Prospect Info: The Adolescent 2019 Draft Thread

[McDNicks17]

Those guys may never become NHL players because of their compete level though. Compete allows them to push past struggles, which a young NHL career is. It's why Tkachuk is miles better than a Puljujarvi

I think scouts lump "compete level" into one category and make it sound like the player is Alex Kovalev on the ice and Theo Peckham off the ice, but really there's a ton of variations.

McLeod, for example, had it questioned because he didn't get involved along the boards and tended to stick to the perimeter. That's something coaching can improve and he has in that regard this year.

For Kaliyev, he shows plenty of compete when he or his team has the puck or when he can make a play directly to get the puck back, but he just doesn't try when the other team has the puck and it isn't near him. That's not going to prevent him from becoming a top-end offensive player. He may never become an average defensive player in the NHL because of it, but the Oilers need a guy who can pot 30+ goals more than they need a good defensive winger.

Also, I don't want to derail the thread, but I think that's only a minuscule reason why Tkachuk is better than Pulju.

 

[Zaddy]

I don't disagree with the assessment. I just disagree with weighting those attributes so high when it comes to high-end prospects.

Basically all of the best prospects the Oilers have drafted recently have either had heavy boots(Bouchard, Maximov, Benson) or questioned compete level(McLeod).

I'm of the mindset that the Oilers need to draft the smartest player at each of their picks. I can count the number of Oilers with NHL level hockey IQ on one hand. They desperately need smart players. You win in this league with quick decisions. Not quick feet or compete level.

I went and watch a shift-by-shift on Kaliyev to see what all the fuss was about. His lack of compete was definitely something that stood out. He kinda reminds me of a better/smoother version of Dmitri Sokolov.

On the other hand, I don't see any issues with his skating. It's looks perfectly fine to me. Maybe he's not the fastest but he's pretty smooth and gets to where he needs to be, at least when he puts the effort in.

But yeah I can see why some scouts are so down on him. He's the type of guy who drives you crazy. All the talent in the world but no effort. I think most of those guys who lack that compete turn out to be AHL all stars but are tweeners are the NHL level because their coaches can't trust them in the defensive end.

I feel like he's too risky for the Oilers to draft. A team with multiple 1st round picks (like St. Louis and Colorado) might take a swing at him but the Oilers can't really afford to screw this one up.

Anyway I'm curious, who would you take between Kaliyev and McMichael?

 

[McDNicks17]

Anyway I'm curious, who would you take between Kaliyev and McMichael?

For the Oilers, I'd probably go with Kaliyev. I think he's a special player in the offensive zone. His knack for finding soft ice and how he uses his stick positioning to create shooting lanes immediately as the puck gets to him is something you don't see very often, IMO. He's going to score a ton of goals in the same way Chiasson was earlier in the year.

If I was looking for a guy to anchor his own line, I'd probably go with McMichael. I think he has a good chance to be a 25-25 RNH-esque #2C at a minimum.

 

[PKSpecialist]

The good news for the Oilers is they don’t have to worry about drafting for need. I can give a good reason for the Oilers needing everyone of these guys....it’s sad.

I would like to reiterate though, drafting a guy like Kaliyev should be a no-go for this team. Yes, they need a sniper, and he may become one, but they need a speedy winger with skill so much more in my opinion. And I still think another crack at a stud defender wouldn’t hurt. I’m torn if given the opportunity to draft between Byram/Krebs/Zegras. They all check a lot of boxes, but you can’t have all of them.

 

[Smartguy]

Can we draft Connor McMichael? He seems like a solid player, but mostly just the name thing.

Where’s he projected?

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

Can we draft Connor McMichael? He seems like a solid player, but mostly just the name thing.

Where’s he projected?

If we make the playoffs he'd be a great pick in the 15-25 range. One of my favourite players in the draft along with Newhook, Pelletier, and Tomasino.

 

[780il]

Can we draft Connor McMichael? He seems like a solid player, but mostly just the name thing.

Where’s he projected?

In the 20's

So wed need to trade up with the 2nd rounder and something else - I am down for this

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

In the 20's

So wed need to trade up with the 2nd rounder and something else - I am down for this

Or make the playoffs

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

We NEED Connor McMichael. Aside from the obvious name connection (which is very significant), his skillset would be great on this team. One of the best shots in the draft and an incredible playmaker, plus great speed and defensive ability. He is pretty close to NHL ready imo and projects to be a Nuge-like player. Here is a shift by shift video. He gets two goals and two assists, and could have had at least five more points.

(Number 11 in the video)

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

That said, I would be just as happy with Tomasino. He probably isn't as NHL ready or good defensively, but he is more explosive in my opinion and shoots right, which would be big for this team.

@Mcnotloilersfan or anyone else, do you have any shift-by-shift or highlight videos of Tomasino? I can't find much on him at all. Any additional information (things scouts say, observations, etc) would also be appreciated.

 

[LaGu]

Thanks for all the prospect info guys, it is very appreciated. It is very interesting for someone like me who don't follow prospects to look into this thread from time to time and see the write ups.

For the Oilers, I'd probably go with Kaliyev. I think he's a special player in the offensive zone. His knack for finding soft ice and how he uses his stick positioning to create shooting lanes immediately as the puck gets to him is something you don't see very often, IMO. He's going to score a ton of goals in the same way Chiasson was earlier in the year.

If I was looking for a guy to anchor his own line, I'd probably go with McMichael. I think he has a good chance to be a 25-25 RNH-esque #2C at a minimum.

Sorry but I have to ask, what does this mean? I have never seen that phrase used before. Is he good at finding slow ice (is that a good thing)?

 

[hallhopkinseberle]

I would advise Hughes to ask to be traded if the Oilers have the no 1 pick. Not joking at all. No one would blame him. So I think a forced trade would be a distinct possibility. I have the Oilers finishing bottom 3-5 in the league by season's end.

Why? Playing on the same team as McDavid is a going to be a draw for someone young and talented like Hughes. We can use him on the 3rd line and 2nd PP next season and be a productive NHLer.Play him with Khiara and Pulujarvi and they can be protected and used as a solid 3rd line. Juts gotta fix the mess of the top six.

X-McDavid-Drai
X-Nuge-X
Khaira-Hughes-Pulujarvi

 

[hallhopkinseberle]

Been there Done that.

Hall-McDavid-Eberle
Draisaitl-Nuge-Yakupov

All 100 pt players.

How long did McD/Hall/Drai play together in the NHL? 30 games?

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

That said, I would be just as happy with Tomasino. He probably isn't as NHL ready or good defensively, but he is more explosive in my opinion and shoots right, which would be big for this team.

@Mcnotloilersfan or anyone else, do you have any shift-by-shift or highlight videos of Tomasino? I can't find much on him at all. Any additional information (things scouts say, observations, etc) would also be appreciated.

One of my biggest selling points for Tomasino is that he is rock solid defensively . He comes back hard and steals the puck from players in his own end. A lot of his plays lately start from him taking the puck out of his zone .

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

One of my biggest selling points for Tomasino is that he is rock solid defensively . He comes back hard and steals the puck from players in his own end. A lot of his plays lately start from him taking the puck out of his zone .

Interesting. When do you think he could play in the NHL?

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

Interesting. When do you think he could play in the NHL?

100% not next season. He doesn't look physically ready, and he is a player who always had the tools, and just finally found his groove 30 games ago (when he was finally placed in the top 6). He needs to play at a dominant level in junior longer and really gain that confidence.

I would be intrigued to see how he looks a year from now, but my guess is he needs 2 seasons to develop after his draft.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

100% not next season. He doesn't look physically ready, and he is a player who always had the tools, and just finally found his groove 30 games ago (when he was finally placed in the top 6). He needs to play at a dominant level in junior longer and really gain that confidence.

I would be intrigued to see how he looks a year from now, but my guess is he needs 2 seasons to develop after his draft.

I'd be really pumped if we draft him. I think he'd be in our range if we do well the next 30 games and make the playoffs with an early exit.

One of my favourite players in this draft along with McMichael, Newhook, and Pelletier.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

I'd be really pumped if we draft him. I think he'd be in our range if we do well the next 30 games and make the playoffs with an early exit.

One of my favourite players in this draft along with McMichael, Newhook, and Pelletier.

I agree. He's the best forward prospect that I've ever seen play for Niagara in his draft year. This includes Strome and Perlini. With Strome you could just tell that his skating and skillset wouldn't translate well to the NHL. I don't get that feeling from Tomasino. He's getting faster, he plays well in his own end, and he thinks the game at such a high level. I really can't think of anything that he isn't good at

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

I agree. He's the best forward prospect that I've ever seen play for Niagara in his draft year. This includes Strome and Perlini. With Strome you could just tell that his skating and skillset wouldn't translate well to the NHL. I don't get that feeling from Tomasino. He's getting faster, he plays well in his own end, and he thinks the game at such a high level. I really can't think of anything that he isn't good at

That's some of the highest praise I've seen yet.

Everything I watch/hear about him makes me like him more and more. How did he do in the game the Oilers were scouting the IceDogs? I really want to draft him lol.

 

[Zaddy]

That said, I would be just as happy with Tomasino. He probably isn't as NHL ready or good defensively, but he is more explosive in my opinion and shoots right, which would be big for this team.

@Mcnotloilersfan or anyone else, do you have any shift-by-shift or highlight videos of Tomasino? I can't find much on him at all. Any additional information (things scouts say, observations, etc) would also be appreciated.

You can watch more shift-by-shift videos on ProspectShifts.com - Shift by shift videos of NHL prospects. A lot of them are locked for members but Anthony who runs the site has a 7 day trial you can sign up for if you don't want to pay the $5 a month.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

That's some of the highest praise I've seen yet.

Everything I watch/hear about him makes me like him more and more. How did he do in the game the Oilers were scouting the IceDogs? I really want to draft him lol.

It was his best game yet. Watch the highlights starting at 43 seconds. His goal was a bit fluky, but his 2 assists are incredible. The assist on the 4th goal isn't given justice in this video. He starts the play behind his own net, dumps it in, retrieves it and sets up the goal.

Howson has been here at least twice, and Green/MacT at least once (I cant make every game). I can confirm that they are there to both scout Tomasino and check in on Maksimov. SOO was a team worth scouting aswell, as they have 4 guys who could go in later rounds (all 4 happened to be on the ice for Tomasino's goal)

 

[McDNicks17]

Sorry but I have to ask, what does this mean? I have never seen that phrase used before. Is he good at finding slow ice (is that a good thing)?

Basically just finding holes in the coverage in the offensive zone.

Being able to sneak away from a defender and create enough space to get a shot off.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

You can watch more shift-by-shift videos on ProspectShifts.com - Shift by shift videos of NHL prospects. A lot of them are locked for members but Anthony who runs the site has a 7 day trial you can sign up for if you don't want to pay the $5 a month.

Thanks! I’ll check it out.

It was his best game yet. Watch the highlights starting at 43 seconds. His goal was a bit fluky, but his 2 assists are incredible. The assist on the 4th goal isn't given justice in this video. He starts the play behind his own net, dumps it in, retrieves it and sets up the goal.

Howson has been here at least twice, and Green/MacT at least once (I cant make every game). I can confirm that they are there to both scout Tomasino and check in on Maksimov. SOO was a team worth scouting aswell, as they have 4 guys who could go in later rounds (all 4 happened to be on the ice for Tomasino's goal)

Awesome. Really appreciate the info.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

Current top-10 for me:

1. Kakko
2. Hughes
3. Turcotte
4. Dach
5. Byram
6. Podkolzin
7. Cozens
8. Zegras
9. Krebs
10. Boldy


Guys I'm high on outside of top-10:
Tomasino, McMichael, Newhook, Pelletier

Guys I'm not high on outside of top-10:
Suzuki, Kaliyev, Defensemen not named Byram

Thoughts?

 

[Paralyzer008]

I'd be really tempted to draft Byram, just because finally we'd be drafting and developing our own D.

Bouchard + Byram could be a different kind of our version of the Jets drafting Trouba and Morrissey.

However, I've always been a BPA guy. I've also been in a thinking where the Oilers find ways to screw up great draft picks - which makes the pick less meaningful.