Vitals:
Position: Defenseman
Year in School: Sophomore
Shoots Right
Height: 6-1
Weight: 188
Hometown: Oakville, ON
Previous Team: Oakville Blades (OPJHL) in 06/07
NHL Considerations: 2nd round pick (2008) of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
07/08 Stats: 40 games, 4-6-10, E, 36 PIM
06/07 Stats: 19 games, 7-15-22
08/09 Role: 2nd EV pairing, PP & PK
07/08 Recap: Cody had a great freshman season for Wisconsin. He started slow being paired w/ Captain Davis Drewiske, but as the season went on, he got better and better. Cody didn't get much of a chance to show what he can do on the PP, but was solid on both ends on EV. By the end of the season, he joined McBain and McDonagh as the three defensemen I was confident in on the ice. That is saying a lot for two freshman and a sophomore. Cody's draft stock soared and he landed early in the 2nd round to Columbus.
08/09 Thoughts: Cody should be ready for a great year w/ Wisconsin. W/ the McB/McD pairing likely set in stone, Cody will be looked upon to head the 2nd pairing w/ old friend Brendan Smith or freshman Jake Gardiner. I think Cody is ready for the leadership role on the blue line. He should also get a chance to show off more offense this season on the PP. Cody is solid right now in many areas and its time to being progressing to prepare for the next level, but not too quickly, I would like to see Cody back in the Fall of 09.
Prediction: 36 games, 6-14-20
Photo from uwbadgers.com