Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Clark Bishop Brings Heart, Compete Level to the Organization
Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes prospect as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year.
Player: Clark Bishop
Position: Center
Date of Birth: March 29, 1996 (19)
Birthplace: St. John’s, Newfoundland (CANADA)
Height/Weight: 6’0″/192 lbs.
2015-2016 Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Scouting Report:
"Bishop is a grinding forward who takes care of things in his own end first. His speed and skating ability help him at both ends of the ice. While he may never be a top-line offensive talent, his on-ice intelligence and physical attributes make him the perfect definition of a safe pick. A hard working, heart-and-soul type player. (HOCKEY’S FUTURE)"
Clark Bishop was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 NHL Draft, at 127th overall. Despite coming into the Carolina Hurricanes with little fanfare, he is becoming a very relevant prospect in the organization’s system.
At his junior club, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL, Bishop is relied on as a defensive centerman who is responsible in his own end. In an offensively dominated league like the QMJHL, that is a testament to how good his play is in all three zones.
At the beginning of the 2014-2015 season, Bishop was named as the 22nd captain of the Cape Breton franchise. The new captain showed he could score as well as lead, tallying 17 goals for 29 points in only 28 games. Sadly, his season was derailed by a severe ankle sprain, causing him to miss much of the rest of the regular season. He finished the regular season with 35 points in 38 games.
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Bishop’s improved offensive output helped him set career highs in goals and points, even though he played in only 38 contests. He also finished with a +1, another career high.
In the playoffs, Bishop led his entire team in scoring with 8 points in 7 games against the Quebec Remparts.
This coming season, Bishop should almost certainly be back with Cape Breton for his fourth tour of CHL hockey.
When he does graduate from junior hockey, expect Bishop to play in Charlotte with the Checkers for a few seasons. He isn’t going there competing for a NHL job this year, but, at his current projection, he could be in the conversation come this time two or three years from now.
“I think it’s best for me to play another year in junior and then try to work my way into the AHL for a couple of years.” – Clark Bishop
The way Bishop plays the game makes him a real safe bet to one day play in the NHL. He is a center who doesn’t waver in his own end of the rink. Despite being only 6’0 feet tall, he grinds down low to win pucks and isn’t afraid to rough up his opponents. He is the prototypical 4th line centerman. Don’t be surprised if he someday wears an A on his NHL sweater. He is a player that inspires his teammates on and off the ice.
Think of a Jay McClement. A guy who won’t put up points every night, but will win face-offs, kill penalties, and be someone hard to play against. Perhaps at his peak ability, Bishop could be a Brandon Sutter like player.
Coming into the new season, Bishop must to prove he can sustain and perhaps improve upon his new found offensive abilities. I don’t think new career highs in offensive production are out of the question. Bishop certainly has the drive to reach a higher level of play.
Optimistically, Bishop might be able to crack the Canada’s World Junior roster in December. Though that would probably mean a large improvement in his offensive numbers and some injuries to players in front of him.
Most importantly, a healthy and full season is what Bishop needs. He was playing incredibly well until his ankle injury, but when he returned, his numbers weren’t as strong. Playing for a full season will be the best platform to display his skills to the Hurricanes’ coaches and front office.
It is also important to note that Bishop has not yet signed an entry level deal with the ‘Canes. Be on the lookout for him to sign a pro contract sometime this year. If he does agree to a deal, he could play a bit for the Checkers come April, pending Cape Breton’s play in the QMJHL.