NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire

Strengths: “He skates away from people and around anybody, especially defensemen, who are a little slow of foot. The way he goes to the net, with the puck, and the moves he has to get himself there are what sets him apart.”  

Areas to improve: “Just continued development and assertiveness toward the net. The next line of competition for him will be bigger and tougher, but he’ll be up to it.”

Outlook: “The team that takes Steven Stamkos is going to get one of the fastest skaters in all of the draft. Steven goes to the net fearlessly with that speed and brings a bit of an edge and a bit of an aggressive attitude that every team wants . . . (he is projected to play on) a top line in the NHL and a team would be foolhardy to use him anywhere else. With maturity, Steven is going to be an NHL star for years to come.” 

Sarnia Sting head coach Dave MacQueen

"He's so dynamic. His skill level, awareness on the ice and hockey sense are so much more advanced than a lot of the players in our league. He's got a gear that is above everybody else and he can do everything at high speed. He wows people in that sense . . . it's a credit to the way he was raised, he puts things (like personal recognition) on the backburner and just goes out and plays the game he loves, and has fun doing it."

Hockey Canada head scout Al Murray

"He's like those Bugs Bunny cartoons. He's everywhere. You look out and he's the first guy on the forecheck and you look in your own zone and he's the first guy back . . . so many players with (his) speed come over the (blue-line), but have to slow down to make plays. He doesn't slow down to make those plays and that's really unusual. He doesn't only play well offensively, but plays well defensively and he's not afraid to get his nose dirty."