Kyle Maksimovich – Player Profile – Erie Otters

Height:  5’9”

Weight:  174 pounds

Date of birth: March 10, 1998, Hamilton, On

Position:  Left Wing

Shoots:  Left

OHL Draft: Round 3, 59^th overall, 2014 Priority Selection

The Erie Otters have been ranked at the top of the Canadian Hockey League’s top 10 rankings almost from day one, and they are doing it with a roster makeup where over half the forwards are sub 6 foot with talent and an ability to skate. Maksimovic is one of those diminutive players.

Maksimovich currently sits fourth on the team in points (55) and third in goals (22) and assists (31) in 48 games. His 22 goals come on just 109 shots for a 20.2 shooting percentage. He’s been a model of consistency going pointless in consecutive games just twice this season: 3 games from Oct 15-17 and 2 games on Nov 13 and 14.

Maksimovich played his minor midget hockey for the Toronto Marlboros. In 33 games, he tallied 24 goals along with 34 assists. In 14 playoff goals he contributed 5 goals and 8 assists. Maksimovic also appear in the OHL Gold Cup -16 (4 goals, 3 assists in 5 games) and the OHL Cup (2 goals, 6 assists in 7 games) winning a silver and a championship respectively.

Last season Maksimovich stuck with the Otters who had a very deep lineup. He played in 56 games and scored 6 goals to go along with 18 assists. But he gained valuable experience as the Otters went on to the OHL Finals – something they want to duplicate this year. He appeared in 20 playoff games scoring 3 goals and 5 assists.

The first thing that will come to mind for the fandom is the size. Admittedly, at 5’9” Maksimovich is undersized. But despite the size, he has no fear of going into the corners to battle, nor does he shy away from going to the net. He also plays with a high level of energy and hard to contain.

At least at this level, Maksimovich overcomes his size with his speed and smarts. He has the ability to expose defences with his creativity and passing. When he gets into a position to shoot, it’s usually on target and with a purpose.

Maksimovich’s defensive game continues to be a work in progress, but he’s coming along. He’s getting into shooting and passing lanes, blocks shots and kills penalties.

Maksimovich was ranked 111^th on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings in January.