Big, mean and skilled defensemen are like gold in the NHL. Sometimes, they can even be as appealing as an electrifying scorer.
The Pierre Turgeons of the hockey world are fun to watch, but it's players like Scott Stevens who help win Stanley Cups. That's why scouts drool over Mike Komisarek, a 6-foot-4 blueliner who just completed his freshman season at the University of Michigan.
At 225 pounds and counting -- he's actually been listed as high as 243 -- Komisarek intimidates opponents and supports that aura with his body checks.
"On the ice, he's a great person to have," said Ohio State forward R.J. Umberger, another highly touted American player. "I hate to play against him. He plays tough every game."
Ironically, Komisarek points to growing up in Long Island and watching skill players like Turgeon and Pat LaFontaine as his inspiration to begin playing hockey at age 10. Komisarek developed quickly and joined Umberger in the U.S. National Team Development Program before beginning his college career. According to Umberger, Komisarek's offensive skills are undervalued because his defense and physical play are considered his biggest assets.
"That's the most surprising thing about him -- his hands are unbelievable for his size," Umberger said.
Komisarek had 12 assists last season, and coupled with his all-around defensive play and his 77 penalty minutes in 41 games, it's not difficult to understand why Komisarek is the top-rated American defenseman in the draft.
Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.
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