Name: Bryan Marchment

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Left

Height: 6-1

Weight: 205

Born: 5/1/69 in Scarborough, Ontario

Drafted: 1st Round (16th overall) in 1987 by the Jets

Number: 27

Salary: $2 million

Scouting Report:

The Finesse Game
Because of Marchment's reputation as a crippling hitter, his skills are often overlooked, but they are impressive for a big man. He loves to play and he loves to get involved from the very first shift. He's never happier than when there's some blood on his jersey, even if it's his own. During the past few seasons, Marchment has started making better decisions with and without the puck. He is more aware of when it's appropriate to pinch and when to back off, but he is still overeager. He lacks the skating ability to cover up for some of his mental errors, though he is competent enough to join in on rushes. He has an underrated shot and can drill a one-timer or snap a quick shot on net. He is not much of a passer, since he doesn't sense when to feather or fire a puck to a receiver. Marchment's mistakes are usually errors of aggression. Where he won't make mistakes is in his down-low coverage. The opposition's transition game is always a little slower when he's on the ice.

The Physical Game
Marchment is a dangerous, low hitter, with controversial hits that damage knees and end careers. One scout describes Marchment as "the ultimate leg-breaker." Marchment also hits high, so instead of ending careers with knee injuries, he can end them with concussions. It's a wonder the NHLPA condones this kind of style when the ice has been littered with so many dues-paying Marchment victims. Marchment can hit clean and tough when he wants to, by keeping his shoulder down and his feet on the ice. Even those checks, while honest, are controversial, because Marchment doesn't care who is on the receiving end--a marquee name, a classy veteran or a young stud. He is a throwback to the days of the destructive open-ice hitters. This requires great strength along with good lateral mobility (or else the checker can be left spinning around at centre ice, watching the back of the puck carrier tearing up the ice on a breakaway). In keeping with the old-fashioned theme, Marchment is a good fighter. He also finishes every check, blocks shots and uses his upper body well. In one-on-one battles, however, he lacks drive from his legs, and he is not a balanced skater.

The Intangibles
Marchment's dedication to the game during the past few seasons has paid off in better conditioning and more intelligent play. He has recovered from a 1997 concussion (in which he hit his head on an open door jamb) and is as frightening an opponent as ever.

Projection
Marchment has been on the move lately, but figures into San Jose's defense corps.

SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT