Ok boys, it's come down to this..... Basically for me, I want to see something dynamic in a prospect, preferably in a category such as size, speed, hands and leadership, to go along with an overall game that is at least on par with the other prospects.....
I see alot more dynamic traits in a few of the defensemen we may be able to snag in the #15 range, than I do from the forwards.... From the forwards, the only forwards that stand out that I think will land in the #15 range, are
Max Domi: elite skating and puck skills. Although short, built like a bull. Very hard to knock off balance. So although his size is looked at as a negative, with his thicknes, speed and low center of gravity, it actually is a plus.
along with Domi, I like Frederick Gauthier for his elite size for a centerman 6'4-6'6 range with a long reach, as well as an elite ability to play defense (without sacrificing offense).. Thinks the game really well......
As far as the rest of the forwards such as Horvat, Lazar, Matha, etc......... They all are lacking in either size, passion/drive, elite scoring, speed........ For instance, a guy like Horvat.. He doesnt have elite size, nor skating or scoring ability... I question how much better is he going to get, and how much was he carried by Domi and a good overall team. Players like Mantha face other questions.
On defense, three players stand out for the #15 range.... Nikita Zadorov, Sam Morin and Ryan Pulock..
What Pulock lacks in size comapred to Zadorov and Morin, Pulock makes up in a refined game, leadership and shot that are NHL ready, compared to Morin, who has a high upside, but may be the biggest project and 3-5 years away (perhaps?)..
So what do I see special about these defensemen??
Zadorov tops my list....great size at 6'5 230 pounds.. His body is alot thicker than is Morin's, thus I feel Zadorov is physically alot more ready for the NHL than is Morin. Along with great size for Zadorov, is a physical style of play, hits hard, doesn't back down, but yet carries the puck well, skates really well for a big man, and has alot of two-way talent.
Morin is very similar to Zadorov, excepr Morin has a bit more of a mean-streak.. Loves to fight... Has ELITE size at 6'6, and although he is only 200 pounds now, he'll grow into his frame eventually and end up around 220ish, down the road. What separates Morin from others is elite size, elite toughness, and for a big man, is a great skater. It's his skating ability that helps separate him, and will help his offensive game develop as well. Morin is big, intimidating, and TOUGH!! Something we lack!!
Lastly, Ryan Pulock.... Ryan isn't in the 6'5-6'7 range, like Zadorov or Morin, but the last time I checked, 6'1 and about 210 pounds is a verywell built defensive prospect. So what separates Ryan. Well Ryan has a refined game. You could call him a "veteran prospect", as he has already played 3 junior seasons. What separates Ryan is he is a leader. He was the captain of his Brandon team and he is very good pucvk mover with an elite shot. He will help bring the puck up ice and when given the opportunity, unload a huge shot. Ryan has put up huge numbers in juniors and will probably be NHL ready much sooner than many other prospects. Ryan is pretty much a can't miss top-4 defenseman. So overall, I would say it's his leadership and offensive ability that separate him..
and there you have it folks... my top 5 players for thh Islanders at #15:
Max Domi
Nikita Zadorov
Frederick Gauthier
Ryan Pulock
Samuel Morin
