Lincoln Stars rookie defenseman Paul Ladue is heading into the Christmas break with a very successful first half of the season in the books. Ladue, a Grand Forks, ND native is making huge strides this year in his first USHL season. On the blueline for the Stars, he has already racked up 12 points which has him tied for tenth in USHL scoring for defenseman.

His performance this year has already gotten him a scholarship offer from the University of North Dakota and some are saying that if he keeps playing at the pace he is, a few NHL teams will take a long look at the smooth skating defenseman this June.

Ladue is a very solid two-way defenseman. His game fits very well in Lincoln’s power play, which generates the majority of it’s scoring chances from the point. Ladue is the corner stone of the Stars power play, and that has resulted in 6 points on the power play, and the Stars having the second best power play percentage in the USHL. The 6’2”, 185 lb. defenseman has great hands and sees the ice incredibly well.

From the point, Ladue always finds a way to get the puck down low and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the defensive zone, Ladue has a big presence for the Stars, playing an incredibly controlled and solid game. One of the most important stats on Ladue’s stat sheet is the fact that in 22 games, Ladue has not taken one penalty. That’s the kind of controlled play that coaches and scouts love to see, and it’s resulted in Ladue having one of the best +/-’s on the team.

Going forward, Ladue will certainly attract a lot of attention from NHL scouts. He is a third-year eligible player this year and only time will tell if he gets his name called in June. Paul Ladue is certainly a name that everyone will want to keep an eye on heading into the second half of the USHL season leading up to June’s NHL Draft.

Tags: 2012 NHL Draft, 2012 nhl draft prospects, Paul Ladue