Prospect Info: Michael Milne LW, 89th overall, 2022 NHL Draft

AKL

Danila Yurov Fan Club President
Sponsor
Dec 10, 2012
39,649
18,066
I like this one too, don't even care that he's an overager
 

Circulartheory

Registered User
Apr 22, 2006
6,757
720
Hong Kong
I like this one too, don't even care that he's an overager
Almost every non-1st round player is gonna have a big question or several. Milne's is size and age but the guy can produce. Haven't watch vids yet but my aggregate rankings have him at #93 so its about right
 

Puhis

Nah.
Jul 4, 2011
11,508
747
Jaervenpaeae
Nothing flashy, nothing to get super excited about, yet I can't help but find myself liking this pick a lot. He's not one of those "boom or bust" prospects; more a guy who could slot into your 4th line from day 1 and probably not look too out of place. Yeah, he'll still need developing, but I like guys with strong compete, and high motor. Plus, while definitely not a silky-smooth executioner who makes defenders and goalies alike shit and weep in fear, he looks like he has some offensive upside to his game. Hard-working bottom six winger who can occasionally surprise? Yes, please. And best of all, he's a 3rd rounder, not a 1st rounder, so even if he doesn't quite pan out... Well, it's not as big of a loss.
 

MK9

Registered User
Feb 28, 2008
4,470
1,861
Andover, MN
How soon before Walz starts referring to him as "Mikey"?
Going to guess right away.

That's what they have him listed as on elite prospects:
1657322748724.png
 

Brock

Registered User
Feb 27, 2002
12,198
3,651
The GTA
ohlprospects.blogspot.com
Our staff loved Milne this year. You guys picked him right around where we had him slotted.

From our draft guide:
McKeen's 2022 NHL Draft Guide - In his final year of draft eligibility, Milne has emerged as one of the top “re-entry” candidates available this year. The energetic Winnipeg Ice winger has been one of the WHL’s best players this year and his incredible performance in the WHL playoffs was sure to earn him even more fans in the scouting community. Working alongside the likes of Savoie and McClennon, Milne proved to be a fantastic complementary player to the Ice’s up-tempo and skilled group of forwards.


Milne is easily one of the hardest working players in the WHL. He never takes a shift off and is a hound in puck pursuit. His quickness is a real asset for him as he looks to attack puck carriers or crash the net, consistently beating defenders in a race to establish position or possession. Milne is also aggressive physically, using his body to separate players from the puck or to help him drive through defenders in pursuit of chances near the crease.

However, Milne is more than just a lunch pail, dime a dozen hard worker and that is why we have him ranked so highly. He is skilled enough to play in transition with the likes of Savoie or McClennon, working with them to create, rather than just capitalizing on their created chances like a third wheel. He can finish in tight. He is an intelligent three zone player. Really, there’s not much not to like.

As is, Milne looks like a really safe bet to be an NHL player in some capacity. His work rate and quickness should make him, at the very least, a high end fourth liner and penalty killer. However, the offensive skill set continues to improve, so he could very well continue to develop into someone who could play higher in the lineup, as that complementary piece to a skilled, playmaking center. - BO
 

Circulartheory

Registered User
Apr 22, 2006
6,757
720
Hong Kong
Our staff loved Milne this year. You guys picked him right around where we had him slotted.

From our draft guide:
McKeen's 2022 NHL Draft Guide - In his final year of draft eligibility, Milne has emerged as one of the top “re-entry” candidates available this year. The energetic Winnipeg Ice winger has been one of the WHL’s best players this year and his incredible performance in the WHL playoffs was sure to earn him even more fans in the scouting community. Working alongside the likes of Savoie and McClennon, Milne proved to be a fantastic complementary player to the Ice’s up-tempo and skilled group of forwards.


Milne is easily one of the hardest working players in the WHL. He never takes a shift off and is a hound in puck pursuit. His quickness is a real asset for him as he looks to attack puck carriers or crash the net, consistently beating defenders in a race to establish position or possession. Milne is also aggressive physically, using his body to separate players from the puck or to help him drive through defenders in pursuit of chances near the crease.

However, Milne is more than just a lunch pail, dime a dozen hard worker and that is why we have him ranked so highly. He is skilled enough to play in transition with the likes of Savoie or McClennon, working with them to create, rather than just capitalizing on their created chances like a third wheel. He can finish in tight. He is an intelligent three zone player. Really, there’s not much not to like.

As is, Milne looks like a really safe bet to be an NHL player in some capacity. His work rate and quickness should make him, at the very least, a high end fourth liner and penalty killer. However, the offensive skill set continues to improve, so he could very well continue to develop into someone who could play higher in the lineup, as that complementary piece to a skilled, playmaking center. - BO

Thanks Brock for all the great insights you always provide!
 

Al Lagoon

Registered User
Feb 22, 2012
3,511
666
I found this report on Mikey:
A gritty winger that provides supplemental offense. Competent skater but lacks precision and efficiency on recovery and transitioning. Shows overactive upper body motion and laboured strides, which makes his overall skating look choppy. Lacks clear plans at high speed but uses his body to push for inside ice to bide time for teammates. Still possesses passable skating elements and can generate speed rather effectively with quick crossovers in a favourable ratio with linear strides. Throws pucks into high danger areas in the hopes the pass will be completed by one of his streaking linemates. Does not give off high IQ vibes and needs to work on how he thinks the game. His tools are average and can get him out some jams. Loves to get into the corners and work for turnovers. Fully embraces a physical game, but his route selection to take the body can take him well away from the puck. Game fits in with situations that require long, dragged out board battles. Likes to chip pucks past defenders and use his physicality and tenacious style to win puck battles. Tends to overskate pucks and takes too many risks in an effort to break up plays. Can be an effective penalty killer who is hungry to skat through hands and disable puck carriers. Successful at hunting pucks and normally making a strong first touch in possession.

FCHockey - know nothing about them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeagleJenkins

Wabit

Registered User
May 23, 2016
19,314
4,420
I was wondering what was taking so long to get him signed. He was noticeable whenever he was on the ice during the preseason/camp games. He needs AHL time, but he could be a nice bottom-6er on a couple of years.
 

57special

Posting the right way since 2012.
Sep 5, 2012
48,086
19,782
MN
In his first two games back he has scored two goals. Looks good...hard worker, and gets to pucks fairly fast. He should improve as the season goes along....fairly thickly built, but another 5'11" guy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Minnesota

57special

Posting the right way since 2012.
Sep 5, 2012
48,086
19,782
MN
One of the few bright spots in Iowa. Not a lot of point production, but he has been moved all around the lineup, with all sorts of people. He's very Shaw-like, except bigger, and maybe faster. Energy not a problem with him, and he doesn't seem at all intimdated going against men. Haven't seen him drop the gloves. Wouldn't be surprised to see him on the 4th line in a couple of years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Obvious Fabertism

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Ad