Player's Profile
- Name: John Zeiler
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1982-11-21
- Eligible for Draft: 2001
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Jefferson Hills, PA
- Acquired: Signed as UFA, 2006
- Playing In: Pro
John Zeiler
Prospect Grade: 5.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
History
Zeiler was a strong junior player for the Sioux-City Musketeers of the USHL prior to joining Joe Marsh and his St. Lawrence Saints. He has since made a smooth transition to the college ranks with a strong freshman year where he was named to the ECAC All Rookie team, while tallying 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists). Zeiler did not suffer a sophomore letdown like so many college players experience, instead his point total rose to 36. Zeiler was selected by the Phoenix Coyotes 132nd overall (5th round) in the 2002 Entry Draft.
2006-07: Signed as an unrestricted free agent during to the 2006 offseason. Scored 28 points in 56 games for Manchester before being called up to Los Angeles to stay. He scored only three points in 23 games for Los Angeles but proved to be a highly effective energy forward with a defensive, grinding style. Zeiler signed a four year contract with Los Angeles at the conclusion of the season.
Talent Analysis
Zeiler has the tools to be effective at any level. His points do not necessarily tell the entire story. He is excellent in the faceoff circle, often taking every important draw. Thanks in large part to his physical stature he is excellent along the boards, and in high traffic areas. His strong play is visible at both ends of the ice. His feet are always moving and he is accountable in his own end. Offensively, he is gifted. Zeiler possesses a quick release, but he could stand to use it more often. He is at times too quick to distribute the puck when in fact he should be taking advantage of his pro quality shot. Although he is not slow by any means, he could stand to work on his foot speed, which would enable him to be an effective professional.
Future
Zeiler has proven that each year he will improve. He has gotten physically stronger, while each year still increasing his point production. Zeiler has the ability to become a solid, defensively responsible third line center at the NHL level. Already signed a four year contract with Los Angeles, he is a lock to make the NHL club for the 2007-08 season as a fourth line energy forward.
Stats
|
Year
|
Team
|
League
|
GP
|
G
|
A
|
Pts
|
PIM
|
|
2000-01
|
Sioux City
|
USHL
|
56
|
8
|
20
|
28
|
45
|
|
|
Sioux City*
|
USHL
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
26
|
|
2001-02
|
Sioux City
|
USHL
|
60
|
23
|
27
|
50
|
116
|
|
|
Sioux City*
|
USHL
|
12
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
25
|
|
2002-03
|
St. Lawrence
|
NCAA
|
37
|
10
|
17
|
27
|
28
|
|
2003-04
|
St. Lawrence
|
NCAA
|
41
|
8
|
28
|
36
|
42
|
|
2004-05
|
St. Lawrence
|
NCAA
|
38
|
9
|
23
|
32
|
42
|
|
2005-06
|
St. Lawrence
|
NCAA
|
28
|
13
|
15
|
28
|
28
|
|
2005-06
|
San Antonio
|
AHL
|
8
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
10
|
|
|
Lubbock
|
CHL
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
16
|
|
2006-07
|
Los Angeles
|
NHL
|
23
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
22
|
|
|
Manchester
|
AHL
|
56
|
12
|
16
|
28
|
70
|
|
|
Manchester*
|
AHL
|
16
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
14
|
*=playoffs
Profile Last Updated: March, 4th 2008
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