak, he is generally able to match the pace of play in forward transition, backchecking, and over both long and short distances. The strength and stability of his posture are truly the foundation for his development, and what currently enables him to manage possession with confidence and competence.

In uncertain circumstances with the puck, Carruthers possesses the presence of mind to seek security in open ice, while scoping out a play and communicating with his teammates. Likewise, without the puck he is quick to adjust to an adaptive stance and utilize his reach, surprisingly nimble edgework, and engagement to optimize pressure on the opposition or support for his puck-possessing teammates. In many situations, he appears to be the type of player who can pull a line together by making small, but meaningful and reliable intermediate passes or judgments to develop a team-based attack, as opposed to an individual one.

On the powerplay, Carruthers embraces the net-front role and executes it methodically. His continual positional adjustments from the low slot, to the side of the net breathe with the movement of the puck and enable him to provide value as an outlet to the half-wall or a screen for the point shot.

Where Carruthers has an opportunity to improve is his focus. While it may be as a result of the pressure he’s feeling to perform or otherwise, it’s not uncommon to feel as though his hyperactivity away from the puck is teetering on the edge of chaos. There are a few shifts per game where he seems to want to play every position, and make an impact in every way possible. In doing so, his otherwise supportive nature turns into pressure for his linemates, and he can induce a bit of a scramble. While inspiring, the reality is that he would likely be more effective on the whole if he relied on his linemates more, and focused a little more on what he could do when he receives the puck. Brayden Olafson