Mason Appleton Scouting Reports

Appleton's entire game has gone to another level, so far, in 23/24.
Appleton usually plays along side Niederreiter and Lowry. His defensive detail and commitment is excellent. He uses his size and reach to his advantage in all three zones. He's willing to bump opponents off the play and gets in shooting lanes to block shots. His statistics tell don't' lie:
22 GP - Avg TOI 16:36 - 14:24 ES - 0:08 PP - 2:03 PK -
6G-9A - 15PTS - Five goals at ES - One short-handed goal - One short-handed assist -
Credited with 21 hits and 14 shot blocks. He's a (+10).
Reliable. Competitive. Matches up against top forwards. Playing the best hockey of his career.

Some players are 'fits' for certain teams and that is the scenario with Appleton in WPG
Good size - strong skater - can be deployed as a 3F or 4F
Averaged 16:01 TOI in (22/23) - ES and PK
Pressures the play up ice as F1 on the PK - rotates well into shooting lanes - stature plays a part in 'getting in the way' when defending his net
Has a sneaky release - when he pounces on pucks he has the ability to score goals
Secondary / depth offense / Match-up players at ES / Kills penalties / competes/ trustworthy