2015 NHL Entry Draft Guide - Rankings & Reports

[pilldoc]

EDIT: The document is now available for download for your enjoyment from the following link:

 

 

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65221-2015-nhl-entry-draft-ranking-and-report/#entry245929

 

 

Please Note:  All postings (copy/pasting) from the document "2015 NHL Entry Draft Guide - Rankings & Reports" have been granted permission by Niki,the author of the document, to be able to be posted here on HF.net.  I have the e-mail he sent me granting me permission to post any part of his article.  Thank You.........

 

Good Morning Everybody!

 

Today I recieved in my inbox the document, "2015 NHL Entry Draft Guide - Rankings & Reports" as generated by draftprospecting. This individual frequently posts on HF Boards and his prospect reports are spot on.  He is willing to send out his report if you contact him. How could I not pass this up for everyone to share in so I contacted this individual and he sent me the total report.  It is a 259 page PDF document, with a breakdown for the top 120 draft eligible players in this years NHL draft, along with the top 5 goalies.  I have already sent a PM to @hf101 to what is the best way to share tis document.  For now I will post the the list and the reports for the top 30 players.  If you see a name on this after the top 30, just let me know and i will post it on this thread until we decided what is the best way to post the entire document.

 

METHODOLOGY

The format on the following pages is what will be used for all prospects. Keep in mind when you are reading the descriptions, they are generally meant to paint a picture of what various categories like defensive transition etc. mean, you don't have to dogmatically hang to every single word that is there or isn't there, but if you have a basic knowledge of hockey, you will most likely understand the content. You might want to skip this section, but if you are confused about what a particular thing means when reading the reports, it will be explained here.

 

DEFENSEMEN:

Offensive zone ability: Offensive zone ability means how a defenseman acts in more stationary settings in the offensive zone. This includes things like shot, getting the puck on net, keeping the puck in the zone, wall-play, ability to come in back-door, control of the offensive blueline etc.

 

Offensive transition ability: Offensive transition ability means how a defenseman acts in less stationary settings when his team or he has the puck. This also includes any and all positioning when his teammates have the puck and the play is moving forward, even if he is not in possession of the puck. Break-outs, availability as an outlet, delays and angling in defensive zone, joining the rush, skating etc.

 

Puck movement and possession retention: This category means every single thing that relates to what a defenseman does primarily with the puck on his stick but also by positioning without the puck in all zones and how it relates to him impacting the team's possession time. Both in stationary and transitional settings. Puck management, compete level and smarts off the puck are involved here.

 

Defensive transition ability: Defensive transition ability means everything that happens when the play is less stationary and the other team has the puck. It goes for all zones. Meaning this includes, positioning, skating, stick-ability, gap control, reading the play, steering rushes to the outside, protecting the middle of the ice etc.

 

Defensive zone ability: Defensive zone ability means everything that happens when the play is more stationary, especially in the defensive zone and the other team has the puck. This means positional sense, boardwork, net clearing, gap control, body angling, gaining inside position, defending home-plate, etc.

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: A very short description of unique traits and a prospect's identity.

 

Room for improvement: Areas that a prospect could improve upon.

 

Analysis: The most improtant part of the report, it will feature a longer write-up with more nuances and hopefully a clear picture of the prospect.

 

Developmental focus: A short description of what the prospect should work on or focus on in his development.

 

Projection: The prospect's projection to the NHL level.

 

 

 

FORWARDS:

Offensive zone ability: This category describes a forward's ability when the puck is in the offensive zone in more stationary situations, meaning the team is set up in the zone. Involves cycling, getting open, playmaking, creating space, net-presence, tips, shot, finding "soft spots", etc.

 

Offensive transition ability: This category describes a forward's ability when he or his team have the puck and the play is moving forward and is less stationary, involves all 3 zones. Break-outs, support, entries, offensive neutral zone play, offensive rushes etc.

 

Puck movement and possession retention: This category involves a forward's ability in all 3 zones as it relates to improving his team's puck possession and puck management.

 

Defensive transition ability: This category involves a forward's defensive ability when the other team is in the possession of the puck and the play is less stationary. Involves forechecking, backchecking, neutral zone play, picking up men on the rush, disrupting passing and getting into lanes, etc.

 

Defensive zone ability: This category involves a forward's ability when the play is more stationary and primarily in his own zone. Meaning how does he play the point, how does he track the opposition, can he angle them outside, is he physically up to par, is he controlling space, is he winning board battles etc.

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: A very short description of unique traits and a prospect's identity.

 

Room for improvement: Areas that a prospect could improve upon.

 

Analysis: The most improtant part of the report, it will feature a longer write-up with more nuances and hopefully a clear picture of the prospect.

 

Developmental focus: A short description of what the prospect should work on or focus on in his development.

 

Projection: The prospect's projection to the NHL level.

 

 

[flyercanuck]

@pilldoc

 

Nice....well done sir!

[pilldoc]

1. Connor McDavid - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245281

2. Jack Eichel - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245282 (2-3)

3. Noah Hanifin

4. Mitchell Marner - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245294 (4-6)

5. Pavel Zacha

6. Dylan Strome

7. Ivan Provorov -http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245295 (7-8)

8. Lawson Crouse

9. Kyle Connor - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245297 (9-10)

10. Travis Konecny

11. Zach Werenski - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245914 (11-20)

12. Mathew Barzal

13. Mikko Rantanen

14. Timo Meier

15. Thomas Chabot

16. Paul Bittner

17. Jacob Larsson

18. Brandon Carlo

19. Jansen Harkins

20. Travis Dermott

21. Jakub Zboril - http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245917 (21-30)

22. Christian Fischer

23. Nicolas Meloche

24. Joel Eriksson-Ek

25. Colin White

26. Denis Guryanov

27. Jordan Greenway

28. Nick Merkley

29. Daniel Sprong

30. Vince Dunn

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31. Brock Boeser

32. Jeremy Roy

33. Oliver Kylington

34. Evgeni Svechnikov

35. Gabriel Carlsson

36. Mitchell Stephens

37. Jake DeBrusk

38. Matthew Spencer

39. Jeremy Bracco

40. Anthony Beauvillier

41. Adam Musil

42. Roope Hintz

43. Erik Cernak

44. Nicolas Roy

45. Jack Roslovic

46. Zachary Senyshyn

47. Thomas Novak

48. Filip Chlapik

49. Noah Juulsen

50. Jens Looke

51. Graham Knott

52. Jonas Siegenthaler

53. Parker Wotherspoon

54. Alexander Dergachyov

55. Mitchell Vande Sompel

56. Jakob F-Karlsson

57. Julius Nattinen

58. Ryan Gropp

59. Rasmus Andersson

60. Ryan Pilon

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61. Blake Speers

62. Andrew Nielsen

63. Filip Ahl

64. Erik Foley

65. Nikita Korostelev

66. Chaz Reddekopp

67. Brett McKenzie

68. Glenn Gawdin

69. Thomas Schemitsch

70. Austin Wagner

71. Stephen Desrocher

72. Jeremiah Addison

73. Samuel Dove-McFalls

74. Colton White

75. Anthony Cirelli

76. Guillaume Brisebois

77. Jake Massie

78. Andrew Mangiapane

79. Chris Martenet

80. Brendan Warren

81. Brendan Guhle

82. Michael Spacek

83. Conor Garland

84. Keegan Kolesar

85. Dennis Gilbert

86. Aleksi Saarela

87. Ethan Bear

88. Tyler Soy

89. Brad Morrison

90. Cameron Lizotte

[flyercanuck]

@pilldoc

 

Zacha at #5????? Yikes.

 

Theres some quality talent in that 2nd round.

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91. David Cotton

92. Alexandre Carrier

93. Dennis Yan

94. Caleb Jones

95. Matt Schmalz

96. Casey Fitzgerald

97. Sebastian Aho ( FIN)

98. Gustav Bouramman

99. David Kase

100. Nicholas Boka

101. Kyle Capobianco

102. Deven Sideroff

103. Denis Malgin

104. Jesper Lindgren

105. Gabriel Gagne

106. Yakov Trenin

107. Vili Saarijarvi

108. Cal Burke

109. John Dahlstrom

110. Nathan Noel

111. Connor Hobbs

112. Matt Bradley

113. Loik Leveille

114. Vyacheslav Leschenko

115. Troy Terry

116. Adam Helewka

117. Sebastian Aho (SWE)

118. Steven Ruggiero

119. Alexandre Goulet

120. Chris Wilkie

 

Top 5 goalies:

1. Ilya Samsonov

2. MacKenzie Blackwood

3. Daniel Vladar

4. Felix Sandstrom

5. Callum Booth

[pilldoc]

@pilldoc

 

Zacha at #5????? Yikes.

 

Theres some quality talent in that 2nd round.

 

Remember this is just another person's opinion.  However, like I said, he does quality work.  I would not be posting it if I did not think it was worth sharing.  But, yeah..I saw that too.

[pilldoc]

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245274

 

1-Connor McDavid

 

Offensive zone ability:A

Offensive transition ability: A+

Puck movement and possession retention: A

Defensive transition ability: A-

Defensive zone ability: B+

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

Keywords, unique identity traits: hockey IQ, skill, vision

 

Room for improvement: Fill out the frame at the pro-level of fitness, long-range shooting

 

Full analysis: What to say about McDavid, against junior competition he looks dominant, almost too dominant for his own sake as at times it seems even his own teammates cannot process the game at the same speed and with the same savviness McDavid does. Has elite speed and stickhandling, extremely fluid on his skates, the stride does not look choppy but instead smooth almost effortless and yet he seems to blow by his opposition with ease. Top notch mobility, changes angles and adjusts speed depending on the play he's going for with ease. Has both dimensions where he will either explode past a checker by utilizing his acceleration, or slow down and use his angling and elite hands to gain time and space to make a play, both with equal proficiency, thus he has the straight-ahead power capability of typical intense-straight line forwards as well as the composure and patience of typical playmaking and cerebral forwards. This multi-dimensionality should make him hard to defend both passively positionally or aggressively physically. His elite vision will break down passive positional defenses, while playing him aggressively one-on-one can be broken down with his speed and elite stickhandling. On his skates he has a low centre of gravity that allows him to fight off checks, he doesn't have a huge frame but uses leverage to maintain body position against checking. While that serves his puck protection all over the ice, it comes in especially handy at the boards against bigger players, where he is still able to keep possession of the puck with angling and leverage and then use his vision to make a play off it to his teammate. That low center of gravity, body angling, and leverage is especially important for average sized and below players at the next level as it allows them to keep a semblance of a puck-protection game even against bigger and stronger pro players which in turn doesn't reduce them to a purely up-and-down off-the-rush players.

 

McDavid likes to change speeds to open up angles, can blow by guys or slow it down to make a play off the space that just opened up, often both on the same shift as he uses the former to gain entry and the latter to set-up in the zone, all the while displaying his elite stickhandling ability that allows for control even at top speeds. In traffic he is very adept at creating with minimal time, by processing the game quicker than the opposition and combining that with his mobility, low centre of gravity, technical skills, and vision, he easily takes advantage of the play in tight, creating the space and then exploiting it. Is extremely adept at taking advantage of developing "soft spots" both with the puck on his stick where he will either make passes into them or skate the puck into the space himself, or without the puck with his positioning as he reads the space extremely well and positions himself in the "soft spots" as an available option for a pass. Has that quality where 50-50 pucks tend to end up on his stick more often than not, bouncing pucks, swatting pucks mid-air, getting it out of his or someone else's feet etc. with some players it just seems like they get those bounces and McDavid certainly has that quality to him. Shifty, has a start-stop and gear change ability that backs off defenses and utilizes his vision and elite technical skills to create off the gained space. The only obvious area that isn't elite for a prospect is his shot, which has room for improvement. Projects as a 1st line center with elite skill level and vision.

 

Developmental focus: Most obviously his shot from distance, which is just about the only thing that isn't elite. Other than that, just the things that come with maturity - getting to the pro-level fitness of 20 year olds, faceoffs etc.

 

Projection: Franchise forward, 1st line center, 1st PP unit, PK option (PK might be a waste of his minutes though depending on your deployment philosophy)

[pilldoc]

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245274

 

2-Jack Eichel

 

Offensive zone ability:A

Offensive transition ability: A

Puck movement and possession retention: A+

Defensive transition ability: A-

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: mixed

Offense: forceful

Keywords, unique identity traits: athleticism, reach, vision, skill

 

Room for improvement: defensive zone buy-in, attention to detail against inferior competition, slightly excessive attempts to take-over the game

 

Full analysis: Jack Eichel is a big, athletic and highly skilled center with every tool at his disposable. Perhaps the most athletically gifted player in the entire draft, Eichel not only boasts a frame that comes in at roughly 6'2 200lbs, but is also superb on his skates with his agility and has top-end puck skills. Add to that elite vision and superb hockey IQ and you get a candidate for the first overall selection in the 2015 NHL entry draft. Eichel's mobility is fantastic, the fact that he is 6'2 makes it even more appealing. His lateral mobility combined with his top-end speed allows him to simply use his reach and skate around opposing players in a style reminiscent of Jeff Carter. Eichel has a long, steady stride that blows past opposition. Even at draft-eligible age, he seems to have ridiculous leg-power as he can maintain balance and still pull off tight turns into scoring areas even with a defenseman pushing against him. Where the real dandy part of Eichel comes in that his game doesn't stop at that straight-line speed, rather he is equally adept at making elaborate plays in the offensive zone, finding open teammates in scoring areas courtesy of his elite vision. Capable of either throwing a no-look pass with minimal time to an open teammate, or seemingly endlessly delaying and buzzing around the offensive zone, looking for an open option until one becomes available. He controls the puck with ease and makes it almost impossible for the opposition to strip him of possession as he moves around the offensive zone looking either for passing options or an eventual shot that is also elite as Eichel is capable of picking corners from anywhere in the scoring area as well as outside the circles with his wrister. Is equally adept at controlling the puck on the perimeter and around the boards as well as finding or creating an opening and skating directly into scoring areas with his reach and mobility allowing him to protect the puck. Physically pushing him off the puck seems a rather optimistic notion for most players that play against him as he is simply too athletically gifted to ever be over-matched.

 

While he is very good at reading the play, he still has room for improvement in his own zone as he has a tendency to stop moving his feet defensively, becoming slightly disinterested if the play is far from him. Offensively he shows great desire to be a difference maker, often taking the matters in his own hands to turn the tide into his team's favor. While more often than not that does turn out in his favor, he also has the tendency to at times over-do it, which can make his teammates a little limited in what they can do to impact the game. That should be a rather easy fix and it could be argued that you would rather see someone who shows too much desire to do things on his own than someone who defers to others excessively, although some kind of balance is obviously the best, especially at a higher level where some of those mistakes from trying too much can result in costly turnovers. With Eichel there is sometimes a level of him appearing to make a careless small mistake simply as a function of the fact that in most games he athletically completely outmatches everyone on the ice. So while he might be the best athlete in the draft, there are a few very minor issues just to keep an eye on as he progresses to higher levels of hockey. Overall, Eichel is the prototypical big franchise center that every team wants to build around, especially in light of success players like Jonathan Toews and Anze Kopitar had. He projects as a 1st line franchise center that can play on 1st PP unit and is also an option on the PK with his reach and mobility (if the coach wishes to use him in that way). I would like to highlight the fact that despite maybe not being an elite defensive prospect at this point, I think with proper grooming he could be developed into an elite two-way threat as his size, mobility, and hockey IQ should allow him to challenge anyone defensively.

 

Development focus: Needs a bigger buy-in in defensive zone as he has the tools to make him an elite two-way threat, will also need to read the "moment" better as to when to attempt to take-over the game against tougher competition.

 

Projection: 1st line franchise center, 1st PP unit, PK option (depending on deployment strategy)

 

 

3-Noah Hanifin

 

Offensive zone ability:B+

Offensive transition ability: A-

Puck movement and possession retention: A

Defensive transition ability: A

Defensive zone ability: B+

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

Keywords, unique identity traits: hockey IQ, reads, composure

 

Room for improvement: defensive zone aggression, more "bite" to his game

 

Full analysis: Noah Hanifin is a smooth, pro-sized defenseman with good mobility and fantastic reads. Hanifin boasts arguably the best reads for his position in this draft as he consistently makes correct play after correct play with the puck and with his positioning without the puck. Combined with his size, mobility and puck skills that allows him simply to be a plus player in all aspects of the game and a coach favorite as he can be thrown into any situation and excel. His 6'2 frame allows him to utilize his reach as he uses his stick-check to strip the puck-carrier of the puck while defending transition with his excellent gap control. In fact Hanifin's gap control while defending the rush is one of the better facets of his game as he consistently defends the middle of the ice, angling the opposition to the outside, keeps fantastic spacing and is extremely adept at getting his stick on the puck. While not a huge hitter, Hanifin does a good job at utilizing his frame to pin players down to the boards, or to get the inside position and remove the player from the puck. Although he is hard to physically overmatch, one of the very few areas that could be better in, is his "bite" in the defensive zone, as he can appear rather lax in situations where a more physically aggressive action is needed. For example one would like to see more aggression with traffic in front of his net, despite the fact that it is quite rare to even see front of the net situations develop with Hanifin on ice, as he is usually a step ahead of the opposition, his reads allowing him to diffuse any dangerous plays before they even have the chance of developing. It is precisely this quality that makes Hanifin so attractive, as while he is well above-average, he isn't exactly jaw-dropping in defending the net or being an incredible offensive threat. Rather, his most attractive trait is his consistent ability to be a step or two ahead of the opposition with his reads. This, while not making him flashy, is extremely valuable as he impacts the game in more subtle ways. In fact there is rarely a need for Hanifin to make a flashy play as with him on ice the play seldom even comes to that point. It is not uncommon to see Hanifin make simple plays that either keep the puck in the offensive zone, block entry in his own zone, or move the puck out of it before anything happens.

 

Thus Hanifin's game looks like a consistent sequence of simple plays, but where the real value lies is in the fact that they stand on the foundation of his ability to read the play. So what is really happening is Hanifin consistently making correct smart little plays by reading the game faster than the rest of the players on the ice. While not flashy, Hanifin can afford to make a short little pass on the blueline that keeps the possession going in the offensive zone for his own team, because he already arrived to that spot before the puck did. That's a classic Hanifin play, by the time that the other team's winger noticed the puck going to the weak side, Hanifin is already there making a play that benefits his team. And that's really Hanifin's game in short, he does those reads and plays all over the ice. Now the question really is whether Hanifin has the "swagger" to really be that #1 defenseman (again operating on the fact that there aren't 30 #1 defensemen in the league). He is so composed that sometimes you would like to see a bit more fire out of him, both in those defensive settings where more physical aggression is needed and in the offensive zone where one sometimes gets the notion that Hanifin isn't even himself quite aware of the fact that he has the physical tools to dominate and allow himself to "let go" a bit more. If he could strike that balance there would be no question that he is a slam-dunk pick, right now however there is a tiny question mark to him as to whether he is a top 4 or a top pairing but not a #1, or a #1 but not a franchise defenseman or ultimately a franchise defenseman. Where he falls on that scale will be dictated by his development from here on forward. Although there are no sure-fire NHLers, with a steady realistic development, it is hard to imagine Hanifin not being at least a minute-munching second pairing defenseman that can play all situations. Hanifin's floor in this draft remains as high as any other defenseman as does his ceiling, he is however not a slam-dunk pick in the manner of McDavid.

 

Development focus: Needs to improve aggression in defensive zone when the play calls for it, and would like him to become more aware of the fact that it is sometimes OK to try something a little extra as he is most of the time the most talented defenseman if not player on the ice.

 

Projection: Conservatively a top 4 puck-moving defenseman that can play both PP and PK, with a steady development a #1 defenseman that can play all situations and special teams.

[flyercanuck]

Remember this is just another person's opinion.  However, like I said, he does quality work.  I would not be posting it if I did not think it was worth sharing.  But, yeah..I saw that too.

 

 

I hope he does go 5th. And Crouse goes top 6. That would leave one of Marner/Strome/Hanifan for us.

[pilldoc]

Oh man if that worked out that way..man oh man ...I will be in jumping up and down with joy......

[pilldoc]

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245274

 

4-Mitchell Marner

 

Offensive zone ability: A

Offensive transition ability: A

Puck movement and possession retention: A-

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: fluid, vision, skill, fantastic reads, puck-stripping

 

Room for improvement: Needs to get bigger and fill out more

 

Full Analysis: Marner is another highly skilled diminuitive forward. His calling card are skills, vision, and poise. Marner plays with his head on a swivel, lookin up to analyze the play and keeps tracking it without the puck. One thing that was noticeable right off the bat with Marner is his look-ahead before he receives the pass which gives him a picture of his options thus minimizing his reaction time as he already knows what his options are before he gets the puck. Not an overly physical player, although I've seen him finish some checks doesn't really have the body composition to do a lot of damage. Really good skater, stylistically more fluid and controlled than choppy high-energy one, seems to gain space with ease and grace. Has ability to take off and explode offensively but displays a natural processing of the game that allows him to pace himself and be involved in all zones. Fantastic technique with his hands and vision to find open players. Has good ability to track the play and in his own zone when he is defending the point he displays ability to make a stick-check on the wall or by pressuring the point at the exact time the attacking player is off-balanced momentarily and thus gaining possession – excellent timing on when to pressure and "bite" the puck-carrier to cause a turnover. Has good active stick and ability to strip the puck all over the ice. Can naturally slow down the game for himself and utilizes his elite vision to find an open man, gives off that vibe of things looking easy that only few players possess. Competes well and commits to defensive fundamentals showing engagement even in more "dry" hard working parts of the game rather than just what he is already naturally good at. Won't blow you away with his intensity, but competes smartly. Also noticed he seems really comfortable playing the puck with his feet, in one instance deflecting a perfect pinpoint pass to his teammate and several times kicking it from his feet to stick with ease and without losing speed.

 

Reads the forecheck well, adjusting his angles and routes as needed, surprisingly good puck-retreival, in fact excels at breaking up plays with his stick. Although he is not at the pro-level of structure as most of the prospects aren't, in my viewing experience, he still regularly shows smart little decisions even when the other team has the puck. In his own zone by blocking lanes and in the offensive zone with the ability to read and react to poor break-out choices from the opposite team causing turnovers when he detects an opportunity with his impeccable timing and stick ability. That should serve as an indicator of his hockey IQ and implementing more structurally demanding game as it is required at the pro-level should not be too big of an adjustment for him. His disposition on ice looks calm, skilled, and confident. There is a sort of a natural understanding of game vibe that he has to him, that you can see by the choices he makes. It seems like everything looks "obvious" when he plays but yet it is always he that is in the middle of it and executes it. Handles the puck away from the body which "extends" his puck-handling area and gives him more control against defenses. Marner projects as a top 6 playmaking wing with elite skill, and quite likely that is going to be on the top line and 1st powerplay unit. In my opinion his instruction going forward should be to basically focus even more on what he is already naturally good at and develop it into elite tier at the highest levels of hockey. Which pretty much means the Patrick Kane routine - more focus on creating deception and the double-threat of shot and pass to break down more structured defenses, more focus on body-angling and puck protection which are already two of his strengths and more focus on bulking up, his thin frame being the only big weakness.

 

Developmental focus: Needs to fill out his frame for even better puck-protection at the next level, bigger frame should especially aid him in the defensive zone and wall play, although he probably will not ever excel at that physical aspect, bringing it up to an OK level is something he should look at. Other than that, continue working on his already naturally elite vision to create further separation from competition in that aspect.

 

Projection: 1st line forward with elite skill and vision and 1st PP unit

 

 

 

5-Pavel Zacha

 

Offensive zone ability:B+

Offensive transition ability: A

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: athletic

Offense: forceful

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: size, speed, shot, intensity

 

Room for improvement: sustaining offensive zone time, reads without the puck, supporting the play

 

Full analysis: Pavel Zacha is a big, speedy, highly skilled power forward who is capable of playing both center and wing positions. In this draft perhaps the most athletically gifted forward behind Eichel, Zacha displays top notch explosiveness as he is capable of taking off and leaving everyone behind him despite his big 6'3 215lbs frame. Zacha's playing style is mostly that of a power forward as he utilizes his size, speed, and skill to exploit the opposition, darting through neutral zone with speed and attacking the net with aggression. In addition to that Zacha possesses an elite quick release shot that he gets off with minimal time. Also displays a love for physicality as he has no problem not only taking abuse to make plays but actively being a physical presence on the ice and dishing out physical punishment on his own. It is not uncommon to see Zacha explode from his own zone and be over the neutral zone with a few steps as he gains entry with ease. Zacha plays the game at a high level of intensity but also with a high level of directness as his physical tools allow him to play a no-nonsense straight-line game. With that said, Zacha could stand to use his teammates better as he at times appears to play too much as if he were on an island instead of within the fabric of the play as it naturally develops. That is certainly something that can work at lower levels, and might even occasionally work at the NHL level, but Zacha would do well to strike a better balance in supporting the play. While his effort level is far from a question, he still has some odd decisions in the defensive zone, sometimes not choosing the best routes to support his defensemen or aiding them with break-outs. In my viewings it would not be unfair to say, from what I've seen, that Zacha could stand to show more patience and attention to detail without the puck. That would also in my opinion be Zacha's biggest room for improvement. His routes and the angles he takes in situations where he is defending without the puck are not perfect, can sometimes be caught flat-footed defensively, but what's more a cause for concern than that, is the fact that he can be a step behind the play all over, often going to places by the time the puck has already left or choosing routes that aren't ideal and don't ideally tilt the play in his team's advantage or don't improve his team's chances at gaining back possession. Without the puck this gives the feeling that due to his reads Zacha is sometimes not naturally involved in the play. The same thing can be shown offensively where he has room for improvement in continuing the play and maintaining possession for his own team. Despite using his tools to gain the zone with ease or to show incredible flashes of offensive talent, if you actually pay attention to what is going, it is rare that Zacha contributes to sustained pressure against the opponent and has trouble setting up possession time either for himself or for his linemates, at this point this renders him to be more of a rush player as his game is more reliant on darting through with various attempts usually reliant on his athleticism. In that aspect of sustaining play, he isn't as good as some of the more classical centers that can control the play and the pace of the game with consistent smart reads and puck-management. At this point, Zacha is more of a bulldog than someone who would consistently control the play. Despite that, it is impossible to ignore Zacha's combination of speed, intensity, size, and shot, as he simply seems to bull his way through most obstacles by his sheer athleticism and drive. Watching Zacha attack with speed and pierce through defenses gives off the vibe of classic skilled power-forwards that are simply too hard to contain for most defending players. While it is questionable whether Zacha will ever truly develop the "game-sense" to control the ice, his physical tools, technical skill, and drive cannot be ignored. Zacha should be an extremely valuable player even if that aspect never develops and he remains a big, skilled powerforward that competes very hard, is physically punishing and bulls his way through defenses. With that in mind, I would project Zacha as a top 6 forward and a 1st PP option (with his elite shot), I feel like whether he ends up at center will be determined by to what extent his reads and control of the ice develops from here on forward, but he should be capable of being a top 6 winger and a PP option by a conservative projection.

 

Development focus: Better puck-support, maintaining zone time and sustaining pressure in offensive zone, better routes without the puck to support the whole team's defensive effort

 

Projection: Conservatively a top 6 power forward and 1st PP unit shooting option, anything more than that will be determined by his progression in the aspects he lacks polish at this point in time.

 

 

 

6-Dylan Strome

 

Offensive zone ability: A

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: A

Defensive transition ability: B-

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: positional

Offense: heavily cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: vision, passing, puck-protection, size

 

Room for improvement: Skating, comfort-level with higher pace of the game

 

Full analysis Dylan Strome is a classic big playmaking center. Really prototypical in the way he plays the game, almost vintage. To get a grasp on Strome as a prospect you really need to know three things and how they relate to him – vision, pace, and skating. Strome is a patient playmaker with fantastic vision and solid puck-protection skills. He controls possession and looks for and finds open players in space. He likes to create by the goal-mouth, at either side of the post and sometimes parallel or even behind them, angling his body with the puck to find an open man in a scoring area. He does a good job at subtly moving the play towards scoring areas, rather than doing it by one great move or any displays of great athleticism or technical ability, Strome seems to do it by slowly gaining space and with patience. His playmaking is really good in tight spaces, not in the sense that he stickhandles in a phone booth, but rather that his patience and composure allows him to delay an extra second and find an open man in a scoring area, so often his assists really come from a short distance from the edge of the scoring area into it. Although primarily a playmaker, Strome does have a good shot himself and can be a threat to score. He's a smart player and plays the game in a relatively simple and obvious way with plenty of patience with the puck on his stick. His mobility is passable although he does have an awkward stride and isn't the fastest or the most agile player. With Strome I do have some concerns about his game other than skating, which is one of the most fixable aspects of a player. My primary concern with Strome is his pacing and I don't mean pacing as it relates to skating, but pacing in the sense that he is a bit slow with his body-overall and reaction times. It takes him a bit longer to react to something that is happening on the ice, so I'd say while his vision is fantastic and his understanding of the game is good, he does have a bit of a slower processor or rather his reaction time isn't at the highest level. Thus he is able to see things, but at times he appears lethargic in reacting to them. He seems to struggle when the pace of the game picks up and control is taken away from him which results in him being out of his comfort-zone.

 

At the junior level that isn't much of a problem since he can control the pace to his liking, but it is something to look for at the next level. Even then, there are players who excel at manipulating the pace of the game to their liking even at the highest levels of hockey, so if Strome retains that ability and improves his skating, he should be a great NHL player. With defensive fundamentals Strome does show commitment, however he isn't a high-motor player nor is he a great skater so he can appear to be a bit slow to get into position occasionally. With Strome I think there is really a lot of room for improvement in various small things that could really improve his projectability at the pro-level, however his vision and puck-protection with size and a solid skill level already show the outlines of a classic top 6 playmaking center.

 

Development focus: Developmentally the most obvious room for improvement is in his skating ability, as well as general alertness and further development of his ability to react when the intensity and the pace of the game picks up. Right now it appears that he is slightly out of his comfort zone if he isn't controlling the play with the puck on his stick and at the pace he is used to.

 

Projection: Top 6 pro-sized playmaking center with vision and puck-protection, PP option, potential for #1 two-way C with both special teams

[pilldoc]

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245274

 

7-Ivan Provorov

 

Offensive zone ability:B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: A-

Defensive zone ability: A

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: composure, closing down, controlling space

 

Room for improvement: offensive creativity might be a touch better, already considerably polished which leaves question marks as to how much room there is for growth

 

Full analysis: Ivan Provorov is a defenseman that while not the tallest, has a sturdy frame and good mobility. One particular thing worth noting with Provorov is that he uses a very long stick which he does utilize well for reach and does not struggle with any of other regular elements like passing, shot, or puckhandling while using it. With his reach and close down ability, it is exceptionally hard for opposing forwards to enter Provorov's space as he literally takes up big chunks of ice away with his excellent positioning, mobility, and timing as to when to switch from positional defense to a more aggressive one and apply pressure to cause a turnover. Provorov's skating is well above-average, especially his lateral mobility as he excels at tracking and closing down opposing forwards from the middle of the ice. Provorov does play the game physical and uses his body in all aspects, both board battles as well tracking and pushing the opposition to the outside. His biggest strength is precisely his defensive game, as he displays maturity that is beyond his years, with a game that is structured and fundamentally solid. His defensive reads are top-notch, always keeps his head up and tracks people, consistently picks his man up, angles the play to the outside. Has good stick-check ability and great timing as to when to close down the attacking player, or when to staple someone to the boards in order to get the puck. Breaking out of his zone he displays composure and ability to delay and re-evaluate his options, makes simple and solid break-out choices although he does display the ability to skate it out himself on the occasion. Offensively he plays the game just as smartly as defensively, although displaying his skillset which is above-average, he does not rely on pure skill, rather makes heady decisions as to when to come in back-door, when to pinch, when to walk the line towards the middle or rim it around the boards. Despite his oversized stick, he has a good shot that he gets on net with

regularity be it a slapper from the point or in less stationary situations. His disposition is composed, confident and heady. Although capable, does not wow you with his technical skills, instead preferring to play the game that is already resembling pro-structure and rarely seen at the junior level.

 

Watching him play you certainly marvel at his positioning, smarts, and compete level as he is easily projectable to the next level. Have zero question marks with Provorov in regards to his on-ice ability, the question worth asking with Provorov is a bit more philosophical. Since he is already so polished, it is hard to say how much upside he does have left to improve on compared to perhaps some more athletically or technically gifted prospects that aren't quite as polished yet, but that could also be viewed in reverse so it's not a big thing, just something worth considering. Nonetheless, I would consider Provorov a very safe pick to be an NHL defenseman in some capacity, a top 4 two-way defensman is a decent projection for him I think. Not a guy who necessarily is going to blow your shoes off with elaborate stickhandling and skating, but rather a defensive wall who is a plus player in all three zones and a solid if unspectacular puck-mover. Whether he does have quite enough puck-ability and offensive upside to be a number one defenseman I do not know, but it is safe to say that every team would love to add a defensive prospect of Provorov's calibre

 

Development focus: Doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, so just a natural progression in all aspects as it goes for all prospects. Might want to experiment with allowing himself to do more things with the puck offensively, perhaps adding a bit of deception and build his comfort zone to play with more creativity.

 

Projection: chance at being a #1 two-way defenseman, both a PK and PP option, might end up a #2

 

 

8-Lawson Crouse

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: A+

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: mixed

Offense: forceful

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: size, shot, forechecking reads, net/traffic play

 

Room for improvement: Playmaking vision, translating strengths into production

 

Full analysis: Lawson Crouse is a big 6'4 athletic power winger that plays a mature high hockey IQ game in combination with great tenacity. Although not a great playmaker, Crouse does show the ability to maintain possession in the offensive zone and boasts a great shot to boot. He is a great skater for his size both in top speed as well as acceleration and overall mobility, and gets around the ice with ease. Will sacrifice his body to make plays as well as dishing out and has zero issues about playing in "dirty" areas of the ice, be it causing traffic in front of the opposing net or committing to board battles, where he is adept at not only protecting the puck but also stripping it in a forechecking role. Does a good job in gaining the "inside" position in puck-battles and wins the majority of them. Crouse's reads without the puck are very good both without the puck where he does a good job both in a forechecking role and defensive zone reads, as well as when his team has the puck where he supports the play well, presenting himself as a passing option or attacking the front of the net to cause havoc which opens up space for his teammates. One thing that is particularly impressive about Crouse are his reads in a forechecking setting as he does a fantastic job at disrupting break-outs by using his long stick and mobility. However despite his natural athleticism, it is his ability to read the play and commit himself that makes him so unique as most prospects of his age do not posses the ability to be that kind of a forechecking threat. Crouse reads the opposition's puck-movement fantastically and does a very good job at making it hard for the opposition to break-out cleanly, in combination of him being as big and fast as he is as well as an above-avarage wall player, that can lead to sustained offensive zone time. This is really the reason why Crouse has that ability to slide up and down the line-up. If you pair him with 1st line talents, Crouse will effectively disrupt the break-outs, cause changes of possession, protect the puck at the wall, present a shot option and go to the net, which is really the classic skilled grinder role in a top 6. It is why Chris Kunitz made the Olympic team, it's not flashy but it's a specific role that brings a particular skill-set to the table and allows some of the more talented players on the line to excel.

 

Crouse also commits his body to the task at hand in all three zones and all aspects of the game which makes him a coach's dream, in the defensive zone though not as advanced as in his forecheck, he still does a significantly well-above average job, and works hard to use his stick to block lanes and his size to be a factor on the wall. Does not prematurely exit the zone and does a decent job in providing puck-support and passing options for break-outs. Offensively Crouse's main weapons are his ability to disrupt the opposition and cause turnovers, his excellent wall-play where he does a good job of maintaining possession and winning battles, his shot, and his ability to compete and excel in traffic in front of the net. With the puck on his stick, he is capable of making solid plays that allow his team for offensive zone time, but doesn't display significant creativity with his playmaking, and thus isn't likely to project as someone who would dictate offensive zone play with the puck on his stick. Instead Crouse excels at integrating himself within the team fabric and excelling at doing the line's "dirty jobs" while also boasting an above-average skill level, a shot threat, and speed. This should allow Crouse to have the ability to slide up-and-down the line-up and be an all-situations player while providing value in whatever role he is slotted in. Could be used in more checking roles at 3rd line with some offense to chip in or be used in a complimentary role on the 1st line where he excels at the aspects of the game that can really make a line fit and come together as a unit. With Crouse we can conservatively say that he should be a top 9 winger with the ability to slide up and down the line-up, a 1st PK option and potentially, courtesy of his shot and net ability, a 2nd PP option. Though it is not uncommon to use players like him in top 6 roles where if correctly used they bring ample value. Crouse's game should be one of the easiest ones to translate to NHL level, it is not hard to envision him playing on a 4th line even tomorrow, but the question mark with him really is whether he can solidify himself as a consistent top line complimentary option that still brings tons of value. Developmentally Crouse already boasts a mature game with not many glaring weaknesses, with the skill-set he has it could be positive for him to further develop his ability to find "soft-spots" in the offensive zone to get his shot off, so that he really presents a scoring option at the next level instead of being "just" a grinder.

 

Development focus: Would benefit by adding some offensive zone manipulation/deception with the puck on his stick

 

Projection: top 6 winger with ability to slide up and down the line-up, both PP and PK ability

[pilldoc]

http://www.hockeyforums.net/index.php/topic/65201-2015-nhl-entry-draft-guide-rankings-reports/?p=245274

 

9-Kyle Connor

 

Offensive zone ability:B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: A

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: hockey IQ, multi-dimensional game, reads, skill

 

Room for improvement: Needs to fill out his frame, pay attention so that he doesn't lose "purpose" to his game

 

Full analysis: Kyle Connor is a skilled American forward listed at decent size of 6'1 183lbs. Connor's best assets are his hockey IQ and his reads, which in combination with his skill he utilizes to play a multi-dimensional game that is primarily reliant on his ability to read the play as he expertly supports the play and his understanding of space that he utilizes both as a playmaker and a scoring option. Although he certainly needs to fill out his frame more, he does a good job with his elusiveness and tight turns to lose checks and protects the puck in space as well as along the wall, where he displays an ability to make plays under pressure. The first thing that jumps out with Connor are his reads and his natural understanding of the game that is already at a very high level. In that aspect, Connor plays a mature game in all three zones as he has built his entire game on the foundation of hockey IQ, a good compete level, and skill. This is something that makes him immediately jump out on the ice and makes his presence felt as he is constantly buzzing around the puck. In the defensive zone, Connor does a good job supporting the break-out when the team gets the puck, but he is also adept at defending without the puck as he displays solid positioning, both picking up men when the game is moving at speed as well as more stationary defensive settings. It is a rare sight to see him lose his man, as Connor displays good vision and remains in control in all three zones with and without the puck. His play style is smart and mature, rarely making any moves that don't make sense, Connor consistently takes smart angles, supports the play and gives off a feel of a natural on ice making it look easy and polished. Offensively, despite being rather lanky at this point in time, he still displays great elusiveness and does a good job of maintaining possession by utilizing his skill and smarts to make plays that throws the player checking him off balance and a step behind. This ability is what consistently produces a half-step advantage for Connor and opens up space for him to operate and maintain zone time for his team, allowing him to either pass or make a move himself when he gets that half-space advantage.

 

The ability to create those half-gaps and make smart plays off them consistently in all zones, is what makes Connor so projectable to the next level. But he is also equally adept at reading the play and jumping into "holes" without the puck. Add in a frame that has room to fill out, and a well above-average skillset and it is not hard to imagine Kyle Connor being an attractive package of a forward that plays a mature game with a nice compete level to boot. Though he might not have off-the-charts potential and isn't as likely to be a game-breaker or have as high of a ceiling as some other prospects in this draft, Connor is still a forward that will perhaps have an easier time translating his game to the next level and projects as a smart competitive forward that consistently puts his team in advantage. He is a multi-dimensional package as he does not struggle with any particular aspect of the game and is capable of both playmaking and scoring, is equally adept at creating off the rush or at the half-court game, can drive the net aggressively or play a cerebral perimeter game until something opens up, can create holes with his playmaking or jump into them with his reads, is committed defensively, and reads the play fantastically in all zones. With Connor, I don't really see any big glaring weakness that would jump out and be an obvious deficiency, in his case it is best that he continues gradually improving in all aspects and fills out his frame. If we were to nit-pick, we could say that sometimes a player with Connor's style can lose a little bit of purpose to his game, by being over-reliant on simply making correct plays where that becomes an end-goal instead of actually transposing those plays into scoring chances and goals. For example, sometimes you see a player who plays the game on "auto-pilot" make a simple pass back to the point just because it's systemically the "right" play, instead of driving the net when he has an open route to it etc., but that is really nit-picking although might be something to watch out for as it is important that the purpose and the focus to the game stays there. Despite being more than adept at being a winger, I could see Connor even as a center at the next level if needed and if things turn out particularly well for him. Certainly filling out his frame would be needed to physically handle some of the bigger forwards down low if he were to go that route. Right now I would project him as a smart top 6 forward with a nice skill level that competes well and isn't afraid of getting his nose dirty.

 

Development focus: Consistent gradual progression in all aspects, needs to fill out his frame, and would like him to pay attention so that his game doesn't lose focus and becomes simply smart as an end-goal instead of purposeful.

 

Projection: Top 6 multi-dimensional forward with skill, PP and PK ability.

 

 

10-Travis Konecny:

 

Offensive zone ability: B+

Offensive transition ability: A-

Puck movement and possession retention: B-

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: Athletic

Offense: forceful

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: Intensity, skill, shot, speed

 

Room for improvement: Puck management, gear changes (mix fast with slowing down when it fits the play), thin frame, some small reads that make a difference in keeping possession of the puck

 

Full analysis: Travis Konecny is a speedy, high-octane forward with a tremendous skill level and a lethal quick-release shot. Although there are some frame-concerns as he has a relatively slight build, he appears strong on his skates. Therefore while it is possible that he won't be able to dish out physical punishment with any regularity against bigger competition, I would not worry too much about his tenacity. In fact intensity and compete level are a staple of Konecny's game as he attacks loose pucks, hounds the puck-carrier, occasionally blows someone up and generally plays the game at a high tempo and at a high compete level, combine that with a very high skill level, ability to handle the puck, speed, and a very good shot and you quickly get a very alluring package. At this point in time though, it is precisely Konecny's high intensity that sometimes prevents him from exhibiting more control over the game. He appears to be permanently stuck in highest gear mode, which at times prevents him from asserting control over the pace of the game and limits him in elevating his teammates ability. Right now his game is primarily based on exploiting those half-spaces and breakdowns rather than orchestrating the ice as a conductor. As he matures, it should become a focus that he mixes his intensity with a more patient, poised approach and thus improves his puck-management and becomes easier and more natural to play with and in turn that should produce a more synergistic effect on his linemates. Though, even now he does not appear to be exactly lacking in vision or seeing plays at a high level, it is rather his M.O. that is tilted towards aggresiveness over the cerebral aspect that prevents him from exhibiting control and establishing that factor that makes everyone else on the ice exponentionally better. This in my mind is a key difference as vision is unlikely to be developed, but dialling someone's approach back slightly is a more realistic option. Neverheless, his reads and decision making while good aren't quite at an elite level.

 

Defensively he competes very hard, whether it is back-checking, forechecking, committing to board battles or putting forth an effort to positionally defend in his own zone, he does it all, though his positional sense might be the least developed out of those. Offensively he isn't afraid to attack the dirty areas, in fact he doesn't hold back from doing so but plays the game closer to a bulldog than someone who is afraid of traffic or second-guessing his choices. Right now he does most of it through his effort level and skill as his game is still a bit too all over the place and lacking pro-structure and positioning. Despite his modest size, I am not concerned about Konecny's ability to protect the puck and keep possession of it as he is strong on his skates and shifty with a low centre of gravity which should allow him to utilize body positioning and leverage as an advantage. One thing that is particularly noticeable to me with Konecny are his "body mechanics" as his posture appears incredibly natural and at ease on ice while performing various technical aspects of the game. It does not ever really look like he is laboring or struggling with any technical element. Going forward, Konecny's potential is vast and with slightly more structure and patience to his game he could emerge as one of the key offensive threats from the draft. It is precisely his intensity combined with skill level that makes him so appealing, however where he ultimately ends up will likely be determined by how much polish he can add to his game where a little of his endless energy should be channelled into better puck management. If he is unable to add more variety and patience and his game remains tilted completely to the compete-level side of it, he could turn out to be a 3rd line buzzsaw with skill, with more progression in those areas though Konecny should top out as a top 6 forward (more leaning to the winger side of it at this point in time) with a tantalizing combination of skill and compete level as his calling card and ability to play both PP (courtesy of his skill) and PK (courtesy of his compete level). It should be noted that Konecny's high octane game isn't meant as a criticism, in fact it is his strength and likely to define his career. It was merely pointed out to illuminate room for improvement on the other end of the spectrum as in Konecny's case it's safe to say that slightly less might result in a lot more. Overall if Konecny had a thicker frame, a slightly better disposition for controlling the play with patience and gear changes, and a touch better reads (heck at that point we might as well be describing McDavid) we would probably be talking about a top 5 pick and maybe higher in a different draft year. However having a committed emotional leader with that combination of intensity and skill is still incredibly alluring by itself.

 

Developmental focus: Ease back from his all-out all-the-time intensity, mix it with a more patient game that should result in better puck management and more synergy with his linemates.

 

Projection: top 6 offensive threat with alluring combination of intensity and skill. Could be used on both PP and PK.

 

 

 

11-Zach Werenski

 

Offensive zone ability: A-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: athletic

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: competitive, shot, offense from the point

 

Room for improvement: defensive zone play, leverage and strength on his skates, more control in break-outs

 

Full analysis: Zach Werenski is a big lanky mobile defenseman that has good ability to move the puck and is a fantastic offensive threat from the point. With Werenski he is really more of a guy that so far relies on his athletic tools as he is still quite raw in his development, however that means that he could be a really good player with proper development as he has all the physical tools to do so. Werenski is a high-energy competitor that wants to make a difference which certainly makes one more confident in him adding polish down the road, however being raw as he is, this enthusiasm and high-octane game can sometimes backfire on him as he tends to run around a little bit. As a skater Werenski despite being listed at 6'2 214lbs is really agile and fast, both forwards and backwards. He easily defends the rush skating backwards and keeping his gap, his turns are quick and tight, and he can skate forward both with and without the puck with good acceleration and a solid top speed. There is however definitely room for improvement as Werenski's stride isn't the smoothest, nor does he look the strongest on his skates. He gets places, but he doesn't really look like he has that strength with his legs yet that would allow him to fully utilize his frame-size. This is particularly noticeable in defensive zone. Despite his listed size, Werenski at this point isn't the best at handling the opposition down low as he struggles to pin bigger players down. He has a hard time getting inside position on players that protect the puck with their back against him as they fend him off with too much ease. That aside, he does a good job defending rushes as he possesses good backwards mobility and reads. Despite being raw in the defensive zone, Werenski doesn't really struggle with reads per-se as he does a decent job with his positioning. Breaking out of his zone, Werenski displays composure under pressure, handling the forecheck with ease either by using his skating to move the puck himself, or by delaying and angling and re-evaluating his options, although the latter is still slightly undeveloped as he can appear too enthusiastic to make a quick pass to anyone open where more patience could open up a better option, this over-enthusiasm in moving the play can lead to big gaps between forwards and defensemen which probably isn't ideal unless the team specifically plays the stretch-pass. Where Werenski really shines is in the offensive zone, as he has a hard accurate shot that he gets through traffic and on net with ease, regardless of whether it is a slapper, a wrister, or a one-timer. Werenski is definitely not the one to second-guess himself in those situations as he is terrific in getting his shot off from all kinds of situations and with minimal time. Despite that quick-release, Werenski also does a good job of skating and distributing the puck around in the offensive zone, and would be a great option as a powerplay quarterback for any team.

 

Werenski does have a significant ceiling however there is still a lot of development left for him to reach it. I would like to see him improve his balance, become stronger on his skates and improve his stance and angling in a manner that would allow him to better pin down on the wall and allow him to better handle bigger puck-protection forwards down low. He needs to do a better job in getting position against them. With the puck I would like to see him add a bit more patience to his game and a bit more of re-evaluation of his options when making plays in defensive and neutral zones without losing that confidence and fast-paced game in the offensive zone. I would say he projects as a top 4 offensive defenseman with the ability to play 1st powerplay unit.

 

Development focus: Would like to see him add more composure and more awareness with break-outs replacing his at times over-enthusiastic approach, as well as strength on his skates and handling forwards down low.

 

Projection: Top 4 offensive defenseman, 1st PP option

[JackStraw]

Remember this is just another person's opinion.  However, like I said, he does quality work.  I would not be posting it if I did not think it was worth sharing.  But, yeah..I saw that too.

 

I assume this is from nki? Yeah, he's very thorough.

[pilldoc]

@JackStraw

 

Yup. You are correct.  That is why I asked for a copy.  He has a great reputation at HF Boards.  It is so good that is why I decided to share it here. 

[yave1964]

@pilldoc

 

Wow, very nice, I will sit with this open during the draft. Thank you sir!!

[JackStraw]

Bob McKenzie's final rankings are up:

 

http://www.tsn.ca/mcdavid-tops-mckenzie-s-final-draft-ranking-1.296839

[flyercanuck]

@JackStraw

 

Looks like Zacha jumped up.

[JackStraw]

@JackStraw

 

Looks like Zacha jumped up.

 

Yeah, a little surprising to me. I would have swapped Barzal and Zacha.

[flyercanuck]

@JackStraw

 

I'd be very happy if Hextall has a choice between Barzal/Provorov/ Crouse.

[Podein25]

@JackStraw

 

Crouse at 7 eh? Zacha at 6. Bob seems to like him more than others. He's only played half a season really cause of injuries, so that must be affecting his rankings. Still a PPG player. And he just turned 18. I wonder if the Flyers are looking at him...

 

Of the two, Crouse vs Zacha, the latter has more skill IMO.

[flyercanuck]

@Podein25

 

Bobs rankings are based on 10 NHL scouts...not his own opinion. 

[Podein25]

@flyercanuck

 

Thanks. I knew that (I think). #knownunknowns