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NHL draft tracker: Paul Bittner, Portland Winterhawks

Portland's Paul Bittner (No. 7) racked up 71 points in his draft year this season.(Winterhawks)
Portland's Paul Bittner (No. 7) racked up 71 points in his draft year this season.(Winterhawks)

It is easy for Portland Winterhawks winger Paul Bittner to stand out in a crowd because of his imposing 6-foot-4, 202-pound frame. His size alone makes him an appealing prospect, but it’s his tenacious style of play, speed and hockey smarts that has led to him being projected as a future first-round draft choice.

Albeit there’s still room for improvement, Bittner made strides as a more consistent player in his third season with the Winterhawks this year. He didn’t go more than two games in a row without a point in the regular-season after going through a five-game pointless streak in October. It led to him finishing the season with 34 goals and 71 points in 66 games.

“I think it’s just a mental thing to bring it every night,” says Bittner, whom NHL Central Scouting Service ranked 26th among North American skaters in its final ranking. “At the beginning of the season I wanted to strive to be a more consistent player and I knew I needed the right mental attitude to do that. I need to go into every game with the right attitude and be prepared for that game. If I have a bad shift or a period, I just focus on the next one and try to put it behind me.”

In addition to improving his consistency, Bittner, 18, has benefited from Winterhawks GM-head coach Jamie Kompon’s structured play and talented linemates.

“Sticking to the structure has helped this year,” he says. “Our coach brought in an intelligent system and just sticking to that has helped the whole team. I also owe credit to some of my linemates. I’m not playing with them right now, but playing with (Nicolas) Petan and (Oliver) Bjorkstrand helped in the regular-season to play with guys as talented as them.”

For most players, being in the Western Conference final against the Kelowna Rockets would be a surreal experience. For Bittner, however, it is business as usual. He has been to the WHL final in all three of his seasons in Portland and has a championship ring from 2013.

“We have a winning attitude here,” says Bittner, who has two goals and seven points in 12 playoff matches. “Going to the finals the last four years and going to the Memorial Cup two years ago, we expect to go far in the playoffs every year. We work for it and prepare for it, but we expect to be there. We have those expectations every year.”

Bittner is one of those feel-good stories of a player passed over in the WHL bantam draft who will go on to don an NHL sweater in June. But for the Crookston, Min., native, he wasn’t disappointed when he was passed over in the 2011 bantam draft because he didn’t even know it was taking place.

“I didn’t even know what the bantam draft was when I was that age,” he says. “I didn’t pay attention to it back then. For me, I was given an opportunity when I was 16 to play in Portland and thought I’d take the chance and go forward with it; I’m happy I did.”

1. Is there a player in the NHL that you try to model your game after?

“I like how (New York Rangers star) Rick Nash plays. I don’t have the skill that he does, but I try to play that type of style. I also like (Chicago Blackhawks winger) Marian Hossa. He’s hard on the forecheck and has a lot of offensive skill.”

2. Who’s your favourite NHL team?

“The Wild. I’m from there (Minnesota) and love the team.”

3. Do you have a favourite rink that you like to play in on the road?

“Seattle’s rink (ShoWare Center) is an awesome rink to play in. It’s hard to play in there, especially when they all chant “Portland sucks,” but it’s one of my favourite rinks to play in.”

4. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show that you like to watch on road trips?

“I’ve been watching True Detective lately. It’s a mystery show that I’ve enjoyed.

5. If you weren’t entrenched in hockey, what other sport would your pursue?

“Football. I’ve always liked the game and I throw around the pigskin whenever I have an off-day. My dad also played for Iowa State, so I grew up with football in my family.”

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen