What Has Dylan McIlrath Been Up To?
By: Nicholas Pugliese - November 28, 2010 at 2:24 am
With the 10th pick in the 2010 NHL draft the Rangers selected Moose Jaw Warrior’s defenseman, Dylan McIlrath, shocking mostly everyday. At that time McIlrath was known as a bruiser, but also a BIG project s0 what has he done since then to justify the pick?
First we will look at what he was known for, toughness. He has only had 3 fights this year, but 2 of them just make you go wow.
Those are two very big very tough opponents he has there so these are no fights to laugh at. For someone who is so young he already has great ability with both hands and as seen in the video against Cody Beach he knows how to take a shot too. It will be entertaining to watch him fight in the NHL at the very least. And in listening to the announcers you get the sense he understands “when to fight”.
Now onto his offensive game. Last year he posted 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, +20, and 169 PIMS for Moose Jaw. This year he has 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points, +1, and 33 PIM in 16 games. That puts him on pace for 8 goals, 20 assists, 28 points, and 134 PIM. Only a slight improvement over last year.
If you really look at his stats, however, you can break his year down into 2 separate seasons:
Before October 12th – 8 games - 0 goals, o assists, o points, -9, and 18 PIM
After October 12th – 8 games – 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points, +10, and 15 PIM
The difference in results is just staggering. It was as if overnight something in his head clicked and he started realizing his potential. While looking at the performance so far you have to be pretty pleased if this new trend continues. It is very possible it took him sometime to settle down and get readjusted to the WHL after his time Traverse City.