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Carolina Hurricanes: The Evolution of Steven Lorentz

By Alex Ohari

LAVAL, QC, CANADA - DECEMBER 28: Steven Lorentz #10 of the Charlotte Checkers changing direction against the Laval Rocket at Place Bell on December 28, 2018 in Laval, Quebec. (Photo by Stephane Dube /Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC, CANADA - DECEMBER 28: Steven Lorentz #10 of the Charlotte Checkers changing direction against the Laval Rocket at Place Bell on December 28, 2018 in Laval, Quebec. (Photo by Stephane Dube /Getty Images) /
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PETERBOROUGH,ON – JANUARY 14: Steve Lorentz #16 of the Peterborough Petes skates against the Flint Firebirds during an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on January 14, 2016 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The Petes defeated the Firebirds 6-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
PETERBOROUGH,ON – JANUARY 14: Steve Lorentz #16 of the Peterborough Petes skates against the Flint Firebirds during an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on January 14, 2016 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The Petes defeated the Firebirds 6-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

The Scouting Report

What it all comes down to, obviously, are the tools which Lorentz possesses that could translate into success at the NHL level. For starters, he’s quite a large man. At 6’4″, 205lbs, he’ll have no problems fitting in with the physicality of the NHL game.

As far as what I’ve seen from Lorentz personally, he has a high motor and he’s quite menacing along the boards (he knows how to use his size – which is a huge factor). He has really nice acceleration for a big guy and has some skill and finishing ability, although I’m not convinced he can create offense on his own at the NHL level. If I were to offer a player comparable – he reminds me a lot of Warren Foegele.

Because my Lorentz viewings have been limited (seen him multiple times live in juniors, and a bit of him with the Checkers this year), I had to go beyond my own opinion of him to get some detailed thoughts about his game from people who know his situation better than I do.

I asked Brandon Stanley, a good friend of mine who does phenomenal Checkers scouting reports for Canes and Coffee (go check them out!) for his thoughts on Lorentz. (I credit Brandon for really opening my eyes on this kid – he’s been driving the hype train all season). Here’s what he offered:

"“You know, I’m basically carrying the torch for this kid’s bandwagon, but I think it’s warranted because he’s been a key cog in what Charlotte has done all year. He fits extremely well with what the Canes want to do, as a puck hounding, forechecking menace with a ton of speed and a 6’4 frame he’s willing to throw around a bit. He’s showcased way more offensive game this year than I’ve expected as well, with good hands in tight quarters and willingness to get to the dirty areas.”"

As far as how he sees Lorentz transitioning to the NHL level, Brandon said:

"“….we shouldn’t expect 50 points or anything crazy as an NHLer, but he’s going to make a ton of winning plays that will make fans love him. He’s an excellent penalty killer and forces more turnovers than anyone I’ve seen down there [in Charlotte]. I really believe he’s going to be an above average bottom six player [at the NHL level].” – Brandon Stanley."

Beyond that, Checkers commentator Jason Shaya has also been a vocal supporter of Lorentz, saying the following back in December:

"“I can’t name many players that have made more progress than Steven Lorentz. One year ago he was in the ECHL and today he’s a key part of an AHL team. My guess is he will be in the mix for an NHL call-up this season. A scout said to me last night, “he keeps getting better.”. – Jason Shaya"

With Lorentz’ 24th birthday approaching next month, it’s quite possible that his dream to solidify himself as an NHLer is on borrowed time. But he’s been a late-bloomer his entire career, at every level, and what he’s shown this season in Charlotte has stacked the odds in his favour.

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