As the 2023 NHL Entry Draft enters Day Two, Liam Steele will ponder whether an organisation will take a gamble on him.

The Great Britain defenceman was ranked 83rd amongst all North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings last season. Ultimately he was passed over through all seven rounds of the 2022 Draft.

Severely limited playing time ultimately cost the then 18-year-old, with scouts unable to view a larger body of work for the intriguing prospect.

This past campaign, Steele headed to the BCHL, initially with the Chilliwack Chiefs. A lack of ice time was remedied by a trade to Salmon Arm Silverbacks with whom Steele posted fourteen points (2G/12A) in thirty-three games.

A long playoff run was ended through fourteen games by the juggernaut Penticton Vees but it was just the fillip required by the imposing blue liner.
A run of consecutive games and an opportunity to play competitive hockey deep into the season in front of scouts.

Steele owns many attributes that NHL teams still covert despite the change of thinking within the game.

He’s listed at 6’5” or 6’6” depending on which website you visit.
A right-handed defenceman who’s learning to use his frame to his advantage, plus has improved his gap control.

The GB native loves to break out with the puck on his stick but always has his head up, and passing is an underrated part of his game.

Decision-making is another aspect in which Steele has shown growth. Especially when or when not to pinch into the play, with creating offence always at the forefront of his mind.

The 19-year-old has committed to the NCAA next season with the prestigious Cornell University after earning a scholarship.

Any organisation that chooses to select Steele knows he will be a longer-term project, as his opportunities to develop have been hugely impacted by the pandemic and a slow start to his BCHL career.

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