Washington Capitals: Top 10 Prospects Post-2015 NHL Draft
Washington Capitals #4 Prospect: Riley Barber
Position: Right Wing
Age: 21 years old (turns 22 in February)
Height/Weight: 6’0″/198 pounds
Handedness: Right
The Washington Capitals drafted Riley Barber in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has all of the makings of a late round gem just like 2014-2015 Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn. He had a bit of a slow start to his junior year at Miami University (Ohio), but he still finished with a career high 20 goals and 40 points in 38 games. His discipline drastically improved as he committed just six minor penalties all season.
"Talent Analysis Barber was an underrated sixth-round draftee in the 2012 NHL Entry draft. He has average size and possesses a very solid all-around game. His offensive instincts are very strong and he has been a consistent scorer He has played in all situations at Miami University since his freshman season and captained the USA U20 team at the 2014 World Junior Championship. Barber’s overall skating and technical skills are only above average — and his limited physical abilities are viewed as liabilities by some scouts; the perception exists that while he’s been successful against younger players and in college hockey his upside is limited. Future Barber is in his junior season at Miami University in 2014-15 and is once again one of the top scorers in college hockey. He has continued to mature physically while developing his technical skills during his career with the RedHawks; complementing his top rate anticipatory skills and a high level of competitiveness. Barber will likely have a tough decision to make following the season — whether to turn pro or return to Miami for his senior season. Long-term questions exist about his ability to translate his college success to the pro level. At the minimum, while he may not score with the consistency he has in the past Barber should be a valuable two-way forward at the NHL level one day. – Hockey’s Future"
Barber has top six potential, though he might be a better fit as a checking line wing. One impressive thing is that he has shown the ability to handle defensive zone starts well. That should make him a favorite of Barry Trotz and the Washington Capitals.
Next: #3: Ilya Samsonov