Photo: Terry Wilson/OHL Images
Basic Player Overview
2019/20 Team(s): Oshawa Generals
Position: Centre
Height/Weight: 5’9” / 160
Handedness: Right
Introduction
Ty Tullio may be one of the shorter prospect that is eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft, but it doesn’t stop him from playing a tough game. This year, Tullio was able to pick up 27 goals and 39 assists for 66 points in 62 games with the Generals, finishing 3rd in team scoring, 7th in draft eligible scoring in the OHL and 42nd in league scoring. Tullio is best described as an offensive tenacious player who likes to get in front of the net for rebounds, or drive himself to the net to set up scoring chances.
Skating
Tyler Tullio has decent speed for the most part. He is able to beat OHL players with speed, but this area will need to be worked on before making the jump to the next level. Speed isn’t a great part of his game and that’s where his main weakness lies.
As you can see in the video below, Tullio’s speed is fine, and he was able to use his quick feet to fool the last defender and get a shot off. However, for next steps, Tullio should focus on improving his speed and his stride. The good thing about Ty’s skating though, is that he knows exactly where he is going with every stride. When the puck is on his stick, he knows when to cut in, skate wide, etc.
Shooting
Tyler Tullio’s shooting is very average for his age. He’s really good at driving the net and getting shots in really close, and he’s tremendous at picking up rebounds. Other than that, his shot selection needs a lot of work. He’s able to put in goals, but not nearly at a high enough rate for how many shots he takes. Over the videos that I’ve seen, Tullio almost refuses to use his backhand shot as well, which is a negative since sometimes he wastes time and opportunity by switching to a forehand shot. The good thing about Tullio’s shot however, is that up close to the net, goalies can’t stop his rebounded shots and that is where his positives are.
Hockey IQ
From what I’ve seen with Tullio, he’s mostly a smart player who makes the right plays and gets into the right places. As mentioned before, Tullio is good at digging for the puck, winning puck battles, and drives and picks up rebounds. He plays a very smart feisty game where his compete level is off the charts, however, too many times it seemed like Tullio was sitting back in the offensive zone and sometimes slightly out of position in the defensive end. This isn’t a criticism so much of his hockey IQ, but he will need to position himself better and make an attempt to drive in the offensive zone even if he doesn’t have the puck on his stick.
I’ve highlighted where Tullio was in this video, and in my eyes he does this too frequent. He will sit back in the offensive zone while teammates driving the net instead of getting close with them. That being said, I’m picking a very small portion of his game, but it will be fixed with time for a player like Tullio.
Physicality
This is a portion of Tullio’s game that is the clearest. Tullio plays with a great amount of physicality which is terrific to see in a player his size. At 5’9, Tullio was able to beat defenders much larger than him in corners and puck battles. Ty can also back check and forecheck very well and this area of his game will translate quite nicely to the NHL level.
Ty is also a threat as a two way forward. Tullio has become a power-motor player who hustles every shift and will try his hardest to shut down any chance the offensive end gets. He plays a tough game and would be a great player to draft for any organization.
Conclusion
Ty Tullio is a player who plays with passion and has a drive to play better and better. Tullio shows up as an important player who can catch rebounds and beat goaltenders, he offers a terrific shot that he utilizes fairly well. His physical game and two way ability will prove him well at the next levels. Next steps for Tullio’s game is his skating and his positioning, although his positioning is great most of the time.
Rankings
#49- RecruitScouting
#38- EliteProspects
#55- Future Consideration’s
#61- Craig Button
#74- McKeen’s
#80- Bob McKenzie