Kurtz first stood out as a forward and Brown called him \u201cone of the best goal-scorers I\u2019ve ever worked with,\u201d but saw a bigger long-term future on the blue line. He moved Kurtz to defense as a sophomore, a decision that has helped define his draft stock.<\/p>\n
“I said, as a forward I think you can be one of the best forwards in the state as a high school player,” Brown said. “I think as a defenseman, you can play in the NHL for 15 years.”<\/p>\n
The switch has revealed a player who looks increasingly tailored for today\u2019s NHL.<\/p>\n
“He’s a pro’s pro in his ability to assess a situation,” Brown said. “Do I need a home-run pass, or do I need to just hit a single here?”<\/p>\n
That feel for the game is a major reason Kurtz already handles heavy minutes in all situations. He can run a power play, kill penalties and move between low-risk and aggressive puck decisions without looking out of control. Brown believes his game processing is elite for his age.<\/p>\n
“I don\u2019t think he goes out there on a power play or a penalty kill trying to figure out what he\u2019s doing,” Brown said. “I think he can genuinely process what every guy on the ice is doing.”<\/p>\n
Kurtz’s time with Chicago this season only strengthened that profile. Rather than simply adjusting to the USHL, Brown said Kurtz \u201cbecame a driver,\u201d showing he could retrieve pucks under pressure, make clean exits and contribute at a faster pace against older, stronger competition.<\/p>\n