As John mentioned in the first post of this series, we will be profiling various draft prospects- the big name guys whom the Devils may draft with the fourth overall pick or guys whom the Devils may draft with later round picks. In today’s profile, I’ll look at one of the prospects who the Devils might draft in a later round.
Today’s profile will be on Stouville Spirit Defenseman and future Michigan Wolverine Brennan Serville. Because Serville didn’t play for an CHL team but played in the OJHL last season, a Junior A league that has produced NHLers like John Tavares, Jason Arnott, Raffi Torres and Stephen Weiss. Of course, Serville won’t be going nearly as high in the draft as some of those guys, who all were able to make it to the CHL. Rather than being a top pick, Serville is a guy who could be a steal in the mid rounds. Amongst all OJHL prospects in this year’s draft, Serville is the top ranked Eastern Canadian Junior A prospect at 104th overall. He’s one of the best players in his league, so he should get some consideration from the Devils.
Who is Brennan Serville?
|
Season |
Goals |
Assists |
PPG |
PIM |
|
2010-11 |
3 |
30 |
2 |
29 |
Brennan Serville is a defenseman for the Stouville Spirit, who was drafted by the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL in the 8th round as well as being recruited by the Spirit. However, he suffered a broken collarbone which caused him to miss both the Spirit and Wolves’ training camps. Instead he decided to keep his NCAA eligibility open by playing in Junior A rather than Sudbury. In December, he declared that he will be playing for Michigan next season, and was eventually signed in May.
Serville’s jump in rankings had to do a lot with his bouts with injuries. At the mid-term, he was ranked 145th amongst all North American Skaters. His current ranking is 104th, as he was able to showcase more of his talents as he missed most of the first half with a knee injury, racking up 33 points in 36 games. He shined in the playoffs too, taking the spirit to the OJHL semi-finals with 12 points (2 G 10 A) in 19 games.
For those looking ahead at next season- Serville will likely be playing on Michigan’s 3rd pairing, behind the likes of Devils top prospect Jon Merrill.
Highlights
Serville scores a goal against Collingwood
What people are saying
"Brennan is a lanky, right-handed defenseman with good smarts and good puck skills, I think he's going to be an outstanding defenseman at Michigan."- Wolverines Head Coach Red Berenson.
"Good-sized defender at 6-3, 180 plays a pretty simple, no-frills game. Uses his body and reach to keep opponents away from the prime scoring areas of the ice. Nothing flashy, just rugged and honest. A good, not great skater; decent enough footwork, and not lumbering or awkward in his movements."-Kirk Luedeke
An Opinion on Serville
Serville’s abilities as a puck mover should be noticed- he racked up 33 points in 36 games, albeit against lesser competition. His offensive game suggests that he could potentially put up a good amount of points as a 2nd pairing defenseman, or could be used on the power play. Defensively, he’s a guy that is capable of using his size- which is a good thing, especially when he puts on some more pounds. He has the makings of a decent two way defenseman.
Of course, health has been an issue for Serville- he missed out on the CHL because of a training camp injury, and missed a lot of time due to it. If he had been healthy, he might have been ranked higher if you ask me- if he was able to make a significant jump in rankings based on a good regular season and playoffs the scouts are seeing something that they like.
Should the Devils draft him? Possibly, considering he should be available in the 4th round. He’d be a good option if someone like Hellberg isn’t available. If and when he can put on some more pounds, he can be effective at both ends of the ice with his size and skill. I personally would give him a chance just to see how he pans out in the NCAA once he puts on some more muscle. He looks like a guy who could be a diamond in the rough.
NHLer I’d compare him to…
Alex Edler- a capable and mobile defenseman with size, decent skating ability and good offensive skill. He won't blow you away, but a reliable defender with offensive abilities at best.
Your opinion
The Devils do have a realistic shot at taking Serville in the 4th round. Would you be okay with taking Serville, who will be on the same team as the Devils top prospect Jon Merrill? Does his history of injuries make him a more risky pick than someone else? If you’ve seen Serville play, you can talk about it in the comment section. Thanks for reading.