Prospect Ramblings: Looking at USA Hockey’s NTDPDylan Peterson is the modern-day power forward who can match his physicality with skill and speed. His ability to create chances has been noticeable this season even if his production has been underwhelming at times. Peterson has been a bit snakebitten this season with some very good chances going unrewarded. He is a good skater, generating power with a strong lower body. He has shown the ability to protect the puck quite well as he works his way through the offensive zone. He has a heavy shot that can be deceptive thanks to an effortless release at times. He likes to drive to the net and can elevate from in tight. He uses his large frame to help him win battles in corners and along the boards. He is a very good defender through the neutral zone, standing up on opposing players at mid-ice and separating the puck from the carrier. Peterson could end up being a player who falls a bit on draft day but could reward a team if he can start to correct some of the mistakes when finishing.
I keep coming back to Dylan Peterson for our 2nd. Follows the strategy that it seems this org has put into place recently:Big center (6'4), plays a power driven game, committed to NCAA (BU in fact).
Prospect Ramblings: Looking at USA Hockey’s NTDP
Does seem like he fits the mold of what Boston has been looking for in the centers over the last few drafts. A kid I like in the 2nd round (but would need to slide a bit) is Oliver Suni who is a 6'2/188lb Right Wing for Oshawa. @lost peanut had a good write-up on him (link below) and I'd be curious who Dom feels like "style wise" Suni compares to in the NHL. Other reports I've read echo similar thoughts, but true to Dom's write-up, opinions vary on Suni's shooting.
Oliver Suni – Oshawa Generals – Player Profile
Suni is currently ranked anywhere from 47th to 59th, so its possible he could be there when Boston picks in the 2nd round.
Suni's trajectory went down as the season progressed. That has to mean something. Whereas a guy like Zayde Wisdom has gone up - a year ago he was getting less views because of where he played, but this year because Kingston has Shayne Wright, Wisdom had a lot of eyes on him and the rankings started to reflect it.
If I am looking at a RW from the OHL at that spot, I might consider Wisdom over Suni.
I'll have to give him a read. As much as I try to avoid it, I find myself focusing on the 6'2+ wingers and I'm sure I'm missing some better prospects that are just smaller
Zayde Wisdom – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile
OHL Prospects: 2020 NHL Draft Questionnaire With OHL Experts
And if you stand to listen to me interview Brock Otten (brilliant OHL mind), I ask him a bit about Wisdom at some point in this
Your "Wisdom" on such matters is always highly appreciated Sir. Your OHL insights always provide a "Hardie" read.
Not a Hoffman-lite I hope? I know his shot may be similar, hope not the attitude.Haha. Good one!!
I'm not sure where I am ranking Hardie yet. Central has him in the 6th round I believe? I know some people that have him in the top-20 among OHL players. He's a sniper for sure at the junior level, and I think he has the shot that I consider an NHL shot. And some parts of his game translate to the NHL already.
There might be reason's he's ranked low that I haven't heard (I do hear a lot of them). Then again, it might be that this is just not a typical season of watching prospects.
Those that have had the opportunity to watch these kids from midget on up might have a better read. I have more confidence in the Bruins Ontario based scouts then I've ever had, so I am sure they've done their homework.
Just ordered Redline's Draft Guide,its ready and is being mailed out next Tuesday if anyone is interested in ordering
Always a treat to talk hockey with Kyle
Haha. Good one!!
I'm not sure where I am ranking Hardie yet. Central has him in the 6th round I believe? I know some people that have him in the top-20 among OHL players. He's a sniper for sure at the junior level, and I think he has the shot that I consider an NHL shot. And some parts of his game translate to the NHL already.
There might be reason's he's ranked low that I haven't heard (I do hear a lot of them). Then again, it might be that this is just not a typical season of watching prospects.
Those that have had the opportunity to watch these kids from midget on up might have a better read. I have more confidence in the Bruins Ontario based scouts then I've ever had, so I am sure they've done their homework.
Just ordered Redline's Draft Guide,its ready and is being mailed out next Tuesday if anyone is interested in ordering
Always a treat to talk hockey with Kyle
hardie had a pretty sick finish to the season, filling the net at will. 19 goals in final 23 games.
i saw ryan kennedy of THN mentioned "definitely in the top 100", but who knows. this year
is going to be weird. i do like this draft to about the end of round 4, maybe 115 guys that are
really interesting.
what are your thoughts on rory kerins? he seems more under the radar than hardie.
ps...i also like what i've read and seen of reid valade. seems to have bruin qualities.
Kerins:
Does all the little things. Good shot that can beat a goaltender with a high shooting percentage, but even at 5'10 drives the net and scores his share of the dirty goals. Excellent on faceoffs. Plays in all situations. Superb work ethic. I'll have him in the high 20's in the OHL, which would put him as a late third, early fourth round pick.
Rory Kerins – Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds – Player Profile
Valade:
Exceptional speed, from 0 to top speed in a flash and a remarkable separation gear. Very good shot, accomplished two-way game. Didn't get a lot of pp time and that might have hurt his numbers. Head and hands need to catch up to his feet. I'm probably putting him in the sixth round, maybe seventh.
Reid Valade – Kitchener Rangers – Player Profile
Honestly, the more I go back and re-watch video, the more I am beginning to like Logan Morrison in the seventh.
Logan Morrison – Hamilton Bulldogs – Player Profile
hardie had a pretty sick finish to the season, filling the net at will. 19 goals in final 23 games.
i saw ryan kennedy of THN mentioned "definitely in the top 100", but who knows. this year
is going to be weird. i do like this draft to about the end of round 4, maybe 115 guys that are
really interesting.
what are your thoughts on rory kerins? he seems more under the radar than hardie.
ps...i also like what i've read and seen of reid valade. seems to have bruin qualities.
One other thing Nugs. I've been on at least a half dozen podcasts over the last two weeks talking about this.
It's probably the best OHL draft class since 2003. But we are in a different time. We don't have the under-18's and the playoffs and Memorial Cup are not happening, so you don't get to see some of these players play under pressure.
We might see teams in the later rounds lean more to USHL, NCAA and Europe if everything is considered equal. That way, they maintain the rights for 4 years versus two years for CHL players. Longer time to make decisions on players and sign contracts is going to be a bonus for teams under these circumstances.