Second City Hockey’s 2019-20 preseason Blackhawks Top 25 Under 25 series ranks the organization’s top 25 players under the age of 25 by Oct. 1, 2019. The rankings are determined by a composite score from six SCH writers and more than 70 readers. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production against future projection to rank each player. The six SCH writers will make their ballots public after the series is completed.
Evan Barratt started his sophomore campaign hot with 10 out of his 16 goals being scored in his first 12 games, including seven in consecutive games. He then tapered off before joining the United States men’s national junior team. He had a disappointing showing offensively in the tournament with only one goal during the silver-medal run.
However, his go-ahead goal in the tournament opener against Slovakia was a dazzler. He picked up the puck in the corner, cut across the slot with a defender draped over him then roofed a backhand top shelf as he was falling down.
When Barratt returned to Penn State, he rejoined teammates Liam Folkes and Alex Limoges — both undrafted — on the top line and finished fourth in the nation in points per game at 1.34. Penn State finished the season under .500 and fell to Notre Dame in the Big 10 tournament semifinals, which ended their shot at a NCAA tournament bid.
Highlights from his 2018-19 season:
DA NA NA, DA NA NA @ESPNAssignDesk #SCTop10@BarrattEvan with the highlight reel shorthanded tally to tie the score at 1-1 here in the first period!! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/AU91cCFjbx
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) January 19, 2019
Barratt combines speed, strength on his edges, confidence with the puck, willingness to go to danger areas of the offensive zone and his high hockey IQ with a goal scoring touch. Check this hat trick out:
His PNHLe value from DobberProspects shows first-line center potential after his breakout sophomore season, but it seems unrealistic he’ll reach that given the Blackhawks depth down the middle and the addition of third overall pick Kirby Dach. Barratt could certainly still be a top-nine winger if he can translate his skillset to the pro game.
What’s next?
Barratt underwent surgery on his right hip in April and did not participate in on-ice activities during the Blackhawks development camp. He started skating again in July and plans to be ready for the start of his junior season with the Nittany Lions.
PSU plays its lone exhibition game Oct. 6 against the University of Ottawa before dropping the puck on the regular season against Sacred Heart on Oct. 10. Barratt will return to his top-line role alongside Folkes and Limoges and try to help the Nittany Lions return to the NCAA tournament. Barratt is expected to sign with the Blackhawks after his junior season.
Is Evan Barratt ranked too low, just right or too high?
| Low | 177 |
| Just right | 80 |
| High | 19 |