Little Big Man

Whenever incoming freshman defenseman David Warsofsky talks to the media, he knows the question about his size (5-8, 170) will be forthcoming. So, too, are the comparisons with former Wisconsin All-American and Stanley Cup champion with the Devils and Red Wings Brian Rafalski. A Boston Globe feature on the Marshfield native—godson of Mike Sullivan’s parents and fourth round draft choice of the St. Louis Blues—also focuses on the exceptional offensive skills that have led some observers to predict he’ll have the most impact on the 2008-09 Terriers of any member of the recruit class that includes four scholarship forwards. Comments from Blues Assistant General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, independent scout Kyle Woodlief, NTDP U18 Coach John Hynes and Terrier Head Coach Jack Parker point to success at the college level followed by a pro career.

Separately, Hynes told THFBlog:

David was our team captain here last year and led our team to a Bronze Medal in the World U18 Championships. He is a very skilled player and a very coachable player. He is a very good backwards skater and has the ability to close gaps quickly in defensive situations. David has a great head for the game and distributes the puck well on offense. David needs to continue to gain experience at the college level. He has all the tools mentally and physically to be a great player for BU and beyond. The biggest thing he needs is time to develop and continue to work hard with his God-given talent.

Warsofsky, who spoke to NESN and The Patriot Ledger following the draft, is the third consecutive NTDP U18 captain to play for BU, following in the footsteps of fellow defensemen Brian Strait and Kevin Shattenkirk. Prior to spending his senior year in Ann Arbor for the U18s, Warsofsky was USHR’s Defenseman of the Year in 2006-07, putting up a 15-34-49 line in 29 games for Cardinal Cushing. When he committed to BU, U.S. Hockey Report wrote:

Warsofsky is small, but he has excellent mobility, an excellent stick, and he sees the ice uncommonly well. He can thread the needle with his passes – a high number of them are exceptional. He has poise a-plenty. He’s just a fun player to watch.

McKeen’s Vincent Montalbano offered these thoughts on Warsofsky following the draft.
Scouting Notes From 2006-07 Prep Season and Pre-Draft Summer Tournament:

Committed to Boston University for 2008 .. despite lack of size (5-9) he is an extraordinary player with exceptional skill, especially on the powerplay .. a smooth skater with a strong stride .. tremendous vision and really moves the puck up the ice well .. tremendous patience and poise with the puck and hockey sense .. great one-timer with rocket of a shot and accurate, especially on the PP .. has a pro-like shot and may have the best shot for someone his age or even older .. finds open areas on the PP for good shooting lanes .. can be physical if needed and strong along the boards .. logged a ton of icetime .. has the ability to shake checks with his quickness and stick skills and ability to take hits and keep going.

What Other Scouts Are Saying (Central Scouting):

Warsofsky is a small, smart defenseman with quick feet. He has good speed jumping into the play and a big shot from the point. At his size, he needs to take better care of the puck and continue to get stronger, but overall, he comes to play and plays bigger than his size.

Synopsis:

An excellent pick by the Blues and if he was even 5-11, he probably would be a first or second round pick. He is extremely talented and playing at Boston University will really help his development. He tallied 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 48 games last season.