Hossa
Registered User
With the draft over, time for an off-season top 20 prospects update. Graduated prospects now include Mike Matheson, Jake McCabe, Scott Wilson (since dealt), and others.
1) Thomas Chabot - D
Best prospect in the system and one of the best prospects in the world, Chabot is coming off an unbelievable final junior year, winning (amongst other awards), the WJC MVP, QMJHL Playoff MVP, and CHL Defenceman of the Year. Has always been toolsy, but has made remarkable progress in the past two years. Pure transition blueliner with elite mobility and offensive skills, extremely capable of moving the puck up the ice and very active inside the offensive blueline.
The Erik Karlsson comparison gets made because of the Ottawa connection, but I don't think Chabot's hockey sense, especially defensively, are on quite the same level. Reminds me more of Kris Letang, who relies more on his skating than his reads, and has a similar offensive profile. All in all an elite blueline prospect, and a virtually untouchable asset at this point in time. Should be in the NHL next year.
2) Tristan Jarry - G
One of the best goalie prospects around, Jarry was acquired for Jake Allen, and will hopefully be able to step in as backup within a year. Won best goaltending duo in the AHL this year as a sophomore, putting up a .925 SV%. Similar to Allen, Jarry is not from the new breed of humongous goalies, standing only 6'2", but is athletic and positionally sound. A future #1 goalie, although not necessarily in Pittsburgh of the NHL, or Vancouver of the HFNHL.
3) Jakub Vrana - LW
Up and down season for the Czech prsopect, who by mid-season was in Washington and looking like an NHL player, and by the playoffs was a healthy scratch in the AHL for allegedly playing like he felt he should have graduated already. Trade rumours followed but hard to figure out if this was just tough love from an AHL coach. In any event, Vrana didn't look out of place in the NHL and is ready for a full-time job offensively, but a bit worrying season in terms of his overall development trajectory.
4) Jake Walman - D
This is where the list begins to open up. Walman followed up his breakout sophomore season at Providence with a good but not great junior year. Looked very good in his 15 game debut in the AHL though, and could challenge for an NHL job immediately. Similar profile as Chabot in that he's an elite offensive blueliner with plus skating, although the overall skill set is a notch lower, with the exception of his shot. Defensive play will be tested as a pro where he can't simply outskate everybody.
5) John Quenneville - C
A real surprise as a first year pro, Quenneville had a very productive season and did not look out of place in 12 NHL games. A two-way centre with very good hands and hockey sense, Quenneville is constantly compared to his Devils teammate Adam Henrique, and the shoe fits. Still profiles as a middle six forward, but offensive game has developed to the point where he looks more like a very good second liner.
6) Anton Slepyshev - RW
Borderline graduated at this point, but still only played 41 games in Edmonton last year. Was impressive in flashes, as his skating and strength improved. Still has a very good shot, and works hard away from the puck. A good chance to be a complimentary winger very soon.
7) Adam Erne - LW
Pretty good season for Erne who took a step forward the AHL level, showing more consistency and upping his production, and played 26 games in the NHL as a result. The offence wasn't there at the NHL level, and still streaky in his goal scoring, but seems to be rounding into form as a power winger who can compliment skilled players. Very good chance he breaks camp in Tampa.
8) Adam Gaudette - C
Breakout start of the group this year, Gaudette emerged as a sophomore as one of the best players in the entire NCAA, finishing 4th in goals and 9th in points. Hard working centre with very good hands and finish, the biggest question may be skating but the stride is fine and should improve with further training. A pretty exciting prospect for a later round re-entry in 2016.
9) Zach Senyshyn - RW
Senyshyn has been an extremely productive goal scorer since being drafted, and has filled out his frame to become an intriguing power forward prospect who can really fly. Has demonstrated he is equally adept at scoring goals off the rush as in-zone, but vision and creativity remain lacking. Probably needs a good year in the AHL to adjust to pro defence.
10) Robert Thomas - C
Most recent first rounder, Thomas is probably the best playmaker among the forwards on the list. Plenty of creativity and vision, and uses his hockey sense well in all three zones. Still a couple years away but likely to light up the OHL the next couple years in London.
11) Josh Norris - C
Another recent NHL first rounder, Norris profiles differently than Thomas and resembles a bit current HFNHL Canuck JT Miller. Well rounded centre whose offensive upside remains a source of discussion, but improved considerably over the course of this past season and demonstrated at the combine that he's willing to put in the work.
12) Boris Katchouk - LW
Another power winger who can score goals, Katchouk is probably more well rounded than Senyshyn or Erne, but lacks the former's pure finish or the latter's elite physicality. Now at 6'3", Katchouk will return to a good Soo Greyhounds team for his final junior season and hopefully take another step forward and push for a WJC spot.
13) Andrew Peeke - D
An HFNHL third rounder in 2016 who almost snuck into the first round in the NHL, Peeke had a very strong first NCAA season in Notre Dame. A rangy and mobile blueliner, Peeke doesn't have a ton of offensive upside but can be a similar player to Jeff Petry as a solid puck-mover who plays a pro game. Will need another couple years, and hopefully play for the US at the WJC.
14) Nick Baptiste - RW
Had a very similar season to Adam Erne, taking a step forward in the AHL and looking like a solid complimentary power winger in his NHL debut. Baptiste's scoring has somewhat surprisingly translated well to the AHL, and because of his skating and size has a chance to ride shotgun with Eichel or O'Reilly in Buffalo soon.
15) Conor Timmins - D
The 32nd overall pick yesterday, Timmins played with Senyshyn and Katchouk last year, and should once again be one of the best blueliners in the OHL next year. Has solid tools across the board which play up due to hockey sense and work ethic.
16) Henri Jokiharju - D
Smaller and more dynamic than Timmins, Jokiharju was a less heralded member of Finland's standout 2016 draft class. Love his skating ability and offensive instincts, and hope the defensive game will round out. Should team with Cody Glass to push Portland towards contention next year.
17) Ben Thomas - D
Very hard to figure out where to place Thomas, who went from being a potential release candidate a year ago to shining as a rookie in the AHL playoffs. Mobile right-shot blueliners who can log big minutes and add offence as in high demand, and Thomas seems to be a better pro than junior, for reasons I have not quite teased out.
18) Jayce Hawryluk - C/RW
Missed half the year with an injury and was good but not great upon his return. Enthusiastic forward who compensates for a average size and skating with very good hands, intelligence and work ethic. Could probably rate higher on this list, but would like to see him thrive at the AHL level first.
19) Dominik Masin - D
Although less dynamic than Thomas, Masin also played a top four role as rookie in Syracuse's run to the Calder Cup finals this past year. Long, rangy and mobile, Masin makes intelligent decisions with the puck but didn't show any real offence in the AHL yet.
20) Will Borgen - D
Falls through no fault of his own, Borgen's profile is the same as a year ago - mobile, defence-first player who is most effective when he's not noticeable. Marc Methot type who will return for his Junior year at St. Cloud State next season.
Honourable Mentions
Marcus Hogberg - Finally broke out as a top goalie in the SEL; now off to the AHL.
Philippe Desrosiers - Bounced around between three teams, still trying to find consistency as a pro goalie.
Emile Poirier - Massive tumbler seems to be developing in reverse. Needs a change of scenery.
Dennis Yan - Actually had a very good season, scoring 46 goals and rounding out his game. A good start in the AHL and he jumps into the early teens.
Jack Dougherty - Didn't adjust as well defensively as Masin, or offensively as Thomas, as a rookie AHL blueliner.
John Marino - Really impressed as a freshman at Harvard, similar to Peeke in terms of size and mobility.
Alex Formenton - Toolsy but unrefined, will rise when he starts producing in the OHL.
Kalle Kossila - Very good AHL rookie season; average size and skating, but a favourite among analytics-minded prospect watchers.
Tomas Nosek - Selected in the expansion draft after a breakout season; big centre should start the year in Vegas.
1) Thomas Chabot - D
Best prospect in the system and one of the best prospects in the world, Chabot is coming off an unbelievable final junior year, winning (amongst other awards), the WJC MVP, QMJHL Playoff MVP, and CHL Defenceman of the Year. Has always been toolsy, but has made remarkable progress in the past two years. Pure transition blueliner with elite mobility and offensive skills, extremely capable of moving the puck up the ice and very active inside the offensive blueline.
The Erik Karlsson comparison gets made because of the Ottawa connection, but I don't think Chabot's hockey sense, especially defensively, are on quite the same level. Reminds me more of Kris Letang, who relies more on his skating than his reads, and has a similar offensive profile. All in all an elite blueline prospect, and a virtually untouchable asset at this point in time. Should be in the NHL next year.
2) Tristan Jarry - G
One of the best goalie prospects around, Jarry was acquired for Jake Allen, and will hopefully be able to step in as backup within a year. Won best goaltending duo in the AHL this year as a sophomore, putting up a .925 SV%. Similar to Allen, Jarry is not from the new breed of humongous goalies, standing only 6'2", but is athletic and positionally sound. A future #1 goalie, although not necessarily in Pittsburgh of the NHL, or Vancouver of the HFNHL.
3) Jakub Vrana - LW
Up and down season for the Czech prsopect, who by mid-season was in Washington and looking like an NHL player, and by the playoffs was a healthy scratch in the AHL for allegedly playing like he felt he should have graduated already. Trade rumours followed but hard to figure out if this was just tough love from an AHL coach. In any event, Vrana didn't look out of place in the NHL and is ready for a full-time job offensively, but a bit worrying season in terms of his overall development trajectory.
4) Jake Walman - D
This is where the list begins to open up. Walman followed up his breakout sophomore season at Providence with a good but not great junior year. Looked very good in his 15 game debut in the AHL though, and could challenge for an NHL job immediately. Similar profile as Chabot in that he's an elite offensive blueliner with plus skating, although the overall skill set is a notch lower, with the exception of his shot. Defensive play will be tested as a pro where he can't simply outskate everybody.
5) John Quenneville - C
A real surprise as a first year pro, Quenneville had a very productive season and did not look out of place in 12 NHL games. A two-way centre with very good hands and hockey sense, Quenneville is constantly compared to his Devils teammate Adam Henrique, and the shoe fits. Still profiles as a middle six forward, but offensive game has developed to the point where he looks more like a very good second liner.
6) Anton Slepyshev - RW
Borderline graduated at this point, but still only played 41 games in Edmonton last year. Was impressive in flashes, as his skating and strength improved. Still has a very good shot, and works hard away from the puck. A good chance to be a complimentary winger very soon.
7) Adam Erne - LW
Pretty good season for Erne who took a step forward the AHL level, showing more consistency and upping his production, and played 26 games in the NHL as a result. The offence wasn't there at the NHL level, and still streaky in his goal scoring, but seems to be rounding into form as a power winger who can compliment skilled players. Very good chance he breaks camp in Tampa.
8) Adam Gaudette - C
Breakout start of the group this year, Gaudette emerged as a sophomore as one of the best players in the entire NCAA, finishing 4th in goals and 9th in points. Hard working centre with very good hands and finish, the biggest question may be skating but the stride is fine and should improve with further training. A pretty exciting prospect for a later round re-entry in 2016.
9) Zach Senyshyn - RW
Senyshyn has been an extremely productive goal scorer since being drafted, and has filled out his frame to become an intriguing power forward prospect who can really fly. Has demonstrated he is equally adept at scoring goals off the rush as in-zone, but vision and creativity remain lacking. Probably needs a good year in the AHL to adjust to pro defence.
10) Robert Thomas - C
Most recent first rounder, Thomas is probably the best playmaker among the forwards on the list. Plenty of creativity and vision, and uses his hockey sense well in all three zones. Still a couple years away but likely to light up the OHL the next couple years in London.
11) Josh Norris - C
Another recent NHL first rounder, Norris profiles differently than Thomas and resembles a bit current HFNHL Canuck JT Miller. Well rounded centre whose offensive upside remains a source of discussion, but improved considerably over the course of this past season and demonstrated at the combine that he's willing to put in the work.
12) Boris Katchouk - LW
Another power winger who can score goals, Katchouk is probably more well rounded than Senyshyn or Erne, but lacks the former's pure finish or the latter's elite physicality. Now at 6'3", Katchouk will return to a good Soo Greyhounds team for his final junior season and hopefully take another step forward and push for a WJC spot.
13) Andrew Peeke - D
An HFNHL third rounder in 2016 who almost snuck into the first round in the NHL, Peeke had a very strong first NCAA season in Notre Dame. A rangy and mobile blueliner, Peeke doesn't have a ton of offensive upside but can be a similar player to Jeff Petry as a solid puck-mover who plays a pro game. Will need another couple years, and hopefully play for the US at the WJC.
14) Nick Baptiste - RW
Had a very similar season to Adam Erne, taking a step forward in the AHL and looking like a solid complimentary power winger in his NHL debut. Baptiste's scoring has somewhat surprisingly translated well to the AHL, and because of his skating and size has a chance to ride shotgun with Eichel or O'Reilly in Buffalo soon.
15) Conor Timmins - D
The 32nd overall pick yesterday, Timmins played with Senyshyn and Katchouk last year, and should once again be one of the best blueliners in the OHL next year. Has solid tools across the board which play up due to hockey sense and work ethic.
16) Henri Jokiharju - D
Smaller and more dynamic than Timmins, Jokiharju was a less heralded member of Finland's standout 2016 draft class. Love his skating ability and offensive instincts, and hope the defensive game will round out. Should team with Cody Glass to push Portland towards contention next year.
17) Ben Thomas - D
Very hard to figure out where to place Thomas, who went from being a potential release candidate a year ago to shining as a rookie in the AHL playoffs. Mobile right-shot blueliners who can log big minutes and add offence as in high demand, and Thomas seems to be a better pro than junior, for reasons I have not quite teased out.
18) Jayce Hawryluk - C/RW
Missed half the year with an injury and was good but not great upon his return. Enthusiastic forward who compensates for a average size and skating with very good hands, intelligence and work ethic. Could probably rate higher on this list, but would like to see him thrive at the AHL level first.
19) Dominik Masin - D
Although less dynamic than Thomas, Masin also played a top four role as rookie in Syracuse's run to the Calder Cup finals this past year. Long, rangy and mobile, Masin makes intelligent decisions with the puck but didn't show any real offence in the AHL yet.
20) Will Borgen - D
Falls through no fault of his own, Borgen's profile is the same as a year ago - mobile, defence-first player who is most effective when he's not noticeable. Marc Methot type who will return for his Junior year at St. Cloud State next season.
Honourable Mentions
Marcus Hogberg - Finally broke out as a top goalie in the SEL; now off to the AHL.
Philippe Desrosiers - Bounced around between three teams, still trying to find consistency as a pro goalie.
Emile Poirier - Massive tumbler seems to be developing in reverse. Needs a change of scenery.
Dennis Yan - Actually had a very good season, scoring 46 goals and rounding out his game. A good start in the AHL and he jumps into the early teens.
Jack Dougherty - Didn't adjust as well defensively as Masin, or offensively as Thomas, as a rookie AHL blueliner.
John Marino - Really impressed as a freshman at Harvard, similar to Peeke in terms of size and mobility.
Alex Formenton - Toolsy but unrefined, will rise when he starts producing in the OHL.
Kalle Kossila - Very good AHL rookie season; average size and skating, but a favourite among analytics-minded prospect watchers.
Tomas Nosek - Selected in the expansion draft after a breakout season; big centre should start the year in Vegas.
