Jaden Schwartz, playing for the Notre Dame Hounds in the SJHL, is the second Schwartz brother to commit to Colorado College. A smallish (5’9, 160) is a pure skill guy with excellent speed. The 16 year old put up 111 points in 44 games as a 15 year in Midget AAA (breaking scoring records held by Vinny Lecavalier and Brad Richards), and has 26 points in 15 games in his rookie year in the Junior A loop.
Schwartz, who seems intent on going the college route, has also been drafted by the Tri-City Americans of the WHL and the Tri-City Storm of the USHL (1st overall, Futures Draft). Described by his junior coach as the “best professional prospect in the SJHL since Brad Richards”, Schwartz is also said to be very coachable and very competitive. Having seen him play live, and having spoken to a number of other people who have done the same, it seems that Schwartz is a superb passer who makes others around him better. He has excellent hands and is lethal in close, with a quick and accurate wrist shot that he can get off quickly and in traffic. In addition to his puck skills, he sees and thinks the game well and has good speed, though I wouldn’t say that is his best attribute. Has good quickness and lateral movement.
Schwartz is not NHL draft eligible until 2010, which is the same year he is expected to report to Colorado College. If he continues to tear up the SJHL, look for him to perhaps make a move to the USHL for one season before joining the Tigers. Schwarz is also on slated to play in the World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, AB this November.
