It is here, it is here. The 2015 NHL Entry Draft is just days away and with the top end talent of Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, this draft will not be soon forgotten. In addition to the top end of the draft, there is solid picks to be had throughout the first round and into the second. While my ranking are of the top 100 players, with the depth in the draft it would have not been difficult to find another 50 players to add to the list.
For those who have read my draft rankings in previous years or follow along to my blog, than you would be aware that these rankings are not based on my own scouting analysis. I have left that job to the professionals, similar to how Bob MacKenzie does his rankings for TSN. Instead my rankings are a balancing act between my own statistical analysis and the scouting reports from various draft guides and the internet. While it would be great to have inside knowledge from scouts, most fans like me, do not have that type of connections.
This year, for the statistical analysis, I looked back at the 1998 to 2014 draft years and found a strong correlation between junior stats in CHL forwards and their best season in the NHL. My study also found that age does play a role in future scoring potential but only for power play scoring. From there I was able to create a formula that projects a forward’s NHL potential for their career season in the NHL. This formula is referred to as NHLP and I have recorded it for every first year draft eligible CHL or US based player on my list (stats adjusted based on NHL equivalency for their league). The formula has been prorated over an 82 game season and I have included a list of comparable players for the players ranked in my top 30. To be a comparable player, they have to be of similar height (+/- 1 inch), NHLP (+/- 5 points) and draft selection (+/- 10 spots of where I ranked the player). While I would have liked to do the NHLP for the European players, I ran out of time to do the analysis. In addition, there are many European leagues without a NHL equivalency to work with. When calculating the totals I prefer to combine playoff and regular season stats into one, which is how I will display each player’s stat line.
For defenseman this formula does not work, as the correlation is weak. However, I did find some useful information such as power play scoring is less important than even strength/shorthanded scoring. Based on my sample of defenseman, the powerplay scoring was 58% of what it was in juniors meanwhile even strength/shorthanded scoring was at 100%. Therefore, I have an adjusted stats total for each first year draft eligible CHL or US based defenseman on my list.
As for goalies, I have a popular article which can I analyzed past drafts to come up with a strategy in drafting goalies. It can be summed up as a team should take the top ranked goalies in the 2nd or early 3rd round and if they are gone, they should wait till the later rounds (6th/7th) to select the best-ranked European goalie on their list.
Using the scouting reports for analysis can be a mixed bag of opinions with little room for separation between multiple players that makes it difficult to project. Key items such as skating, puck skills, hockey sense, physicality, determination and defensive play all have to be weighed based on your personal preferences. For myself, skill, skating, drive and hockey sense are the most important factors that I look for when I read the draft guides. After that, it is simply weighing the risk factor (likelihood of reaching their upside) and reward factor (upside) of each player and slotting them into the necessary hole.
I would like to thank everyone for reading the 2015 Blue Bullet NHL Entry Draft Guide. May your favourite team make the correct selections come this Friday and Saturday. Enjoy.
#1 CONNOR MCDAVID
TEAM: Erie (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/195
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 13-Jan-97
STATS: 67GP-65G-104A-169P-60PIM
NHLP: 41G-61A-102P
What is there left to be said about Connor McDavid? He is an amazing skater with the ridiculous ability to change pace at will and make moves at full flight. Combine that with elite hockey sense, vision and creativity and the sky is the limit for this kid. Simply put, Connor McDavid is the best prospect since Sidney Crosby and has the potential to be the best player to come a long since Mario Lemieux. The Oilers most definitely won the Golden Ticket and being an Oilers fan myself, draft day cannot come soon enough.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane
#2 JACK EICHEL
TEAM: Boston University (NCAA)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-2/196
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 28-Oct-96
STATS: 40GP-26G-45A-71P-28PIM
NHLP: 32G-52A-84P
In almost any other draft year in the last 20 years, except 2005 and this year, Jack Eichel would have been the clear cut #1 choice. The only years that I believe where Eichel may not have gone first overall is 1997 (Thornton), 1998 (Lecavalier) and 2004 (Ovechkin) so it is just his bad luck he had to be in the same draft class as McDavid. Eichel is a dominating two-way centre that has a very complete game for his age as has the skating, smarts, strength, shot, size and skill that every coach wants in a franchise centre. Buffalo Sabres fans should be ecstatic knowing they will be selecting the best American prospect since Mike Modano.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Vincent Lecavalier, Pavel Brendl, Jason Spezza, David Legwand, Derick Brassard, Taylor Hall
#3 MITCHELL MARNER
TEAM: London (OHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 5-11/160
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 5-May-97
STATS: 70GP-53G-89A-142P-61PIM
NHLP: 34G-54A-88P
After the first two players are gone the draft starts to get more exciting, due to the fact that at the #3 spot there is no consensus to who should be chosen. If you are like me, whom does not mind take a swing at the fences rather than the safe pick, than Marner is the player to take. After McDavid and Eichel, Marner is the most talented player in the draft with the highest level of potential. A fast, slippery, skilled offensive threat with great vision and smarts, Marner has superstar potential and would be a worthy #1 pick in some previous drafts.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner, Jonathan Drouin, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Nathan Mackinnon
#4 DYLAN STROME
TEAM: Erie (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-3/185
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 7-May-97
STATS: 87GP-55G-96A-151P-44PIM
NHLP: 29G-48A-77P
When there are two top draft picks on the same team (Kane/Gagner 2007, MacKinnon/Drouin 2013) it can be tough to determine how much influence one player has over the other. In the case of Strome, his production dropped about 20% without McDavid in the lineup during the regular season (from 2.0 PPG to 1.67 PPG). Even at those levels, Strome is one of the most productive offensive players to come out of the OHL in the last 20 years and has the size, vision and skill to be a #1 centre. The only thing holding him back from being an elite centre is foot speed.
CHL Statistical Comparables: David Legwand, Derick Brassard, Taylor Hall, Sam Reinhart, John Tavares, Jonathan Huberdeau, Steven Stamkos, Jakub Voracek, Tyler Seguin, Ryan Strome
#5 NOAH HANIFIN
TEAM: Boston College (NCAA)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-3/203
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 25-Jan-97
STATS: 37GP-5G-18A-23P-16PIM
STATS ADJ: 11G-36A-47P
It was a close call between Hanifin and Strome, but when there is a choice between a big centre and a big d-men, I prefer to take the centre, as I believe they are the rarer commodity and they are easier to project than defensemen who have a longer development curve. In the case of Hanifin, he is a skilled two-way d-men that can play in all situations and could be a rock on defense for whatever team drafts him. When it comes to defenseman, Hanifin seems like a solid bet but I believe the players I have ranked above him have slightly more star potential.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Brandon Gormley, Slater Koekkoek, Darnell Nurse, Karl Alzner, Rostislav Klesla, Haydn Fleury, Erik Gudbranson
#6 IVAN PROVOROV
TEAM: Brandon (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-1/201
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 13-Jan-97
STATS: 79GP-17G-57A-74P-52PIM
STATS ADJ: 14G-46A-60P
Speaking of star potential, it was not just a simple case of slotting Hanifin ahead of Provorov, as one could make an argument that Provorov has more potential than any defenseman in the 2015 draft. An all situations d-man, Provorov is known for his composure and hockey sense which are key skills that you want in any defenseman. While I believe Provorov’s potential is right up there with Hanifin, I leaned towards Hanifin mainly due to him being slightly more developed and the better skater of the two.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Dmitri Kulikov, Dan Hamhuis, Zach Bogosian, Morgan Rielly, Mathew Dumba, Brad Stuart, Calvin de Haan, Cam Fowler
#7 MATHEW BARZAL
TEAM: Seattle (WHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-11/175
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 26-May-97
STATS: 50GP-16G-49A-65P-24PIM
NHLP: 17G-48A-65
By the seventh selection in the draft, it will start to open up and the opinions will start to vary more and more. This is when the arguments start to heat up and for me I will argue the case that Barzal is the most talented player available at this point. However, many draft guides and scouts prefer taking the large men in Zacha and Crouse at this point. I think that is a safe play and that they are picking size over skill, which I do not recommend. Instead, take Barzal who has first line centre upside with explosive skating ability and great vision. One thing to remember is his production was likely held back this year due to coming off a cracked kneecap injury.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Jeff Skinner, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Logan Couture, Nail Yakupov, Brayden Schenn, Max Domi, Stephen Weiss, Raffi Torres, Nazem Kadri, Matt Duchene, Alex Bourret, Mikkel Boedker, Marek Zagrapan, Scottie Upshall, Sven Baertschi, Cody Hodgson
#8 ZACH WERENSKI
TEAM: University of Michigan (NCAA)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/206
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 19-Jul-97
STATS: 35GP-9G-16A-25P-8PIM
STATS ADJ: 22G-35A-57P
In terms of potential, Werenski has as much as any defenseman in the 2015 draft class. However, he has more work to get there than either Provorov or Hanifin, as his all-around game is not at the same level yet. What Werenski has going for him is that he could be the best offensive d-men of the draft while having a solid 6’2 frame, which is a combination that does not come along every day. With work on his defensive positioning and more consistency in his game, Werenski could be a top pairing defenseman.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Zach Bogosian, Brad Stuart, Calvin de Haan, Cam Fowler, Cam Barker
#9 MIKKO RANTANEN
TEAM: TPS Turku (Liiga)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-4/211
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 19-Jul-97
STATS: 56GP-9G-19A-28P-22PIM
NHLP: 19G-40A-59P
At the ninth spot, I have a 6’4 211 lb winger but again I go against the grain of many scouts, as I prefer Rantanen to that of Crouse. With Rantanen, you are getting a skilled yet hard working two-way winger who has the ability to play the type of heavy hockey that is so popular in today’s game. What separates Rantanen from a player like Crouse is that I believe his offensive potential is a step above and that he is a better bet of turning into a top 6 player. The one knock on Rantanen is he needs to add power to his stride but once he does, he could be quite the force.
#10 EVGENI SVECHNIKOV
TEAM: Cape Breton (QMJHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-2/199
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 31-Oct-96
STATS: 62GP-33G-52A-85P-84PIM
NHLP: 26G-39A-65P
Rounding out my top 10 is another talented and skilled winger with size and top six potential. Once again, I would rather draft for skill and when you can combine it in a 6’2 frame that knows how to use his size effectively along the wall, than it is difficult to pass it up. Yes, there are warts to his game, in the fact that his defensive play needs improvement, but that is something that can be improved upon. What is tougher to improve upon is talent and out of all the players left available, he is the one I believe has the best chance of first line potential.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Eric Staal, Denis Shvidki, Rick Nash, Steve Bernier, Mikhail Grigorenko, Oleg Saprykin, Bobby Ryan, Joffrey Lupul, Scott Glennie, Angelo Esposito, Joshua Bailey, Scott Hartnell, Nathan Horton, Chris Stewart, Sean Monahan, Dustin Brown, Brett Connolly, James Sheppard, Gabriel Landeskog, Kerby Rychel
#11 TIMO MEIER
TEAM: Halifax (QMJHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/209
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 8-Oct-96
STATS: 75GP-54G-57A-111P-77PIM
NHLP: 30-36-66
Meier is a versatile winger that can do a little bit of everything and is the type of complete forward any team would want. His combination of size, skill, goal scoring ability along with a physical game makes him a very intriguing prospect with top six potential. The big question, when it comes to Meier, is how much of his offensive production was due to playing with an offensive wizard in Ehlers. Even if you believe that Ehlers inflated Meier’s scoring by say 10-15%, that would still put Meier at a well above PPG player and worthy of a high pick.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Tim Connolly, Ales Hemsky, Leon Draisaitl, Michael Dal Colle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Logan Couture, Denis Shvidki, Steve Bernier, Mikhail Grigorenko, Oleg Saprykin, Bobby Ryan, Brayden Schenn, Stephen Weiss, Joffrey Lupul, Scott Glennie, Nazem Kadri, Angelo Esposito, Joshua Bailey, Scott Hartnell, Matt Duchene, Nathan Horton, Chris Stewart, Sean Monahan, Dustin Brown, Brett Connolly, Marek Zagrapan
#12 KYLE CONNOR
TEAM: Youngstown (USHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/177
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 9-Dec-96
STATS: 60GP-37G-47A-84P-6PIM
NHLP: 29-32-61
Once you move away from the top six players, the tightening in the skill levels comes more and more apparent, as there is very little that separates the 7th pick in Barzal and the 12th pick in Connor. By this point in the draft, personal preferences in what skills you look for in a prospect become key to the way you rank. With Connor, he is the most talented player out of the USHL this year and has incredible skating ability, hockey sense and hands that make him project to be a very good centre that can play on one of your top two lines. The only knock is size, which some time and trips to the U of M gym will cure.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Scott Glennie, Nazem Kadri, Angelo Esposito, Joshua Bailey, Scott Hartnell, Matt Duchene, Nathan Horton, Simon Gagne, Chris Stewart, Sean Monahan, Dustin Brown, Brett Connolly, Marek Zagrapan, James Sheppard, Scottie Upshall, Gabriel Landeskog, Cody Hodgson, Jamie Lundmark, Kerby Rychel, Marc Pouliot, Mark Mcneil, Jeff Heerema, Brendan Perlini, Stefan Noesen, Alexandre Picard, Nino Niederreiter, Jake Virtanen, Peter Mueller
#13 LAWSON CROUSE
TEAM: Kingston (OHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-4/215
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 23-Jun-97
STATS: 60GP-31G-23A-54P-88PIM
NHLP: 31-22-53
Finally, we get to the polarizing Lawson Crouse, whose opinions are divided between the scouting community and the analytical community. As you can see, I fall on the analytical side, as I do not see his offensive ability being high enough to warrant a top 10 pick. While size is important, high-end skill wins out. What Crouse does bring to the table other than size is his physical game, skating and defensive play so even if the offense is not there, he may be a useful pick similar to how former top 10 pick Manny Malhotra turned out. I see him being a 2nd or third line complimentary role player with possible 30-goal potential.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Mark Scheifele, Brendan Perlini, Nick Ritchie, Stefan Noesen, Alexandre Picard, Nino Niederreiter, Jake Virtanen, Peter Mueller, Jeff Carter, Scott Kelman, Ryan O’Marra, Manny Malhotra, Andrew Ladd, Wojtek Wolski, Austin Watson, Ryan Getzlaf, Zack Kassian, Frederik Gauthier, Peter Holland, Kris Beech, Michael Henrich, Petr Taticek, Radek Faksa, Benoit Pouliot, Colby Armstrong, Kyle Beach, Eric Fehr
#14 PAVEL ZACHA
TEAM: Sarnia (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-3/210
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 6-Apr-97
STATS: 42GP-18G-19A-37P-66PIM
NHLP: 26-25-51
Zacha, like Crouse, does not have the offensive numbers that would normally warrant a top 10 pick but once again, the scouts like his skating, size and physical game too much to pass on in the top 10. While I do like all these traits in Zacha, I do have concerns that at best his offensive ability is a 2nd line player and that he is a step down from the players in my top 12. When deciding between Zacha and Crouse it is a very close call as they have many similar skills they bring to the table. While normally I would choose the centre in Zacha over the winger in Crouse, I prefer Crouse’s consistency and defensive play.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Ryan O’Marra, Manny Malhotra, Andrew Ladd, Wojtek Wolski, Austin Watson, Ryan Getzlaf, Zack Kassian, Frederik Gauthier, Peter Holland, Kris Beech, Michael Henrich, Petr Taticek, Radek Faksa, Benoit Pouliot, Colby Armstrong, Kyle Beach, Eric Fehr, Kyle Chipchura, Brandon Sutter
#15 TRAVIS KONECNY
TEAM: Ottawa (OHL)
POSITION: C/RW
HT/WT: 5-10/175
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 11-Mar-97
STATS: 65GP-32G-46A-78P-40PIM
NHLP: 26-35-61
For Konecny, it was a difficult choice putting him behind Crouse and Zacha. On one hand, we have a 5’10 skilled speedster who plays bigger than his size compared to two big, physical, two-way forwards with less offensive upside but who have a much better chance at translating their game to the next level. I have concerns of how well some parts of Konecny’s game will translate but his heart, compete level, skill and amazing skating ability make him very intriguing as a two-way top six player. While there is a chance he is the next Brule, getting a player with this skill level at this point in the draft, would make any team happy.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Raffi Torres, Alex Bourret, Mikkel Boedker, Sven Baertschi, Hunter Shinkaruk, Gilbert Brule, Zach Hamill, Rico Fata, Jordan Eberle, Zach Boychuk
#16 NICK MERKLEY
TEAM: Kelowna (WHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 5-11/191
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 23-May-97
STATS: 91GP-25G-92A-117P-97PIM
NHLP: 14-51-65
Like Konecny, Merkley plays much bigger than his size and plays an aggressive style usually more suited for a larger body. When you combine this style of play with a non-stop motor and amazing playmaking abilities and it is likely Merkley will be a fan favourite of whatever team drafts him. There are always concerns with smaller players playing this style but I would rather take a player that you have to hold back than the opposite. In the end, not much separates Konecny from Merkley, but I would take Konecny due to being the better skater of the two.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Logan Couture, Max Domi, Claude Giroux, Nazem Kadri, Mike Richards, Alex Bourret, Mikkel Boedker, Marek Zagrapan, Scottie Upshall, Brad Boyes, Matt Peumpel, Sven Baertschi, Cody Hodgson, Jamie Lundmark, Hunter Shinkaruk
#17 JEREMY ROY
TEAM: Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/188
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 14-May-97
STATS: 52GP-6G-42A-48P-37PIM
STATS ADJ: 9-47-56
After Werenski, it is a while before there is another defenseman on my list, as I have eight forwards in between him and Roy. Like Werenski, Roy is a talented, smart offensive d-men with the potential to play in the #2-4 slot on defense. When you compare the two defenseman, Roy does not have Werenski’s size or his skating ability, which are the main two factors that separate them. As for the forwards that are between Werenski and Roy, I find Roy in the same range as Konecny and Merkley. They are all slightly undersized for their positions but their style of play and skill more than make up for it and like always I take the forwards before the defenseman when in the same range.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Steve McCarthy, Mathew Dumba, Julius Honka, Michael Del Zotto, Calvin de Haan, Joe Morrow, Ivan Vishnevskiy
#18 COLIN WHITE
TEAM: NTDP (USA)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-0/183
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 30-Jan-97
STATS: 54GP-23G-31A-54P-28PIM
NHLP: 22-29-51
When it came to the #18 pick, I had two very different players I was considering in White and Sprong. While Sprong has higher end talents there is too much to like about the overall game of Colin White such as character, leadership and defensive play that edges him slightly. When you look at the numbers for Colin White, they are very solid, as he projects to be a 2nd or third line player. However, there are other factors that may have deterred White’s production, such as mono and a wrist injury, never mind the fact he received second line minutes behind Auston Matthews. Therefore, his offensive production may be better than the numbers and could be a steal at 18.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Morgan Klimchuk, Scott Gomez, Emile Poirier, Logan MacMillan, Steve Ott, Jared McCann, Bo Horvat, Kenndal Mcardle, Conner Bleackley, Alexander Burmistrov, Daniel Paille, Vladislav Namestnikov, Nick Foligno, Scott Laughton, Devin Setoguchi, Marcel Hossa, Jakub Klepis, Curtis Lazar, Boyd Gordon
#19 DANIEL SPRONG
TEAM: Charlottetown (QMJHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-0/180
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 17-Mar-97
STATS: 78GP-46G-53A-99P-24PIM
NHLP: 30-33-63
Every time I think of dropping Sprong down my rankings, a little red alarm sounds in the back of my head that keeps repeating “Pastrnak”. Last year, Pastrnak was considered a top end offensive threat for the 2014 draft but fell to the Bruins at 25 due to concerns over other areas of game (perimeter play, defense, effort level). Sprong is a player in a similar boat that he is one of the most talented offensive players in the draft with great speed and hands but there are definite concerns about the rest of his game. Being one who likes to swing for the fences, Sprong has too much talent to let slide into the second round like on some draft rankings.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Oleg Saprykin, Claude Giroux, Zack Phillips, Nikolay Goldobin, Angelo Esposito, Joshua Bailey, Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, Dustin Brown, Marek Zagrapan, Josh Ho Sang, Brad Boyes, Matt Peumpel, Sven Baertschi, Cody Hodgson, Jonathan Cheechoo, Jamie Lundmark, Hunter Shinkaruk, Kerby Rychel, Rob Schremp, Justin Williams, Steve Downie, Phillip Danault, Jeff Heerema, Jordan Eberle
#20 ANTHONY BEAUVILLIER
TEAM: Shawinigan (QMJHL)
POSITION: C/LW
HT/WT: 5-10/173
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 17-Mar-97
STATS: 78GP-46G-53A-99P-24PIM
NHLP: 31-36-67
Like Corey Pronman, I am on the Beauvillier bandwagon and believe he is a first round pick even though most draft guides out there peg him as a 2nd round choice. Statistically, Beauvillier is one of the top players in the draft as he finished top 10 in scoring in the QMJHL this year. He is great on draws (59%), has a terrific work ethic, great hockey sense and he is not a defensive liability. So what is the big knock on Beauvillier that makes most draft guides keep him out of the first round…size. That is the only concern with Beauvillier but I think he is more than worth the risk for grabbing a player with top six upside at the 20th spot. If he lasts till day 2, someone is getting a steal.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Robby Fabbri, Max Domi, Claude Giroux, Alex Bourret
#21 JAKUB ZBORIL
TEAM: Saint John (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-1/184
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 21-Feb-97
STATS: 49GP-14G-22A-36P-91PIM
STATS ADJ: 16-31-47
If you prefer the safer pick, than likely Zboril is a player that slots inside your top 20, as he bring a well-rounded jack of all trades style of defense to the party. Zboril is an excellent skater who can play physical at times and will be even better as he fills out his frame. The one concern that is brought up with Zboril is that he does not have any dominating traits to his game, which may mean he does not have top pairing potential. However, I find versatile all-around d-men like Zboril make great #3 d-men, which is what I think he projects to become.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Brandon Gormley, Olli Maata, Ryan Pulock, Tim Gleason, Martin Skoula, Carlo Colaiacovo, Shea Theodore, Josh Morrissey
#22 THOMAS CHABOT
TEAM: Saint John (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/180
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 30-Jan-97
STATS: 71GP-12G-30A-42P-68PIM
STATS ADJ: 12-30-42
Right after Zboril is his teammate Chabot who I see as having similar upside, as both defenseman brings similar overall skill sets to the table. Chabot is a smooth skating d-men that is a two-way defender with some physical side to his game. I also see similar offensive upside between him and Zboril, as neither is elite like Roy or Werenski, but a slight step down. In the end, Zboril’s game is a little more polished at this time that Chabot but the upside is relatively the same with both projecting to be top 4 d-men.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Nathan Beaulieu, Tim Gleason, Martin Skoula, Carlo Colaiacovo, Shea Theodore, Barret Jackman, Lukas Krajicek, Jonathon Blum, Shaone Morrisonn, Mike Green, Brent Seabrook
#23 JOEL ERIKSSON EK
TEAM: Farjestads (SuperElit J20)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-2/180
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 29-Jan-97
STATS: 31GP-26G-16A-42P-26PIM
The top player out of Sweden this year is the type of two-way, smart hard working centre with second line upside that every team wants and needs. What makes a player like Eriksson Ek valuable as a pick is because even if he does not live up to having top six offensive skills he could still be useful as a third line role player making him a safe pick. The one area where Eriksson Ek can work on is his skating, which many people believe will happen as he adds strength to what are commonly described as “chicken legs”.
#24 JANSEN HARKINS
TEAM: Prince George (WHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/182
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 23-May-97
STATS: 75GP-20G-63A-83P-47PIM
NHLP: 15-44-59
You could take what I said about Eriksson Ek and apply much of that to Jansen Harkins as they both have very similar value. When you read the scouting reports, they always rave about Harkins hockey sense as he is one the smartest players in the draft. Harkins plays a well-rounded game and has the potential to be a second line two-way centre for whatever team drafts him. However, there are concerns that outside of his hockey IQ, Harkins does not have any elite skills, which will make him more likely to be a third line centre.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Angelo Esposito, Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, Chris Stewart, Brad Boyes, Matt Peumpel, Jonathan Cheechoo, Kerby Rychel, Rob Schremp, Marc Pouliot, Nikita Scherbak, Ty Rattie, Phillip Danault, Mark McNeil, Stefan Noesen, Adam Erne, Dave Bolland, John Quenneville, Jordan Caron, Morgan Klimchuk, Blair Betts, Emile Poirier, Ryan O’Marra, Logan MacMillan, Anthony Stewart
#25 MITCHELL VANDE SOMPEL
TEAM: Oshawa (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-10/182
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 11-Feb-97
STATS: 74GP-15G-60A-75P-40PIM
STATS ADJ: 14-48-62
Like Eriksson Ek and Harkins, Vande Sompel is the type of player whose hockey sense will be key to their NHL success. If Vande Sompel were 4 inches taller and 20 lbs heavier, we would potentially be talking about him at the fifth pick instead of the 25th pick. While a lot of scouting guides see him more as an early 2nd round pick, I think he has too much upside and all-around game that the size will not be as big a factor as some predict. With his skating, smarts and two-way skills, Vande Sompel has all the key ingredient that make a successful small d-men at the NHL level.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Julius Honka
#26 JEREMY BRACCO
TEAM: NTDP (USA)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 5-9/173
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 17-Mar-97
STATS: 65GP-30G-64A-94P-10PIM
NHLP: 21-44-65
Once again, there is another talented undersized player that I would be willing to use a first round pick on in Bracco. As my rankings demonstrate I am not hesitant about taking smaller players and possibly this is due to being a shorter individual myself who played a Ryan Smyth style of hockey game. Therefore, I understand the importance of outsmarting and outworking those who are bigger than you. Bracco is a talented winger with great vision and is willing to play in traffic with the big boys. While there are always concerns about smaller players being able to handle the punishment of NHL d-men, Bracco has the upside of being a top 6 offensive player which is well worth gambling a late round pick on.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Claude Giroux, Alex Bourret, Derek Roy, Josh Ho Sang, Hunter Shinkaruk,
#27 VINCE DUNN
TEAM: Niagara (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/187
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 29-Oct-96
STATS: 76GP-24G-42A-66P-81PIM
STATS ADJ: 21-36-57
Once it is late in the first round, teams can go for the safe pick or they can go for the high risk/high reward player and Dunn is the best one available at this point. What Dunn brings to the table is elite offensive ability and skating, as I project him to be right up there with Provorov, Werenski and Roy in terms of offensive defenseman. However, the reason why Dunn is a late first rounder, instead of my top 20, is his defensive play and containment needs work. If he does not improve his defense, you are looking at just a 3rd pairing offensive d-men and if he does, the sky is the limit.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Steve McCarthy, Michael Del Zotto, Joe Morrow, Ivan Vishnevskiy
#28 DENIS GURYANOV
TEAM: Lada Togliatti (MHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-3/183
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 7-Jun-97
STATS: 27GP-18G-11A-29P-51PIM
There are three Russian players in the top 30 of my rankings but Guryanov is the only one that actually played in Russia this past season. There is much to like about the big Russian winger as he is fast, big, and physical and can put the puck in the net. However, there are some concerns about his hockey sense and reckless physical play that makes me think his top end potential is probably as a 2nd or third line winger. The biggest drawback, to hold Guryanov from being a first round choice, is the fact that he is singed in the KHL through the 2016-2017 season.
#29 PAUL BITTNER
TEAM: Portland (WHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-4/204
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 4-Nov-96
STATS: 83GP-38G-45A-83P-58PIM
NHLP: 23-29-52
If you look at just the numbers, Bittner is the same size as Crouse and Zacha and put up similar points-per-game, so what is it about Bittner’s game that holds him back from being a top 15 pick? The big difference is their ability to use their size as Bittner is sometimes referred to as a sleepy giant due to not playing a physical game. However, he skates well for a player of his size and has the offensive skills to be a player on your second or third line wing. One way to look at it is that you are getting a player that plays and skates as if he is 6’0 when he is in a 6’4″ body, so there is good and bad in that. While you wish he would use his size more, there is enough to like about his upside that he is still a top round pick in my mind.
CHL Statistical Comparables: Jordan Caron, Kamil Kreps, Greg Nemisz, Anthony Stewart,
Wojtek Wolski, Quinton Howden, Brendan Gaunce, Ryan Getzlaf, Nicklas Jensen, Frederik Gauthier, Colby Armstrong, Tomas Jurco, Charlie Stephens, Henrik Samuelsson, Jason Dickinson
#30 FILIP CHLAPIK
TEAM: Charlottetown (QMJHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/196
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 3-Jun-97
STATS: 73GP-34G-50A-84P-52PIM
NHLP: 26-35-61
There are players in the draft that have huge upside but have one flaw to their game that could hold them back from reaching their potential. In the case of Chlapik the big red flag is his skating, which could hold him back from becoming the second line centre he has the potential of becoming. If it were not for that, Chlapik would be considered a top 15 pick due to his vision, strength, defensive play and overall skill level. With the proper development, a team could get a huge steal with what will likely cost them an early second round pick.
NHL Statistical Comparables: Zack Phillips, Nikolay Goldobin, Angelo Esposito, Simon Gagne, Eric O’Dell, Mike Richards, Duncan Milroy, Brad Boyes, Matt Peumpel, Jonathan Cheechoo, Rob Schremp, Marc Pouliot, Nikita Scherbak, Valentin Zykov, Ty Rattie, Boone Jenner, Phillip Danault, Stefan Noesen, Adam Erne, Dave Bolland, John Quenneville
#31 NOAH JUULSEN
TEAM: Everett (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/174
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 2-Apr-97
STATS: 74GP-9G-44A-53P-50PIM
STATS ADJ: 8-38-46
Once he fills out his lanky form, Juulsen has the potential to be a well-rounded second pairing d-men with a physical game.
#32 BROCK BOESER
TEAM: Waterloo (USHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/191
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 25-Feb-97
STATS: 57GP-35G-33A-68P-30PIM
NHLP: 30-26-56
Boeser is a two-way goal-scoring winger with second or third line upside. My one concern with Boeser is he racked up a lot of PP points.
#33 JAKE DEBRUSK
TEAM: Swift Current (WHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-0/174
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 17-Oct-96
STATS: 75GP-42G-39A-81P-50PIM
NHLP: 29-25-54
Like other former tough guy’s kids, Debrusk focused more on his skills than his toughness. Similar to Boeser, I see Debrusk as a two-way goal-scoring winger with second or third line upside.
#34 NICOLAS MELOCHE
TEAM: Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-3/204
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 18-Jul-97
STATS: 56GP-14G-30A-44P-121PIM
STATS ADJ: 17-35-52
Meloche has all the skills you want in a top four d-men in terms of size, skill, character and physical game. A concern about his choppy skating stride is what keeps him out of the first round of my rankings.
#35 JACK ROSLOVIC
TEAM: NTDP (USA)
POSITION: C/RW
HT/WT: 6-1/182
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 29-Jan-97
STATS: 65GP-27G-52A-79P-28PIM
NHLP: 19-38-57
A smart two-way player who has second or third line upside. How much playing with Matthews and Tkachuk inflated his point totals is my question.
#36 ILYA SAMSONOV
TEAM: Magnitogorsk (MHL)
POSITION: G
HT/WT: 6-3/200
CATCHES: L
DOB: 22-Feb-97
STATS: 18GP-2.66GAA-.918SA%
While some people see Samsonov as a 1st round pick, I have reservations using a pick that high and would wait until the early second round.
#37 OLIVER KYLINGTON
TEAM: Farjestads/AIK (SuperElit J20/SHL/Allsvenskan)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/180
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 26-Nov-96
STATS: 16GP-4G-8A-12P-8PIM (SuperElit J20)
18GP-2G-3A-5P-4PIM (SHL)
17GP-4G-3A-7P-6PIM (Allsvenskan)
A great skating offensive defenseman with high upside, Kylington has been one of the most discussed players this draft year. Questions about his inconsistency and defensive play keep him from my first round.
#38 BRANDON CARLO
TEAM: Tri-City (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-5/196
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 26-Nov-96
STATS: 67GP-4G-22A-26P-94PIM
STATS ADJ: 5-21-26
While Carlo will likely never be a big offensive threat, his frame and tough brand of hockey project him to be a good 2nd pairing defensive d-men.
#39 ROOPE HINTZ
TEAM: Ilves Tampere (Liiga)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-3/185
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 2-Jan-97
STATS: 42GP-5G-12A-17P-10PIM
Hintz is a big Finnish player who put up strong numbers in the top league in Finland considering he received no powerplay time.
#40 GABRIEL CARLSSON
TEAM: Linkopings (SuperElit J20)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-4/183
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 28-Apr-97
STATS: 42GP-0G-9A-9P-16PIM
I have reservations due to his low point totals but his size, skating and defensive play along with the glowing scouting reports, project him as having top four potential.
#41 DANIEL VLADAR
TEAM: Kladno (Cze)
POSITION: G
HT/WT: 6-5/185
CATCHES: L
DOB: 20-Aug-97
STATS: 29GP-2.78GAA-.926SA%
He is a 6’5 Czech goalie that has as much potential as any goalie in the draft. Had a .926 SA% in juniors and a .933 SA% playing in the Czech2 against pros.
#42 ZACHARY SENYSHYN
TEAM: Sault Ste Marie (OHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/192
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 30-Mar-97
STATS: 80GP-30G-22A-52P-19PIM
NHLP: 25-19-44
Senyshyn’s offensive numbers may be understated due to playing on a deep Soo team so he may be better than just a 3rd line north-south winger.
#43 TRAVIS DERMOTT
TEAM: Erie (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-11/197
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 22-Dec-96
STATS: 81GP-13G-49A-62P-73PIM
STATS ADJ: 11-40-51
Dermott is a solid all-around player who projects to have top four upside but lacks the elite offensive ability of Dunn or Vande Sompel to be a 1st round pick.
#44 JEREMY LAUZON
TEAM: Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/193
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 28-Apr-97
STATS: 60GP-15G-21A-36P-88PIM
STATS ADJ: 19-24-43
My dark horse pick for defenseman has the size, skating and two-way ability that projects him to be a top four d-man.
#45 BLAKE SPEERS
TEAM: Sault Ste Marie (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-11/181
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 2-Jan-97
STATS: 71GP-27G-49A-76P-16PIM
NHLP: 20-35-55
A two-way, versatile, speedy forward who can play centre or wing and projects to be a 2nd or 3rd line pro.
#46 JONAS SIEGENTHALER
TEAM: ZSC Zurich (NLA)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-3/220
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 6-May-97
STATS: 59GP-0G-5A-5P-43PIM
A 220 lb d-man who skates well for his size and plays a physical defensive game at the pro level. He had 8 points in 10 games in the NLB so there may be some underrated offensive ability.
#47 ERIK CERNAK
TEAM: Kosice (Svk)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-3/203
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 28-May-97
STATS: 50GP-5G-9A-14P-22PIM
Like Siegenthaler, Cernak is a big strong defensive d-man who skates well for his size and has shown some ability to generate offense. While Cernak shows lots of promise, there are some concerns about his hockey IQ.
#48 JAKOB FORSBACKA-KARLSSON
TEAM: Omaha (USHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/190
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 31-Oct-96
STATS: 50GP-15G-38A-53P-38PIM
NHLP: 17-34-51
Forsbacka-Karlsson plays the type of two-way physical hockey, that even if his offense does not translate, he could still be a very effective role player.
#49 CHRISTIAN FISCHER
TEAM: NTDP (USA)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/212
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 15-Apr-97
STATS: 66GP-31G-33A-64P-22PIM
NHLP: 25-26-51
A big strong winger who is good along the boards. Fischer is not a flashy offensive player so there is questions whether he is more than a 3rd line player.
#50 MACKENZIE BLACKWOOD
TEAM: Barrie (OHL)
POSITION: G
HT/WT: 6-4/215
CATCHES: L
DOB: 9-Dec-96
STATS: 51GP-3.09GAA-.906SA%
My top rated North American goalie has good size and athletic ability. While his stats are not off the charts, they are the best for any player in his age group for the OHL.
#51 MICHAEL SPACEK
TEAM: Pardubice (Cze)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-11/187
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 9-Apr-97
STATS: 44GP-5G-7A-12P-12PIM
A quick skating forward with 2nd line upside and two-way ability. The weakest part of his game is his physical strength.
#52 ERIK FOLEY
TEAM: Cedar Rapids (USHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-0/185
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 30-Jun-97
STATS: 58GP-28G-27A-55P-86PIM
NHLP: 27-25-52
Foley is strong on the puck for his size and a solid skater with the upside to be a 2nd or 3rd line two-way winger.
#53 JACOB LARSSON
TEAM: Frolunda (Swe)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/191
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 29-Apr-97
STATS: 38GP-8G-15A-23P-55PIM
Larsson is a smooth skating all-around d-men that many scouts consider an early 2nd round pick. I question whether his offensive upside and potential is as high as some project and see him as a 2nd pairing d-man at best.
#54 RASMUS ANDERSSON
TEAM: Barrie (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/212
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 27-Oct-96
STATS: 76GP-13G-55A-68P-94PIM
STATS ADJ: 11-43-54
Andersson has the skills to be a top four offensive defenseman but conditioning (worst Wingate test at the combine) and quickness issues are the red flag.
#55 RYAN PILON
TEAM: Brandon (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/206
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 10-Oct-96
STATS: 87GP-12G-52A-64P-50PIM
STATS ADJ: 10-40-50
Based on size and numbers, Pilon looks like a 1st round pick but there are question marks about how much he benefited playing with Provorov and his compete level.
#56 MITCHELL STEPHENS
TEAM: Saginaw (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-11/188
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 5-Feb-97
STATS: 66GP-22G-26A-48P-44PIM
NHLP: 21-24-45
While Stephens may not have the offensive upside to be a 2nd line centre, his speed, defensive play and effort make him an ideal third line two-way centre.
#57 AUSTIN WAGNER
TEAM: Regina (WHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-1/178
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 23-Jun-97
STATS: 70GP-21G-21A-42P-61PIM
NHLP: 20-24-44
A very good skating winger who may lack the offensive ability to be a top six player but could be a solid third line role player.
#58 JORDAN GREENWAY
TEAM: NTDP (USA)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-5/222
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 16-Feb-97
STATS: 53GP-9G-35A-44P-50PIM
NHLP: 10-36-46
Greenway got some buzz early in the year as a possible 1st round pick due to his size and skating but top end offensive ability holds him back as I project him to have 3rd line upside.
#59 ALEXANDER DERGACHYOV
TEAM: SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-4/200
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 27-Sep-96
STATS: 64GP-21G-36A-57P-62PIM
Dergachyov moved up the charts as the big physical Russian forward has the offensive ability that suggests he has 3rd line upside.
#60 TOM NOVAK
TEAM: Waterloo (USHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/179
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 28-Apr-97
STATS: 46GP-14G-34A-48P-12PIM
NHLP: 17-36-53
A skilled playmaking centre, with potential 2nd line upside, but he will need to get stronger if he wants to be an effective pro.
#61 CALLUM BOOTH
TEAM: Quebec (QMJHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-3/199
CATCHES: L
DOB: 21-May-97
STATS: 41GP-3.05GAA-.900SA%
Like Blackwood, Booth was the best goalie for his age group out of the QMJHL and has the size wanted in a goalie in today’s NHL.
#62 PARKER WOTHERSPOON
TEAM: Tri-City (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/171
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 24-Aug-97
STATS: 76GP-9G-34A-43P-97PIM
STATS ADJ: 8-30-38
Wotherspoon is a great skating tweener type d-men that does everything well but nothing great and is someone I project to have the potential to play as a #4-5 d-man.
#63 JENS LOOKE
TEAM: Brynas (SuperElit J20/SHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/180
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 11-Apr-97
STATS: 20GP-11G-9A-20P-6PIM (SuperElit J20)
500GP-2G-4A-6P-2PIM (SHL)
A jack-of-all-trades forward, Looke has the two-way game and offensive skills that make you believe he could be a 2nd or 3rd line forward.
#64 GUILLAUME BRISEBOIS
TEAM: Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/175
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 21-Jul-97
STATS: 63GP-4G-24A-28P-34PIM
STATS ADJ: 4-24-28
Brisebois is known for his high hockey qi and smart defensive play. His lanky frame and lack of offensive production are my concerns, as I question whether he has more than #4-6 upside.
#65 DENNIS YAN
TEAM: Shawinigan (QMJHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-1/184
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 14-Apr-97
STATS: 66GP-40G-32A-72P-77PIM
NHLP: 33-25-58
Yan is a player that some people like as a 2nd round choice and I do like his offensive potential of developing into a top six player. My concerns are about how effective a player Yan can be if his offense does not translate.
#66 MATTHEW SPENCER
TEAM: Peterborough (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/203
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 24-Mar-97
STATS: 72GP-7G-24A-31P-66PIM
STATS ADJ: 7-21-28
Spencer started the year as a possible late 1st round pick. While his size and defensive game are good, there are questions whether he is more than a 3rd pairing.
#67 SEBASTIAN AHO
TEAM: Skelleftea (SHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-9/165
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 17-Feb-96
STATS: 54GP-2G-11A-13P-22PIM
Last year I had Aho as a second rounder and was shocked to see the smart well-rounded defenseman slide through the entire draft. A statistical comparable for Aho is Tobias Enstrom, who at the same age had played 75 pro games in Sweden and collected 11 points (Aho has 14 points in 63 games).
#68 GLENN GAWDIN
TEAM: Swift Current (WHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-1/191
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 25-Mar-97
STATS: 76GP-16G-40A-56P-59PIM
NHLP: 14-32-46
Gawdin is a strong two-way centre that projects to have third line upside. He needs to continue to improve his skating to be effective at the next level.
#69 ROBIN KOVACS
TEAM: AIK (Swe)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-0/172
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 16-Nov-96
STATS: 62GP-19G-16A-35P-67PIM
Kovacs is a strong skating offensive winger with potential 2nd line upside but needs to get stronger and improve the defensive side of his game to make the NHL.
#70 COOPER MARODY
TEAM: Sioux Falls (USHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-0/173
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 20-Dec-96
STATS: 64GP-23G-47A-70P-38PIM
NHLP: 18-35-53
Marody is one of my dark horse picks, as his two-way game and work ethic suggest a player with 2nd or 3rd line upside, but for some reason he is seen as a 4th round or later pick.
#71 YAKOV TRENIN
TEAM: Gatineau (QMJHL)
POSITION: C/LW
HT/WT: 6-2/194
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 13-Jan-97
STATS: 69GP-21G-57A-78P-44PIM
NHLP: 16-44-60
Sometimes skating can really hold back a player and that is what most people are projecting for Trenin. The rest of his game and size scream top 6 potential so with the right development he could be a big steal in the third round.
#72 NICOLAS ROY
TEAM: Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-4/195
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 5-Feb-97
STATS: 73GP-18G-37A-55P-48PIM
NHLP: 16-30-46
Like Trenin, the major item holding back Roy is his skating. He was once considered a potential first round pick but even with skating improvements Roy is most likely suited as a 3rd line centre.
#73 ALEXANDRE CARRIER
TEAM: Gatineau (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-11/174
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 8-Oct-96
STATS: 79GP-14G-46A-60P-82PIM
STATS ADJ: 13-39-52
Carrier is another talented small defenseman who has a fairly well rounded game. However, the difference between Carrier and a d-man like Vande Sompel is the skating as Carrier lacks the foot speed that is ideal for a smaller player.
#74 KYLE CAPOBIANCO
TEAM: Sudbury (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-1/178
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 13-Aug-97
STATS: 68GP-10G-30A-40P-54PIM
STATS ADJ: 10-27-37
Capobianco is similar to Wotherspoon as I also see Capobianco as a tweener type defenseman that plays a good all-around game. Whether he has the upside to be more than a third pairing defenseman is my concern.
#75 NIKITA KOROSTELEV
TEAM: Sarnia (OHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/195
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 8-Feb-97
STATS: 60GP-25G-31A-56P-24PIM
NHLP: 25-27-52
Korostelev has the offense ability to be a 2nd line player at the pros but concerns over the rest of game such as commitment to defense and plodding skating style keep him to the third round.
#76 RYAN GROPP
TEAM: Seattle (WHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-2/187
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 16-Sep-96
STATS: 73GP-31G-35A-66P-52PIM
NHLP: 24-24-48
Gropp has the size and skating ability to be a very good third line winger. However his inconsistent effort and compete level could hold him back.
#77 FILIP AHL
TEAM: HV 71 (Swe)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-3/211
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 12-Jun-97
STATS: 40GP-23G-24A-47P-57PIM
Ahl is a big player with a hard shot and some offensive ability but there are a lot of mixed opinions on the rest of game. There are concerns about his inconsistent physical game, defensive play, skating and work ethic.
#78 JULIUS NATTINEN
TEAM: JyP Jyvaskyla (Fin)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-2/191
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 14-Jan-97
STATS: 45GP-11G-18A-29P-10PIM
Nattinen is a two-way centre with size that could be an effective 3rd line centre or even more but he needs to improve his top end speed.
#79 ADAM MUSIL
TEAM: Red Deer (WHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-3/202
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 26-Mar-97
STATS: 66GP-15G-24A-39P-71PIM
NHLP: 16-26-42
Like his older brother David, skating is the knock on Musil. While he will never be a big offensive player, Musil has everything else that you want in a big hard-working physical third line role player.
#80 GRAHAM KNOTT
TEAM: Niagara (OHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-3/190
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 13-Jan-97
STATS: 70GP-27G-20A-47P-35PIM
NHLP: 24-19-43
Knott is similar to Gropp in that their skill sets are exactly what you want in a third line player. Whether he will up his effort level to make his skills useful as a pro is the big question.
#81 GUSTAV BOURAMMAN
TEAM: Sault Ste Marie (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-11/184
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 24-Jan-97
STATS: 78GP-6G-42A-48P-18PIM
STATS ADJ: 4-37-41
While undersized for a defenseman, Bouramman is strong for his size and shows good all-around skills that he could overcome those issues. Mixed opinions on his skating.
#82 JESPER LINDGREN
TEAM: MoDo (Swe)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/161
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 19-May-97
STATS: 43GP-6G-28A-34P-41PIM
Lindgren is a good skating all-around two-way defenseman that has the potential to be upwards of a 2nd pairing defenseman but needs to fill out his 161 lb frame.
#83 LOIK LEVEILLE
TEAM: Cape Breton (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/223
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 25-Sep-96
STATS: 75GP-16G-45A-61P-81PIM
STATS ADJ: 16-41-57
Leveille is a player I kept looking for a reason as to why no one considers him a top 100 player and could never find a satisfactory reason. While there are questions about his hockey sense, his offensive game and physical side make him very attractive.
#84 BRENDAN GUHLE
TEAM: Prince Albert (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/184
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 29-Jul-97
STATS: 72GP-5G-27A-32P-36PIM
STATS ADJ: 5-28-33
Guhle is a project at this time as his skating is excellent but he needs to round out the rest of his game to be considered more than a 3rd pairing option.
#85 KEEGAN KOLESAR
TEAM: Seattle (WHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-1/217
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 8-Apr-97
STATS: 64GP-19G-19A-38P-85PIM
NHLP: 21-21-42
Kolesar is a big strong winger who is the type of player teammates love, as he is versatile, plays both ways and with a physical edge. Skating is the only thing holding him back from being a useful role player.
#86 DAVID KASE
TEAM: Chomutov (Czech U20/Czech2)
POSITION: C/W
HT/WT: 5-11/169
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 28-Jan-97
STATS: 17GP-12G-15A-27P-14PIM (Czech U20)
31GP-7G-7A-14P-10PIM (Czech2)
While not a big player Kase has shown he is quick and skilled and is willing to play bigger than his size. While his results on the ice have been good, he had a horrible combine in terms of explosiveness and body fat percentage.
#87 SEBASTIAN AHO
TEAM: Karpat Oulu (Jr. A SM-Liiga/Liiga)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 5-11/172
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 26-Jul-97
STATS: 15GP-2G-13A-15P-6PIM (Jr. A SM-Liiga)
40GP-5G-11A-16P-12PIM (Liiga)
The other Sebastian Aho (this one is a winger from Finland) brings a solid two-way game but he lacks size. I question whether he has 2nd line upside or if he is more likely to be an undersized role player.
#88 BRENT GATES JR
TEAM: Green Bay (USHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 6-2/196
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 12-Aug-97
STATS: 33GP-10G-17A-27P-18PIM
NHLP: 17-32-49
Gates Jr is a big player with the skating, size and determination to make an effective third line player. If his season had not ended due to a broken fibula, I believe he would have been rated higher.
#89 DENNIS GILBERT
TEAM: Chicago (USHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/201
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 30-Oct-96
STATS: 59GP-4G-23A-27P-89PIM
STATS ADJ: 3-25-28
The depth of defenseman from the USHL this year is weak with Gilbert being the best of the bunch. He is a two-way defenseman with good size but may be limited to third pairing upside.
#90 ETHAN BEAR
TEAM: Seattle (WHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 5-11/200
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 26-Jun-97
STATS: 75GP-14G-27A-41P-23PIM
STATS ADJ: 12-21-33
While he is not tall, Bear is a sturdy, solid defenseman. However he lacks the top end potential to be more than a #4-5 d-man.
#91 THOMAS SCHEMITSCH
TEAM: Owen Sound (OHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-3/205
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 26-Oct-96
STATS: 73GP-14G-37A-51P-38PIM
STATS ADJ: 13-31-44
Schemitsch is a player that shows good offensive upside for a bigger player as he projects as a 3rd pairing offensive d-man. However, he needs to use his size more effectively and keep improving his defensive game.
#92 GABRIEL GAGNE
TEAM: Victoriaville (QMJHL)
POSITION: RW
HT/WT: 6-5/186
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 11-Nov-96
STATS: 71GP-37G-25A-62P-43PIM
NHLP: 29-19-48
Gagne is a prospect that gets noticed due to his height and goal scoring ability. However, his defense and physical game needs work for him to be a role player and I question whether he has the upside to be a top six player.
#93 VEETI VAINIO
TEAM: Blues (Fin)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-2/169
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 16-Jun-97
STATS: 47GP-15G-36A-51P-46PIM
Vainio is a lanky offensive defenseman whose numbers jump off the page. While good offensively, his defense and physical game need to improvement to be more than a 3rd pairing offensive defenseman.
#94 DENIS MALGIN
TEAM: Zurich (NLA)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-8/163
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 18-Jan-97
STATS: 41GP-6G-8A-14P-12PIM
Malgin is another player where there are concerns if his game will translate due to his size. What he does bring is shifty skating, strong puck skills and a great work ethic to make up for it.
#95 ADAM MARSH
TEAM: Saint John (QMJHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 6-0/160
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 22-Aug-97
STATS: 60GP-24G-20A-44P-57PIM
NHLP: 27-22-49
Marsh is a smart, fast and versatile forward that could be useful as a third line role player if he bulks up from his 160 lb frame.
#96 NATHAN NOEL
TEAM: Saint John (QMJHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-11/172
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 21-Jun-97
STATS: 71GP-29G-40A-69P-67PIM
NHLP: 23-32-55
Noel has good speed and some offensive skills but questions about his hockey sense and ability to play heavy hockey at the pros hold him to a 4th round choice.
#97 SIMON BOURQUE
TEAM: Rimouski (QMJHL)
POSITION: D
HT/WT: 6-0/184
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 12-Jan-97
STATS: 85GP-11G-32A-43P-87PIM
STATS ADJ: 10-25-35
Bourque is similar to Bear in that he is an undersized defenseman that plays bigger than his size. Whether he is anything more than a third pairing defenseman is the question.
#98 KIRILL KAPRIZOV
TEAM: Novokuznetsk (KHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 5-9/185
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 26-Apr-97
STATS: 31GP-4G-4A-8P-6PIM
A small but fast, skilled offensive player, Kaprizov spent the majority of the season playing with pros in the KHL and is likely a boom or bust pick based on him making your top six.
#99 ANDREW MANGIAPANE
TEAM: Barrie (OHL)
POSITION: LW
HT/WT: 5-10/170
SHOOTS: L
DOB: 4-Apr-96
STATS: 77GP-49G-65A-114P-66PIM
Mangiapane is the second player passed over in the 2014 draft to make my top 100 in 2015. While not a big player by any means, Mangiapane plays a well-rounded game and could have upwards of 2nd line potential.
#100 DANTE SALITURO
TEAM: Ottawa (OHL)
POSITION: C
HT/WT: 5-8/178
SHOOTS: R
DOB: 15-Nov-96
STATS: 73GP-42G-46A-88P-40PIM
NHLP: 28-31-59
If drafted, the 5’8 Salituro will go down as one of the shortest players to be drafted from the OHL. Salituro has the grit and determination to go to the dirty areas and while his size may hold him back, he does have 2nd line potential.
BLUE BULLET REPORT 
Brad, I can’t figure out whom from your list wasn’t drafted this year. I believe you have some Excel file in which you keep your ranking and have also posted who wasn’t picked and would you invite to training camp. Can you write undrafted players from your ranking here please?
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