Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.chicagowolves.com
- Name: Paul Postma
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-02-22
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta
- Acquired: 7th round (205th overall), 2007
- Playing In: Pro
Paul Postma
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2005-06: One of the few 16-year-old players in the WHL, Postma had a successful rookie season playing for Swift Current. In 58 games he had 2 goals and 9 assists and played in all situations. In four playoff games, he had no points and had a plus/minus ranking of -3.
2006-07: On a Swift Current team that struggled much of the year, Postma increased his offensive production significantly with 5 goals and 19 assists in 70 games. His plus/minus ranking of -19, while obviously a concern, was also indicative of his expanded role on a team that was often out-scored. He appeared in all six playoff games for the Broncos with 1 assist and was a -3.
2007-08: After having the Thrashers' take a seventh-round flier on him in the NHL draft, Postma had his best WHL season to date following a trade from Swift Current to the Calgary Hitmen two games into the season. Playing on the same defensive unit as highly-regarded Capitals prospect Karl Alzner, improved his defensive and physical play while nearly doubling his offensive output. In 68 regular season games with the Hitmen, Postma scored 14 goals with 28 assists. In the Hitmen's 16-game run to the WHL finals vs. Lethbridge, he was even better, scoring 6 goals with 4 assists and was particularly effective on the power play.
2008-09: Postma returned to Calgary for his final junior season and led all WHL defensemen in scoring with 23 goals and 61 assists in 70 regular season games. His plus/minus ranking of +67 was also tops in the league. In the playoffs, his numbers slowed only slightly as he scored 5 goals with 8 assists in 18 games and was a +9. Following the season, he was signed to a three-year entry level contract by the Thrashers.
2009-10:Postma's first AHL season with the Chicago Wolves featured many of the ups-and-downs common with players who were big-time scorers in junior making the jump to pro hockey. His 15 goals and 14 assists, much of which came on the power play, displayed the offensive skills and highlight reel play of his final season of juniors. On the down side, defensive inconsistency and a lack of bulk and strength sometimes hindered his play, particularly in his own end. Postma appeared in seven of the Wolves' fourteen playoff games with 2 assists and a plus/minus ranking of -3.
2010-11: Postma took some major strides forward in his development, playing a regular shift on the top pairing for the Chicago Wolves and improving his ability to play without the puck. While continuing to snipe goals on the power play with his big shot (9 PP goals, 12 in total), Postma also upped his assist totals at regular strength with 33 helpers in 69 games.
Talent Analysis
A very good skater for his size, Postma is tall with a long reach, but is still quite lanky. He has good hockey sense but is a little casual with the puck sometimes. Extremely good character. Has flourished offensively the past two seasons but must work to get physically stronger and/or anticipate better defensively to avoid physical mismatches. Is not physically dominant, but with his speed he doesn't always have to play 'the heavy'.
Future
Postma impressed the Jets brass at the 2011 preseason camp and was a late cut to the AHL. Now in his third season as a pro, Postma will need to take the final steps to becoming an NHL regular. Look for Postma to be the first name on the call up list, provided he can improve his reliability.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 19th 2011
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