Prospect Info: 2022 86th Overall Pick | RW Lucas Edmonds

[TheDaysOf 04]

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[TheDaysOf 04]

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

Edmonds' production was partly aided by other teams putting more focus on projected No. 1 pick Shane Wright, but that was part of what made Kingston so dangerous. Edmonds was part of an impressive second line that featured Jordan Frasca and Francesco Arcuri and was one of the toughest set-up men to contain in the league.

"He's a really fun guy to be around in the room," Wright said. "He's super committed, so hard-working, always in the gym, stretching out, making sure he's taking care of his body."

"He's a student of the game, always working to get better. And with his rise this year, you could see why. He's someone with something to prove, and he has proven it."

As a player, Edmonds is a strong playmaker with the ability to create space and opportunities with his patience with the puck in the offensive zone. If he makes the NHL, he could do some spot duty on the power play, but his penalty-kill specialty makes him valuable in the bottom-six. Offensive explosions aren't uncommon for an averaged player, but many scouts saw the talent from a young age but never the results. Could he build upon that if he goes to the AHL next season? Quite possibly.

"He's a late-bloomer, but he's pro-ready," a scout said. "And that makes him more attractive to teams right off the bat. He's less of a guessing game."

 

[These Are The Days]

Un-freaking-real. Did we just get Palat to Wright's Couturier?

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

 

[DFC]

Such a TB pick.

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

 

[Todd1a]

Un-freaking-real. Did we just get Palat to Wright's Couturier?

I hope been a while since we have hit on a pick

 

[Thechozen1]

Nice pick! Love it

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

2. Lucas Edmonds - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs
I've seen some rankings with Edmonds as a first round pick. Personally, I think that's a bit of a stretch considering some of his limitations physically. However, there's no doubting that he is a worthy NHL draft selection. Some may be confused by Edmonds' eligibility, given that he is a 2001 born, OHL overager. However, NHL Central Scouting considers him a "Euro" prospect for eligibility purposes and thus he receives an extra year of eligibility for the draft. Edmonds stands out because of his creativity and IQ. His hands are among the best in the OHL. He makes defenders miss routinely with subtle fakes and moves, which work to give him extra time to survey the ice for options. He's also the kind of player that the puck gravitates to magnetically in the offensive zone, which points to how intelligent he is. He just consistently finds those soft spots and times his cuts perfectly. A late bloomer physically, Edmonds still has room to add bulk and that should help him bring the best out of his skill set at the next level. His skating is not likely to ever be an asset for him. His explosiveness and top speed are average for the OHL level, meaning that they would be below average for the AHL and NHL levels. Hopefully adding more strength and power to his lower half helps him gain quickness, because he will need that moving forward to continue to succeed as a scorer. However, his skill and sense impresses greatly. You have to take a chance on him to see what your development team can do with him.