2015 NHL Entry Draft Guide - Rankings & Reports

[JackStraw]

@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.

 

That may be true but from reading scouting reports I think Crouse plays a smarter two way game and is better without the puck. Buttons rankings on those pages seem to reflect what most scouting reports say about them- he gives Zacha a slight edge in hands and shot, Crouse the slight edge in smarts and compete level.

 

Honestly, I'd be fine with pretty much any of the guys who are projected to be there around #7. I'd be willing to bet that the Flyers would take Crouse over Zacha though.

[Podein25]

I'd be willing to bet that the Flyers would take Crouse over Zacha though.

 

 

 I think you are probably right. Take the good Canadian boy. But it would be interesting to have Zacha on the Left side with Jake on the Right. 

[pilldoc]

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

 

Until I can get the file attached to this forum (hf101 is working on this)...

 

Here is #11-20

 

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

 

12-Mathew Barzal

 

Offensive zone ability: A-

Offensive transition ability: A-

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: playmaking, vision, skill

 

Room for improvement: filling out his frame, consistency in defensive zone effort, wall play without the puck, can sometimes overhandle the puck and overcomplicate the play

 

Full analysis:

 

Mathew Barzal is at best a medium-sized, highly skilled center with good overall mobility, a very high skill level, great reads and vision. Displays above-average commitment to overall play though he does not excel as a defensive player. Still, defensively he does help out by providing puck support and consistently displays high-end ability to read the play with and without the puck. Offensively, though capable of shooting, he is primarily a playmaking center, utilizing his vision and skill to set-up teammates. Shows surprising defensive anticipation in reading and breaking-up plays and causing turnovers.

 

Barzal has the potential to be a medium sized well-rounded (though doubtful that he will ever be elite in defensive zone settings without the puck) center that primarily relies on his skill and vision to contribute on ice. With the puck on his stick, he does an expert job of handling the puck and keeping possession through his skating and technical skills. Has a natural understanding of space and body positioning that allows him to retain the puck and make plays. Displays good offensive zone ability and puck protection even in wall and boardwork settings as he has the shiftiness and body positioning that is needed for smaller players to succeed at the next level.

 

He has the ability to create both off the rush as well as off the cycle utilizing his vision in both, either making small plays that continue possession for his team but is also capable of a direct fast "final" pass for a scoring chance. Can play at several speeds either a patient understated passing game or a faster more skilled and direct style.

 

In transition he supports his team's breakouts by reading the play and keeping good spacing and speed to make himself available for an outlet. Has consistent high-end understanding of gaps and angles, which allows him to dictate the play both with and without the puck. Barzal has a natural understanding of subtle body movements and how they impact the action on ice whether it is him presenting the blade of his stick and angling his body to take off after he receives the pass or by dictating the movements in a playmaking setting, he understands how to position himself to consistently be involved in the play and have an impact on it.

 

As a playmaker he shows off deception in his passing, which allows him to set-up scoring chances and does not telegraph his intention in those situations. Off-the puck he consistently shows off his high end hockey IQ, jumping into seams, making himself constantly available as a passing option and supporting the play. Is a great puck-possession player as he makes overall smart decisions with and without the puck and moves the play forward to his team's advantage. Without the puck, also courtesy of his hockey IQ, he has the capability to read the play in advance and does a great job at getting into passing lanes with minimal time and breaking up plays with his stick. In fact for a primarily an offensive center he is quite advanced in this respect.

 

While an above average player in defending in transitional settings, he also displays the commitment to defend in his own zone. However, in that respect he is a bit inconsistent as he has the tendency to occasionally stop moving his feet. Still, he does a good job in keeping his gaps tight and providing support and generally displays a good sense of positioning in his own zone. However, at his somewhat modest stature he might have trouble handling bigger forwards down low. While adept at keeping possession at the wall in the offensive zone, in puck battles and defensive settings he will probably have trouble with wall-play against bigger players at the next level.

 

Barzal should project tentatively as a top 6 skilled playmaking center capable of playing on the powerplay. Would like him to fill out his frame, and improve consistency of his defensive zone effort. As far as technical skills go, there aren't any big weaknesses with Barzal, he's got most of the hockey skills in spades and his hockey IQ is well above-average as well, however I am not quite sure that he has the capability to be a dominant center at the NHL level, instead I feel his upside is a middle of the road 1st line center and a more conservative projection would have him as either a #2 or a 1b on a Cup contender. But again that is similar to how there aren't 30 #1 defensemen in the league.

 

Development focus: Would like to see him improve his wall-play without the puck, needs to also fill out his frame which should certainly improve that aspect, as well as improve consistency in defensive zone effort. Also can have the tendency to overhandle the puck in the offensive zone when trying to create space and ends up putting himself into trouble instead. Maybe some simplification in that aspect would help as well.

 

Projection: Top 6 skilled playmaking center and 1st PP option.

 

13-Mikko Rantanen

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: A-

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: mixed

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: size, skill, drive

 

Room for improvement: utilizing size for wall plays

 

Full analysis:

 

Rantanen is a big forward with the ability to play both center and wing position. Listed already at 6'4 209lbs, Rantanen has good mobility all over the ice both in acceleration as well as top end speed and agility. His tremendous reach gives him the ability to protect the puck on the rush, as most defenders are unable to strip him of possession with his wingspan and speed working against them. This is one of the staples of Rantanen's game as he is adept at holding the puck away from his body and playing with speed, making him hard to defend coming off the rush.

 

Rantanen thinks the game well and generally finds himself in correct positions on the ice, supporting the play, as well as dropping in seams to get the puck. One of the better things about Rantanen is his net drive as he isn't afraid to drop his shoulder and use his reach to create havoc in front of the net. His technical skills are well-above average for a man of his size as he handles the puck with ease even while skating at speed.

 

He has a defensive conscious typical of Finnish hockey as he displays effort in backchecking and aiding his defense with break-outs instead of prematurely exiting the zone. Defensively he commits to all the fundamentals, not being afraid of sacrificing his body to block shots either.

 

Offensively, for a big man he has good edgework and can stop on a dime to throw a pass to his teammate, despite Rantanen's ability to drive the net and create havoc, he uses his skills and size package often to pass and displays good playmaking skills. In his execution, there is a certain level of confidence to everything he does as he executes with tenacity, shows no fear in getting his nose dirty and shows a desire to attack loose pucks and make a difference whether it is hammering away at it to get a shot on net in traffic or getting possession of it, creating space and then throwing a pass to an open teammate.

 

Processes and reads the game at a fast pace, rarely caught stationarily watching his own shots or passes, instead Rantanen keeps up his pace, be it skating to make himself available for a return pass or immediately attacking the net after his own shot looking for rebounds. On his off wing he utilizes two moves particularly well. He likes entering the zone on his off wing with speed then doing a quick cut to the middle and then looking for an open teammate. Coming off his off wing this essentially allows him to take on the playmaker role as he faces the play from the half-court directly head-on with his body and feet open towards it. The other one is entering the zone and using his top hand on the stick, protecting the puck and driving the net, using his reach to prevent the defending player from stripping him of the puck and either throwing the puck into danger zone with his reach or flinging it on the net himself. He does a good job of finding seams to get his shot off as well and does not struggle in that aspect of it.

 

For Rantanen it could be argued that smaller ice is a better fit for his game as he can get at times lost in the more methodically passive big-ice game, instead preferring to play like a 6'4 wrecking ball. Rantanen is one of those players that even if things don't turn out perfectly for him, he is still projectable as a 3rd liner, but ideally he should be a top 6 forward.

 

With Rantanen, I feel like he does have essentially no glaring weaknesses although I would say that I would like seeing better utilization of his size on wall-play in defensive situations, that is with pinning people down and creating separation from the puck. His size is at this point used mostly in combination with reach, speed and skill, which is what makes him difficult to contain. However, in stationary wall plays, he hasn't learned how to angle himself or use his size for maximum benefit yet, in both offensive but especially defensive situations. For a smaller player he probably wouldn't even have the option to do that, but with Rantanen's size it would be a shame if he didn't develop that aspect further as he has the athletic ability to dominate.

 

Secondly, personal preference of mine is that unless I am very confident in the player's projection as a center, I will err on the side of the wing and for Rantanen I would not be entirely comfortable at this point to slot him as a center just yet, as I do not know if he has the ability to structure the game around him, it seems like he is better off playing "within" the game as a high-octane skilled winger with size rather than controlling the spacing and pace as is usually required of centers. So for now I'd lean towards winger over center at the NHL level.

 

Development focus: Would like to see him work primarily on stationary wall plays both offensive and defensive. Especially body positioning to separate puck-carrier from the puck in defensive situations instead of approaching it with his stick. Footwork is improving but still room there for more.

 

Projection: a top 6 forward with size, skill, and speed. Shows outlines of ability to play both PP and PK (competes real well and doesn't mind getting his nose dirty, but those defensive wall plays would probably really cement his status as a PK option).

 

14-Timo Meier

 

Offensive zone ability: B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B-

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: athletic

Offense: forceful

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: shot, ability to find "soft spots" to get his shot off, physical

 

Room for improvement: utilizing his physicality with more in-game application to separate the puck carrier from the puck, balanced passing, more patience with the puck

 

Full analysis:

 

Timo Meier is a pro-sized physical forward that plays with grit and utilizes his quick-release to be a scorer. Has great nose for the net, and consistently positions himself as a shooting option. Doesn't have issues with physicality as he will both take hits as well as dish out on his own, in fact seems to enjoy the physical aspects of the game. Although not the fastest guy around, he displays a good compete level and wants to be a difference-maker on the ice, effort is not a question as his work-ethic is above-average. Although he plays both center and wing positions, his game in my opinion lends itself better to the wing.

 

One of the things that jumps out right away with Meier is that he is a rather direct straight-line forward that plays at a high compete level and is willing to be physical, finishing checks on the forecheck, pushing and shoving, and essentially being physically involved in the game as he can be a pain to play against. As a forward, he utilizes his smarts mostly to find open ice and position himself for a shot. In fact, that is one of the aspects of the game that he excels at. Has consistent ability to find "holes" on the ice and a quick-release accurate shot to take advantage of it. Also does not mind getting his nose dirty around the net.

 

While he does posses the ability to read the play, his M.O. is that of a shooter, as he doesn't get as involved in the passing game. He does have an interesting tendency to try high risk passes that do sometimes work, but often times are actually counter-productive for his team's possession time. There is a bit of a tendency to try no-look passes into space, and other high risk "hope" passes, that if they work out look great, but overall actually tend to be more counter-productive as Meier doesn't really excel as a high-end playmaker.

 

Instead it would be beneficial for Meier to balance his passing game. Right now, I'm not even sure if he has any notion of how much more effective he would be if he tried to commit himself to supporting the puck more and simplifying his passing game, providing more options and making more simple plays rather than always going for broke, he needs to realize that there is really no need for him to always look for the high-end play when the puck gets on his stick. Of course he could try one of those high-risk passes once in a while, but being more involved and patient would have an exponentially positive effect on the amount of chances he would get, as increased zone time would actually increase his effectiveness by giving him more chance to look for those holes on the ice where he could get his shot off. So, there might be untapped potential for even more offense there if Meier would commit to a more patient low-risk offensive zone game, and have a better balance as a forward.

 

Defensively he does have a good effort level, but could stand to support more and commit more positionally, much like his offensive game, here too he plays a very aggressive game and can take himself out of play with over-aggression on the puck-carrier. And here, I think is the second biggest improvement for Meier. In my opinion, his hitting is really a work in progress, he does dish out but he is quite often late and sometimes arrives by the time the puck has already left. Now, that is still useful simply for wearing down the opposition, but if Meier could improve as a physical presence so that his timing would consistently be on point, he would become a very useful player at the next level. That is the difference between a 3rd line grinder and a guy who can pot 30+ goals playing next to a 1st line playmaking center. Meier needs to learn how to utilize his physicality to separate the player from the puck, so that his hitting has a bigger in-game application to what is happening with the play. If he could bring that up to a high level and create that puck separation, then there is a chance that with his shot he could be a top line complimentary player where he would provide that forechecking game and be the shooting option.

 

As he is right now, I think he projects more at a 3rd line high-energy winger that can chip in a couple of goals with his shot. I think if he added that more balanced passing game and added better more purposeful physicality to his game, then I think with the shot that he has and the compete level that he has, he could be a complimentary player in the top 6, even top line. However whether that happens comes down to Meier's development. Either way, he should be a nice addition as a high energy forward with a good shot that gets involved physically and doesn't mind doing whatever it takes to win. A very solid add for a team that would like to bring its compete level and commitment on ice up to par.

 

Development focus: Developmentally what I would like him to add, is limit his high risk passing and balance it with better puck-support and more patience. Would like him to also add a bit more speed to his skating, that would likely make a big difference to his capability to hit with correct timing. And speaking of that, I would like him to improve the purpose of his hitting, would like him to use his physicality to be more consistently involved in the play, where he creates puck separation with it.

 

Projection: Right now I would project him as a top 6 winger that plays a high-energy game and can contribute with his shot, could play special teams

 

15-Thomas Chabot

 

Offensive zone ability: B-

Offensive transition ability: B+

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: mixed

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: mobility, puck-movement, poise, low-panic blueliner Room for improvement: Could stand to add more definition to his game both defensively and offensively. Needs to fill out frame-size. Could have more bite physically in the defensive zone.

 

Full analysis:

 

Thomas Chabot is a mobile defenseman that has a projectable frame at 6'2, however one that still needs to be filled out. In the way Chabot plays the game, he is really a classic puck-moving defenseman that can play both ways. Chabot has high-end mobility, a fluid stride, and plays the game with poise and patience. Is capable of both skating the puck out as well as making break-out passes. One of the best aspects of Chabot is that he does not panic under pressure and makes high-end controlled plays even in those situations.

 

He does a fantastic job at utilizing his skating and stick to be involved in the game. Consistently displays ability to read the play and then likes to use his mobility and stick to arrive at the position early and close down the opponent. Uses this aspect all over the ice. In the offensive zone he will anticipate where the play is going and arrive there early to make either a pass or a simple chip-in to continue zone time for his team. Does the same in defending transition as he is capable of utilizing his stick and mobility to close the opposition off. Has good timing in when to quickly close down the puck-carrier to steal the puck and processes the game quickly, shows confidence in his decisions and executes them fluidly and without second-guessing. He also understands pressure points in all 3 zones and rarely exposes himself with a bad pinch or an overly-aggressive move, keeps good balance in that regard and avoids the pitfalls of many offensive defenseman prospects.

 

Has shown ability to skate with the puck deep into offensive zone as well on the occasion and does a good job of protecting the puck in those instances. Although, he has a toolset that can be utilized offensively, he plays very naturally within the game and doesn't have the tendency to try to do too much. In fact, I would not really classify him as an offensive defenseman at this point, as he is closer in style to a two-way puck-mover. Uses his mobility, stick, and reads to gain and retain possession of the puck for his team and to be a plus player in all three zones.

 

In the physical part of the game he shows willingness to engage but is rather raw in that respect. Will need to put on more weight to handle bigger forwards, and hasn't mastered boardwork just yet. Could also stand to play more physical in front of his net, but those are some of the things that might improve with maturity.

 

He also has the toolset to be more consistently involved in the offensive zone, as he could stand to throw the puck on the net more and display a more aggressive mind-set in getting himself involved as an offensive threat as he does have the tools to do so. As it is now, it is harder to say whether he projects as a puck-mover that is solid all-around but not really a real option either offensively nor a defensive wall at the next level. Chabot would improve his projectability by adding to his game, as teams might prefer more bite either offensively or defensively in their top 4 at the NHL level and would perhaps prefer a more solid outlook in terms of where Chabot would play on special teams. Still his mobility, decent frame-size, reads, and effective puck-movement will surely appeal to a lot of teams as a base to build on.

 

For that reason, a realistic projection for Chabot could be a 2nd pairing two-way puck mover or a 3rd pairing two-way puck-mover. If he added to his terrific foundation another tool, or show a more defined outlook for either powerplay or penalty killing or rather show the ability to be an offensive threat or a real solid defensive guy at the next level, then his projectability would immediately improve. For example if he translated his mobility and filled out frame-size in combination with his low-panic game and reads into a guy that can be a mobile puck-mover that has high-end close-down ability, it would be possible for him to even play on the 1st pairing with a physical offensive defenseman as a partner. If he improved as an offensive threat, there is possibility that he could be a puck-moving driver on the 2nd pairing. More conservatively he could be a puck-moving defenseman capable of playing minutes without hurting you on the 3rd pair. With Chabot considering his solid base and an intriguing skill-set, he has a lot of different "outs" developmentally.

 

Development focus: Developmentally I would like him to first and foremost fill out his 6'2 frame, and then there's either two options that I see for him. He can either start developing high-end close-down ability in addition to being a mobile puck-mover from the back-end, or he can start thinking about beign more of an offensive zone threat while still retaining that two-way game. Ideally if he did both, then that would obviously mean the best result for him.

 

Projection: With Chabot, as mentioned, there are really a lot of different "outs" for what he can become. He already has an intriguing skill-set and a very solid foundation to build on, so he could really develop into a variety of roles. The ideal scenario might even have him playing on the top pairing, but with what he is showing now a mobile two-way puckmoving 2nd pair is probably a realistic projection, but it is important to recognize with Chabot that there is upside for more.

 

16-Paul Bittner

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B+

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: size, skill, skating, shot

 

Room for improvement: inconsistent approach in his physicality, defensive zone effort could be better on a shift-to-shift basis

 

Full analysis:

 

Paul Bittner is a sizeable skilled winger that also displays mobility that is well-above average for his frame size. Especially notable once he gets going after the first few steps, as he is hard to contain at top speed with his reach and puck-skills. As a forward he has every athletic and technical tool at his disposable and is an alluring package that with a decent amount of polishing should be easily projectable to the next level.

 

Bittner is adept at gaining the zone with the puck on his stick as he is hard to defend with his skill, speed and wingspan. Utilizes that skillset accordingly as he can gain entry on his own, do a curl-back and pass it off to his teammates as they catch up allowing for extended zone time. I quite like him as a possession forward, not necessarily as a primary playmaker in the offensive zone but his ability to gain the zone, and then use his size to keep the puck going in the offensive zone is quite good. Shows good ability in utilizing his size and mobility at the wall to chip pucks deep back in and keep the forecheck or the cycle going. Also displays above-average understanding when taking his forechecking routes in that manner, as he makes it hard for the opposition to exit the zone cleanly or on the first try without any re-alignment. That offensive zone aspect of his is projectable to the next level as is he projectable in the forechecking scenarios, shows good anticipation there.

 

To further add to his offensive arsenal, he has a good shot and does a good job in getting himself open as an option, but is also capable of making a pass, although he is unlikely to blow people away as a play-maker. He does however a good job in keeping the play going in that half-court game, which is really what you want to see from someone his size. Have also seen him take it to the net and attack the dirty areas with authority a few times, however I find that aspect of him a little inconsistent, could be a more consistent net presence with his size and quick-release.

 

Inconsistency of his approach is perhaps Bittner's biggest flaw at this point in time as he can be inconsistent in several aspects of the game, even on a shift-to-shift basis. The most aggravating inconsistency is his use of his frame. While he does a good job in using his frame purely as a function of the amount of space he takes up with his reach, he shows inconsistency in actually utilizing it to win puck-battles. For example he might use his size and reach to break-up a play on the wall or just chip the puck back in, but in a 50-50 puck battle it's a bit hit or miss in the sense that he doesn't always engage fully. Another inconsistency of his, is his defensive zone effort. Nothing unusual for prospects of his age, but his effort level is really two-fold depending on what situation he finds himself in. If he feels like he has a chance, he will almost always battle hard. However if the play gets a bit more removed from him, and he'd still need to put in effort to adapt positionally, in those situations he sometimes stops moving his feet or does it rather casually.

 

His on-ice awareness is better when his team has the puck than it is when the opposition has it. Have seen him support a pinching defenseman on a play that lead to a goal, stayed back on the point to cover for him and generally shift-to-shift does show good reads that support the play. When the opposition has the puck, the reads are still there in forechecking scenarios and he does use his size and reach well to cut down angles.

 

Despite being rather sizeable already, he does look a bit thin and lanky. One should expect that he will add a bit more weight moving up to pros. That should also aid him in consistently playing a heavier game, but he will have to watch not to lose speed, as it's a key aspect of his game.

 

Overall he looks like a big, mobile, skilled winger whose game is just starting to come together and has still ways to go. However his toolset is really attractive, as in addition to those factors, he also has a quick-release and could project as a goal-scorer at the next level. Doesn't have any notable deficiency with hockey IQ or puck-skills either. I don't think his compete level is a concern, but there is a bit of a room for improvement there in the defensive zone, however you could say that for the vast majority of players his age. Where he really could stand to improve is in the consistency of his approach, one would like to see him more consistently utilize his physicality to remove the puck-carrier from the puck, and would also like to see him attack the net a bit more consistently and be more of a net presence. If he develops that consistency it is not unreasonable to project him as a top 6 winger that every team craves as he has size, skill and skating. If not, a 3rd line winger would be a more reasonable projection.

 

Development focus: Developmentally I would like him to utilize his physicality in a more consistent manner not only to take up space but actually utilize it to pin the opposition down on the boards, or to be a net presence or to separate the puck-carrier from the puck, at least on a more consistent level. Could probably also stand to add a few more pounds to his frame. And as he matures, a bigger buy-in away from the puck in defensive zone is to be expected.

 

Projection: I would project him as a top 6 winger with the combo of size, skill, and mobility, that has the potential to be a scorer. If his game doesn't completely come together a 3rd line wing might be a more realistic projection.

 

17-Jacob Larsson

 

Offensive zone ability: B-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: mixed

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: smooth and fluid puck-moving D plays a smart game, solid size and compete level, heady break-outs, smart in closing down

 

Room for improvement:jack of all trades master of none means that he might not be more than depth defenseman at the NHL level

 

Full analysis:

 

Jacob Larsson is a decently sized, smooth defenseman that plays with a fluidity to his game and makes smart, heady decisions all over the ice. Has good mobility and is a capable skater in all directions and is strong on his skates. Defenseman who can make passes under pressure but also displays the ability to skate with the puck both by skating it out himself as well as utilizing delays while he re-evaluates his passing options. Offensively while not a huge weapon, he does show the desire to get involved in being a factor in the offensive zone and shows the ability to get involved from the blue-line as a shooter.

 

The staple of Larsson's game is his hockey IQ as he relies mostly on his reads in combination with his mobility to keep track of the play and defensively angle the opposition to the outside with his positioning and stick. Has a good active stick and displays above-average understanding of how to protect the middle and angle to the outside. While not a huge hitter, he shows the desire to get involved physically and will utilize his body to separate the opposition from the puck at the wall or by pushing attacking forwards to the outside. Also will take hits to make plays and doesn't mind getting his nose dirty in any situation. His mobility, reads, stick ability and the willingness to push back physically already make him a solid defender in transition as he plays a relatively low-risk game and pays attention to protecting his space and the middle of ice, steers to the outside but also shows solid puck-retrieval in those situations once the puck gets steered to a non-dangerous area and he can take possession of it and turn the play the other way.

 

If the play is settled in his own zone, like most young defensemen, he still has room to improve around the net and in battling in those areas in front and around the goal-mouth. Could utilize a tighter and more physically aggressive checking in those situations, but once he adds more strength that issue should minimize as he already displays solid compete level in puck-races and the willingness to sacrifice his body to make a play off the boards or with a forechecker strapped to him. Other than that, he tracks the play fine, and is generally positionally solid. I don't think he will ever be confused for a shutdown defenseman in his own zone, but he generally holds his own and isn't deficient in any manner.

 

With the puck on his stick he has a very solid first pass and doesn't force the play. Quick recognition of open teammates and has solid decision-making in break-out scenarios. Shows the ability to make simple passes out of his zone, but also utilizes skating to delay and re-evaluate his options when needed. Comfortable in doing so under pressure. On the occasion he will also display the ability to skate it out himself, but it is not really his game to do so on a consistent level, still he does show some ability to penetrate forward on his own. Mostly though, he lets the game come to him and doesn't force much if any of his decisions. Steady and smart in breaking out and plays with little to no panic.

 

In the offensive zone, he gets involved but isn't quite skilled enough to be called an offensive defenseman. Doesn't really have the mentality to be someone who would dictate the play from the blue-line or throw a howitzer after a howitzer on the net. However he does show outlines of solid offensive ability and can certainly get involved. Has shown the willingness to be a factor and will get himself open and call for the puck, is capable of getting his shot off and on the net. Outside of that he makes simple but solid decisions and is capable of playing in the offensive zone and being a contributing factor for his team, while not necessarily being someone that is a huge offensive producer, but rather simply in maintaining possession and chipping in when he senses an opportunity.

 

Overall Larsson is a defenseman that has a solid frame that can still be filled out, good mobility, and he plays a smart fluid game. Is capable in break-out scenarios, utilizes solid positioning and reads to defend, shows the willingness to commit his body to the task at hand, and can contribute offensively. There is a bit of a confidence to his game, and he likes to get involved without putting his team at too much of a risk. Can shoot the puck. I would consider Larsson a two-way defenseman or a puck-moving defenseman that is sort of good at everything but not really excelling in any one particular skill. Certainly someone that if he pans out will be capable of eating minutes and making a contribution in all 3 zones though. I guess the concern is, since he isn't excellent at any one thing that he might not be anything more than a depth defenseman, but I like his game which is a smart, fluid puck-moving style and he isn't undersized either. So at the high-end of it I think he has the capability to play 2nd pairing minutes with some PP time, and as mentioned on the lower-end of his upside he could still be thought of as a 3rd pairing defenseman that can be thrown out and won't hurt you in any zone.

 

Development focus: I think for Larsson it's just a matter of filling that 6'2 frame out a bit more and adding a bit of bite around the net. Developing his shot even further could result in him becoming a real offensive option at the next level.

 

 

Projection: I'd project Larsson at the high-end of his upside as a 2nd pairing two-way/puck-moving defenseman that can play some PP minutes as well as PK

 

18-Brandon Carlo

 

Offensive zone ability: C

Offensive transition ability: C

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: B+

Defense: mixed

 

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: size, reach, mobility

 

Room for improvement:Developmentally, he has to be careful not to be stuck in being only a guy with attractive "tools". Needs to further develop his identity and define himself as a modern shutdown defenseman that can also make plays.

 

Full analysis:

 

Brandon Carlo is a 6'5 defenseman with great mobility for his size as he gets around the ice with ease both with his acceleration, top-end speed, as well as his agility. His overall mobility is very good for a player of his size as he can move both forwards/backwards as well as laterally with a fluid motion. In addition to that, as is usually the case with defensemen of his size, he has a long reach which overall gives him an attractive toolset.

 

Carlo's reads are generally on point, although he is not a genius on ice, he does not struggle defending rushes utilizing his mobility, nor does he struggle at moving the puck. Although he will not make elaborate reads or wow you with his offensive skillset or puck skills, he does get the job done, making solid but simple outlet passes out of his zone, nor does he panic or struggle skating with the puck if the play demands it. Defensively he does a good job protecting the front of the net as well as being adept at pinning people down on the wall. He competes hard and will generally do everything in the defensive zone that is required of a large solid defenseman.

 

As mentioned, he does not struggle with moving the puck out, either by skating or passing, but would be best paired with a puck-moving defenseman to do the heavy-lifting in that respect. In the offensive zone, he plays it relatively safe, not showing any excessive imagination with or without the puck. Still, he has shown some ability to get his shots on net and does so when the opportunity presents itself, could also be a decent option for holding the possession in should the puck come to the point around the wall and allow for a pinch and a simple chip it back in type of play. A team that allows active defensemen could take advantage of Carlo's size and mobility in instances like those even in offensive settings.

 

Overall, Carlo definitely has some areas to improve on and polish out. Primarily despite being 6'5 and having excellent mobility for that size, he still does not know how to consistently utilize his reach to create a "no-go" zone that should be larger than that of smaller defensemen. So his control of space around him, despite the reach, is still not fully developed. In those instances Carlo still needs to develop his body positioning better as well as angling to the outside, having that "inside" position at all times either when defending the rush or in defending home plate with his reach and mobility is something that should really be his calling card at the higher levels, but right now he is rather raw in that respect, as he isn't consistent in not allowing forwards to attack his space and doesn't have that layer around him that pushes the play to the outside at all times.

 

I think Carlo projects as a modern shutdown defenseman and a PK option, although he is still quite raw, so what pairing that projection reaches is hard to say, should be a nice-pick up as a prospect for a team that will project him as a partner for a puck-mover that will do most of the driving on the pairing.

 

For his development, I'd say for a player like him it is paramount that he transforms an attractive toolset into a strong identity of what he is as a player. In his case, at the NHL level that very likely means being the big mobile defenseman that utilizes his reach and stick to control spacing and angles the opposition to the outside while being capable of solid outlets and a shot that gets on net.

 

Development focus: Would like to see progression from having several tools into a strong identity that is projectable at the next level.

 

Projection: Big modern defensive defenseman that has mobility and can make a play, depending on how a team has their pairings set up and his development, could play anywhere from a safety-valve even on first pairing if a team likes having a stay-at-home type to pair with a puck-mover, down to a more conservative 3rd pairing projection. Potential for 1st PK unit.

 

19-Jansen Harkins

 

Offensive zone ability: B-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: ability to read the play, mature two-way game and attention to detail, anticipation without the puck

 

Room for improvement: offensive zone deception and creativity, footwork

 

Full Analysis:

 

Jansen Harkins is a decent sized center who displays high-end hockey IQ, a decent if unspectacular skill level and already plays a mature two-way game with attention to detail. Harkins plays a relatively understated game that is however spiked by his compete level and willingness to get his nose dirty, as he is willing to do whatever it takes to put his team in advantage. Shows willingness to engage physically whether it is finishing a check, taking a hit to make a play or blocking shots.

 

Harkins's hockey IQ, decent size and overall above-average mobility allow him to be a plus player in all 3 zones on the ice. He is especially advanced for his age-group in situations without the puck where he shows his ability to read the play. Utilizes his stick and body positioning to steer the play and has good positioning. Significantly above-average ability as a forechecker, as he reads the break-out really well and takes good angles to be a noticeable presence on the ice even without the puck. Has ability to cause turn-overs by his defensive reads.

 

Offensively he is a smart if a bit understated player as he generally makes correct plays that drive the play forward, but don't necessarily look flashy. Keeps good gaps, and shows understanding of space as he jumps into holes to make himself available as both a passing and shooting option. As a playmaker he makes mostly smart plays and lets the game come to him, as such while smart he isn't really someone that would dictate what is happening on ice offensively, instead preferring to read and exploit the game as it naturally unfolds. In that regard, his offensive potential might not be of someone who drives the play offensively for his team at the next level, but his multi-dimensionality should allow him to play a complimentary role should he be used with more offensively skilled players and still be a contributor on ice.

 

High-end defensive anticipation is already a staple in Harkins' game, as he has terrific understanding of the flow and understands how plays unfold and how space is created. In those situations he utilizes his body and stick positioning to steer the play in a manner that benefits him. This allows him to be a step ahead of competition and allows him to be consistently involved in the game in a way that feels natural as opposed to being involved by trying too hard or making high-risk plays. Harkins is a low-maintenance, low-risk center that can be used in any situation and gradually turns the tide into his team's favor. Has good compete level, which only adds further to his multi-dimensionality.

 

Offensively it is doubtful whether he will ever be a high-end producer at the next level as he doesn't display the flair that would really project him as an offensive force. He does compete well and has a good hockey IQ with above-average skills so it should be possible for him to be involved at a consistent rate, however while not possessing high end skills, he doesn't have that forceful offensive game that would really allow him to create a big amount of greasy goals at the next level either. So, as a guy that plays more "within" the game, he probably projects as a contributor but I'm not sure that he is at this point someone who could be relied on for consistent offensive production at the NHL level. However, Harkins' mature game probably means that he will need less adjustment and probably have a higher percentage of his current production immediately translatable to the pro-game compared to some other type of prospects.

 

Overall, I think Harkins projects as a 3rd line two-way center that cen be used in all situations and be expected to produce a net-positive result for his team due to the no-nonsense smart and competitive game he plays.

 

Although we can talk about a generic projection to 2nd/3rd line, I think it is worth mentioning with Harkins that he has that "cultural" aspect where a coach can simply throw him over the boards and know that he is going to produce something positive regardless of what situation he's put into. Has a consistent approach of smart low-maintenance hockey on a shift-to-shift basis and is an excellent example of leadership on ice and an applicable on-ice role-model for commitment to doing the right things on ice. Is the type of player that if he makes it to the NHL, he is going to have that "cultural" aspect of commitment to him, that should result in more value than just being a generic bottom 6 forward.

 

Development focus: Developmentally like with most prospects, Harkins could still stand to fill out his frame more, I would also like to see progression, in junior at least, of him becoming more of an offensive force, maybe allow himself a play or a delay extra in the offensive zone and become more of an offensive factor on a shift-to-shift basis. Could improve footwork as well.

 

Projection: I would project him as a two-way 3rd line center with smarts and a decent compete level that has capability to play on the PK. Provided he improves his footwork, 2nd line C might be an option

 

20-Travis Dermott

 

Offensive zone ability: B-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B-

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: a low-maintenance mid sized puck-mover that makes low-risk high quality decisions with the puck and is mindful of defense, can contribute in all zones

 

Room for improvement: Could improve explosiveness, some details in defending - stick usage in establishing a bigger zone of control, sometimes stands up to a guy from the outside in instead of pushing from inside to the outside

 

Full analysis:

 

Travis Dermott is a mid-sized defenseman with decent mobility that plays the game in a low-maintenance style where he relies mostly on his positioning and smarts to contribute in a puck-movement role. He will engage physically, but I wouldn't call the physical game his forte. Although he will sometimes stand someone up and surprise with a hit, his most positive aspect physically, is probably the fact that he is willing to take hits to make plays that maintain possession for his team. Offensively he lets the game come to him and does show some low-risk contributions through the neutral and offensive zone.

 

Dermott's best asset overall is his puck-movement game. He consistently makes high-end but simple decisions with the puck that results in his team maintaining possession. He is adept at both short passing that simply supports the team's movement out of their zone into the offensive zone as well as longer stretch passing where he has the ability to hit a forward with speed. Dermott takes very little time to find open options and mostly prefers simple high-quality decisions on break-outs. He does show some ability to skate with the puck for an extended amount of time, and will do so when required, but it's fair to say that he prefers a simple passing game coming out of his zone as well as all over the ice, that allows him to maintain more of a conservative position where he can be mindful of defensive situations that might arise.

 

This also shows itself in the offensive zone, where again he prefers simple but quality decisions where he tends to steer away from being a high risk puck-distributor. Maintains his positioning and will be cognizant of his role on the ice as a defenseman. Is used on the power-play, where he does a good job of moving the puck around, walking the blue-line if needed and getting his shots on net. It's more unlikely that you will see him engaged deep into the offensive zone in a creative manner.

 

When defending in transition, he generally tracks the play well and is aware of where the players are on the ice positionally. While his style lends itself well to being a plus factor in those situations, there are a few nuances Dermott could improve on. While his capability to stand-up to an on-coming forward with a hit is a nice thing to see, he does have the tendency to sometimes approach from the outside towards the middle instead of the other way around, so the angling aspect of it is a bit inconsistent. Another thing is that I'm not sure how comfortable he is with plays in-tight, his body language to me shows that he isn't always in full control if a forward gets the puck near his feet.

 

In the defensive zone, the tracking and positioning aspects of it are there. Although he isn't the biggest guy he will battle physically in front of the net and on the wall. In fact, he seems surprisingly decent at pinning forwards down at the wall despite his mid-sized frame. His positioning and reads are solid as he recognizes where he needs to be on the ice and doesn't struggle with coverage. One thing that bothered me slightly is his rather relaxed body language in situations where his defensive partner got beat, although it wasn't Dermott's fault and it was questionable whether he could even do anything, I would have liked to see a bigger effort in those situations even if it's unlikely to result in anything. Although it's hard to say how much of that is an issue of physical explosiveness and how much of it is a psychological mindset. That said, I liked his effort and willingness to get plastered on the wall just to move the puck forward with a forechecker strapped to his back.

 

Overall, I see Dermott as a high-percentage puck-mover who doesn't mind engaging physically or taking hits to make plays. He is capable of both simple puck-support passes as well as longer stretch-passing and makes quality and fast decisions on both. Mindful of his role as a defenseman and doesn't put his team into danger. There is some skill and offensive ability there as well, although he doesn't blow you away in that regard. Defensively his tracking and positional sense are above-average but he does have some details to work on. Dermott is the type of defenseman that you could see in a lot of different roles, personally I'd say the most likely projection right now is of a efficient puck-mover who is solid defensively that could still probably be paired with an offensive defenseman who has a bigger offensive flair for the game. He does show both some basic PP ability, although I don't think you'll quite see him headlining the 1st PP unit, as well as PK.

 

Development focus: I'd say for Dermott you could see him improve his explosiveness a bit. Other than that, most of the things he can improve on are really some detail-oriented defensive plays. Consistency in coming from the inside out when hitting, and sometimes question his comfort level if a forward manages to get the puck near his feet

 

Projection: I'd project Dermott as having the upside to be 2nd pairing positionally solid puck-moving defenseman that makes high-percentage plays with the puck on his stick and doesn't put his team into danger. Could log both PP and PK.

[pilldoc]

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

 

Here is #21 - 30

 

21-Jakub Zboril

 

Offensive zone ability: B-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B+

Defensive zone ability: B+

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: positional sense, composure, mature low-maintenance game, willing to physically engage and can move the puck

 

Room for improvement: at his size needs more snarl around the net, footwork in-tight could be a bit better

 

Full analysis:

 

Jakub Zboril is a 6'2 185lbs defenseman out of Czech Republic that is in his first season for Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. As a defenseman, Zboril shows a penchant for the North American style game as he is a fundamentally solid no-nonsense defenseman with good overall mobility and size. Despite being a draft eligible, positionally Zboril is mature for his age and plays within the parameters of his position and ability. In fact it is a rare sight to see Zboril make a mistake by overextending himself, as he instead prefers a low-maintenance fundamentally solid game that relies mostly on his positional sense.

 

Zboril gives off a vibe of an understated game that consistently tilts the game into his team's favor. Although he does not try anything fancy, he is capable with the puck on his stick as he has the mobility to skate with it or as is more common with him make simple on-point accurate outlets and passes. His reads are well-above average which he combines with good timing to be a defensive presence on the ice, breaking up plays both with his stick as well as physically committing when needed. Coupled with his positional sense, Zboril does a fantastic job at playing a pro-style limiting game where he utilizes his frame, stick, and mobility, to angle the opposition to outside and prevent them entry towards scoring zones, as well as using his stick to cover passing lanes. That is provided, if they manage to establish any sort of control in his zone, as Zboril is also above-average in breaking up plays by reading the play before the opposition has the chance to set-up. Shows a developing physical game and has shown ability to plaster people on the wall.

 

That mature protection of middle of the ice due to his positional sense and a mature contained game with minimal errors is one of the most attractive traits Zboril has. With the puck on his stick, he does not struggle with break-outs, although I would not really classify him as any sort of break-out machine. He makes simple fast reads and passes the puck and moves the play forward, not really displaying any excessive creativity or skill in those scenarios, nor is that really his M.O. Still, despite a rather simplistic style, he does not struggle with moving the puck at all.

 

His offensive zone game is simple and decisive, he does not try too many things, nor does he have the elusiveness of an offensive defenseman, however he is above-average in getting his shot on net and utilizes that accordingly. Will make some simple passes and be a contributor offensively through his shot, and could play on the PP unit due to it.

 

There is still room for improvement of course with Zboril. For a guy that has a pretty decent frame-size, I think the physicality and balance around the net could be a bit better. Furthermore, when the play is broken up and there's a more chaotic situation on the ice around his net, I've seen him puck-watching instead of picking up his man. In those situations I think he could be a bit more aware. Although his agility in-tight probably has something to do with that, and that will likely improve as his body matures and he grows even more comfortable with his frame.

 

If I were to project him, I see him at the NHL level as a two-way defenseman that can eat up minutes, perhaps slightly leaning more to the defensive side of it but is also capable of making plays and getting his shot on net, and has a great grasp on the game with his positional sense.

 

His upside, I think is a 2nd pairing guy and both PP and PK ability, that said with these projections it's always a question of how teams set their pairings up, it is feasible that a guy like Zboril plays on top pairing with the team's #1 defenseman but there might be a better defenseman than him on the 2nd pairing playing a different role, so he's technically the 3rd best defenseman on the team in that scenario.

 

Development focus: Developmentally I think the main thing would be footwork with in-tight agility. I do think is awareness around the net could be a bit better as well if there's a chaotic situation, I think he could engage his man a bit more aggressively, even though he is a fairly physical player overall

 

Projection: I'd say he can realistically be a two-way guy that leans more to the defensive side of things but is capable of integrating himself and contributing in all zones. A 1st pairing guy in an ideal scenario if he is paired with someone who would do the driving on his pairing, realistically though he is probably going to be your #3 to #5 defenseman that can also play both special teams

 

22-Christian Fischer

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: forceful

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: pro-sized winger with intensity and compete level, excels in puck-battles and will play in the dirty areas, decent hockey IQ and can be a scoring option Room for improvement: can be prone to bouts of puck-watching away from the play in defensive situations

 

Full analysis:

 

Christian Fischer is a pro-sized athletic winger that plays with a high-end motor, competes extremely well, is an asset in protecting the puck, and plays with tremendous intensity. He has a quick release although his shot isn't really elite, he is however still a scoring option with it, he does a good job in finding soft spots on the ice to get his shot off. Combining that with his ability to be a player on the wall, and with his ability to attack the net and play in traffic and there is offensive potential there. Although not a playmaker, he shows good ability in continuing possession and finds open teammates. Excellent in puck-battles and is aggressive on the forecheck. Reads the play well both with and without the puck, although he isn't extremely creative with the puck on his stick.

 

His athletic ability, size, and his intensity on the ice make Fischer a suffocating player to play against. Prototypical in being someone you want on your team and hate to play against, as Fischer hounds the puck and the puck-carrier, is extremely adept at winning 50-50 battles and displays decent reads on the ice. This makes him constantly buzz around the play and allows him to create turnovers and pin the opposition into their own end. Not only is he capable of winning pucks but does a good job at protecting them and is a factor on the ice offensively through that aspect. Is not only willing to throw his body around and make plays in traffic, but actively looks for and creates opportunities to do so. His puck-separation is well advanced for his age-group as his intensity and body positioning allow him to win the majority of battles for possession. Reacts quickly to where the puck is and plays with authority, no second-guessing in puck pursuit.

 

His motor and aggressiveness is how he creates both turnovers and zone time for his team once you combine that with puck-protection, but Fischer is also pretty good in finding soft spots to get his shot off. In that sense, he is a perfect complimentary player to forwards who have skill and playmaking at their disposal as he will do most of the dirty jobs on the line. That said, it would be unfair to reduce Fischer and pigeon-hole him only as a grinder, as he combines that game with a decent skill level, mobility and shot. He is capable of integrating himself with high-end skill players and can make plays himself, making an active contribution on ice in all aspects rather than just being a grinder.

 

That said while possessing decent reads, Fischer's vision with the puck on his stick isn't really a high-end commodity, he is capable of making plays but he will not himself dictate the play in the offensive zone through various shifts and deceptive moves with the puck on his stick. So as a player, he is more tilted towards a simple north-south game, while not being deficient in creativity but not exactly excelling at it either. However, that is not really a big issue for Fischer, since he displays pretty much every facet you want to see from a forward that plays that north-south power game and makes his contribution in that way.

 

Although a highly competitive forward, Fischer can still be slightly prone to bouts of puck-watching with him ceasing to move his feet in defensive zone and/or without the puck if he doesn't feel like he has a chance to create a turnover right off the bat. However that is something that should be easily fixable as he matures, especially when one looks at his high-end compete level in puck-battles. If he is near the play, and there's a chance for him to make an immediate contribution, he immediately recognizes that and jumps on the puck with the best of them, however he will still have to learn how to channel that competitiveness into his movement without the puck when the play isn't in his exact vicinity.

 

Overall, I'd say Fischer projects as a highly competitive winger that is a presence on the forecheck, can make plays, protects the puck well, is a plus player in puck-battles and can be a scoring option. Could be projected to any top 9 role as his skillset would be easily translatable to top 6 roles as well as more of a grinding 3rd line slot. He does have enough skill and hockey IQ to integrate himself with more skilled players as well as the compete level and grit to play in more of a checking role. With his compete level, ability to win puck battles and him being a decent shooting option there is upside for him to be used on special teams.

 

Development focus: Fischer doesn't really have any glaring weaknesses, one thing worth questioning is his ultimate offensive upside as his creativity with the puck is not high-end and neither is his skill level. Could stand to improve some habits as he has the tendency to sometimes end up puck-watching in defensive situations without the puck and while his jump and effort is commendable, he does sometimes look a bit heavy on his skates.

 

Projection: I'd project Fischer as a highly competitive middle six winger that can score a few goals and play at a high intensity. A player that is going to be a big asset if he turns out to be an NHL forward, as he possesses a high-octane motor and provides the proverbial "balls" on the ice all the while boasting a decent skill level and hockey IQ.

 

23-Nicolas Meloche

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B-

Puck movement and possession retention: B-

Defensive transition ability: C+

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: pro-sized and smart defenseman with good reads and positioning, solid simple break-outs, shooting option from the point

 

Room for improvement: skating and overall agility needs to improve for him to be a factor at the next level

 

Full analysis:

 

Nicolas Meloche is a pro-sized defenseman that plays a composed positionally solid game and boasts a big shot offensively from the point. Utilizes his frame well defensively and has decent hockey IQ as he will make simple accurate passes on break-outs. Skating could stand to improve, especially the agility aspect of it, looks a bit heavy on his skates right now and can get beat wide. Other than that, solid at protecting the middle and getting inside position on forwards but his footwork should improve going forward.

 

Meloche is an interesting combination in the sense that his transition game is still developing and a bit limited by his current lack of acceleration and lateral mobility, however I think that his stride should be improvable, he doesn't look terribly awkward on ice, but it is something that limits him a little bit right now. That said, I like him better right now in stationary settings both offensive zone and defensive zone than in transition where he is required to use his mobility.

 

In the defensive zone, he has good size and reach and he does a good job of utilizing that. Defends mostly positionally, as he will keep the inside position and protect the middle of ice. Not terribly aggressive or extremely physically punishing, but does a good job of removing players from the puck and gaining possession. Again, his first few steps could stand to get better as could his overall agility, which should help him to close gaps faster on players. But his positional sense checks out fine as does his commitment, so once his footwork improves, it will have a beneficial effect on his game all over the ice.

 

Where the improvement in footwork should really help him however is in his defensive transition game. Here too he does a good job of steering to the outside, protecting the middle, keeping good gaps, and generally being positionally solid. However he is in danger of getting beat wide by forwards with speed as his feet simply aren't quite up to par at this point for forwards that do have that lateral ability and top-end speed. But again, I think it's worth repeating that Meloche isn't a skater where you would cringe at his technique and wonder whether that will ever get better and if so to what degree, Meloche's skating certainly needs some improvement but it's not a gigantic red flag. It's just that in today's game, defensemen should be able to have high-end skating ability, in my opinion more so than forwards, so for Meloche that is something to look for going forward.

 

In break-out scenarios, Meloche has good vision and hockey IQ. Makes simple and on-point passes to his teammates sticks, has ability to evaluate plays, and doesn't rush into decisions. Very solid first pass that allows the play to move forward for his team. Can skate with the puck and delay but does not really rely on himself as someone who would skate the puck out consistently on his own. Instead he likes a measured passing approach and likes to trail the play, rather than try anything overly aggressive. Will join the rush, but doesn't go ahead on his own and will stay back as opposed to making a move to further push the play up ice if it comes to that.

 

Despite maybe not being a high-octane offensive defenseman, Meloche is actually surprisingly adept at manoeuvring the offensive zone. He does a good job of reading the play, keeping the puck in the offensive zone, walking the line and getting his shot on net. In fact Meloche's shot from the point is one of his better assets and something that adds to his overall projectability as a two-way defenseman. He plays the offensive zone relatively conservatively and doesn't try things that would put his team at risk, but combining that type of heady game with his shot actually makes him a reasonably attractive option to get involved in the offensive zone game.

 

With that said, I would project Meloche as a pro-sized two-way defenseman that however needs to improve his footwork to be a factor at the next level. Once he does improve his skating, he should be able to play all situations as he has all the tools to do so. His size and hockey IQ should make him a steady defensive presence, while his heady and simple offensive game, smart break-outs, and his ability to be a shooting presence from the blue-line, should all help him get involved on the offensive side of the puck. I would say that Meloche's upside in that respect is of a 2nd pairing two-way defenseman that can play both special teams due to the type of skillset he has.

 

Development focus: The glaring improvement to be made with Meloche is in his skating ability and agility, once that improves to a reasonable level his overall game should really take off and improve significantly in his projectability. Right now he is a bit liable to be beat by forwards with high-end speed and lateral agility.

 

Projection: I'd project Meloche on the high-end of his upside as a 2nd pairing two-way defenseman with pro-size that can be an option on both PP and PK. On the lower-end of it, his upside would be a stabilizing two-way presence as a depth defenseman on 3rd pairing with a simple game that doesn't hurt you but can help shoulder some minutes.

 

24-Joel Eriksson Ek

 

Offensive zone ability: B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B-

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: ability to track and support play, compete level, shot and nose for net, can play in traffic and around the net, quick-response time from in-close

 

Room for improvement: lacks muscle to battle effectively, despite good compete level and 6'2 frame can be overpowered physically as he needs to fill out considerably

 

Full analysis:

 

Joel Eriksson Ek is a center that plays with both a good compete level and hockey IQ and boasts several tools that should serve him well going forward. While being capable of skill plays and possessing good vision, he is particularly adept around the net and in tight, quickly tracking the puck and possessing good hand-eye coordination in those situations. Has a good shot that allows him to be a scoring option in those situations. He is more than willing to play in traffic, will sacrifice his body to make plays but again is really impressive in-tight around the net both in his willingness to play in scoring areas as well as having the ability to produce from there. His stride might not be the most impressive and he does appear like he could use more leg power, but he still gets around to the places he needs to. For being 6'2 his frame is still rather lanky at this moment, but once he fills out you really start getting outlines of what could be an NHL player and one that possesses a skillset that should really make him valuable if he progresses to that point.

 

In the offensive zone, where Eriksson-Ek is really impressive is in his ability to be a factor from the scoring areas. Not just as someone who would get open for his shot as a sniper but not be that involved overall on a shift-to-shift basis, Eriksson-Ek isn't just someone who has that capability, rather he is actively participating in taking the play there himself with a good compete level and skill and does so in a consistent manner and with confidence. Has a high work-ethic in those situations and a good motor that allows him to compete against defensemen and gain position. He has really solid instincts there and it takes him minimal time to react to plays, bouncing pucks, and the like. Little to no hesitation and plays with authority, taking up space and challenging the defense to contain him instead of just settling for what the defense gives him.

 

With the puck on his stick he also displays good vision and hockey IQ and makes passes that drive the play forward as well as getting open to continue the play. While I wouldn't necessarily calm him a playmaking center, I wouldn't call him a shoot-only forward as he is adept at continuing the possession and has a natural understanding of how the game unfolds. Is naturally involved in the flow of the game at all times. Will support the break-out and make himself available as an easy passing option and doesn't run ahead of the play. Has good puck protection and will delay until someone opens up for a pass if needed. Although if the opposition can get a handle on him he is not as good at retaining possession as he simply isn't strong enough at this point. Still his commitment is not a question mark at all as he is willing to commit physically all over the ice and in-fact doesn't show hesitation whether it is taking a hit to complete a pass up, blocking a shot, or driving the net. So for him, most of it should come down to physical maturity and his 6'2 frame filling out a bit more before he can sustain that same level of puck-protection even if he gets challenged physically or pinned down at the wall to the point that more pure force is needed.

 

That said, the same commitment and hockey IQ is noticeable without the puck as well, where he does a good job of tracking the play, closing down passing lanes and shows willingness to battle against the opposition. Has good stick positioning and will commit the body when needed, in fact he is quite aggressive on the puck, however in defensive battles he simply isn't strong enough yet to win them with any consistency. While his coverage of passing lanes, man-to-man positioning, supporting his defensemen when needed and other skillsets that can be directly tied to compete/commitment and/or hockey IQ are generally above average for a prospect, here too he will need to mature physically to handle bigger forwards as he can still be too easily kept to the outside by players that are strong on their skates and know how to protect the puck with their back against him. In 50-50 races to the puck it becomes less of a question mark as he reads situations quickly and can sometimes arrive faster to the puck than the opposing player and also displays the willingness to take a hit to make a play in that situation, but it will be paramount for him to add some bulk to his frame going forward, as hockey IQ and compete level will simply not be enough by themselves against players that will match him in those aspects but also boast superior physical attributes. Still, his reads and positioning are generally on-point and he doesn't show any glaring weaknesses without the puck aside from having to fill out his frame down the road.

 

I think as a player Eriksson-Ek is another one of those prospects that are just showing outlines of their potential and are barely coming into their own. He has all the fundamentals needed and shows an interesting skillset with his ability to be a scoring option and how he approaches the offensive zone, especially with his willingness and authority to take it to the net and play in dirty areas, as opposed to being glued to the perimeter and settling for creating from the outside in which is usually something that can develop on the bigger ice-surface. Erikssson-Ek plays the game the way that should be relatively translatable to NA smaller surface hockey. Has the compete level, has the hockey IQ, has the shot, the ability to quickly process the game in scoring areas, the willingness to go there, and the commitment to two-way play and the details of being a 3 zone factor.

 

With that in mind, once he adds some bulk and mass to his lanky 6'2, I think he could be a guy that projects as a 2nd line center with ability to play both special teams. Certainly has the reach, the mobility (although it still feels like his stride would benefit by added leg-power, as it can look rather short for someone who is 6'2), the compete level, and the ability to read the play to be used on the PK, and on the other hand - the skill, the shot, and the vision to be a factor on the PP. More conservatively he could still be used as a 3rd line center. Whether he could be converted to wing if such a move would be required is hard to say for sure, but certainly the smarts, the compete level and his shot and nose for the net is something that I feel could be utilized from there as well.

 

Development focus: For Eriksson-Ek I think most of it should just come down to physical maturity and adding bulk and muscle mass to his frame, which should aid his compete level in winning 50-50 battles at the next level, as well as his ability to defend down-low, his ability to maintain puck possession if he gets pinned down and his ability to fend off the opposing players that challenge him physically. Added leg-power will probably smooth out his stride and add some additional distance, power, and balance to his steps.

 

Projection: Ideally you would be looking at someone who can project as a 2nd line center with the ability to play both PP and PK. More conservatively he should still be projectable to a 3rd line C role. If the transition to wing would be required, I think there is some chance there that his game would translate to wing as well as he has the size, the smarts, the compete level, and the scoring ability to at least have a fighting chance if the move ever gets considered.

 

25-Colin White

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B+

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: decently sized two-way C that excels in all three zones and has high-end skating ability

 

Room for improvement: doesn't translate his toolset into being a consistent offensive zone factor as it would be expected out of a high-end forward prospect

 

Full analysis:

 

Colin White is a decently sized, mobile, two-way center that plays with a high hockey IQ, a commitment to detail and is a plus player in all three zones on the ice. Shows good compete level and makes his linemates better in all situations as he displays willingness to excel at every aspect of the game in all three zones. In that sense he plays a game that is mature and relatively easily projectable to the next level, as he is already above-average in most aspects of the game both offensively and defensively.

 

Though not a classically inclined playmaking center in the sense that he would consistently look to pick out open teammates with pinpoint accurate passes for scoring chances, White is instead what I would classify as a "facilitator" on the ice. He can certainly pass and he can certainly shoot, but as a center he mostly does every thing at a high level and to the benefit of his linemates. So, with his constant contribution on the ice, he allows whoever is on the ice with him to do whatever they are best at. He is a player that can be thrown out on the ice in any situation and produce a positive result, provides structure in all three zones and is relatively easy to play with.

 

With White, that starts defensively as he is good at getting into lanes, battling against his man, and then providing support should his team gain the puck, White makes himself available to support the play and aid the break-outs. His top notch mobility also allows him to pick up opponents on the back-check with ease and his compete level and decent frame size allow him to battle physically. Though, with his skating ability which is very good in acceleration, top speed, as well as overall agility, he is also capable of simply skating the puck out of immediate danger if required.

 

With his skating ability he is also adept at gaining the zone with ease and producing possession for his team. It is not uncommon to see White on one shift alone: be responsible defensively, produce a turnover, pass the puck to his teammate, slowly pick up speed while making himself available for a break-out and then gain entry by utilizing his mobility, skill, and vision to manoeuvre through neutral zone. In that sense, he consistently takes good routes on the ice courtesy of his high hockey IQ, and does so both with and without the puck. Reads the play naturally and at a high level, having no problem picking up his man and battling him or playing defense positionally, has good timing as to when to play someone aggressively and when to cover space. Also understands how to make himself available for a pass and understands supporting the break-out.

 

Although capable of both passing and shooting, White's offensive game isn't one of consistent domination, instead he is better at using his high hockey IQ and speed to produce through broken plays, off the rush, or by reading a play that naturally develops in the offensive zone. Though that is undoubtedly White's style of play and there is nothing wrong with that, it's still worth asking whether he has high end offensive upside at the NHL level, considering he doesn't really show consistency in dominating the offensive zone as one might expect out of a high-end forward prospect. Even putting that aside, White is still a very valuable piece, as his reads and mobility allow him to constantly tilt the play into his team's advantage.

 

Projecting White's game isn't terribly hard, as he plays a relatively mature game that is solid in all 3 zones and in all aspects, in fact it's hard to find a skill that White is deficient at. However while being good at everything, it would also be fair to say that he doesn't display high end ability as an offensive zone threat. Primarily a two-way center he is capable of making his linemates better and excels at utilizing his hockey IQ and mobility to be a factor on the ice. That already serves him well in creating off the rush and through broken plays, but going forward one would like him to establish a bit of a better offensive zone control if he has the ambitions of being a first line center at the NHL level. Right now I would say he projects either as a 2nd line or a 3rd line center that is capable of playing on special teams.

 

Development focus: Developmentally I would like him to start transposing his toolset to be more of a consistent offensive zone factor. Although already decently sized, I think he'd benefit by adding a bit of mass to his frame as most prospects would. Especially if he is going to be that mobile, competitive, high hockey IQ center at the next level, adding strength to that package would really improve the chances of his game having the same effect at the NHL level.

 

Projection: I'd project White as a 2nd/3rd line two-way center that can play special teams. If he manages to be an offensive factor as he moves up through the ranks then that should solidify his top 6 role, however he should still be capable of playing on the 3rd line as his game should translate relatively well to that role as well if needed.

 

26-Denis Guryanov

 

Offensive zone ability: B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B-

Defensive zone ability: C+

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: sizeable winger with speed and skill, excels in puck protection and in cycle, can gain space through neutral zone with puck handling and speed, great shot and finds soft spots to get it off

 

Room for improvement: can be prone to overdoing his offensive rushes through transition, tries to gain entry by himself a bit too much, which can result in turnovers

 

Full analysis:

 

Denis Guryanov is a 6'2 winger (with room to fill out his frame) who has great ability to skate with the puck and handle the puck at speed as well as to change directions, excels in protecting the puck on the cycle and making plays off it, has a considerable skill-level and has the vision and compete level to capitalize on opportunities, jumping into soft spots to get his shot off (and he can definitely snap it too), or taking the puck there himself. Considerable confidence in his game and he displays the desire to be a factor on the ice at all times. Good hockey IQ and not deficient defensively.

 

Guryanov simply put is a significant prospect in this draft. He has a few easily fixable weaknesses and several intriguing tools combined into a pro-winger style package. Starting with the offensive zone. Guryanov is a joy to watch in the offensive zone and already shows not just the skillset typical of high-end offensive prospects but a significant pro-style game. He is competitive and likes to jump on loose pucks, he has a decent frame that still needs to be filled out, he is great on his skates and can turn laterally, crossovers, changes of pace, and can do all that while handling the puck at speed. He excels in protecting the puck on the cycle and extending zone-time. He does not mind going into the dirty areas and he has a good shot, but he can find an open man as well. Also does a good job in getting to the soft spots on the ice where he looks for his shot, body language shows that he is very confident in his ability on ice and likes to play with jump, wants to get the puck on his stick and wants to make a contribution. Frankly, overall Guryanov's toolset is one that is definitely looking like something that has a decent chance of translating to the next level.

 

In transition again, he attacks with speed and can handle the puck while skating and moving his feet at the same time. Has good explosiveness and long reach. Protects the puck and can gain space with his skating and then make plays off it. Here, he does have a few easy fixes to make. For one, he can be liable to overdoing it by himself in trying to get around the opposing players too much on his own and sometimes he ends up losing the puck. Could learn to implement gear changes here, slow down sometimes and pass the puck to an open linemate for him to continue and support him. Not a huge issue, as he just needs to cut back slightly and let the game come to him. But still, a pretty good player in attacking through neutral zone into offensive zone and has ample natural talent there.

 

Defensively his effort level is slightly more inconsistent, but I would not really call him a below-average defensive player. Off the puck, he tracks the play pretty well and have even seen him throw his body around a bit on the forecheck. He will back-check and pick up his man. Covers his lanes reasonably well, but I don't think he is that far advanced in those respects. Definitely projectable for a prospect but I doubt that he'd ever be a significant defensive force.

 

In his own zone he does keep his feet moving and tracks the play. He'll commit to puck battles if needed, but he is not as good at winning those 50-50 battles at the wall compared to actually protecting the puck once he has the possession of it. So he's definitely someone who can protect the puck at the wall once he gets it or make plays out of it, but when it comes down to 50-50 battles in his own zone, he's not quite as advanced yet. In the defensive zone, I wouldn't say that he exits the zone prematurely but he does keep his head up and looks for possible turnovers so he can contribute on the rush if that possibility opens up and that is something he likes to do.

 

Overall, I'd say Guryanov projects as a top 6 skill winger with size and a decent compete level. Has good puck protection, can make plays off the wall and excels in cycling. Shows up in soft spots of the ice looking for his shot. Very translatable package overall. He could also play in a bottom 6 if that's what's required as he has good size and jump and protects the puck well and can sustain zone time, pinning the opposition down in their own zone. Also has the ability to utilize his skating to gain entry which is another plus, especially if you're playing a dump and chase bottom 6 role as maybe there won't be that much back-and-forth through the neutral zone available in that scenario. Could definitely play on the PP.

 

Development focus: I'd say for Guryanov he has to mostly fill out his 6'2 frame with some weight. There's a few quirks in his game that he likes to do now when in offensive transition, which might not work consistently at the NHL level. He can be prone to trying to gain entry all by himself which can back-fire, so cutting back on doing that in favor of a more controlled team-oriented neutral zone play and supporting the puck a bit more might be required at the next level.

 

Projection: I'd project Guryanov as having the ability to play as a top 9 winger with size and skill. Good puck protection, can sustain zone time, skates with the puck and can gain space, and does a good job of finding open spaces to get his shot off. Could play on the PP. Probably a better fit for a top 6 role but could make a contribution in a bottom 6 role as well.

 

27-Jordan Greenway

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B-

Puck movement and possession retention: B+

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: big heavy winger, moves well, down-low ability, puck protection

 

Room for improvement: offensive creativity is not the highest, skill level is "just" OK

 

Full analysis:

 

Jordan Greenway is a big, heavy winger that shows surprising mobility for his size, in fact one does not ever think speed is even deficient for Greenway. Combine that with a decent skill-level and you are quickly talking about an attractive overall package. Greenway's physical tools and skillset are also backed up by good hockey IQ and compete level. While his skill level is "just" OK, he displays a very rare skillset that is relatively easily projectable to the next level, the only question mark being his offensive upside as the driver of offense on his line.

 

In my opinion, the best asset that Greenway possesses, is his ability to be that heavy, hard to move winger down low that can combine that with his surprisingly decent hockey IQ and puck-handling skills to become a factor down low on the cycle and against the boards, producing zone time and pinning opposition into their own end. Greenway is in fact a dominant player down low as he is not just coming in at 6'5 223lbs, but is actually really strong on his skates with a good stance and body positioning that makes him really hard to remove from the puck. Also shows good vision and ability to make plays as he will find open teammates and involve himself into the offensive zone game, while not having the highest skill level or high-end creativity that would really allow him to dictate it. Instead Greenway utilizes his assets to be a factor and complement his linemates by having a very specific skillset.

 

That skillset will undoubtedly be very attractive to any team that wants to play a physically dominating cycle game. However, the assets don't stop here with Greenway, as he is also surprisingly mobile not just for his size, as it would be fair to say that his skating is not deficient at all. In fact Greenway has good hockey IQ, and decent puck-handling skills which in combination with his reach actually allows him to even break the puck into the offensive zone by himself. On top of being a very good down-low forward, he is also pretty good at gaining the zone and skating with the puck at speed and is also capable of making plays in those instances, although he will not blow anyone's shoes off with anything elaborate.

 

As a forechecker he is a presence with his size, long reach, and ability to read the play and isn't deficient without the puck at all. Shows willingness to play defensively and gets into lanes in defensive zone. The fact that he is 6'5 220lbs+ only makes it that much more attractive should he have to battle at the wall defensively as well as offensively. That said, although he throws his body around and will finish checks I wouldn't exactly consider him to be a physical terror out on the ice. Still, he is a tough customer and considering he sustains his physical play, he can be a pretty tough player to play against for sure.

 

Where the question marks with Greenway start are really somewhat typical with players of his ilk. While he does show capability of making good plays with the puck on his stick, he isn't an offensive genius nor does he display any excessive creativity on a consistent level. He will almost certainly be a factor offensively, but his offensive upside as a driver of offense in isolation is a bit questionable. However his skillset is unique enough that he could contribute in a specific way with someone else doing the driving offensively on his line, I would certainly not consider him deficient to the point that he'd be incapable of integrating himself into a complimentary top 6 role, however should he fail to do that, Greenway would still have a relatively easy transition to the 3rd line and would be a plus player as a bottom 6 forward.

 

I would view Greenway as a big, heavy winger, that can dominate down low and be a physical presence while not being deficient at any factor of the game. Should be capable of integrating himself in the line-up by using his unique skillset and I would consider him to have the ability to either play in a complimentary role in the top 6 or excelling in the bottom 6. A player that has the ability to slide up and down the line-up, and could even be used for net traffic on the PP as well as having the ability to PK.

 

Development focus: Developmentally, it's important for Greenway that he builds his skillset further, maintaining at least a projectable NHL level in all aspects which should give him the ability to slide into the top 6 as a complimentary player if needed. I'd say it's important that he doesn't pigeonhole himself into a bottom 6 role, mentally or physically, and keeps developing as a offensive option. That said, he does have a pretty nice floor for a prospect and that shouldn't be taken as a negative for him.

 

Projection: I'd project Greenway ideally as a player that can slide up and down between top 6 and bottom 6 by providing a unique skillset of a big physically dominating winger that is excellent down low but also capable in other aspects of the game.With that size could be a factor in net traffic on PP, and should also be capable of PK. At a bit of a lower end, if his offensive game doesn't work out, there's still capability for a bottom 6 role with Greenway, as his skillset would be easily translatable to that slot.

 

28-Nick Merkley

 

Offensive zone ability: B

Offensive transition ability: B+

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: B

Defensive zone ability: B-

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: compete level, direct playmaker, grit

 

Room for improvement:: filling out his frame, better shoot/pass balance which would produce more deception

 

Full analysis:

 

Nick Merkley is a gritty medium sized forward capable of playing both wing and center positions. Merkley is a rather unique prospect in this draft class as he combines several skillsets that typically aren't seen together in one single player. Yet, Merkley manages to combine them together into one overall attractive package, ultimately resulting in him being a sort of a Swiss army knife player not only in his ability to play both positions but actually possessing skills that should allow him to play in different situations up and down the line-up at the next level.

 

At a very basic big picture level, Merkley is a gritty straight-line forward that isn't afraid to get his nose dirty by playing in traffic, taking physical abuse to make plays or dishing out physical punishment on his own. What makes Merkley unique is that he combines that direct straight-line game with well above-average vision and playmaking. Thus while we can say that Merkley is a playmaking forward, he is not a typical playmaker that has a more controlled, patient, cerebral approach to playmaking. Instead, Merkley has an aggressive, direct disposition and is more apt at producing turnovers and making those "last" quick direct passes into space for scoring chances. There isn't so much that controlled back and forth, give and go, east-west approach that is classically associated with playmaking forwards. Merkley is more of a north-south, aggressive type that however still displays high-end ability to set-up teammates.

 

Instead of slowly tightening the noose around the neck so to speak as classic skilled playmakers do by patiently manipulating space, Merkley does it by being aggressive on the ice and finding that one opening that he can pass into and produce a scoring chance. He often also passes into space and at different speeds so his teammates can "skate into" the puck. In fact this is one of the better facets of Merkley's game as he needs minimal time to process the space and knows what type of pass he needs to make, whether it is a direct quick one or one that needs to be passed into space at a slower speed. There isn't much thinking involved there with Merkley, it's an innate trait for him and he pulls it off instinctively.

 

He also has good overall mobility and is a plus skater and utilizes his skating accordingly as he displays ability to read "holes" and jump into them as needed. Defensively he is committed to supporting the play and plays the puck-carrier with above-average aggression. That is not to say that Merkley lacks positioning sense either offensively or defensively, it is just that his approach is quite an aggressive one as he prefers direct shortest lanes, over elaborate manipulation of space.

 

As a playmaker, that means he creates mostly off more chaotic less-stationary situations that he himself helps create with his aggression after that his ability to read the play then gives him the chance to exploit those half-breakdowns. Though possessing an above-average skill level, Merkley will not blow you away with his stickhandling or technical skills with the puck. However to his credit, on the cycle he does show decent ability to protect the puck and uses his stick in a manner that keeps the puck far away from his body and thus makes him hard to stick-check, despite not using many elaborate stickhandling manoeuvres. While I would consider him primarily a player that creates off broken plays and half-breaks with speed, he does do a decent job at being useful even when the play settles down.

 

Overall, Merkley is quite an unique prospect that provides a game that is based on emotion and a direct approach, he creates off that sustaining energy level and both he and his teammates feed off it. His skillset give him the ability to be a Swiss army knife of a player and due to that he could fulfil several roles on any roster while providing a high energy game for his team.

 

Developmentally going forward, he is the type of player that would in my opinion really benefit by adding mass to his frame (provided he doesn't lose speed if possible) as it would have an exponential effect on his strengths, I'd also like him to portray more deception by thinking shoot/pass in a more balanced manner.

 

With that in mind although I do not think he has the upside to be a top line center, he could be anything from a complimentary top line winger, to second line center if things work out really well for him, to more realistically a 2nd/3rd line winger or a 3rd line center with a high compete level that is an option on special teams.

 

Development focus: Would like to see him add mass to his frame and develop a better sense of deception by showing his shot more, this should have a positive effect not only on goal-scoring but also on his ability to open up ice even further.

 

Projection: Swiss-army-knife forward that plays with energy and emotion. Could be used on special teams, and can play up and down throughout the line-up, from optimistically a complimentary top line winger or a 2nd line center, to more realistically a 2nd/3rd line winger or a #3 center.

 

29-Daniel Sprong

 

Offensive zone ability: A-

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: C

Defensive zone ability: C

Defense: positional

Offense: mixed

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: skill, offensive zone control from the perimeter, lateral agility, deceptive shot

 

Room for improvement: play without the puck, getting his teammates involved, excessive individualism can make him look like he's playing on an island, could simplify his approach

 

Full analysis:

 

Daniel Sprong is a mid-sized winger that plays with speed, a high-end skill level and an overall high-end offensive toolset. As a player he is capable of both dishing pucks off after circling for openings as well as utilizing his pinpoint accurate shot with quick-release to beat goalies. Utilizes a fluid skating stride with lateral agility and his terrific stickhandling ability to create on ice.

 

Sprong likes to play the perimeter game, which really in the way he utilizes it is a bit of a double-edged sword. He has fantastic ability to use his lateral agility and skating in combination with his top-end puck control to skate and weave around the offensive zone, eluding checks as he waits for defensive looks to change until he is comfortable in selecting a play. In that respect, he is at times capable of commanding the offensive zone all by himself, as he does a good job to not get pinned down to the boards or stick-checked.

 

The other side of Sprong is that his at times excessive individualism on ice results in his linemates not getting involved in the game as much as they could. He is certainly capable of gift-wrapping a goal for his linemates, but on a shift-to-shift basis it can be challenging to play with him, as his style of play tends to leave others rather uninvolved in the overall action. This can make Sprong look like he is at times playing on an island by himself, when he does manage to make a good play out of it, it looks fantastic, but he is not quite there yet as far as being consistently integrated in the flow of the game.

 

His perimeter game can also start looking limp against defenses that don't make mistakes, as he doesn't take the play to scoring areas with much consistency. While this still results in possession-time if he does not get immediately checked, it however doesn't really produce much of danger to the opposition, especially if he overhandles the puck and doesn't manage to get his teammates involved. He might create space with his skill but he doesn't always recognize the moment for when to dish it off and actually take advantage of that opening, instead holding up the puck past what was needed.

 

Sprong also tends to lose effectiveness if the puck is not on his stick, as he has a wait-and-see approach that sometimes is quite effective in sneaking in back-door or getting involved in turnovers and then creating off the rush, but it can also significantly decrease his effectiveness if the opposition establishes any sort of control and puts exponentially more stress on his linemates in situations without the puck.

 

Overall, as a player he is a fluid, highly skilled winger, that is effective with the puck on his stick and can control the offensive zone from the perimeter with his elusiveness and high-end skill level. Shows good vision in finding people open but his actual decision-making isn't that high end. Capable of gift-wrapping someone a goal, but struggles at developing a natural relationship with the flow of the game. Has a good, deceptive shot and can pick corners and beat goalies clean.

 

Defensively he does show good sense of positioning, but his feet can stop moving completely away from the puck. Likes to angle himself for turnovers in advance, where he has the option to explode with the puck provided a turnover happens which is a high-risk way to play defense, as it puts more stress on his teammates but it also presents an option for rush-attacks.

 

Projecting him, he is a pretty clear-cut top 6 winger if he is going to play in the NHL. I don't believe his game is suited to a bottom 6 role. With his high-skill level he should be a powerplay option. However, to make it to an established top 6 role at the NHL level, he will really have to clean up some parts of his game. Needs a better sense of utilizing his teammates and needs to find a way to play as a shift-to-shift all-around contributor instead of displaying flashes of tantalizing skills in an individualistic role. With the latter, the skill level might get him to the NHL, but he will not find an established role in the top 6 of a Cup contender which requires the ability to produce synergy with your linemates and an overall contribution, without that and with no development in those aspects, a player his type would probably be bouncing around mediocre teams that need warm bodies to fill up their line-up while retooling or rebuilding.

 

Development focus: Developmentally I would like him to get a better sense of being an option in multiple-aspects of the game. He can keep his high skill level and the semblance of his game from changing looks on the perimeter to being a rush option off turnovers, but there needs to be a bigger buy-in in how to affect the game in multiple ways. And he will need to dish the puck a little more often and get his linemates involved there. If he creates an opening, take advantage of it with a pass even if its not flashy, instead of overhandling the puck.

 

Projection: I would project him as a top 6 winger and a PP option if he does make it, don't see the skillset for him to be a bottom 6 forward.

 

30-Vince Dunn

 

Offensive zone ability: B+

Offensive transition ability: B

Puck movement and possession retention: B

Defensive transition ability: C+

Defensive zone ability: C-

Defense: positional

Offense: cerebral

 

Keywords, unique identity traits: offensive defenseman, slightly undersized but very good offensive instincts, moves the puck well and elusive

 

Room for improvement: needs to pack on muscle, can be physically overpowered, high-risk offensive game sometimes leaves a lot of space behind him

 

Full analysis:

 

Vince Dunn is a slightly undersized offensive defenseman that posesses good vision, mobility, and offensive flair. Solid as a puck-mover he is capable of both passing as well as skating with the puck. Has good lateral agility and elusivness and is capable of deking with the puck. Has natural offensive instincts and loves to get involved offensively, sometimes this requires his linemates to cover for him but he is quite effective in that role. Defensively he tracks well and has mobility and a decent stick. Being undersized he can sometimes be physically overpowered and his defensive zone compete level is average-ish.

 

The most unique aspect of Vince Dunn are quite easily his natural instincts for getting involved offensively. While he will need to pick his spots better and time his offensive zone expeditions a bit more conservatively at the next level, there is no question that he is a natural at penetrating offensively, either by joining late or by spear-heading the play. Has good lateral elusiveness and can handle the puck with ease, finds open men, can pass, can get involved with his wrist shot or even attack the net almost as a forward. This does tend to open up some space behind him but his natural instincts are very good in the offensive zone and he gets involved as a offensive producer with ease way past basic fundamental offensive play that one would expect out of a defenseman in the offensive zone.

 

In starting transition he doesn't panic with the puck and makes solid outlets. He has good puck-retrieval and selects his plays decently. He can both skate with the puck or opt for a pass out of the zone. He likes to join the offensive side of it quite aggressively so there is a bit of inherent risk in his game that requires smart linemates that can cover for him defensively when he decides to get involved. That is something that will likely need work at the next level, timing his forays a bit more conservatively while not eliminating that natural gift of his. Would defintely be best served paired with a physically bigger and positionally smart defensive defenseman.

 

In defending transitionally he has good mobility and generally tracks the play well. He will use his stick and protect the middle, but he does have the tendency to get overpowered by bigger forwards. So bulking up is in store for him for sure. Other than that, again his instincts are pretty solid and he does show the will to get involved on both sides of the puck. Basic fundamentals are there with him trying to steer the play to the outside, but again needs more strength for that side of the game to be effective at a consistent level.

 

His biggest weakness at this point has to be the defensive zone. While I wouldn't call him deficient as he generally knows what he has to do, he is simply not much better than average in defending in his own zone at his current level. While his hockey IQ is decent in tracking the play, he isn't that good at breaking any plays up or getting possession for his team. Again a lot of that seems to be him lacking in strength but I sometimes wish he'd show a bigger buy-in as well and tighten a little bit in his coverage. A fixable issue mostly but I wouldn't expect him to be better than average at an NHL level if he makes it that far.

 

Overall, I see Dunn as an offensive defenseman that can both pass as well as skate with the puck and should be capable of playing power-play. He has some pretty unique offensive instincts in how he gets involved in the play either joining late or spear-heading it himself and the way he can attack and be a factor even deep in the offensive zone. There is some inherent risk with that, that will likely require him to time his forays a bit more conservatively at the NHL level, but it is still a natural gift of his to be a factor in the offensive zone. He would definitely be best served being paired with a physical, positionally smart defensive defenseman that can provide the physical side of it and control defensive zone battles as well as cover for him when needed.

 

Development focus: For Dunn he mostly has to bulk up to become at least passable in physical battles, especially in his own zone. His offensive involvment will also have to be timed a bit more conservatively at the next level, it's a definite advantage of his and something that shouldn't be removed from his game but it will need better timing in order not to result in scoring chances against or be too taxing on his linemates to cover for him.

 

Projection: I'd project Dunn if he does make it at best as a 2nd pairing offensive defenseman with very nice instincts for getting involved as a producer, more conservatively that upside would be a 3rd pairing offensive defenseman. Has PP qualities. He'd be best paired with a defensive defenseman that can allow him to utilize his natural offensive instincts.

[pilldoc]

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

 

 

http://www.hockeyfor...rt/#entry245929

[hf101]

I thought I'd post this here.

 

Top 10 results for each category of the 2015 NHL Scouting Combine

 

http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2015/6/6/8741785/2015-nhl-draft-combine-complete-fitness-testing-results?_ga=1.28234300.1458286014.1369999643

 

In summary:

 

Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood drastically out-performed his counterparts, a rare dominant performance for a goalie

Defenceman Noah Hanifin, a potential Leafs pick, finished in the top 10 for four tests

Winger Mitchell Marner, another potential Leafs pick, finished well only in the fatigue index, placing second

Marner weighed in at 159.85 Ibs, and measured at 5'11", tying him with Anthony Cirelli and Adam Marsh as the lightest player at the combine

Prospect Travis Konecny came out with one of the most well-rounded performances, finishing in the top 10 five times

Jack Eichel finished in the top 10 in seven different tests while Connor McDavid did for just three events

Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Brendan Guhle was the biggest standout, with nine top 10 finishes, including first in the standing long jump and the peak power output tests.

[Podein25]

@hf101

 

A couple of other notes I made:

• Crouse with 3 top 10 finishes
• Carlo with 6
• Colin White with 4 (all agility and quickness related)
• Austin Wagner with 5 (he's ranked 35th among NA skaters by CS. Don't know much about him but he's certainly in great shape and is an explosive skater by the looks of it. Hasn't turned 18 yet so he's a kid I'd be interested in having a look at)

[jammer2]

@pilldoc  Was not sure where to post this, so I picked your very informatative thread....

 

 McKeen's hockey top 5 2015 prospects for hockey sense....

 

 Home »Draft Blog Feature »2015 NHL Draft Guide – Top 5 Hockey Sense

2015 NHL Draft Guide – Top 5 Hockey Sense

By Grant McCagg On June 4, 2015· Add Comment

Best Hockey Sense

As is often the case with generational talents like Connor McDavid, hockey sense is a key component to the superstar DNA.  ”He sees the ice and processes the play at another level,” explains one NHL crossover scout. “He is two or three moves ahead of everyone else in his mind.”  

  Marner is another special talent when it comes to seeing everyone on the ice and anticipating what’s happening next. Provorov has an innate ability to read the play properly and react accordingly…few defencemen step into the CHL and dominate like he did.  What Strome lacks in foot speed he more than makes up in on-ice awareness, while Merkley thinks the game at both ends of the ice as well as any prospect 

1. Connor McDavid 2. Mitch Marner 3. Ivan Provorov 4. Dylan Strome 5. Nick Merkley

 

 Interesting, huh?  I was kinda surprised to see Provorov at #3....and Merkley, a very nice feather in his cap also!

[Podein25]

 Interesting, huh?  I was kinda surprised to see Provorov at #3....and Merkley, a very nice feather in his cap also!

 

 

Yeah, it's definitely more common to see forwards  in those hockey sense lists. I'm more and more sold on Provorov. Will be perfectly happy if we land him.

[pilldoc]

@jammer2

@Podein25

 

Agree with both....it has been mentioned  over and over on here, but a 1st D-man pairing of Sanheim and Provorov looks really good to me.

If he is there...the Flyers need to pick him, and by the way all the mocks are coming out, there is no reason why he shouldn't be available at #7.

[yave1964]

 

 

Very nice. I took the time to study a lot of players who I knew little about, I am ready for the draft in ten days!

 

I predicted the Wings drafting Mantha two years ago, and drafting Dylan Larkin last year, this year I think there is every chance the Wings moved down in the draft for a veteran center but if they hold onto their first rounder, it has got to be Brandon Carlo with our pick.

 

 A big right handed shot blueliner, Carlo makes sense in every way.

[Podein25]

@yave1964

 

Where do you guys pick again?

 

I also like Carlo and think he will be a riser. 6'5"/200 and only gonna get bigger, while mobile, is as safe as you can get at the D-spot. The comment on him that he "lets the game come to him" suggests that his positioning is solid and he thinks and sees the game well. Good fit for DET for sure. Also RH.

[yave1964]

@Podein25

 

We pick 19, I have been studying a few mock drafts he should fall somewhere the middle/late first round. Like you mentioned he would be a perfect fit.

[Podein25]

We pick 19, I have been studying a few mock drafts he should fall somewhere the middle/late first round. 

 

 

Yeah, he was in that late 20s zone, but I think he could easily go as high as 19 or higher. Size still matters in hockey.

[yave1964]

@Podein25

 

Your Jets at 17 and 25, I have been reading names like Kyle Conner, Paul Bittner and Nick Merkley in different drafts. IMHO the Jets need to go forward all the way to go with that great bunch of defenseman you have accumulated. Thoughts?

[JackStraw]

@Podein25

 

We pick 19, I have been studying a few mock drafts he should fall somewhere the middle/late first round. Like you mentioned he would be a perfect fit.

 

Don't the Wings need a puck moving defenseman? I don't think Carlo is one of those.

[yave1964]

Don't the Wings need a puck moving defenseman? I don't think Carlo is one of those.

we have Dekeyser who has shown flashes in that regard, and Oullet and Marchenko who are ready to step into that role. a big stay at home guy who allows puck movers to join the play would be ideal. everything says his offense is his weak spot but that he has a cannon for a shot when he does move up. i think the Wings resign Zidlicky for a couple of years, try the other kids and within two years having Carlo on the back end.

 Tyler Myers lite. better defense, not as much offense but lots of size.

[J0e Th0rnton]

Very nice. I took the time to study a lot of players who I knew little about, I am ready for the draft in ten days!

 

I predicted the Wings drafting Mantha two years ago, and drafting Dylan Larkin last year, this year I think there is every chance the Wings moved down in the draft for a veteran center but if they hold onto their first rounder, it has got to be Brandon Carlo with our pick.

 

 A big right handed shot blueliner, Carlo makes sense in every way.

Same. This is the first time in decades I have been really pumped for a draft. Sharks have not picked 9th in..........well since we traded up for Couture, but i was not expecting that.

[J0e Th0rnton]

@Podein25

 

Your Jets at 17 and 25, I have been reading names like Kyle Conner, Paul Bittner and Nick Merkley in different drafts. IMHO the Jets need to go forward all the way to go with that great bunch of defenseman you have accumulated. Thoughts?

Connor won't be there at 17. Too many Toews comparisons fresh in people's minds. Merkley I can see going around 15. Bittner will be tho

[luckylarry]

For the Canucks, I would like them to take Dunn at 23. I see this guy as a straight line offensively gifted D-man. He has super quick hands and feet. Of all the D in this coming draft (including guys ranked a lot higher) I see Dunn as the one who turns out to be the best of the bunch.

[hf101]

Good choice @luckylarry  and welcome to the site.

 

I agree, I think the Canucks need to restock their defensive talent and Dunn is a good choice.

[luckylarry]

It seems every draft has guys in certain spots. Then in a few years, when the players mature, there are many guys who just don't match their draft spot. I wonder if the smaller players will get more of a look this year, considering the success of Tampa and Chicago? It seems skating, skill, smarts, and compete level are more important than large.

[luckylarry]

Thanks for the welcome! I love talking (discussing) hockey. I know there are several good prospects in the latter part of the first round, and into the second round too. I would like the Canucks to not only get Dunn but get more picks in the top 50 and draft more high skill, high compete D. There are guys like Philly has (Sanheim sp?) who can move the puck, so make the game a lot faster.

[flyercanuck]

@luckylarry

 

If you don't mind my asking, where abouts in BC are you?

[JackStraw]

Thought this might be of interest, transcript of a chat with Kyle Woodlief of Red Line Report:

 

http://sportswire.usatoday.com/2015/06/23/nhl-draft-chat-kyle-woodlief-connor-mcdavid-jack-eichel/

 

Tuesday June 23, 2015

 

Red Line: 

Good afternoon everyone, and thanks for joining in the chat session, and for your interest in the NHL Draft. We'll get going in a few minutes; in the meantime, please fill up the queue with your questions, and I'll get to as many of them as I can.

Kyle Woodlief - Red Line Report

12:50 

Comment From Darren Brooks

 

How would you compare Vince Dunn and Travis Dermott? Which player do you prefer?

12:55 

 

Red Line: 

We like both of these smaller puck moving defencemen, but we like Dunn a bit more due to his outstanding speed and offensive instincts. He's got a terrific point shot and really runs a power play well. He's a borderline first rounder in our view. We like Dermott too, and while he's only 5-11, he's close to 200 pounds, so he's built very solidly and is a very smart player.

12:59 

Comment From Jackson

 

Why is Roy ranked so high with Redline and so low with other s late 1st rd

12:59 

 

Red Line: 

Don't know what others you're referring to, but we're actually out there in the rinks watching these kids every night and talking to coaches about work ethic, etc. The Roy kid has a real "It" factor in our opinion, with the best pure offensive instincts and passing skills among all defencemen, combined with a burning passion for the game. He's only average sized and an average skater, but his hockey sense, skill level, and desire form a terrific combination.

1:02 

Comment From Darren Brooks

 

Hi Kyke, you are high on Denis Gurianov in your rankings. If you were a GM at what point in the first round would you risk picking him?

1:03 

 

Red Line: 

I wouldn't hesitate to pick him in the 10-12 range. We have him a bit higher than that at #8 overall, and if his name was Smith and he was playing in the OHL, he'd be a top 10 pick for sure. Frankly, even if you have to wait two years for a Russian player (and I'm not sure his drafting team will have to wait that long) to come over, probably pretty much any other player you picked at that point would still take two more years of seasoning before being ready anyway - so what's the difference?

1:05 

Comment From Darren

 

How high is Colin White's offensive upside? Do you see him as a third line center in the NHL or can be produce on a scoring line?

1:06 

 

Red Line: 

White's offensive upside, I believe, is as a second line centre in the NHL - possibly a 60 point guy. His value lies in the fact that he's a well rounded two-way player who works hard at both ends, plus he's got a good (if not elite) skill level.

1:07 

Comment From Dan

 

Paul Bittner left Minnesota high school for the WHL. Brock Boeser left Minnesota high school early for the USHL. Both are potential first rounders. Which do you think benefitted more and who's the better prospect right now?

1:08 

 

Red Line: 

Interesting question. I like Bittner a bit more because of his size, and I think the Portland coaching stafff in the WHL brought him along well and rounded out his game to the point where he plays fairly well in his own end. Boeser is more of a pure goal scorer who didn't learn how to play much defence in the USHL. But Boeser likely has a bit more offensive upside, and both will go in the first round.

1:10 

Comment From Kev

 

Where do you think Zboril will go in the draft

1:10 

 

Red Line: 

I think Zboril will go somewhere in the 13-18 range. He's been a late riser and did really well in his interviews at the scouting combine earlier this month. He's also a serious workout warrior and works hard off the ice to make himself better.

1:12 

Comment From Marc

 

Joel Eriksson Ek, Colin White and Jansen Harkins. If you could only have 1, who would it be?

1:12 

 

Red Line: 

Personally, I would take Joel Eriksson-Ek. I just love the way he continued to improve throughout the season. That's something I always look for as a scout: has the player plateaued a bit, or is his development curve on the rise? With Eriksson-Ek, the arrow is headed straight upwards.

1:14 

Comment From Steve

 

Kyle, Where do you have Daniel Sprong ranked? and how would you order some of the smaller wings that have potential - Beauvillier, Kovacs, Bracco? Thanks!

1:14 

 

Red Line: 

At Red Line, we have Sprong at #38, but acknowledge that on sheer talent, he'd be a first round value. Of the four guys you mentioned in your post, we have them ranked in this order: Beauvillier, Sprong, Bracco, and Kovacs. Probably all 2nd rounders, though Sprong and Bracco have first round skill levels.

1:16 

Comment From Kyle

 

Between Guryanov ,Svechnikov, Roy and Zboriil who would you take?

1:17 

 

Red Line: 

I'd take Guryanov - just so dynamic - followed closely by Roy.

1:17 

Comment From Dave in Ontario

 

Can you give me a run down on three guys who you think, besides the obvious first round prospects, have the potential to become a mid-to-later round home run picks similar to a Datsyuk or Benn? And your reasoning behind it.

1:20 

 

Red Line: 

I think Ottawa's Dante Salituro is the most underrated player in the draft, and probably won't go before the 3rd round, so he'd be one of my picks. He gets downgraded because he's only 5-9 and lacks explosiveness in his skating you'd like to see from a smaller guy, but he just has so much skill and offensive instincts - I think he'll overcome the concerns. I would also take centre Anthony Cirelli from Oshawa. He got stuck behind two dominant junior centres on a championship calibre club, so he didn't get great icetime or any power play time. He's going to blossom into an absolute stud next year when Cole Cassels and Mike McCarron are gone. And third, I'd take someone like defenceman Jeremy Lauzon from Rouyn-Noranda, or big Russian winger Nikolai Chebykin, who are both underrated, but have great tools.

1:26 

Comment From Brian in Shortsville

 

The Sabres take Eichel #2. Also sitting with #s 21, 31 and 51. Can you get them a top-6 winger with size, a #2/3 center and a PP quarterback?

1:27 

 

Red Line: 

You could use the #21 pick on one of two great skating, offensively skilled defencemen: Thomas Chabot or Oliver Kylington. If big winger Zach Senyshyn was sitting there at #31, I would run up to the podium if I'm the Sabres. And then at #51, if you're looking specifically for a 2nd line centre, you could take a shot on Finnish centre Julius Nattinen. That would be my quick take off the top of my head.

1:30 

Comment From Marc

 

How does RLR now feel about Oliver Kylington after his up-and-downs eason?

1:34 

 

Red Line: 

Top five talent, but a HUGE risk. Was god-awful in many games we saw him this season. Completely lacking in judgement. But WOW! He's the best skater in the entire draft and is really dynamic with the puck on his stick. Can create just as many chances for the opposition as his own team, however. Big boom or bust type.

1:36 

Comment From Guest

 

Kyle, Always appreciate your work. Any change in your opinion of Flyers first pick? My belief is that Hexy wants a true #1 D-Man, so if he can get Provorov he grabs him. Unless, of course, you believe Sanheim already is going to be that true #1 D-Man.

1:36 

 

Red Line: 

If Provorov is still there when the Flyers pick at #7, I can't see them passing him by. But I doubt he will be on the board that long, so I think their choice will come down to Rantanen, Barzal, or Zacha.

1:39 

Comment From Scott Palmer

 

Are there any high-risk/high-reward players that you would feel are worth the gamble of using a first-round pick to draft?

1:39 

 

Red Line: 

Well, Kylington is the ultimate high risk/high reward player. So if you think you can solve his decision making difficulties, there's no reason a team shouldn't scoop him up if he gets past pick #20.

1:40 

Comment From David

 

Any potential elite goalies in this draft?

1:41 

 

Red Line: 

Two of them: Ilya Samsonov from Russia, and Matej Tomek, a big Slovak who played with Topeka in the NAHL this past season.

1:42 

Comment From John

 

Is it really that much of a concern to not pick in the first round of this year's draft if it's considered so deep?

1:42 

 

Red Line: 

Well, the concern is that you're missing out on top end talent in a deep first round. The saving grace is that, if you scout well, there will still be some very good players available to you in the second round.

1:43 

Comment From Marc

 

Hey Kyle, is there a player you feel is being highly overated by thepublic/media?

1:44 

 

Red Line: 

I wouldn't say HIGHLY overrated, but I do see a lot of media types projecting Lawson Crouse as a top five pick, and I'd be a lot more comfortable picking him in the 12-14 range. He's a strong prospect, but not top five in a very strong draft like this one.

1:46 

Comment From Marc

 

3 Euro defencemen, pick 1: Larsson, Carlsson, Siegenthaler

1:46 

 

Red Line: 

For me it's Gabriel Carlsson, and fairly easily. Not a fan of Jacob Larsson, and Siegenthaler has no offensive component to his game.

1:47 

Comment From Andrew

 

How does the emergence of Jeff Blashill as the new Wings czar change the Wings' draft strategy?

1:47 

 

Red Line: 

Not at all. Jeff Blashill is a terrific coach, but I don't know any team that drafts on the basis of who their coach is. The coach is not out scouting the players, so he doesn't know them.

1:48 

Comment From Larry

 

Do you have any sleeper late round picks?

1:49 

 

Red Line: 

Yes, several. I mentioned Anthony Cirelli earlier. Tough defenceman Andrew Nielsen from the WHL is another. A pair of gigantic, 6-7 forwards: Sweden's Gustav Olhaver and Nikita Pavlychev, a Russian who has been playing North America for a couple of seasons already. Mathieu Joseph, a scoring winger from the Q. Ryan Bednard, a huge goaltender who was little seen in the NAHL. And several second year eligibles who have been overlooked in the past: Dryden Hunt, Karson Kuhlman, Steven Desrocher, Tyson Baillie, and Pius Suter.

1:54 

Comment From Marc

 

3 OHL forwards: Blake Speers, Mitchell Stephens and Zachary Senyshyn. Pick 1.

1:55 

 

Red Line: 

Senyshyn in a landslide, and it's not even close. The other two are not in his league. Would not surprise me if Senyshyn winds up getting selected in the first round.

1:56 

Comment From Randy

 

From a scouting perspective is the USNTDP creating top flight prospects like you'd expect given the enormous resources put into it?

1:56 

 

Red Line: 

Well, each year is different for them; it's cyclical, like any other league or organisation. This year, there are not many top prospects from the U.S. NTDP. But part of that is that Eichel graduated, and guys like Hanifin and Werenski accelerated their schooling to go to college early. If you add them to the U.S> NTDP's crop, it would have been an outstanding year for them. Overall, the only mild criticism you occasionally hear from scouts is that they sometimes try to take skilled offensive players and make them play in a tightly disciplined system, and don't let them show their creativity enough. But, ultimately, that may help them at the NHL level.

2:01 

Comment From Brian in Shortsville

 

Seeing a wide spread of opinions on Pavel Karnaukhov. Why is that and what is yours?

2:01 

 

Red Line: 

The wide spread of opinions is because so far, he has been more about tremendous physical tools than production. He tends to be really streaky and inconsistent. When he's on, he can be dominant. When his effort level goes away, he can be invisible.

2:03 

Comment From Darren

 

Do you see Jack Roslovic as merely a product of his linemates or will he be a successful NHLer?

2:03 

 

Red Line: 

Love me some Jack Roslovic! A player who just continues to get better, and has a great scoring touch around net, and a knack for getting himself open in scoring territory. He'll need time in college (probably at least 2-3 years), but he's going to be a good one.

2:05 

Comment From Marc

 

Is Austin Wagner just the next Chad Kilger (big and fast but lacks skills and hockey sense) or is there a legit possibility he could be a top 6 guy?

2:05 

 

Red Line: 

Wow, very tough question. One of our WHL scouts loves him, and believes he's just scratching the surface of what he could become. RIght now, he's a terrific checker and defensibve player with great size and good skating ability. If you think his offensive game is going to develop (and we think he could be a solid 2nd/3rd line winger), then you take him in the second round.

2:07 

Comment From Steven

 

Which prospects, regardless of which teams select them, do you see playing in the NHL this season?

2:07 

 

Red Line: 

McDavid, Eichel, Hanifin, Provorov. Possibly Rantanen and Zacha because of their physical maturity, and possibly Strome. Marner is a tough call because his game is ready for the NHL right now, but he's not physically big enough to handle 82 games against men. He has nothing left to prove in the OHL.

2:10 

Comment From GoChill

 

How do Hanafin & Provorov stack up to other recent high 1st rnd Dmen like Murray or Ekblad?

2:10 

 

Red Line: 

I think both Hanifin and Provorov have more offensive game right now, and more offensive upside longterm, than Murray. Ekblad is a pretty special player who is dominant at both ends, so I'd rank him above Hanifin and Provorov, but it's not a huge gap.

2:13 

Comment From Darren

 

Is Noah Juulsen worthy of a first round pick in the 20's? What are his strengths and weaknesses?

2:13 

 

Red Line: 

At Red Line, we think Juulsen is highly underrated, and we have him at #28 overall in our rankings. So yes, we do think he's worthy of a first round pick.

2:14 

Comment From Raphael

 

Who do you see the Habs taking at 26 and any chance they trade down?

2:14 

 

Red Line: 

Could see them going for someone like Jake DeBrusk or Brock Boeser. Both could provide scoring off the wing with decent size.

2:15 

 

Red Line: 

As a quick aside, please remember to go to USA Today's web site and visit the Podcast that Kevin Allen and I did on the draft. I have time for only 2-3 more questions.

2:16 

Comment From Darren in Michigan

 

Do you think this would be a good year for my Wings to draft the #19 pick and scoop up a later first and mid second like they tend to do or stick with a talent at #19? What would you do and why.

2:17 

 

James Hascup: 

Anyone interested can listen to the podcast from this link: http://ftw.usatoday.com/201...

2:18 

 

Red Line: 

Not sure I fully understand this question. If you're asking if I think the Wings should trade down from #19 to pick up an extra pick in the mid-2nd round, this would be a good year to have an extra second round pick due to the deep talent pool available. But if the player you really want is still there when your pick comes up at #19, then you take the guy your staff loves, and don't take a chance on missing out on him by trading down.

2:19 

Comment From ddh233

 

What offensive upside does Senyshyn have? A top 6 forward?

2:20 

 

Red Line: 

Yes, I would see Senyshyn as a big, physical, hard driving, good skating second line winger who plays a really strong two-way game.

2:20 

 

Red Line: 

Thanks to everyone who has been participating in the draft chat, and I apologise if I wasn't able to get to your question in the limited time I have. I truly appreciate all your interest in the Draft, and in Red Line Report, and I thank you for taking the time to ask so many intelligent questions. If any of you are headed to Florida for the Draft, please feel free to stop by and say hello if you see me at the arena.