LW
Toronto Jr. Canadiens U15 AAA
Jacob Battaglia is a big point receiving forward with enormous upside. Compared to Erik Lindros, Jacob plays a responsible yet physical full 200 foot game. In the offensive zone Jacobs hands are at another level of skill as he loves to dangle and gets around players with ease and in close has wonderful hands to get the puck around the goalie. He will seemingly walk through defenders and move around the entire offensive zone without breaking a sweat. His offensive instincts are off the chart as he seems to always be in the right position to receive passes and find the loose puck, banging in rebounds consistently, Jacob seems to have his name written all over the box score every game. In the neutral zone, Jacob possesses a high hockey IQ and the ability to make quick accurate passes but also carry the puck across the blue line himself if he doesn’t see a clean passing lane. He rarely gives the puck up in transition. In his own zone, he is a responsible player who will get into the corners without second guessing it, often coming out with the puck using his body. This is a common theme with Battaglia as he will use his body to force opponents off the puck just about anywhere on the ice. His defensive positioning is strong as well as he defends the half walls well and breaks up plays consistently. He continues to work on his skating ability especially his first three strides which need to gain more power to help him accelerate. Jacob shows all signs of being an effective two-way forward one day in the OHL.