LA Kings Draft: Corson Ceulemans 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Could Corson Ceulemans find his way into the top ten of the 2021 NHL Draft? If so, should the LA Kings take him with the eighth overall pick?

The University of Wisconsin commit is an offensive blueliner hailing from the AJHL. He recorded four goals and 11 points in just eight games last season for the Brooks Bandits. Over a full season the year prior, Corson Ceulemans racked up five goals and 30 assists in 44 games.

He played for Team Canada at the U18s, scoring a goal and seven assists in six games. He’s drawn comparisons to Colorado’s Cale Makar, but the major knock on Ceulemans’ game has been his overcommitment in the offensive zone.

Being just 18 years old, the Regina, SK native stands at 6’2″ and weighs 201 lbs. He carries the puck really well for a guy his size, often through all three zones. Ceulemans has a quick wrist shot and displays terrific vision. He should continue to round out his game under former LA Kings forward Tony Granato.

Corson Ceulemans, D

Vitals

• Age: 18
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 201 lbs
• Shot: R

Rankings

• Ranked #23 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
• Ranked #60 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
• Ranked #11 by FCHOCKEY
• Ranked #15 by NEUTRAL ZONE
• Ranked #25 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
• Ranked #14 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
• Ranked #26 by SPORTSNET’S
• Ranked #22 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
• Ranked #42 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
• Ranked #17 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
• Ranked #55 by SMAHT SCOUTING
• Ranked #29 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
• Ranked #18 by TSN/McKenzie

Scouting Report

February 2021 – Corson Ceulemans is an offensive defenseman who loves to get up in the play and create offensively for the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL. His raw tools are enticing as he boasts a mobile 6’2″ frame and has filled it out quite well to this point. Ceulemans has a good, strong stride that powers him up ice and he has well above-average puck skills which allow for him to deke and maneuver his way through the neutral zone. He is able to make good breakout passes when he needs to but excels when carrying the puck on his stick. In the offensive zone, he is at his best when he is able to work himself open and get pucks on net. He stays mobile along the blueline and does a good job of changing the angle most of the time, opening passing and shooting lanes. He is a good powerplay quarterback who can move the puck to his teammates and likes to take chances by attacking the slot himself. He has a good shot and he isn’t shy to use it. Many of the concerns about Corson Ceulemans game come from the fact that he plays in the AJHL and he struggles defensively. The AJHL isn’t the best league for the development of projectable skills in most years and this year is no different. There have been a lot of comparisons to former AJHL star Cale Makar who hailed from the same organization but those are unfair and a bit unrealistic. The game Makar plays is truly special and isn’t likely to be replicated, even from a defender from the same team who has produced at roughly the same rates up to their draft years. Ceulemans has a lot of raw talent and if he can develop a bit better defensive awareness and reign some of his offensive aggression in, he very well could be a solid NHL defender who can run a powerplay. The ceiling isn’t quite Makar, but he certainly brings some upside and intrigue to the 2021 NHL Draft. Dobber Prospects/Ferrari

Production

• 19-20: 5G, 30A, 44GP, 80 PIM for the Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
• 20-21: 4G, 7A, 8 GP, 8 PIM for Brooks
• 2021: 1G, 7A, 6GP, 6 PIM, +11 for Team Canada (U18s)