Prospect Info: Riley Heidt, C, 64th Overall, 2023 NHL Draft

[Lapa]

Looks like a really good pick

 

[brainfreeze]

One writeup describes him as "nasty physically" and "an enthusiastic combatant in scrums" while another describes him as having "mediocre speed and compete" and "wouldn’t call him a high-energy type who wins a lot of battles"

Interesting how two sets of eyes almost see two different players.

 

[AKL]

Nice I like it

 

[57special]

Something I hear is he has a bit of a nastyness to his game which Rossi is missing.

Western Canadian born in Saskatoon- comes with the territory. Very aw shucks polite off the ice, borderline criminal behavior on it.

 

[16thOverallSaveUs]

I think he’s this years stankoven

 

[Circulartheory]

I think he’s this years stankoven

I was never high on him (in fact I kind of hated him as a top 32 pick) but I believe it was in the Athletic that mentioned that he could be a Morgan Frost and at 63, thats nice.

 

[thestonedkoala]

I ran into him. He's about my height lol and I'm 5'7. But he seems awesome.

 

[57special]

I ran into him. He's about my height lol and I'm 5'7. But he seems awesome.

He was measured at the combine at 5'10 1/2". Were you wearing platform, or Cowboy boots with high heels(not judging)?

 

[thestonedkoala]

He was measured at the combine at 5'10 1/2". Were you wearing platform, or Cowboy boots with high heels(not judging)?

Just my running shoes. Nashville is hilly and hot.

 

[Digitalbooya]

I ran into him. He's about my height lol and I'm 5'7. But he seems awesome.

Dang, how's the weather down there?

 

[thestonedkoala]

Dang, how's the weather down there?

I am naked because it's so bloody humid

 

[Puhis]

I am naked because it's so bloody humid

Hey, welcome to the club. It'd be criminal to hide this from the world.

 

[MK9]

I am naked because it's so bloody humid

 

[Wabit]

I am naked because it's so bloody humid

I guess that's one way to add a couple days on to your trip and not have the wife and kids riot.

 

[57special]

Now leads WHL in P/PG. Scores a lot on the PP. Is more of a distributor than a sniper. Only 67th in the league in shots. Nice FO, around 57%. So far, he's having a killer season, at least stats wise.

 

[57special]

Now 2 P/pg. Tied for the league lead in points, and leading in P/PG.

I wonder if being picked so low in the draft has motivated him.

 

[thestonedkoala]

Everyone credits Heidt's career on his teammates. He does have a ton of PP points.

Biggest question is what do they do next season with him? Sending him back to the C after he destroyed it in two seasons would be terrible and he's not eligible for the A.

Do you see if he can go to Europe?

 

[HobeyBroten]

Everyone credits Heidt's career on his teammates. He does have a ton of PP points.

Biggest question is what do they do next season with him? Sending him back to the C after he destroyed it in two seasons would be terrible and he's not eligible for the A.

Do you see if he can go to Europe?

Could he not make the jump the Iowa?

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like MN sure tries to let their young players marinate in minors or junior leagues longer than other teams? Hence, why I always feel like we're the top 5 oldest teams every year.

 

[MuckOG]

Could he not make the jump the Iowa?

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like MN sure tries to let their young players marinate in minors or junior leagues longer than other teams? Hence, why I always feel like we're the top 5 oldest teams every year.

He can't due to the CHL/NHL agreement preventing CHL players under the age of 20 from playing in the AHL.

 

[HobeyBroten]

He can't due to the CHL/NHL agreement preventing CHL players under the age of 20 from playing in the AHL.

I thought Height was in the WHL? Could he not sign after the WHL season is over and play for Iowa technically?

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

I thought Height was in the WHL? Could he not sign after the WHL season is over and play for Iowa technically?

WHL is part of the CHL umbrella.

 

[57special]

Everyone credits Heidt's career on his teammates. He does have a ton of PP points.

Biggest question is what do they do next season with him? Sending him back to the C after he destroyed it in two seasons would be terrible and he's not eligible for the A.

Do you see if he can go to Europe?

Maybe last year, but this year I'd say that Heidt's teammates are feeding off him. Funk, Terascik and the like just have to stay alert, keep their stick on the ice and be ready to shoot when they are on the same line as him, because he will get them the puck. Not flashy with his passing like Granlund, but still gets the job done. Excellent vision.

As for PP points, well, your best offensive players play on the PP. The fact that he is producing there is something to note, but not necessarily a negative. You can never have to many PP talents. Heidt will just be breaking into the league when Zucc is gone.

 

[Parax]

Everyone credits Heidt's career on his teammates. He does have a ton of PP points.

Biggest question is what do they do next season with him? Sending him back to the C after he destroyed it in two seasons would be terrible and he's not eligible for the A.

Do you see if he can go to Europe?

It seems like it would be better for him to go to Europe but if the Wild sign him to an ELC they have to return him to the CHL. He'd have to decide for himself without signing with the Wild, though I'm sure they'd influence that decision plenty.

 

[HobeyBroten]

WHL is part of the CHL umbrella.

How was Bedard able to play in the NHL this season if he is only 18 then? Is that different from him playing in the AHL?

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

How was Bedard able to play in the NHL this season if he is only 18 then? Is that different from him playing in the AHL?

Yes, for U20 CHL players, it's CHL or NHL, no AHL option.

Only exception has something to do with Europeans playing in the CHL. Can't remember exactly though.