Toggle sidebar

Prospect Info: NHL Entry Draft Discussion Thread - Looking Ahead

Status
Not open for further replies.
hockeynorth

hockeynorth

Registered User
Aug 31, 2017
12,588
6,381
Also in terms of top 2 picks since 2015

McDavid
-
-
Matthews
Eichel
-
Dahlin
Svechnikov
-
-
Lafreniere
Hughes
-
Byfield
Hischier
Laine
Kakko
-
Patrick
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
For people looking for another draft board, I have been looking at this draft class for a year now. These are my top 125 rankings. I may make some changes before October, but generally this should give you a good idea. NOTE: This is a classification by tiers, so do not take the exact order into account. I sorted each tier by oldest to youngest... So I do not think Rossi is better than Lafreniere for example.

Local Ranking is where they are ranked in terms of the 2020 Draft Class; Global ranking is an estimate of where I think they would be ranked in an average year for that tier... So if a guy has a local ranking of 75 but a global ranking of 100, that means that I think they are a top 75 guy in 2020, but in an average draft, they would be a top 100 guy. Just so there is an idea of where this draft is deep/shallow.

Some basic criteria:
1) I do account for positional value when it comes to tiebreakers, but generally I did BPA.
2) I combined both high-end potential and likelihood of becoming a quality NHLer in any kind of important role (i.e. more than just a typical depth player you can get for cheap in UFA). So you will find some guys with high potential who may be ranked a little bit lower or vice-versa, and there is a reason for that.
3) For CHL and USHL prospects, I mostly consider their league stats and scouting reports, but also take their international/external (i.e. Top Prospects Game) performances into account where possible. It might have propped/dropped their ranking by a tier, but generally it was determined by their league success.
4) For NCAA prospects/commits, I do take into account which conference/team in/for which they (commit to) play. If I see a guy has committed to a weaker school/conference without good reason, then I do hold it against them. Historically, only a select number of schools have the resources to properly develop and produce NHL talent, and you want your good prospects to be playing against other good prospects. Many people do not take this into account at all. I also consider if it takes them more than two years in Jr. A before they are ready to play in the NCAA.
5) For Europeans and lower tier North American leagues (i.e. BCHL, AJHL, etc.), I am very strict. They must have an international resume (unless they were hurt). I usually take that international resume into account more than their league stats, however I do still see how well they did relative to their peers in the league/on their team. There are not many, if any, prospects on this list who have not been major factors in both however. Of course, any Europeans who are good enough to play in pro leagues are also given special consideration.
6) For goalies, any kind of technical/positional/mental deficiencies are a major knock (all of the prospects on this list likely have none of them). Size and athleticism are taken into account in determining how high a prospect evidently goes, in addition to their stats, but it is not nearly as much of a knock as having those other issues. International stats are not a must, but they are still strongly considered.
7) I value IQ, consistency and all-around commitment above all else. However, the guys still need to have skill, and I would take a chance on certain guys if their skill/IQ combo is attractive enough (these guys are still kids, so they could develop consistency and commitment as they mature; however the package has to be special).

NamePositionShoots/CatchesBirth MonthMonth #Birth YearHeightWeight (lbs)Junior TeamLeaguePlayer URLLocal RankingGlobal Ranking
Marco RossiCenterLeftSeptember920015'09"179OttawaOHLMarco Rossi at eliteprospects.com55
Alexis LafreniereLeft WingLeftOctober1020016'1"192RimouskiQMJHLAlexis Lafrenière at eliteprospects.com55
Tim StutzleLeft Wing/CenterLeftJanuary120026'0"187MannheimGERMANYTim Stützle at eliteprospects.com55
Jamie DrysdaleDefensemanRightApril420025'11"165ErieOHLJamie Drysdale at eliteprospects.com55
Quinton ByfieldCenterLeftAugust820026'4"214SudburyOHLQuinton Byfield at eliteprospects.com55
Cole PerfettiLeft WingLeftJanuary120025'10"185SaginawOHLCole Perfetti at eliteprospects.com105
Lucas RaymondRight WingRightMarch320025'10"165FrolundaSWEDENLucas Raymond at eliteprospects.com105
Alexander HoltzRight Wing/Left WingRightJanuary120026'0"183DjurgardensSWEDENAlexander Holtz at eliteprospects.com1010
Yaroslav AskarovGoalieRightJune620026'3"176St. PetersburgRUSSIA-2Yaroslav Askarov at eliteprospects.com1010
Jake SandersonDefensemanLeftJuly720026'1"185USA U18USDPJake Sanderson at eliteprospects.com1010
Anton LundellCenterLeftOctober1020016'1"187HIFKFINLANDAnton Lundell at eliteprospects.com1510
Jack QuinnRight WingRightSeptember920015'11"176OttawaOHLJack Quinn at eliteprospects.com1515
Dawson MercerRight WingRightOctober1020016'0"179ChicoutimiQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/320305/dawson-mercer1515
Seth JarvisRight WingRightFebruary220025'10"172PortlandWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201952/seth-jarvis1515
Kaiden GuhleDefensemanLeftJanuary120026'3"187Prince AlbertWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/413363/kaiden-guhle1525
Connor ZaryCenterLeftSeptember920016'0"181KamloopsWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/351805/connor-zary2525
Dylan HollowayLeft WingLeftSeptember920016'0"192WisconsinNCAAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/322111/dylan-holloway2525
Braden SchneiderDefensemanRightSeptember920016'2"209BrandonWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/351820/braden-schneider2525
Rodion AmirovLeft WingLeftOctober1020016'0"168UfaRUSSIAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/518585/rodion-amirov2525
Justin BarronDefensemanRightNovember1120016'2"192HalifaxQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/294613/justin-barron2525
Mavrik BourqueCenterRightJanuary120025'10"163ShawiniganQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/295299/mavrik-bourque2525
Jacob PerreaultCenter/Right WingRightApril420025'11"198SarniaOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/418243/jacob-perreault2525
Brendan BrissonCenter/Left WingLeftOctober1020015'11"179ChicagoUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/299642/brendan-brisson2550
Lukas CormierDefensemanLeftMarch320025'10"179CharlottetownQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201780/lukas-cormier2550
Jan MysakLeft Wing/CenterLeftJune620026'0"181HamiltonOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/427906/jan-mysak2550
Noel GunlerRight Wing/Left WingRightOctober1020016'1"174LuleaSWEDENhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/393444/noel-gunler5050
Tyson FoersterRight WingRightJanuary120026'1"193BarrieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201934/tyson-foerster5050
Jason-John PeterkaLeft WingLeftJanuary120025'11"192MunchenGERMANYhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/381855/john-jason-peterka5050
Thomas BordeleauCenterLeftJanuary120025'09"179USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/296636/thomas-bordeleau5050
Hendrix LapierreCenterLeftFebruary220026'0"165ChicoutimiQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201904/hendrix-lapierre5050
Topi NiemelaDefensemanRightMarch320026'0"163KarpatFINLANDhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/499424/topi-niemela5050
Jake NeighboursLeft WingLeftMarch320025'11"201EdmontonWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/391048/jake-neighbours5050
Ozzy WiesblattRight WingRightMarch320025'10"183Prince AlbertWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201810/ozzy-wiesblatt5050
Justin SourdifRight WingRightMarch320025'11"165VancouverWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/290346/justin-sourdif5050
Lukas ReichelLeft WingLeftMay520026'0"172BerlinGERMANYhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/381687/lukas-reichel5050
Ryan O'RourkeDefensemanLeftMay520026'2"181Sault Ste. MarieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201939/ryan-o-rourke5050
Jeremie PoirierDefensemanLeftJune620026'0"192Saint JohnQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201907/jeremie-poirier5050
William WallinderDefensemanLeftJuly720026'4"192MODO U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/482190/william-wallinder5050
Ridly GreigLeft WingLeftAugust820025'11"159BrandonWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/413174/ridly-greig5050
Tristen RobinsCenterRightNovember1120015'10"174SaskatoonWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/286940/tristen-robins5075
Sam ColangeloRight WingRightDecember1220016'1"185ChicagoUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/386333/sam-colangelo5075
Shakir MukhamadullinDefensemanLeftJanuary120026'4"179UfaRUSSIAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/552042/shakir-mukhamadullin5075
Roni HirvonenCenterLeftJanuary120025'09"163AssatFINLANDhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/448946/roni-hirvonen5075
Ty SmilanicCenter/Left WingLeftJanuary120026'1"170USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201959/ty-smilanic5075
Emil AndraeDefensemanLeftFebruary220025'09"183HV71 U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/394716/emil-andrae5075
Will CuylleLeft WingLeftFebruary220026'2"201WindsorOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/537552/will-cuylle5075
Daniil GushchinRight Wing/Left WingLeftFebruary220025'08"161MuskegonUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/512924/daniil-gushchin5075
Yan KuznetsovDefensemanLeftMarch320026'3"201ConnecticutNCAAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/440410/yan-kuznetsov5075
Marat KhusnutdinovCenterLeftJuly720025'09"165St. PetersburgRUSSIA-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/552045/marat-khusnutdinov5075
Martin ChromiakLeft WingRightAugust820026'0"179KingstonOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/292067/martin-chromiak5075
Nico DawsGoalieLeftDecember1220006'4"203GuelphOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/359000/nicolas-daws7575
Sean FarrellLeft WingLeftNovember1120015'09"179ChicagoUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/386329/sean-farrell7575
Emil HeinemanLeft WingLeftNovember1120016'1"185Leksands U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/381844/emil-heineman7575
Joel BlomqvistGoalieLeftJanuary120026'1"205Karpat U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/495890/joel-blomqvist7575
Tyler KlevenDefensemanLeftJanuary120026'4"190USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/536644/tyler-kleven7575
Carter SavoieLeft WingLeftJanuary120025'09"170Sherwood ParkAJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201925/carter-savoie7575
Luke EvangelistaRight WingRightFebruary220025'11"165LondonOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/503976/luke-evangelista7575
Theodor NiederbachCenterRightFebruary220025'11"172Frolunda U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/394717/theodor-niederbach7575
Vasili PonomaryovCenter/Left WingLeftMarch320026'0"176ShawiniganQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/448947/vasili-ponomaryov7575
Luke TuchLeft WingLeftMarch320026'2"203USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/470086/luke-tuch7575
William VilleneuveDefensemanRightMarch320026'1"161Saint JohnQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/410562/william-villeneuve7575
Helge GransDefensemanRightMay520026'3"192Malmo U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/395302/helge-grans7575
Jean-Luc FoudyRight WingRightMay520025'11"168WindsorOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/534469/jean-luc-foudy7575
Zion NybeckLeft Wing/Right WingLeftMay520025'08"176HV71 U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/470015/zion-nybeck7575
Eamon PowellDefensemanRightMay520025'11"165USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/480401/eamon-powell7575
Roby JarventieLeft WingLeftAugust820026'2"185KOOVEEFINLAND-2https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/534236/roby-jarventie7575
Jaromir PytlikCenterRightSeptember920016'3"196Sault Ste. MarieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/318885/jaromir-pytlik75100
Mitchell MillerDefensemanLeftDecember1220015'11"194Tri-CityUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/316129/mitchell-miller75100
Brandon CoeRight WingRightDecember1220016'3"185North BayOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/452005/brandon-coe75100
Eemil ViroDefensemanLeftApril420026'0"168TPS U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/499518/eemil-viro75100
Tyler TullioRight WingRightApril420025'09"161OshawaOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201944/tyler-tullio75100
Joni JurmoDefensemanLeftApril420026'4"198Jokerit U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/530726/joni-jurmo75100
Evan VierlingCenter/Left WingLeftJune620026'0"168BarrieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/503023/evan-vierling75100
Brett BerardLeft WingLeftSeptember920025'09"152USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201740/brett-berard75100
Jack FinleyCenterRightSeptember920026'5"207SpokaneWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/477357/jack-finley75100
Veeti MiettinenRight WingLeftSeptember920015'09"159Blues U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/396163/veeti-miettinen100100
Simon KubicekDefensemanRightDecember1220016'2"194SeattleWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/356490/simon-kubicek100100
Thimo NicklDefensemanRightDecember1220016'3"187DrummondvilleQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/291222/thimo-nickl100100
Kasper SimontaivalRight WingRightJanuary120025'09"172Tappara U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/397010/kasper-simontaival100100
Michael BenningDefensemanRightJanuary120025'09"170Sherwood ParkAJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201914/michael-benning100100
Donovan SebrangoDefensemanLeftJanuary120026'0"179KitchenerOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/397738/donovan-sebrango100100
Dylan PetersonCenterRightJanuary120026'4"185USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/342192/dylan-peterson100100
Pavel NovakRight Wing/Left WingRightApril420025'09"161KelownaWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/428143/pavel-novak100100
Blake BiondiCenterRightApril420026'0"181HermantownUSHS-MNhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/495919/blake-biondi100100
Daemon HuntDefensemanLeftMay520026'0"198Moose JawWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201837/daemon-hunt100100
Connor McClennonRight WingLeftJune620025'08"157WinnipegWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201920/connor-mcclennon100100
Landon SlaggertCenterLeftJune620026'0"183USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/418245/landon-slaggert100100
Alexander PashinRight WingLeftJuly720025'07"154UfaRUSSIA-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/568059/alexander-pashin100100
Drew CommessoGoalieLeftJuly720026'2"181USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201741/drew-commesso100100
Jan BednarGoalieLeftAugust820026'4"196Karlovy VaryCZECHhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/472306/jan-bednar100100
Alex LaferriereRight WingRightOctober1020015'11"172Des MoinesUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/450718/alex-laferriere100125
Ryan FrancisRight WingRightDecember1220015'08"172Cape BretonQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/305092/ryan-francis100125
Daniel TorgerssonRight Wing/Left WingLeftJanuary120026'3"205Frolunda U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/407408/daniel-torgersson100125
Oskar MagnussonCenter/Right WingLeftJanuary120025'10"165Malmo U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/401310/oskar-magnusson100125
William DufourRight WingRightJanuary120026'2"181DrummondvilleQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/294583/william-dufour100125
Antonio StrangesLeft WingLeftFebruary220025'10"170LondonOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/369848/antonio-stranges100125
Anton JohannessonDefensemanLeftMarch320025'09"154HV71 U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/385303/anton-johannesson100125
Wyatt KaiserDefensemanLeftJuly720025'11"170AndoverUSHS-MNhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201852/wyatt-kaiser100125
Brock FaberDefensemanRightAugust820026'0"194USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/558598/brock-faber100125
Samuel KnazkoDefensemanLeftAugust820026'0"185TPS U20FINLAND-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/423667/samuel-knazko100125
Yegor SokolovRight Wing/Left WingRightJune620006'4"240Cape BretonQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/375742/yegor-sokolov125125
Alexander NikishinDefensemanLeftOctober1020016'3"196MoskvaRUSSIAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/514652/alexander-nikishin125125
Maxim GroshevRight WingLeftDecember1220016'0"181NizhnekamskRUSSIAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/532511/maxim-groshev125125
Ian MooreDefensemanRightJanuary120026'3"165St. Mark'sUSHS-MAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201746/ian-moore125125
Cross HanasLeft WingLeftJanuary120026'1"165PortlandWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/252712/cross-hanas125125
Oliver SuniRight WingRightFebruary220026'2"187OshawaOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/467383/oliver-suni125125
Jack ThompsonDefensemanRightMarch320026'1"172SudburyOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201878/jack-thompson125125
Rory KerinsCenterLeftApril420025'11"172Sault Ste. MarieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/504297/rory-kerins125125
Jacob TruscottDefensemanLeftApril420026'0"172USA U18USDPhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201776/jacob-truscott125125
Calle ClangGoalieLeftMay520026'2"176Rogle U20SWEDEN-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/387511/calle-clang125125
Zayde WisdomRight WingRightMay520025'10"201KingstonOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/537563/zayde-wisdom125125
Dylan GarandGoalieLeftJune620026'1"172KamloopsWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/473852/dylan-garand125125
Ronan SeeleyDefensemanLeftAugust820025'11"176EverettWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/413245/ronan-seeley125125
Colby AmbrosioCenterRightAugust820025'09"165Tri-CityUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/397860/colby-ambrosio125125
Ethan CardwellCenter/Right WingRightAugust820025'10"157BarrieOHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201866/ethan-cardwell125125
Wyatt SchingoetheCenter/Left WingLeftAugust820025'11"190WaterlooUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201729/wyatt-schingoethe125125
Gage GoncalvesCenter/Left WingLeftJanuary120016'1"170EverettWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/407591/gage-goncalves125150
Alex CottonDefensemanRightMay520016'2"183LethbridgeWHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/351538/alex-cotton125150
Zach UensDefensemanLeftMay520016'2"185MerrimackNCAAhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/424330/zach-uens125150
Trevor KuntarCenterLeftJune620016'0"203YoungstownUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/290309/trevor-kuntar125150
Carson BantleLeft WingLeftJanuary120026'4"201MadisonUSHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201849/carson-bantle125150
Theo RochetteCenterLeftFebruary220025'10"159QuebecQMJHLhttps://www.eliteprospects.com/player/291301/theo-rochette125150
Dmitri ZlodeyevCenterLeftFebruary220025'11"185MoskvaRUSSIA-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/537763/dmitri-zlodeyev125150
Bogdan TrineyevRight WingRightMarch320026'3"176MoskvaRUSSIA-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/537760/bogdan-trineyev125150
Pavel TyutnevLeft Wing/CenterLeftJuly720025'09"185YaroslavlRUSSIA-JR.https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/581252/pavel-tyutnev125150
[TBODY] [/TBODY]
Some HM's: RD Kasper Puutio, RD Ruben Rafkin, LD Ethan Edwards, LD Marko Stacha, LW Owen Pederson, RD Luke Prokop, LW James Hardie, LW Simon Knak.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: hockeynorth

LeafsOHLRangers98

Registered User
Jun 13, 2017
6,573
6,718
I think our pick that we gave Carolina would drop from 13th overall to 21st overall if we beat Columbus on Sunday. Would be a much easier pill to swallow on top of moving on to face Tampa or Philly.

If you lose you hope you win the lottery.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SeaOfBlue

horner

Registered User
May 22, 2007
7,948
4,455
Alexander Nikishin D russian
Big boy loves to hit
Playing in the khl
Reports are that
He has gone under the radar while sticking in the khl and put up some good numbers.
The type of man that we need
 
LaPlante94

LaPlante94

Registered User
Apr 12, 2011
6,763
2,993
horner said:
Alexander Nikishin D russian
Big boy loves to hit
Playing in the khl
Reports are that
He has gone under the radar while sticking in the khl and put up some good numbers.
The type of man that we need
Click to expand...

Became a pretty reliable shutdown guy while in the KHL and that's rare in that league for someone his age. Even became a a big part of their PK which is also something that's rare. Some talk about him not having an offensive game but he does have the hands, puck moving ability and skating ability. Acceleration could use some work but once he gets moving he can keep up very well. Also, he needs to make quicker decisions with the puck but I guess that's expected going from a junior league to a mens league. Imo he'd be a very good pick in the 3rd round or even 4th if he falls but I doubt he will.
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
I'm on team Yan Kuznetsov at pick #44.
Click to expand...

I would rather trade down. #39 is when the top 50 prospects run out for me in this draft, so either trade up and get a better guy like O'Rourke or trade down and get proper value for Kuznetsov and Co.
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
Caser said:
Yaroslav Likhachyov mentioned in an interview that Leafs' scouts have been pretty active at contacting him this season.
Click to expand...

He is a late round target for me, and it is not surprising that he has interest from the Leafs. He is an OA, but he was born like 2 weeks before the cutoff so he is effectively a first year eligible player and he put up a PPG on a mediocre QMJHL team.

Major boom-bust prospect who will be more of a secondary scorer (or playmaker) on a 2nd/3rd line than any kind of superstar most likely, but still has good value for any pick after the 4th or 5th round.

I have only seen him a few times and base it mostly off of that and your scouting reports. He looks fast and seems to have most, if not all of the tools, you need to succeed, but it is a matter of whether he has the IQ to put it all together. His DY was not a good one but he was a top performer in the Hlinka and has adjusted well to North America in his second year.
 
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
I would rather trade down. #39 is when the top 50 prospects run out for me in this draft, so either trade up and get a better guy like O'Rourke or trade down and get proper value for Kuznetsov and Co.
Click to expand...

I'd rather not mess about and get a guy I like.

Reminds me of when I wanted Brandan Carlo, everyone told me limited offensive upside etc. Would have fit this team like a glove. I could see Kuznetsov being similar to a Jake Muzzin.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Saint Blue
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
I'd rather not mess about and get a guy I like.

Reminds me of when I wanted Brandan Carlo, everyone told me limited offensive upside etc. Would have fit this team like a glove. I could see Kuznetsov being similar to a Jake Muzzin.
Click to expand...

Yes, fair. I personally feel like there will be better players available at 44, but to each their own.

As for the Muzzin comparison, I don't think he has the offensive upside nor the physicality to be a Muzzin. He reminds me more of a Gunnarsson or even a Kokkonen. He's never going to be a pure puck mover, but good enough to effectively move the puck out of the zone. Not a guy who is going to constantly lay you out, but will use his body to win pucks and will hit you if the opportunity presents itself. Nice positioning. Solid stick ability and reach, and will smother passing and shooting lanes with both his stick and his body. Skating needs some work but hardly anything that should hold him back with a few years of development. I don't think his shot will be as good as Muzzin's, but it could still get him some points.

He is the type of guy who you plop into a top 4 with a skilled puck mover (i.e. perhaps a Liljegren) or another shutdown guy (i.e. Kokkonen) but likely won't be anything more than the 4th best defender on a contender. However, he is also the type of guy who could definitely have a long and sustainable career as a bottom pairing PK defenseman if he does not quite hit his ceiling. So pretty much, I keep getting Gunnarsson and Kokkonen vibes :laugh:
 
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
Yes, fair. I personally feel like there will be better players available at 44, but to each their own.

As for the Muzzin comparison, I don't think he has the offensive upside nor the physicality to be a Muzzin. He reminds me more of a Gunnarsson or even a Kokkonen. He's never going to be a pure puck mover, but good enough to effectively move the puck out of the zone. Not a guy who is going to constantly lay you out, but will use his body to win pucks and will hit you if the opportunity presents itself. Nice positioning. Solid stick ability and reach, and will smother passing and shooting lanes with both his stick and his body. Skating needs some work but hardly anything that should hold him back with a few years of development. I don't think his shot will be as good as Muzzin's, but it could still get him some points.

He is the type of guy who you plop into a top 4 with a skilled puck mover (i.e. perhaps a Liljegren) or another shutdown guy (i.e. Kokkonen) but likely won't be anything more than the 4th best defender on a contender. However, he is also the type of guy who could definitely have a long and sustainable career as a bottom pairing PK defenseman if he does not quite hit his ceiling. So pretty much, I keep getting Gunnarsson and Kokkonen vibes :laugh:
Click to expand...

I was thinking left shot Carlo to be honest.

If Sandin is a top 4 LD and Kuznetsov is too, then you're covered on that side, Kuznetsov should be ready as Muzzin is fading.

Kokkonen can apparently play both sides I had heard.
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
I was thinking left shot Carlo to be honest.

If Sandin is a top 4 LD and Kuznetsov is too, then you're covered on that side, Kuznetsov should be ready as Muzzin is fading.

Kokkonen can apparently play both sides I had heard.
Click to expand...

Carlo is good too, but I think Carlo is a little bit more physical and a slightly better puck mover.

Kokkonen can play RD, which is why I said that a Kuznetsov could end up playing with him at some point. Would also probably fit quite well with a guy like Kral.

In this draft, Kuznetsov is probably a top 50 player, so not a bad pick. I just don't think you get top 50 value out of him, like a bunch of other top 50 players in this draft.
 
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
Carlo is good too, but I think Carlo is a little bit more physical and a slightly better puck mover.

Kokkonen can play RD, which is why I said that a Kuznetsov could end up playing with him at some point. Would also probably fit quite well with a guy like Kral.

In this draft, Kuznetsov is probably a top 50 player, so not a bad pick. I just don't think you get top 50 value out of him, like a bunch of other top 50 players in this draft.
Click to expand...

I think even with Kuznetsov on the board they'll probably go with some 5'4 defenseman anyway at 44 lol.
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
I think even with Kuznetsov on the board they'll probably go with some 5'4 defenseman anyway at 44 lol.
Click to expand...

I mean, let's not play into stereotypes too much. Nobody is complaining about Robertson and Sandin all that much right now. Sandin has even grown to over 6'0" right now, and I would not be surprised if Kokkonen has done the same (regardless, he does not play a soft game and is stout). We've taken a number of larger defensemen in the past and unless Greenway and Rasanen turn out, literally none of them have made it anywhere... Unless you count the 6'1", 180 lbs Kral as "large".

There are a number of larger players who would be good picks at 44 if they are available (i.e. Neighbours, who is under 6'0" but is easily one of the more physical players in the draft, etc.) and if they are looking defenseman, then O'Rourke has an old-school edge and is over 6'0", and most of the other worthy defensemen are at least average sized. Niemela is a bit smaller (6'0", ~165 lbs), Poirier is only 6'0.5" or something but he is also like 200lbs already, and the smallest of the bunch is likely Lukas Cormier at 5'10", but nobody should complain if a guy like Cormier falls to them. If he did not suffer an injury and got to play a full season, he is a legit top 25 prospect in this draft. I still have him as one despite the injury and Covid. The rest are like 6'4" Wallinder and Mukhamadullin, 6'3" Grans and Kuznetzov, etc. However, some of these guys could be available in the 3rd round, and if we trade down, we may even have a chance at two of them.
 
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
I mean, let's not play into stereotypes too much. Nobody is complaining about Robertson and Sandin all that much right now. Sandin has even grown to over 6'0" right now, and I would not be surprised if Kokkonen has done the same (regardless, he does not play a soft game and is stout). We've taken a number of larger defensemen in the past and unless Greenway and Rasanen turn out, literally none of them have made it anywhere... Unless you count the 6'1", 180 lbs Kral as "large".

There are a number of larger players who would be good picks at 44 if they are available (i.e. Neighbours, who is under 6'0" but is easily one of the more physical players in the draft, etc.) and if they are looking defenseman, then O'Rourke has an old-school edge and is over 6'0", and most of the other worthy defensemen are at least average sized. Niemela is a bit smaller (6'0", ~165 lbs), Poirier is only 6'0.5" or something but he is also like 200lbs already, and the smallest of the bunch is likely Lukas Cormier at 5'10", but nobody should complain if a guy like Cormier falls to them. If he did not suffer an injury and got to play a full season, he is a legit top 25 prospect in this draft. I still have him as one despite the injury and Covid. The rest are like 6'4" Wallinder and Mukhamadullin, 6'3" Grans and Kuznetzov, etc. However, some of these guys could be available in the 3rd round, and if we trade down, we may even have a chance at two of them.
Click to expand...

I meant more along the lines of I don't want Emil Andrae :)
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
I meant more along the lines of I don't want Emil Andrae :)
Click to expand...

Andrae is not too bad either. I have him as a top 50 prospect in this draft class, but he wouldn't be a guy I take at 44 either...

Size being the main issue of course. If he was over 6'0", he's likely a 1st round pick.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: hockeynorth
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
Andrae is not too bad either. I have him as a top 50 prospect in this draft class, but he wouldn't be a guy I take at 44 either...

Size being the main issue of course. If he was over 6'0", he's likely a 1st round pick.
Click to expand...

If you're gonna be a sub 6 foot defenseman you better skate great. He doesn't so therefore he'd be a no-draft for me.
 
SeaOfBlue

SeaOfBlue

The Passion That Unites Us All
Aug 1, 2013
35,591
16,773
WTFMAN99 said:
If you're gonna be a sub 6 foot defenseman you better skate great. He doesn't so therefore he'd be a no-draft for me.
Click to expand...

Isn't Andrae one of the better skaters in this draft? I've only watched highlights and read scouting reports, and it seems to be pretty consensus that his skating is more than good enough to make it for his size.
 
WTFMAN99

WTFMAN99

Registered User
Jun 17, 2009
33,055
11,062
SeaOfBlue said:
Isn't Andrae one of the better skaters in this draft? I've only watched highlights and read scouting reports, and it seems to be pretty consensus that his skating is more than good enough to make it for his size.
Click to expand...

Paraphrasing but "Short, choppy stride causing loss of top speed in a straight line"

Also another offensive defenseman just has no appeal right now. I'd take a 2-way or defensive guy who can play in the top 4 and thus the Kuznetsov love on my end.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SeaOfBlue
hockeynorth

hockeynorth

Registered User
Aug 31, 2017
12,588
6,381
TBH I see no way O'Rourke gets to 44 but if he does I think you're laughing and sprinting to the podium. He's OHL captain material, as @SeaOfBlue said an old school style, while also fitting well in the modern game. I see him as almost a sure fire top 4. Same applies for if Grans makes it there, take him ASAP. Neighbours would be a good LW prospect, though not a spectacular pick he likely does well and is good value at 44 IMO. Something about Russian dmen scare me tbh, I do think you see one of the German forwards fall though and I'd take one of them if so.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SeaOfBlue
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ad

Latest posts

Upcoming events

Ad

Ad

Top Bottom