Everett announced a significant signing today as 17-year-old defenseman Carter Cochrane has committed himself to the team by inking a WHL education contract with the Tips.
Cochrane, from Kamloops, B.C., was originally unselected in the 2011 bantam draft. He was listed by the Tips and was a standout during training camp in 2012. However, he didn’t attend training camp this season as he was committed to playing for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL, and he’s had an outstanding season at the junior A level. In 42 games he has 12 goals and 22 assists to lead his team in scoring.
He will remain with the Chiefs the remainder of the season, then join Everett after Chilliwack’s season is complete. It looks like Chilliwack will miss the playoffs, meaning Cochrane will likely arrive in Everett sometime in early March.
Cochrane is a quality prospect. He’s not big for a defenseman (5-foot-11, 190 pounds). However, he possesses an intriguing mix of skills. During camp in 2012 he displayed both the ability to skate the puck and a big shot from the point. But he also showed a physical element to his game as he delivered several big hits.
This is a good get for Everett, especially considering Cochrane didn’t attend this season’s training camp, making his status with the organization questionable. His offensive numbers as a 17-year-old defenseman in the BCHL are impressive, and Everett general manager Garry Davidson said Cochrane has started getting some attention from NHL scouts (he’s a late birthdate, meaning he isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2015).
Davidson also said that the impending commitment from Cochrane played a role in his willingness to deal 17-year-old defenseman Micheal Zipp to Calgary in exchange for winger Zane Jones. Cochrane is a different kind of defenseman than Zipp, but he fills that age gap created by Zipp’s departure.
With Cochrane added to a mix that includes 16-year-olds Kevin Davis, Noah Juulsen and Jordan Wharrie, as well as fellow 17-year-old Lucas Skrumeda, Everett’s future on the blue line is looking secure.
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