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Tyrell is lightning fast, but he's been seriously miscast as a bottom-six banger -- that just ain't his game. He has struggled and perhaps even seen his game decline over the last couple of seasons. Right now, he's barely a fit as a 14th forward and he's been passed by plenty of better players in the Bolts' system.
Tyrell is coming off an ACL reconstruction -- his second major knee injury in three years. But he could still vie for a lower-line job with the Bolts this season. His upside is ultimately limited -- he's probably a third-line center who will see occasional duty on the second line. But not this year. If he makes the cut, it will be as the team's 13th forward. Expect him to spend time rebuilding his game -- and his prospect status -- in the AHL.
Tyrell isn't the biggest guy (5-10, 185) but his speed, work ethic and willingness to forecheck earned him a full season with the Bolts as a 21-year-old rookie last year. His numbers weren't outstanding (six goals, nine assists in 78 games) but he should someday become a Chris Kunitz-like complementary winger for the Bolts. It just won't happen for a few years.
Tyrell has second-line potential but it took him until the second-half of last season to get back to game speed after a severe knee injury suffered in late 2008. He has offensive talent but he needs to come out of the blocks with a bang this year or he risks being pigeon-holed into a third-line role. He needs to spend this season growing his game in the AHL. A regular gig in the NHL is a few seasons away.
Tyrell has a lot of pro traits -- he's persistent, tough and hard-working. But that will probably make him a great forechecker rather than a sniper -- he just doesn't have the kind of offensive skills to make him a top-six guy. Now, we suppose there is time to develop some of those skills but he may just end up as a shift disturber. Keeper leaguers need not apply.
Tyrell is a hard-working, energy forward who needs a lot more time to develop. His size -- 5-10 and 185 -- could be a detriment.
Character and leadership are the hallmarks of this guy's game -- he could be a captain some day. All heart, Tyrell does have some skills. But we think he's probably going to be a supreme third liner who kills penalties and harasses the opposing team's better players. He's close to NHL ice; he shouldn't be near your fantasy roster, at least for a long while.
