Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of the Los Angeles Kings
- Name: Paul Baier
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Birthdate: 1985-02-02
- Eligible for Draft: 2003
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Summit, NJ
- Acquired: 3rd round (#95 overall), 2004
- Playing In: NCAA
Paul Baier
Prospect Grade: 6.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: David A. Rainer
History
2003-04: Baier scored six goals and four assists for Deerfield Academy last season while also playing on their lacrosse team. Baier was selected with the pick acquired in the deal that sent Huet to Montreal for Garon. Baier has signed a letter of intent to skate for Brown University this coming season.
2004-05: Began his college career in style with a goal in his first game. Baier was solid on defense for Brown as a freshman and showed signs of becoming a premier college defensemen in the next season. Played mainly on the third defensive pairing but also saw time on the powerplay. Played an extensive role on the blueline as a freshman and will look to gain top playing time as only a sophomore.
2005-06: By all accounts, Baier had a very disappointing season. Struggles with consistency and an eventual demotion to the third defensive pairing hurt Baier’s chances this seasn. With no goals and only six assists on a terrible Brown team, Baier found himself lost in a shuffle of players as coaches began to scramble to find a winning combination. How Baier will respond next season is a question to keep your eye on.
2006-07: Three seasons with Brown University, three questionable performances having never scored more than two goals in any given season. Baier would finish with new career lows in assists (3) and points (4) in his junior campaign. At one point or another during the season, Baier skated on all three defensive pairings for Brown and provided solid leadership for the team. But the team was still sub-.500 and Baier has not developed offensively as had been hoped.
Talent Analysis
Baier is a physical defenseman with a large frame that can hold a few more pounds of muscle. Skates well enough for someone his size. Aggressive in his own zone. Well rounded and potential to improve in both offensive and defensive sides of the rink. Has some skills but not what you would consider an offensive defenseman.
Kings Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray said of Baier, “He plays a combination type of a game - he is not a big point producer but he can put up some numbers. He’s not a real crusher but he does play physical.”
Future
Baier projects as a solid fourth to seventh defenseman, but his development has hit the skids lately, leaving many to question how likely Baier is to reach his potential. He will return to Brown University for his senior year and must shake off an otherwise lacklust college career to date. Baier has all the raw tools and size to become the second pairing defenseman that the Kings hoped he would be when drafted, but he must begin to show development.
ETA: Too early
Stats
| Year |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
Pts |
PIM |
| 2003-04 |
Deerfield Academy |
USHSE |
23 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
|
| 2004-05 |
Brown |
NCAA |
32 |
2 |
8 |
10 |
22 |
| 2005-06 |
Brown |
NCAA |
30 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
18 |
| 2006-07 | Brown | NCAA | 32 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 55 |
Yellow=season in progress
Profile Last Updated: October, 2nd 2007
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