Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of ontariohockeyleague.com
- Name: Michael Swift
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 5-9
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-03-26
- Eligible for Draft: NaN
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Peterborough, Ontario
- Acquired: Free Agent, 2008
- Playing In: Pro
Michael Swift
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2005-06: Swift picked up where he left off in his first full OHL season with the Mississauga Ice Dogs, bettering his numbers across the board. He scored 22 goals and 32 assists for 54 points in 65 games. Unfortunately for Swift and his Ice Dog teammates, his team failed to qualify for the post-season.
2006-07: Just like the year before, Swift's numbers took a significant jump up with the Ice Dogs, and he nearly doubled his assist output. In 67 games, he recorded 34 goals and 59 assists and led the team in scoring and his 93 points was good enough for 11th best in the entire OHL. He also finished with an impressive +37 rating and 12 power play goals. In five post-season games, he recorded one assist.
2007-08: Swift capped his junior career in style, as he took home the OHL's Overage Player of the Year Award. He cracked the century mark in points, and finished second on the Niagara Ice Dogs in scoring with 38 goals and 62 assists. The 100 points placed him in a tie for 7th overall in the OHL. He led the team with 16 power play goals and a +36 rating. In the playoffs, he helped the Ice Dogs advance to the second round of the post-season, scoring nine goals and nine assists in 10 games. Three of those goals were short handed. After Swift's season was complete, he signed an entry level contract with the New Jersey Devils.
2008-09: being signed as an undrafted free agent at the end of the 2007-08 season, Swift struggled initially to carve out a role with Lowell, but he persevered and eventually secured a regular spot in the line-up. In 52 games, he recorded 12 goals and 15 assists and posted 50 PIM's, along with a +2 rating, one of only five Lowell players to finish on the plus side of the ledger.
Talent Analysis
Swift shows great passion and intensity for an undersized player, and is more the willing to play a little rough and get his nose dirty as evidenced by his high penalty minute total in his last junior season. As is the case with the majority of smaller players, Swift has above average speed. He has good vision in the offensive zone and also owns a strong and accurate wrist shot.
To go along with his great offensive skills, Swift is also a more than capable player at the other end of the rink. By the end of his junior career, he emerged into a strong penalty killer and his seven short-handed goals show that he's an offensive threat any time he is on the ice. He's very responsible defensively, back checking on a regular basis, which should aid in helping him at the professional level of hockey.
Future
Swift emerged into an effective two-way player for Lowell as the season wore on, and should be even better in year two as a pro. Don't be surprised to see him emerge into a leader and top scorer for the club this year. He's an intriguing prospect who has the heart and desire to eventually forge out a career in the NHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: November, 3rd 2009
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