Hey guys, here's my final draft rankings for this upcoming draft. I had a lot more time this year to watch junior hockey and have included a full list like previous years. I have writeups for the first round and my top 225 skaters that I have projected to be drafted. Below that I've included...
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6. LW Ivan Miroshnichenko - Omskie Krylia, VHL
Let’s not mince words here. Miroshnichenko is an immense talent and should be viewed as one of the top prospects in the draft. Yes, there are injury concerns here but there’s a disconnect between some of the popular rankings here. If Ivan is healthy (which he’s been reported as already cleared to train for next season), he should be a top 5 player in the draft. I’d expect an NHL team to take a risk on him earlier in the draft order than expected considering he could be ready to join an NHL team within two years similar to the trajectory of Vasiliy Podkolzin. If he’s unhealthy and you’re too worried about this risk he should be on a DND list or ranked way out of the first round. In a box, Miro is an absolute sniper with quick hands and a great frame.
14. RD Ryan Chelsey - US National U18 Team, USNTDP
Chelsey will get overlooked this draft for his lack of offensive production, however his defensive abilities will make him a surefire NHL player. Likely destined for a middle pair, Chelsey combines his solid skating with a physical presence and can shut down a play with ease. He doesn’t take many risks and will often choose the safe option, however the eye-test shows he can contribute on offense on occasion where he’ll break into the offensive zone or find great breakout passes. Playing with Lane Hutson, Chelsey often played farther back and was the responsible player on the pair. With a partner that takes less risks, Chelsey will be able to assert his more aggressive offensive talents into the game. Chelsey may not be Cale Makar, but does not have any glaring weaknesses to his game and can be relied upon to play heavy minutes. Chelsey may become a minute munching #2/3 defenseman that could be viewed as one of the most valuable players in the draft.
20. LW Ludwig Persson - Frolunda HC, J20 Nationell
Ludwig appeared in only six SHL games with a handful of minutes per game on a stacked Frolunda team, but made his mark in the J20 Nationell with over sixty points. Offensively, Persson has sky high potential and is easily a first round talent. His speed and skating is one of the best in the class and he can maneuver tight spaces with the puck on his stick leading to a multitude of chances. Persson’s only major downfall is his lack of defensive attention. He seems to only show effort on the offensive side of the puck and needs to improve his defense to make the NHL.
112. LD David Gucciardi - Michigan State, NCAA
133. LW Alexander Suzdalev - HV71, J20 Nationell
Sleepers:
LW/C Jake Karabela - Guelph Storm, OHL - I Ranked #41 / CSS Ranked NA #61
Karabela doesn't have production on his side, but he's an offensive dynamo. He's a playmaking forward that can play down the middle or on the wing (most likely on the wing). He flourishes at pushing the pace and finding passing lanes to create goals for his teammates. He uses his speed to start an attack and will punish you on the break. Karabela spent most of the season as the third line center for Guelph and didn't get a lot of opportunity to flourish.