2015 Ottawa Senators Draft Profile: Defenceman Vince Dunn
Vince Dunn: Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Dunn’s One-Man Show In Playoff Opener (0:30, 0:50, 1:51 and 2:05)
Birthplace: Peterborough, ON
Birthdate: October 29, 1996
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’0, 185 lbs.
2014-15 stats: 68GP, 18G, 38A (56 points)
Rankings: 32 (Central Scouting), outside of top-30 (McKeen’s and ISS)
If you watched the Niagara IceDogs and didn’t know any better, the Chicago-esque jerseys on the home team and the skating style, puck-moving ability and occasional outburst from their most mobile blueliner would have you convinced that a certain Blackhawks superstar was playing in the OHL.
Dunn, who can be affectionately referred to as Dunn-can Keith, has an NHL-ready shot, a skating style that doesn’t need to be shored up too much when compared to other defensive prospects, and doesn’t make a habit of being caught up ice, like a Max Iafrate in Kitchener or Victor Mete in London.
However, he doesn’t always mark opposing forwards in his own end. He does get caught running around the defensive zone against the cycle at times. And he can get frustrated and knocked off his game.
But the pros can outweigh the cons. Dunn has a scary skillset and will bring a great puck-moving dynamic wherever he lands.
"An offensive defenceman that sees the ice well and makes high-percentage plays. Very mobile, poised with the puck, and actively joins the rush. Is great with his stick; possesses a good shot and makes seamless tape-to-tape passes.Not the biggest body, but can out-work bigger opponents for puck possession. All-in-all, an offensive defenceman who will thrive in a system where puck possession is key. – Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects"
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Would he be a fit in Ottawa?
Ottawa doesn’t exactly have the best track record of drafting players with the surname Dunn and the first name Vincent, but this one could work out a little better than the prior Dunn.
He’s a great skater with a solid build and offensive creativity, the perfect recipe to be playing pro hockey sooner than later, and unless you want to break him in in a bottom-pairing role, Ottawa would have to make a less-than-favourable choice on Patrick Wiercoch or Marc Methot to make him fit.
In the long run, Dunn’s potential won’t be held back by depth needs.
Unless Dunn falls or Ottawa takes a big leap with their top selection, Dunn probably doesn’t become available to the Senators with their 2nd round pick.
Keep tuning in to SenShot for more draft profiles! Previous Profiles: Jeremy Roy, Travis Konecny, Oliver Kylington, Thomas Chabot