Prospect Info: Drew Helleson, RHD, 47th Overall,
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BoxOfChocolates
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- Mar 7, 2010
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Cousin Eddie
You Serious Clark?
- Nov 3, 2006
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Know nothing about him but seeing Henchy and Ivan pump him up is more than enough for me with a 2nd round pick. I’m happy!
Makar to MacK
Registered User
I actually like this pick. I think he fits a huge need and is a great skater to boot. I like that he has some offensive game but is more of a defender. He can create ( not a lot but looks effective when he does) or not and I like that versatility.
The Kingslayer
Registered User
From HP, ranked #29:
Drew Helleson was a steady defender on the backend for the program, finishing with 23 points in 64 games. In the USHL, he produced 11 points in 28 games, including 4 goals. At international events, he wasn’t a big point producer but did have 3 assists in 7 games at the U18’s. He’s slated to play for Boston College next season.
Helleson is a cerebral modern-day shutdown-defender who plays a competitive and efficient brand of hockey. What defines Drew’s game is his hockey-sense and willingness to battle. When breaking down his hockey sense, his anticipation under-heavy pressure is well above-average. This allows him to make smart and effective plays around the boards during forechecking sequences and when he’s getting pressured both through the neutral-zone and at the offensive-line. His hockey-sense extends to his decision making in all three-zones. In the defensive-end, he looks for the safest route either by skating the puck out of danger-areas or finding the open passing lane; in the neutral-zone he rarely forces plays and lets the play naturally flow; in the offensive-zone, he doesn’t over-extend his skill-set which allows him to get pucks on net and turn it over at the blueline infrequently compared to some of the other defenders on both his team and overall in this class.
He’s s a strong and tenacious player that enjoys the physical aspects of the game, which compliments his sturdy frame. This quality allowed him to come away a plus player during board-battling sequences; there’s a fearlessness to his approach. His hockey-sense also extends to his spacing. Helleson kept an adequate-gap and was good at applying pressure and closing his gaps that forced further reactions to his play. His competitiveness and pace extend to his ability to recover. When he is caught out of position, he responds quickly and changes his gear to match the urgency of the play. Helleson wouldn’t be able to defend as successfully as he did if it wasn’t for his four-way mobility. He’s an efficient and fluid skater who is capable of acceleration quickly and generates plus straight-line speed. This compliments his edges and pivoting mechanics which are a plus and this allowed him to keep up with some of the faster forwards who attempted sudden direction shifts on him.
Helleson’s safer and more direct approach when dealing with the opposition in the defensive-end extends to the offensive-end, which doesn’t leave him with a highly-creative or offensively proficient game. He does have the odd play where he shows flashes of some talent but it’s not consistent. His hockey sense gives him the ability to make plus reads and activate at opportune times, but he’s not a flashy or dynamic player. Furthermore, his vision isn’t one of his better attributes in the offensive-zone. He can move the puck quickly and efficiently but it’s rare to see him make a high-end pass that’s threaded through multiple players. He hasn’t developed the ability to freeze opponents who are attempting to cover him at the line. As a result, Drew looks to quickly get the puck either to his open-teammate or fire a simple wristshot through traffic. One major benefit of Helleson’s clean and simple approach at the blueline is that he rarely makes mistakes that cause the play to go the wrong direction, which encompasses his style of play as a whole.
Helleson is the type of defender that consistently looks for the safe and effective play. It’s not the most exciting summary of a player but it emphasizes the attributes that we think could allow him to become a useful bottom-pairing NHL defenseman who can shutdown some of the opposing teams more skilled players.
“There is always a group of program guys who don't get their chance to shine offensively . He's in that group this year. I'm not saying he’s an offensive star but he has more to give.” - NHL Scout, March 2019
"Really good interview. I think he’s an underrated player too.” - NHL Scout, May 2019
"Projects as good solid middle pairing guy and like you said, he has good structure to his game.” - NHL Scout, May 2019
“I saw him a lot, he's ok but I’m not that high on him." - NHL Scout, June 2019
“Helleson was the structured force in chaotic situations when viewing the USNTD.” HP scout, Brad Allen, May 2019
“Not much conversation about this player with other scouts this season but what I do know is there is a huge range of opinions on him. Scouts either had him high or seemed to have no time for him. Every year it seems like a player comes out of the USNTDP with little fanfare but ends up surprising. Helleson would probably be my pick to be that guy this year. Teams need the meat and potato guys too, not just the flashy offensive guys.” - HP Scout, Mark Edwards, March 2019
“I spoke to a lot of scouts between the start of combine week and today, which is two days before our book release day. I can basically some up the comments in two ways: They either said something along the lines of -I like him, good player or they said something like - not a big fan.” - HP Scout, Mark Edwards, June 2019
Drew Helleson was a steady defender on the backend for the program, finishing with 23 points in 64 games. In the USHL, he produced 11 points in 28 games, including 4 goals. At international events, he wasn’t a big point producer but did have 3 assists in 7 games at the U18’s. He’s slated to play for Boston College next season.
Helleson is a cerebral modern-day shutdown-defender who plays a competitive and efficient brand of hockey. What defines Drew’s game is his hockey-sense and willingness to battle. When breaking down his hockey sense, his anticipation under-heavy pressure is well above-average. This allows him to make smart and effective plays around the boards during forechecking sequences and when he’s getting pressured both through the neutral-zone and at the offensive-line. His hockey-sense extends to his decision making in all three-zones. In the defensive-end, he looks for the safest route either by skating the puck out of danger-areas or finding the open passing lane; in the neutral-zone he rarely forces plays and lets the play naturally flow; in the offensive-zone, he doesn’t over-extend his skill-set which allows him to get pucks on net and turn it over at the blueline infrequently compared to some of the other defenders on both his team and overall in this class.
He’s s a strong and tenacious player that enjoys the physical aspects of the game, which compliments his sturdy frame. This quality allowed him to come away a plus player during board-battling sequences; there’s a fearlessness to his approach. His hockey-sense also extends to his spacing. Helleson kept an adequate-gap and was good at applying pressure and closing his gaps that forced further reactions to his play. His competitiveness and pace extend to his ability to recover. When he is caught out of position, he responds quickly and changes his gear to match the urgency of the play. Helleson wouldn’t be able to defend as successfully as he did if it wasn’t for his four-way mobility. He’s an efficient and fluid skater who is capable of acceleration quickly and generates plus straight-line speed. This compliments his edges and pivoting mechanics which are a plus and this allowed him to keep up with some of the faster forwards who attempted sudden direction shifts on him.
Helleson’s safer and more direct approach when dealing with the opposition in the defensive-end extends to the offensive-end, which doesn’t leave him with a highly-creative or offensively proficient game. He does have the odd play where he shows flashes of some talent but it’s not consistent. His hockey sense gives him the ability to make plus reads and activate at opportune times, but he’s not a flashy or dynamic player. Furthermore, his vision isn’t one of his better attributes in the offensive-zone. He can move the puck quickly and efficiently but it’s rare to see him make a high-end pass that’s threaded through multiple players. He hasn’t developed the ability to freeze opponents who are attempting to cover him at the line. As a result, Drew looks to quickly get the puck either to his open-teammate or fire a simple wristshot through traffic. One major benefit of Helleson’s clean and simple approach at the blueline is that he rarely makes mistakes that cause the play to go the wrong direction, which encompasses his style of play as a whole.
Helleson is the type of defender that consistently looks for the safe and effective play. It’s not the most exciting summary of a player but it emphasizes the attributes that we think could allow him to become a useful bottom-pairing NHL defenseman who can shutdown some of the opposing teams more skilled players.
“There is always a group of program guys who don't get their chance to shine offensively . He's in that group this year. I'm not saying he’s an offensive star but he has more to give.” - NHL Scout, March 2019
"Really good interview. I think he’s an underrated player too.” - NHL Scout, May 2019
"Projects as good solid middle pairing guy and like you said, he has good structure to his game.” - NHL Scout, May 2019
“I saw him a lot, he's ok but I’m not that high on him." - NHL Scout, June 2019
“Helleson was the structured force in chaotic situations when viewing the USNTD.” HP scout, Brad Allen, May 2019
“Not much conversation about this player with other scouts this season but what I do know is there is a huge range of opinions on him. Scouts either had him high or seemed to have no time for him. Every year it seems like a player comes out of the USNTDP with little fanfare but ends up surprising. Helleson would probably be my pick to be that guy this year. Teams need the meat and potato guys too, not just the flashy offensive guys.” - HP Scout, Mark Edwards, March 2019
“I spoke to a lot of scouts between the start of combine week and today, which is two days before our book release day. I can basically some up the comments in two ways: They either said something along the lines of -I like him, good player or they said something like - not a big fan.” - HP Scout, Mark Edwards, June 2019
Tommy Shelby
Registered User
- Feb 26, 2012
- 7,457
- 4,812
Seems like if things go right he'll be what we all hoped Dunc Siemens would be one day. A top-4, modern shutdown D that can skate well and actually has some puck skills.
Maybe he is gonna be something great for us. But I can't get excited about a pick. Feels like I have seen the same kind of pick the last eight drafts and tried to get excited about it, but can't fool myself anymore.
*will post same words in another thread
*will post same words in another thread
SoundwaveIsCharisma
Moderator
If our D works out the way we are hoping it will, all Helleson will need to do is throw it over to his D partner and be in position.
I like this pick, shutdown defenders still have a place in the game.
Tommy Shelby
Registered User
- Feb 26, 2012
- 7,457
- 4,812
Hopefully someday we'll be able to pair him with Z and call them the HellboyZ (™)
Freakin' love this guy! If I was going to guess, he is a safety replacement for Conor Timmins and shores up that position even more. Helleson is one of the best pure passers in this draft bar none (yes better than some even forwards). He is also very fluid, a smooth skater for his size, and is also mobile for a big guy. It is true that he doesn't have top end offencive skill, but I also don't think he is as bad as 8 career NHL goals in Brandon Carlo either. He possesses a great amount of hockey sense and I very rarely see a mistake from him concerning moving the puck.
Not as good offencive tools, but I legitimately see him having the same impact as Vincent Dunn, absolutely fantastic pick.
Not as good offencive tools, but I legitimately see him having the same impact as Vincent Dunn, absolutely fantastic pick.
avsfan09
Registered User
I dislike the idea of picking shutdown Ds at all as it seems that most NHL defensive Ds had at least a decent level of offensive acumen when drafted and only became defensive specialists when the offensive traits didn't quite translate.
That being said, there is a difference between a player that is limited offensively by his fundamental skills, and one that is limited by creativity and playing style. This guy seems to be on the right side of that line based on the assessment of his technical attributes. Can't say I like the pick but I can see the appeal.
That being said, there is a difference between a player that is limited offensively by his fundamental skills, and one that is limited by creativity and playing style. This guy seems to be on the right side of that line based on the assessment of his technical attributes. Can't say I like the pick but I can see the appeal.
McMetal
Writer of Wrongs
- Sep 29, 2015
- 14,142
- 12,130
There's an argument to be made that there is some untapped potential in him offensively. Given the extreme depth of the NTDP this year he was buried a little bit and was put in a shutdown role with Vlasic while offensive opportunities went to other players. I'm not saying it's going to be a major part of his game but there's reason to suspect he has more to show in that area.
Easily, Vlasic is going to be a mean SOB shutdown defender, but his puck skills will take a hit. Helleson has the puck skills to become a solid defencive-defender who can chip in with some fantastic Julien Brisbois stretch passes.
GirardSpinorama
Registered User
- Aug 20, 2004
- 21,142
- 9,818
Never hurts to stock up on D. Can never have enough RHD, especially ones going to college and have time to develop slowly and carefully.
- Aug 25, 2006
- 9,333
- 7,411
I was hoping the Avs would pick Kolyachonok in that spot but I really can't complain with picking Helleson. He should become a very good steady defender for us. Considering we have guys like Makar, Byram, Girard and Barrie (not sure for how long) the Avs will need a dman like him in the future to provide stability defensively so these other guys can feel more free to provide offense. As Seph said he is also underrated offensively.
Very good pick.
Very good pick.
- Feb 24, 2012
- 62,709
- 46,700
I’d add there is some sneaky offensive talent here with his passing. His first pass was the best on the USNTDP. So many times his passes can spring a strong breakout. With how the US played and their top centers being more playmaking types... he didn’t get assists that way. More shooting types would have seen another 10 points. He’s also got an underrated offensive zone seam pass. It doesn’t come out often, but he can occasionally have that ‘wow did he just complete that?’ Sort of pass. If that can be refined in college, he can be a 20-25 point sort of guy. I see him like a Chris Tanev sort. Good size, good defensively, great puck mover and passer... limited overall offense.
AvsFan2123
Registered User
On EliteProspects, it has him going to BC for 20-21 season. Is he still planning on playing one more year junior or is this a mistake and he’s for sure going NCAA next year?
There isn't a shift-by-shift or highlight package available, but you can see the sneaky smart offencive play in this highlight.
@2:45 and he's #40. Had like four other points in his game.
@2:45 and he's #40. Had like four other points in his game.
Strange question, very rarely do players decide to stick out for another year in either the USHL or BCHL and that is normally for players who played in high school hockey. Helleson is going to the NCAA next year.
