He's largely unknown because he was taken in the 7th round of the 2012 draft. Not much is expected of a 193rd pick especially when a site like Hockey's Future has a twitter-length talent analysis that keys on "size and muscle."
To my surprise, Austin is much more mobile than originally thought.
Last night he and his 6'4" 225 lb. frame jumped out of the box, showed some good body control at the blueline and got himself a nice shot on goal.
Austin was traded to the Knights this season from the Bellville Bulls. In 45 games with London he has six goals and 13 assists while logging a plus-33 (which includes last night's minus-3.)
According to Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com, Austin "is one to watch this season given his all-around tools."
Although we weren't able to land a video of his goal last night (battery died,) we did get the opportunity to follow the London Assistant captain for a shift:
I like what Bakes had to say about Austin in his mid-season prospect rankings: "Big, steady rearguards are always worth a look at the professional level, so the Sabres could realistically employ his services in Rochester if they're able to clear out some defenseman from the current crop of contracts."
Which could happen as early as next season.
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