F Riley Heidt - Prince George Cougars, WHL (2023, 64th, MIN)

[Dominance]

Riley Heidt at eliteprospects.com

Another outstanding player who will be joining the WHL ranks soon and contend for a top slot in the 2023 draft. Speed and skill off the charts. Sticking right with potential Exceptional Status teammate Brayden Yager and refusing to be overshadowed.

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[landy92mack29]

yeah he'll go somewhere in the 3-5 range this upcoming draft and while not quite on Yager's level should be a franchise player for a WHL team. He's slightly smaller than Yager but plays a more physical style and has a similar skill set. Has played mostly wing but wouldn't be surprised if he's moved to center once he's on a different team than Yager

 

[JotAlan]

What is the projection for Heidt and Yager for the next season with Contacts? 2.0 P / G?

 

[landy92mack29]

Numbers aren't everything but somewhere from 1.5-2. Yager might play for Moose Jaws Midget AAA team next year though.

 

[JotAlan]

Numbers aren't everything but somewhere from 1.5-2. Yager might play for Moose Jaws Midget AAA team next year though.

I know they are not. There are many other important factors like defensive play, for example. But I am a lover of statistics rs. Indeed, the dynamic duo will likely split.
We will see how they will evolve by playing separately.

 

[MMC]

Why has he not played yet?

 

[pgfan66]

Why has he not played yet?

First game will be vs. Kamloops on March 27. BC Division is the last one to start the season.

 

[landy92mack29]

 

[Breakfast of Champs]

In my very limited looks of Heidt on video, he reminds me of Drouin at that age, so shifty and smooth, quick and assertive - maybe its the similar size, #27 and left-handed shot, oh and 2nd overall pick.

Don't take this as a slight, I mean the Drouin that would become CHL player of the year at 17, not the one that would check out for weeks at a time at the pro level. He had as much if not more natural skill than the other Jonathan - Huberdeau.

 

[Halakitlikethat]

What a rip for his first WHL goal

 

[landy92mack29]

 

[Esq]

Holy shit this kid

 

[Artorius Horus T]

7 points in his first 11 games but...his face-off stats???
80 face-offs won, has won 61.5% of his face-offs so far, that's just nuts.
- even his bad ones (2/3) face-off games are not that bad 6/14 | 9/19 | 4/12

What's up with these 2023 Draft eligible players??? LOL, what are they feeding them? LOL

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Strong start to the season. goal and a primary assist, +1, 2 sog and won 12 / 20 face-offs.

 

[Dominance]

More importantly, he looks a lot bigger.

 

[landy92mack29]

Was really good tonight in a losing effort. Him and Gronick have good chemistry already and are kind of the leaders already on a young but talented PG squad. His shot is definitely improved from last year and he's pulling off the moves now that he could I saw him do in bantam and midget...which is scary for whl teams.

 

[wetcoast]

Was really good tonight in a losing effort. Him and Gronick have good chemistry already and are kind of the leaders already on a young but talented PG squad. His shot is definitely improved from last year and he's pulling off the moves now that he could I saw him do in bantam and midget...which is scary for whl teams.

He is also really strong in the FO circle given his age and indeed he looks to be very good so far.

 

[JotAlan]

I feel this kid has been getting a lot less hype than he deserves. Leads ppg for U17 boys on whl with 1.5ppg (tied with Zach Benson, but Benson plays on a stacked team). He's 2-7-9 in 6 games with 77/126 in faceoffs. He's been insane so far!

 

[landy92mack29]

Yeah he's already the best player on the team and drives play consistently. Should be considered a top 10 guy for 23, could end up top 5 maybe but strong class.

 

[JotAlan]

Yeah he's already the best player on the team and drives play consistently. Should be considered a top 10 guy for 23, could end up top 5 maybe but strong class.

Based on this season start, in what order do you rank Bedard, Heidt, Yager, Benson, Ritchie, Lardis, Barlow, Mignosa, Soto and Peddle (In my opinion the best canadian strikers 05 from chl so far)?

 

[landy92mack29]

Based on this season start, in what order do you rank Bedard, Heidt, Yager, Benson, Ritchie, Lardis, Barlow, Mignosa, Soto and Peddle (In my opinion the best canadian strikers 05 from chl so far)?

Have only had time to watch the WHL guys so far so Bedard, Yager, Heidt, Benson. I'd have late bday Danielson ahead of Benson. All have top 10 potential for 23 but kinda doubtful all will. Lind, Oremba, Cristall and late bday Levis have 1st potential, we'll see how they progress.

 

[Halakitlikethat]

Got to see him play live tonight , my first in person game since Covid . I am by no means a scout or follow prospects like some do on this board, but the Cougars had him out a ton including on the penalty kill. I saw him make one bad turnover but other than that what stood out to me is how much poise he has with the puck.

 

[Antiillafire]

Got to see him play live tonight , my first in person game since Covid . I am by no means a scout or follow prospects like some do on this board, but the Cougars had him out a ton including on the penalty kill. I saw him make one bad turnover but other than that what stood out to me is how much poise he has with the puck.

I agree, I watch PG games mainly because of Kmec but Heidt is really confident with the puck for such a young player. Good 2 way play as well, responsible on the back check. PG could have a real impressive team next year.

 

[landy92mack29]

Should be getting a lot more attention than he has been but in the shadows of Bedard and also Yager just from the dub...plus PG is generally forgotten about. Him and Ziemmer being close to PPG is very impressive given the Cougars are a fairly low scoring team and so young. Hopefully PG can finally get over the hump next year and the youth keeps progressing. I know the future always seems bright but the 23 WHL class is looking so unreal atm

 

[wetcoast]

Should be getting a lot more attention than he has been but in the shadows of Bedard and also Yager just from the dub...plus PG is generally forgotten about. Him and Ziemmer being close to PPG is very impressive given the Cougars are a fairly low scoring team and so young. Hopefully PG can finally get over the hump next year and the youth keeps progressing. I know the future always seems bright but the 23 WHL class is looking so unreal atm

The 23 draft from the WHL is simply the best top end that i have ever seen and it will likely produce that way with impact NHLers.

Any team getting 2 top 15 picks in the 23 draft will turn their organization around with the right picks.