StevenToddIves
Registered User
2020 Rankings By Position — Right Defense
There’s a lot of talk about how strong and deep the 2020 draft class is, but this is not the case at RD. Unfortunately for the Devils, this is probably their greatest organizational position of need. On the professional level, Damon Severson is their only legit pro RD under the age of 30. In the prospect ranks, Reilly Walsh has the upside of an offensive mid-pairing defenseman, while Case McCarthy has all the elements of a perfect physical stay-at-home partner for a puck-moving LD on one of your bottom two pairs. However, there is no depth in the system behind these promising youngsters.
For the Devils, the dream scenario is that blue-chip Jamie Drysdale falls to them at the #7 pick. If that does not occur, New Jersey is better off waiting until the mid-rounds to try to snag some depth at RD. On to the rankings…
Thanks for reading! I'll try to have the next list (LD) out in the upcoming few days, leading up to my overall rankings prior to the draft.
There’s a lot of talk about how strong and deep the 2020 draft class is, but this is not the case at RD. Unfortunately for the Devils, this is probably their greatest organizational position of need. On the professional level, Damon Severson is their only legit pro RD under the age of 30. In the prospect ranks, Reilly Walsh has the upside of an offensive mid-pairing defenseman, while Case McCarthy has all the elements of a perfect physical stay-at-home partner for a puck-moving LD on one of your bottom two pairs. However, there is no depth in the system behind these promising youngsters.
For the Devils, the dream scenario is that blue-chip Jamie Drysdale falls to them at the #7 pick. If that does not occur, New Jersey is better off waiting until the mid-rounds to try to snag some depth at RD. On to the rankings…
- Jamie Drysdale, Erie OHL just an electrifying player, his elite combination of skating, vision, passing puck-handling compares quite well to young NHL star Cale Makar’s. Despite being undersized and offensive-minded, Drysdale is also quite effective defensively and does not shy from physicality. A future top-pairing stud, and no player on this list even remotely challenges him as the top available RD in 2020.
- Braden Schneider, Brandon WHL the throwback! There is no goalie on earth who would not like to look in front of them and see a bruising, physical 6’2-210 rearguard with excellent skating ability and an almost supernatural gift for separating opposing forwards from the puck and clearing it up ice. He may peak as a 30 point guy, but his upside is a more physical Jake Slavin. Like Drysdale at #1, there is no challenge to Schneider ay #2.
- Justin Barron, Halifax QMJHL we’ll call him “most likely to go higher than his consensus ranking”. Barron struggled with injury during his draft-eligible season and has no stand out tools, but he’s also very good when healthy and has no weakness. He skates well, is excellent in his own zone, can contribute offensively, is smart and is physical without being a bruiser. He prefers the safe play and makes very few mistakes, positionally or mentally. A future NHL mid-pairing stalwart.
- Topi Niemela, Karpat FIN here’s your big “upside” second round RD. Niemela combines outstanding skating proficiency with a very strong shot, excellent vision and an admirable three-zone game. Though he needs to build core strength at 6’0-165, his compete level and physicality are quite good, and his defensive game is solid. All that is keeping him from the first round is a penchant to cough up pucks and make mistakes when under extreme pressure. If he can remedy this and get stronger, Niemela’s upside is tremendous.
- Brock Faber, US-NTDP USHL maybe the sleeper of the entire 2020 draft. A 6’0-190 defenseman with excellent skating, advanced defensive positioning and instincts, and a high hockey IQ. He prefers to play the safe game, but can also rush the puck when necessary, and is a fine passer. He does not look to initiate physicality, but is incredibly strong and seems to win any physical battle. I think he’s a lock as an NHL-er, but with a bit more assertiveness can even potentially become a mid- or even top pairing guy.
- Ian Moore, St. Mark’s USHS I am shocked this kid has not received more (pun intended) buzz. Though he is still raw and largely untested against reasonable competition, Moore matches a 6’3 frame with terrific skates, an excellent shot and a physical edge. Like Niemela, a few improvements in his game can unlock an enormous upside, if you have the patience to let him develop at Harvard for the next few seasons.
- William Villeneuve, Saint John QMJHL a 50-point D in an abbreviated season, this kid can produce offense. He combines very good skating and passing with an underrated bullet of a shot. He would be higher on this list were it not for an inexplicable timidness — he can stand to become more assertive with the puck, defensively and physically. But the tools are there, and he should be able to produce as the QB for an NHL PP2.
- Eamon Powell, US-NTDP USHL though he’s mostly known as Jake Sanderson’s defense partner, Powell is pretty darned good on his own. What stands out is easy — he is the best skater of any defenseman in the entire class of 2020. The kid just flies. He’s also an excellent stickhandler and fantastic puck-distributor. His point-production ceiling is sky high, but he has the same problems as any 160-pound offensive defenseman — he has huge problems down low versus stronger opposition forwards and, though not terrible defensively, is not the guy you want out there protecting a late one-goal lead.
- Helge Grans, Malmo SWE JR physically, this kid has it all. At 6’3-195 with excellent skates and a good first-pass, you’d expect him to be higher on this list. If he improves his positional play defensively and decision-making offensively, he can certainly prove me wrong in a few years. I think he’s a solid bet to be a third-pairing NHLer, but with his enviable tool kit he leaves me wanting more.
- Ruben Rafkin, Windsor OHL his compete level is just infectious, if there’s anything to love about Rafkin it’s how much the young Finn lives to battle. He’s very physical for 6’0-190, and advanced defensively. He’s also a very good skater and good with the puck, despite lacking any dynamic offensive qualities. A fine mid-round pick for your future bottom 4.
- Michael Krutil, Sparta Praha CZE JR a physical, 6’1-190 defense-first kid who loves the bang bodies around, Krutil is also a good skater who dishes deft outlet passes. He’s never going to put up huge numbers, just a good, safe pick for your bottom 4.
- Michael Benning, Sherwood Park AJHL the son of Vancouver GM Jim Benning, I’d guess they’ll pick him in the 4th round. But he’s a very good pick there — his puck skills, vision and smarts are all high-end. Were he not 5’9-160 with defensive deficiencies which need work, he would likely be a second round pick.
- Mason Langenbrunner, Eden Prairie USHS another NHL legacy, and I’d wager a guess that most Devils fans know right away who his dad is. The first thing to strike you about this kid is he’s simply a phenomenal skater. He’s a slim 6’2, but offers a projectable frame. His passing and vision are both high-end, and it’s going to be fun watching him develop at Harvard the next few years.
- Jake Boltmann, Lincoln USHL at 6’1-190, this young talent plays an NHL-style puck moving game. He’s a very good shooter, decent skater, and has excellent puck skills. Another player whose development can take off in the NCAA, where he is committed to the University of Minnesota.
- Kaspar Puutio, Swift Current WHL a slick-skating 6’0-185 RD with a crisp first pass and very strong confidence with the puck, the young Finn will surely hear his name called in the middle rounds. Needs to work on some defensive flaws and a distaste for physicality, but certainly has upside.
Thanks for reading! I'll try to have the next list (LD) out in the upcoming few days, leading up to my overall rankings prior to the draft.