Scouting Report

1996-97 Season
Led team in penalty minutes for second consecutive season.

The Finesse Game
People don't like to play against a club that has Laus on it. He is a legitimate tough guy, but one who has worked at the other aspects of his game to become a more useful player. Laus has borderline NHL skating speed. He is powerful and well-balanced for battles along the boards and in the corners. He seems to know his limitations and doesn't try to overextend himself. He needs to be paired with a mobile partner, since he doesn't cover a lot of ice. Laus uses his size and strength effectively at all times. He has to control both his temper and his playing style. His success in the NHL will come from him playing his position and not running around head-hunting. Laus doesn't have much offensive instinct, but gets a little room to take shots from the point because no one wants to come near him.

The Physical Game
Laus hits. Anyone. At any opportunity. Since his skating isn't great, he can't catch people in open ice, but he's murder along the boards, in the corners and in front of the net. He hits to hurt. He's big, but not scary-sized like a lot of today's NHL defensemen. He is, however, powerful and mean, and he stands up for his teammates.

The Intangibles
Laus has worked hard to become more than a mere goon, and the work has paid off. He is a perfectly serviceable fifth or sixth defenseman who has made himself a valuable member of the team. He makes his teammates braver, and if his skills keep improving as they have been over the past two seasons, that will keep him on the ice. Florida rolls over its defense pairs, so Laus gets a lot of ice instead of sitting on the bench and waiting for the odd shift.

SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT