Category Archives: Keith Fries

Beer League Hero, Keith Fries, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

@Keithfries Mid-Season 2020 NHL Draft Rankings WITH Top-15 Mock Draft Included!

Hello, Heroes! Welcome back to another round of draft talk. 

Last time, I promised you guys a top-100 ranking which you can find in the images below.  

Additionally, an early mock lottery draft was promised and here that is, as well. Thanks to the folks at tankathon.com for providing a draft simulator – in which: San Jose, Montreal, and Anaheim moved up into the top-3 spots, respectively. 

1. Ottawa Senators (San Jose Sharks) – Alexis Lafreniere (LW) – Rimouski, QMJHL

This couldn’t have worked out better for Ottawa who are in need of a quick rebuild with a big ol’ Band-Aid to cover up their scars. While teams are always looking to build down the middle, Lafreniere’s potential as a franchise-level talent matches, if not exceeds, that of a first-line center. 

BLH’s Pick: No doubt, the Sens take the elite goal-scoring Lafreniere here and hope he doesn’t turn out like the last one they picked 1st overall… I don’t even know who to compare this guy to. He shoots like Stamkos, handles the puck like Nugent-Hopkins, sees the ice like Crosby, and hits like Tkachuk. He’s also got that “it” factor so many people respect Jonathan Toews for. He’ll be an impact player immediately. 

2. Montreal Canadiens – Quinton Byfield (C) – Sudbury, OHL

Montreal have been looking for a new face of their club and a true #1-Centerman to anchor their top-6, and Byfield is the godsend they’ve been praying for. With ideal NHL size and skill, already, I’d expect Montreal wouldn’t waste time getting him into the line-up – possibly alongside Max Domi. 

BLH’s Pick: If this is how the draft lottery played out, I wonder how hard Marc Bergevin would work to try and get to 1st overall? That said, he has to go with the next Evgeni Malkin here in Byfield. The way that this behemoth controls the ice when he has the puck will leave Habs fans with mouths agape on a nightly basis. Montreal would surely be a team to reckon within three years having Byfield, Suzuki, and Kotkaniemi as part of their spine. 

3. Anaheim Ducks – Tim Stutzle (C/LW) – Mannheim, DEL

I don’t know why but the Ducks seem to always select the player I’d like the Kings to select. Anywho, Stutzle has risen in many rankings and holds a solid billing as a top-5 selection. Anaheim adds another offensive, playmaking, dynamo into their system – a strong 1-2-punch with Trevor Zegras.

BLH’s Pick: I’m not sold Stutzle will get taken this high nor would Anaheim take him. They’ve got lots of talent coming at forward but nothing really on defense. Jamie Drysdale makes a lot of sense here for the Ducks in my opinion. A slick puck-moving defender whose hockey IQ is off the charts. Anybody else reminded of ex-Duck Scott Neidermayer here? 

4. Detroit Red Wings – Yaroslav Askarov (G) – St. Petersburg, MHL

Detroit is still in the midst of a full-on rebuild and it likely won’t be another 3-5 seasons until they’re back to being the club that made the playoffs 25 years in a row. Goaltenders take a bit longer than skaters to develop and, by the time Detroit’s ready to make a run, Askarov will fit in nicely like a custom fit glove.

BLH’s Pick: Now here I could see Steve Yzerman going with another German. Stutzle is flashy and clever like Stevie Y used to be and the Red Wings will be envisioning a 1-2 punch of Zadina and Stutzle driving them to future Stanley Cups. Throw Joe Veleno in there and someday Detroit might have a line that could remind folks of who they’ve got running the show in Boston right now. 

5. Los Angeles Kings – Lucas Raymond (RW) – Frolunda, SHL

The Kings end up with the worst scenario, again, falling from the 2nd-overall slot down to the 5th. But, with Raymond still on the board, the Kings may have found their final piece to their future-forward puzzle. LA hasn’t been shy about their affinity with Swedish-born prospects and Raymond seems like a natural fit.

BLH’s Pick: I agree with Keith here. Raymond terrorizing defenses on the wing alongside Alex Turcotte will provide maximum entertainment for years to come. This guy should probably be a top-3 pick to be honest, but for whatever reason, he’s not been able to stick. He doesn’t get a lot of TOI with his team in the SHL mind you. So I would say that has something to do with it but he sure impresses on the international stage. Such a smart and talented hockey player. 

6. New Jersey Devils – Jamie Drysdale (D) – Erie, OHL

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Devils continue to build up their prospect pool with as much forward talent as they can get their hands on, but Drysdale’s offensive skillset from the backend could prove to be the point producer that New Jersey is seeking.

BLH’s Pick: Alexander Holtz would give the Devils a ridiculous youth core and NJ a bonafide scoring threat from the wing and a target man for Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. If you like Filip Forsberg, you’re going to love Holtz. 

7. Ottawa Senators – Marco Rossi (C) – Ottawa, OHL

It doesn’t matter who Ottawa picks on day two as both the selections of Alexis Lafreniere and Marco Rossi should be enough to reward the Senators with an A+ draft grade. In my early number run, both are leading ALL prospects in points. That should sound like a symphony to the Ottawa contingency. 

BLH’s Pick: I can’t argue with taking Rossi here. Last time they had the chance to pick a hometown boy, it was Cody Ceci. Even with centers like Logan Brown, Josh Norris, and Filip Chlapik on the brink of making the team, you can never have enough high-end pivots but none of the aforementioned have the vision and playmaking abilities that Rossi has. Lafreniere will need someone of equal intelligence and skill to be feeding him the puck too. 

8. Buffalo Sabres – Alexander Holtz (LW) – Djurgardens, SHL

Like LA, Buffalo has a lot of love for the Swedes and is looking to fill the last hole (or two) in their forward core of the future. Holtz would apply to both categories and, as arguably this draft’s best sniper, could bolster Jack Eichel, Casey Mittelstadt, and Dylan Cozens’ points when they hit a scoring slump.

BLH’s Pick: I reckon center Anton Lundell would be a good pick for the Sabres here. In my opinion, he’s going to be a great two-way forward when he achieves his potential and Buffalo will need someone reliable on the 2nd line. On the other hand, it wouldn’t shock me if they traded this pick for immediate help given the disaster they’ve got on their hands right now.

9. Minnesota Wild – Dylan Holloway (C/LW) – Univ. Wisconsin, NCAA

I don’t need to elaborate much further… This just sounds right, doesn’t it?!

BLH’s Pick: Charlie Coyle much, Keith? I’m not sure Holloway goes this early. That said, they like their College boys there. I see them taking Cole Perfetti here though. They’ve already had plenty of looks at him since he’s a teammate of Wild prospect Damien Giroux, so it’ll be a comfortable pick for them. Perfetti will give them a player who’s positionally flexible and can contribute with the shot or the pass. A very smart player here who could help transform this team. 

10. New York Rangers – Noel Gunler (RW) – Lulea, SHL

Every year, you’ll hear/see the word “polarizing” appear next to various prospects’ names and such is the case for Gunler. Still, this offensively gifted Winger has some grit and bite in his game, a solid combination of skills that should make him a favorite amongst the blue shirt faithful. 

BLH’s Pick: Here’s a team that seems tailor-made for forward Dylan Holloway. He’s not as strong and powerful as Chris Kreider right now, but he could get there. I really feel like he could give New York a twin threat with him and Kakko. Now, if Kreider decides to re-sign with the Rangers, he’ll be a perfect mentor for Holloway. 

11. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Lundell (C) – HIFK, SM-Liiga

Having fallen much further than he should have, the Blackhawks select Lundell in what could be the steal of this draft. The solid, two-way, Centerman’s upside is as high as he wants it to be. With both Lundell and Kirby Dach as their future anchors down the middle, Chicago’s future looks very, VERY, bright.

BLH’s Pick: With Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner offering more question marks than exclamation marks, I think they’ll should take uber-goalie Yaroslav Askarov here and solidify their netminding future. If he can be as good as that guy over in Tampa, the Hawks could return to domination sooner than later. 

12. Winnipeg Jets – Jan Mysak (C/LW) – Hamilton, OHL

The Winnipeg Jets seem to be a cultural melting pot and their winning ways are reflected in their decisions to draft the best player available, in each draft class. Mysak (arguably) is the best player on the board and will be a solid gear to put into the machine once it’s in need of repairs. 

BLH’s Pick: Connor Zary, one of the WHL’s top-scoring centers, would be a dazzling pick for the Jets here. Winnipeg have a nice future set for them down the middle with Scheifele, Roslovic, and Gustafsson, but I think that Zary has a higher offensive ceiling than the latter two gentlemen and he’ll be an NHL player sooner than later.  

13. Nashville Predators – Zion Nybeck (RW) – HV71, SHL

The Predators have established themselves as one of the NHL’s high-powered offenses and Nybeck fits the mold of their play. He can distribute the puck as well as he can bury it – the kind of offensive flexibility that will serve Nashville, well. A country-singer might even write a song about him…

BLH’s Pick: The Predators are finally heading into a rebuild after years of being one of the leagues best teams thanks to its spectacular goaltending and unbelievable defense. Pekka Rinne has slowed down and its defense isn’t what it used to be. For that reason, I see them taking USNTDP blueliner Jake Sanderson. His skating and ability to defend and recover is amongst the best in this draft class. 

14. Carolina Hurricanes (Toronto Maple Leafs) – Roni Hirvonen (C) – Assat, SM-Liiga

If there’s one team in the NHL that the country of Finland roots for, it’s undisputedly the Carolina Hurricanes. They continue to add another highly-skilled Finnish-born prospect to their pool – a legit playmaker with top-6 potential. 

BLH’s Pick: As if Carolina needs another draft pick… LOL! I don’t share Keith’s sentiment that they’ll take another Finn though. Knowing how much they rely on analytics, I think it’s winger Noel Gunler for the Canes here. Fact is, this guy scores at will against his peers and when he’s ready to do so in North America, he’ll provide the Hurricanes with some sublime secondary scoring to complement that of Andrei Svechnikov’s. 

15. Philadelphia Flyers – Cole Perfetti (C/LW) – Saginaw, OHL

Like last year, a sniper named “Cole” falls to the 15th-overall slot for reasons that should leave you scratching your head. While the Flyers have been known as the “Broad Street Bullies” and a bunch of rabble-rousers, Perfetti’s scoring touch could be the catalyst for a change on identity, in Philly. 

BLH’s Pick: To me, the Flyers should be looking at defender Jeremie Poirier. His skating and edgework is amazing to watch and the way he moves the puck reminds me a bit of Kris Letang. Shit, if there’s a team who’s seen a lot of that guy over the years, it’s Philly. At some point, they’re going to move on from Shane Gostisbehere and one of Morin, Hagg, and Myers is going to be a miss too. If they’ve got Cam York and Poirier ready to go, they’ll be sorted. 

That’s it for me this week, Heroes. Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @BeerLeagueHeroe/@keithfries and don’t forget to tip your waitresses. Until next time… Cheers! 

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Edmonton Oilers, Keith Fries, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2020 NHL Draft News and Notes w/@Keithfries PLUS Who the Oilers Should Take in the First Round!

Hello, Heroes. It’s great to be back. 

Let’s not waste any time and jump right into it with my updated top-20 draft rankings for the month of January. 

1 Alexis Lafreniere
2 Anton Lundell
3 Quinton Byfield
4 Lucas Raymond
5 Yaroslav Askarov
6 Tim Stutzle
7 Noel Gunler
8 Alexander Holtz
9 Jamie Drysdale
10 Marco Rossi
11 Cole Perfetti
12 Dylan Holloway
13 Kasper Simontaival
14 Jan Mysak
15 Zion Nybeck
16 Jeremie Poirier
17 Justin Sourdif
18 Connor Zary
19 Justin Barron
20 Jaromir Pytlik 

I’ll have my official mid-season top-100 available during the All-Star break but expect this top-20 to remain intact. Additionally, I’ll release my first mock draft (only the lottery picks) which will include a simulation for the top-3 spots. 

Mavrik Bourque? 

BLH: I’d read over at Lowetide’s blog that this Bourque kid was someone to keep an eye on for the Oilers and to be honest, I had only seen his name in the rankings but not really heard or read anything on the guy. So I asked Keith here to give me a little write-up on him so that I could get more of an understanding of the player as he’ll most likely be in the range that Edmonton will be selecting in and I know that they’ll be aiming for a forward with some offense to his game. 

Bourque, in June, will likely slot into the 15–30th-overall bracket which speaks both to how deep this class is and how he’s perceived within it. Where he succeeds is below the dots, jumping up and finishing on a rebound or finding an open shooting lane for a one-timer. He doesn’t have the hardest or most accurate shot but his compete level is elite, always capitalizing on his opportunities. Bourque’s skating is probably the area he should address most, as he’s not a speedster and sometimes looks like he’s got two left feet. But, as I mentioned before, he competes and disguises his warts because of it.  

Bourque leads the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes in points with 53 (23Gs|30As) in 40 GP, which is 15 more points than the second-best point producer on the team, Xavier Bourgault. On a stacked roster, featuring: Vasili Ponomaryov, Valentin Nussbaumer, and Kirill Nizhnikov (to name a few), Bourque running away with the team’s scoring title could certainly increase his draft stock. 

2020 NHL Draft Mailbag

https://twitter.com/marcvollebekk/status/1216773616869806080

There are always a handful of solid prospects that go undrafted, each year, and such was the case in 2019. Kristian Tanus likely hears his name called, this June, maybe even as early as the second-round (somewhat like Samuel Fagemo, last year). He’ll likely be joined in that conversation by Oleg Zaitsev (WHL – Red Deer Rebels) and Ilya Mironov (MHL – Yaroslavl), but who I’m keeping a close eye on is Mironov’s teammate at Yaroslavl, Daniil Gutik. Already up to nearly a PPG in 34 MHL GP, Gutik is a fantastic puck-handler whose deceptive hands make dangles and toe-drags look like child’s play. His size is desirable at 6’3” – 176 lbs., but he could stand to improve his two-way game. Not the fastest skater either, but his hands help create space that his feet don’t. All-in-all, still a prospect in need of some molding but has the primary tools that scouts are looking for in an 18-year-old. …To that last point, Gutik has a late-August birthday meaning he’ll still be 18 if he’s selected, in June.  

I can’t see any other scenario than Lucas Raymond being the first Swedish-born prospect drafted, this year. I’ll circle back to the second part of your question in a second, but one point I want to make first is rankings are all subjective. Some people see Alexander Holtz as the best Swede available this year, and his shot certainly makes a case. Yet, I feel as though it’s Noel Gunler who is the second-best Swede available due to a more well-rounded style of play. He’s gritty and has real finishing abilities, which is what NHL teams claim they want. I’ve seen Gunler’s name appear all over various draft boards, some thinking he’s a top-10 prospect while others claim he’s lucky to be drafted in the first-round. Between the three, Raymond is 1, Holtz is 2, but Gunler is 1A – meaning he supersedes Holtz. 

Raymond is a really in a league of his own and should be drafted with the 3rd-overall pick but if he slides further than that it won’t be outside the top-5. 

Oilers Draft Talk 

And finally, what would a post of Beer League Heroes be without some Oilers talk? As I mentioned above, my next post will feature a mock draft lottery and based on Edmonton’s current standings they might either be featured in that article to jump up a few points to a playoff position. 

Sitting in the middle of the standings, Edmonton has a few options that may fall out of the top-10 who shouldn’t have. Gunler could be available, even Marco Rossi if size bias plays a factor, but, if he’s still on the board, I could see Dylan Holloway becoming the newest member of the Oiler family. Already playing in the NCAA for the competitive U. of Wisconsin, Holloway has fit in very quickly against much older, more physical, competition in what would otherwise be his senior year of high school. 

He battles well in the corners and isn’t afraid to attack the puck when it sails into the dirty areas of the ice. Holloway currently leads the team in PIMS, with 41, but that’s largely due to him adjusting to the older, more physically taxing, NCAA. His inside-out versatility as forward would provide Edmonton with some nice options while setting the line-up and could help bring stability to their top-6. 

Anyways, that’s it for me. Until next time… Cheers!

BLH: Not to shit on Keith’s wonderful prognosis here, but I’m not sure Holloway will be around when Edmonton is picking unless the wheels completely fall off the bus down the stretch here. It’d be nice though, wouldn’t it. A guy with this combination of size, skill, and sandpaper… Very nice!

My feeling is that they might opt for someone like Hendrix Lapierre or the aforementioned Mavrik Bourque, but to buy them some more time for development they could go Russian with Snipers Alexander Pashin (Tolpar, MHL) or Vitali Ponomaryov (Shawinigan, QMJHL) as easily. I will say to keep an eye out for Jack Quinn (Ottawa, OHL) too though. The first two names there are playmakers, but the latter three will take you to Snipe City.

 

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Keith Fries, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects, TPE Hockey

2020 NHL Entry Draft: BLH September Top-20 Rankings

Apologies for the tardiness on the rankings! I started at a new school and the time has been limited. Add to that the NHL and AHL season starting and things are busy around the BLH household!

One thing you’ll notice is that it’s only a top-20 and the reason I decided to go that route this month is that I think the top-10 are pretty set and selfishly as an Edmonton Oilers fan, I’d like to focus on some of the players that might fall out of that range and give those who are also fans of the team a broad idea of who the Oilers might be drafting next summer!

As always, I tapped into the headbones of my favorite draft gurus, Keith Fries and Max from TPE Hockey. Both of who, I’m proud to say, are playing their crafts at some much larger online institutions than this one. Keith has signed on with Dobber Prospects to cover the Florida Panthers and Max is working with The Prospect Network! Congrats to both of them!

But without delaying this any longer, here are our September rankings for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft!

# Beer League Hero Keith Fries TPE Hockey
1 Quinton Byfield (C) Alexis Lafreniere (LW) Alexis Lafreniere (LW)
2 Alexis Lafreniere (LW) Anton Lundell (C) Quinton Byfield (C)
3 Yaroslav Askarov (G) Quinton Byfield (C) Lucas Raymond (W)
4 Anton Lundell (C) Lucas Raymond (W) Anton Lundell (C)
5 Alexander Holtz (W) Noel Gunler (W) Yaroslav Askarov (G)
6 Lucas Raymond (W) Yaroslav Askarov (G) Noel Gunler (W)
7 Jamie Drysdale (D) Tim Stutzle (LW) Alexander Holtz (W)
8 Cole Perfetti (C/W) Alexander Holtz (W) Tim Stutzle (LW)
9 Tim Stutzle (W) Cole Perfetti (C/W) Jamie Drysdale (D)
10 Hendrix Lapierre (C) Marco Rossi (C) Cole Perfetti (C/W)
11 Dylan Holloway (C) Justin Barron (D) Marco Rossi (C)
12 Marco Rossi (C) Jamie Drysdale (D) Dylan Holloway (C)
13 Justin Barron (D) Jaromir Pytlik (C) Antonio Stranges (C/W)
14 Alexander Pashin (RW) Alexander Nikishin (D) Hendrix Lapierre (C)
15 Kasper Simontaival (C) Kasper Simontaival (C) Jan Mysak (LW)
16 Antonio Stranges (C/W) Jeremie Poirer (D) Kasper Simontaival (C)
17 Braden Schneider (D) Hendrix Lapierre (C) Justin Barron (D)
18 Jan Mysak (C/W) Antonio Stranges (C/W) Connor Zary (C)
19 Connor Zary (C) Justin Sourdif (D) Zion Nybeck (RW)
20 Zion Nybeck (RW) Theo Rochette (D) Michael Benning (D)

My feeling, as a fan of the Oilers, is that they’ll be looking to add a forward in the first round given the ridiculous amount of talent they have coming on defense. I’m hoping that they’ll be drafting somewhere between 14th and 31st overall and with that, they take a goal-scoring forward. Of course, it’ll depend on where they land but in that role I like Alexander Pashin, Connor Zary, Will Cuylle, Noel Gunler, or Jacob Perreault. Gunler probably being the best of that group but he comes with some baggage and there’s no guarantee he slips…

A few names that you won’t find in more mainstream rankings include Alexander Nikishin, a big Russian defender who can skate very well but might have some work to do with his passing and decision making. The micro-profile below and the highlight will shed some light on the player a bit better.

Antonio Stranges out of London is another player that I think the big draft gurus might be a bit scared of ranking too high because he’s so much flash and dash. He reminds me of Mathew Barzal a bit. Not sure if he’s THAT good, but his hands, skating, and edgework are elite.

Lastly, Michael Benning (Matt’s brother), is lighting up the AJHL right now with another 2020 draft-eligible, Carter Savoie. He’s a smaller defender but his vision and passing are exemplary. Safe to say he’s polar opposite to Matt in terms of skill and playing style. Check out this brief report on him from Daniel Gee and the following video.

What do you think of our top-20s? Considering where your favorite team might end up drafting, who would you like to see them draft? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

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Keith Fries, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2020 NHL Draft Prospects: Five MUST Watch Players from the QMJHL from @keithfries

Alexis Lafreniere – Left Wing – 6’1” – 192 lbs. – Rimouski Oceanic

We know Alexis Lafreniere (at this point) is likely to go first overall in the draft, next June. But, little reasoning has been given as to why. It’s almost as if people see the name “Alexis Lafreniere” and just default to moving him into that discussion without really doing their homework. So, I’m gonna try my damnedest to explain why he’s so good.

First off, let’s look at his production since entering juniors. During the 2017-18 season (his rookie campaign), Lafreniere tallied 80 points (42Gs|38As) in 60 games played. Then last season, he had 105 points (37Gs|68As) in 61 games played. Based on those numbers, he’s projected to total 130 points in 62 games played, this year.

Most prospects are more than thrilled to push 100 points during their draft year, but Lafreniere’s game is ahead of the curve.

A mid-October birthday held Lafreniere back from being selected this past June, where he would’ve rivaled Jack Hughes for the first-overall selection and/or boxed out Kaapo Kakko for #2. Due to his late-birthday, Lafreniere was selected with the first pick in the 2017 QMJHL Draft, while the majority of his NHL draft class wouldn’t be selected until the following year.

The steady hand that is Lafreniere is the kind of quarterback you want in your line-up. Can play any line, contribute on any line, and lead any line he plays on. He’ll be a fixture of power plays and penalty kills, alike. And although he’s a winger, Lafreniere’s mental makeup would rival that of some of the NHL’s best centermen. He’s got a natural approach to the game that almost seems effortless.

It’s going to take a Herculean effort to bump him out of the #1 spot.

Hendrix Lapierre – Center – 5’11” – 172 lbs. – Chicoutimi Sagueneens

Hendrix Lapierre, like Lafreniere, was selected with the #1-overall pick in the (2018) QMJHL Draft. Thusly, he became an immediate target for praise and scrutiny, alike. In his rookie season (this past year), Lapierre recorded nearly 1 PPG in 48 appearances, displaying the high level of skill that propped up his stellar numbers in the QMAAA.

But, there’s a clear distinction between both #1 picks – namely, that Lafreniere’s game is incredibly well-rounded and NHL ready whereas Lapierre is a magician with the puck who needs development in other areas.

With Lafreniere’s absence from this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lapierre took full advantage of the opportunity to bolster his draft stock, finishing with over 2 PPG in 5 games played.

Speaking of wiggling… Lapierre is most successful when fighting his way into the crease or gaining positioning below the dots. Even with a sub-six-foot listing, Lapierre does an excellent job battling in the physical areas, especially while in the offensive zone.

He’s got some flash and dash in his game, yes, but Lapierre knows not every goal is pretty and does a nice job playing whack-a-mole to clean up loose rebounds.

His skating speed could stand to improve, a bit. Lapierre gets to the right places and anticipates the play getting there, but looks slow of foot when heading out on a breakaway or trying to rush the puck out of his own zone.

In a stacked class like 2020, it’s going to be very hard for Lapierre to crack the top-10 and damn near impossible to crack the top-3. Realistically, a lottery selection may be Lapierre’s highest ceiling, so let’s pencil him in in the 12-25 range. That’s not a knock on him, more as it is a reflection of just how deep this year’s draft class is.

Justin Barron – Defense – 6’2” – 187 lbs. – Halifax Mooseheads

If you had asked scouts, even as early as 3 months ago, who would be their top-Canadian defenseman in this class, you would’ve likely heard Justin Barron’s name come up more than once.

From a classification standpoint, there’s no denying that Barron’s an offensive defenseman. His greatest strength is putting the puck on net, even while heavily manning the blue line. He peppers the opposition with shot-after-shot-after-shot, whether he’s intentionally looking to score or create rebounds for his linemates to bury.

With excellent heads up play, Barron can quickly identify his shooting target and unload a heavy, accurate, wrist shot. He also does an exceptional job or quickly recognizing where his linemates are, and can make a seamless, tape-to-tape, no-look, pass for a primary assist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34c67DO73_M

In today’s NHL we like to compartmentalize “offensive defensemen” into anything Erik Karlsson-esque. But, Barron isn’t the same puck rushing offensive defenseman that Karlsson is; and Karlsson isn’t the same shooter that Barron is.

However, both are phenomenal skaters and Barron shows both speed and agility in his stride. Additionally, his crossover technique is outstanding and displays his dancer-like feet whether he’s skating forwards or backwards.

At 6’2”, Barron could stand to play to his size, a bit more. There’s an unspoken race happening between himself and Jamie Drysdale, with many analysts leaning toward the latter for defensive stability – and Drysdale is 5’11”. If Barron starts putting the body on and checking guys or playing more along the boards battling in scrums, his draft stock could be through the roof by the time we get to next June.

Jeremie Poirier – Defense – 6’0” – 192 lbs. – Saint John Sea Dogs

Another defenseman nipping at Barron’s heels is Jeremie Poirier. I was first told about Poirier, last season, by my good friend, Andy Lehoux, an amateur scout based in Quebec City. On a personal note, there is no scout I trust more than Andy, as his recommendations are essentially guarantees.

My viewings of Poirier have been limited but from what I’ve seen I’ve been impressed; particularly with his stickhandling and overall control with the puck. He can easily deke the opposition out of their skates and shows excellent skill with his toe drags. When being chased or shadowed by a defender, Poirier is hard to strip the puck from due to his strength and security.

Poirier has a variety of speeds he likes to play at. He can slow the game down or speed it up, and quickly adapts to all rates of play. His skating is such that he can blow past the opposition or, as I alluded to with the dekes, casually dance around them. He’s finesse without the showmanship.

I would categorize Poirier as a two-way defender – reliable in his own end with a really intriguing offensive skill set. He’s not overly flashy but his dekes and shifty skating do make your eyes pop.

According to Lehoux, Poirier’s biggest knock is his top-end speed. It’s not non-existent, it just lacks consistency. But, not everyone is Connor McDavid and nor should they be. When you’ve got slick mitts like Poirier, sometimes playing TOO fast can be a detriment and lead to costly turnovers.

Yet, Poirier’s high hockey I.Q. and confidence settles any doubts. Poirier’s ceiling is, at least, a top-4 defender and whichever team pulls the trigger on drafting him will ultimately be the benefactor.

Mavrik Bourque – Center – 5’10” – 165 lbs. – Shawinigan Cataractes

Finally, there’s Mavrik Bourque – or as I’m calling him, “Mr. One-Timer.”

Bourque is a solid two-way forward who I would categorize as: a playmaker with a little extra. A Swiss Army knife, if you will. And that all-situations style of play is exactly what his junior club is in desperate need of.

We saw a similar situation in last year’s class with Peyton Krebs and the Kootenay/Winnipeg Ice. And all-positions type player who was tasked with more responsibilities than the average 17-year-old prospect. Bourque could be facing that same challenge and that’s important to keep in mind when evaluating him amongst the rest of the 2020 class.

In that same vein, however, when given a chance to shine at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup alongside his top-Canadian piers, Bourque was a ghost on the stat sheet, finishing with just 1 assist in 5 games played.

That’s a bit surprising when you think about his elite scoring touch. Bourque can absolutely bury the biscuit and his one-timer is his best and most effective weapon. While he plays down center, the right shot Bourque, in my opinion, is most successful on the left wing where the ice opens up for a larger target range. His release is quick and highly accurate and he can go far side with ease.

At this point, I have Bourque ranked in the 25-40 range. He’s got the makeup of a first round prospect. But, even in the worst-case scenario that he falls out of the top-31, Bourque would be a hot commodity on day 2.

Anyway, that’s it for me this week, Heroes. Cheers! Follow me on Twitter @keithfries!

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2020 NHL Draft: @Keithfries’ Five OHL Prospects to Keep an Eye on

In part two of our “2020 Draft Prospects To Keep an Eye On” we’re focusing on the Ontario Hockey League. It looks like the OHL will be having a bit of a resurgence at the 2020 draft after taking a back seat to the WHL and the USNTDP program in recent years.

If you’re interested in reading part one on the WHL, please click here.

Quinton Byfield – Center – 6’4” – 214 lbs. – Sudbury Wolves

Byfield is a guaranteed top-5 pick but where he falls in that top-5 depends entirely on who you’re asking. For some, Byfield is the top-contender to knock Alexis Lafreniere out of the first-overall spot, while others think he’s contending with guys like Lucas Raymond and Anton Lundell for a top-3 pick.

Regardless of where he sits, right now, Byfield can rest comfortably knowing his name will be called early on night one of the draft. A direct result of his intense two-way style of play and remarkable size and strength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-rMWomFEN0

With Lafreniere representing Team Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup was Byfield’s moment to shine – exceeding all expectations. He flashed a high-level skill which was all scouts needed to put a stamp of approval, on Byfield.

Having averaged nearly a point-per-game in 64 OHL appearances, with an (almost) even goals-to-assists ratio, Byfield has no problems finding the score sheet. His powerful wrist shot and timely no-look passes are just some of the weapons in his vast arsenal; and when you factor in his beeline north-south speed and clean edge work, he’s damn near unstoppable.

From my perspective, it’s Lafreniere, Raymond, and Byfield at the top of the 2020 draft class, in that order. If Byfield plans on superseding Lafreniere for the #1 spot, he’s going to have to have the season of a lifetime.

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Cole Perfetti – Center – 5’10” – 185 lbs. – Saginaw Spirit

No prospect’s stock rose more from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup than Perfetti’s; whose remarkable shootout performance, against Team Canada, drew comparisons to TJ Oshie from the Sochi Olympics.

It didn’t stop there, as Perfetti translated his breathtaking dekes and NHL-caliber shot into regulation play.

Some draft analysts are already projecting Perfetti to be a top-10 prospect for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, but it’s going to be a long year with a lot of viable candidates fighting for those spots. Still, his elite offensive skills will keep him in the running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovkTa8KAEE

Cole Caufield, the top sniper in last year’s draft, was selected with the 15th-overall pick which could be indicative of Perfetti’s draft stock. The two have similar shooting strokes but Perfetti, in my opinion, has the cleaner skating stride.

I currently have Perfetti as a lottery selection, but more toward the 11-13 range than 5-10, taken by a playoff bubble team looking for the final pieces of their Stanley Cup puzzle. It will take Perfetti a few years before he’s ready to jump into the NHL, but if he does join a Stanley Cup contender it wouldn’t be unrealistic to see him join them down the stretch and into the playoffs as a bottom-6 scorer.

Marco Rossi – Center – 5’9” – 179 lbs. – Ottawa 67’s

If you’re looking for a prospect with outstanding east-west play and shifty footwork, Rossi is your guy.

Physically, I’d liken Rossi to a tree stump – short but bulky – who can hold his own, while in traffic, in front of the net. He seems to always be where he needs to, finishing backdoor or finding space to deliver on a one-timer.

A prospect of Austrian-descent, Rossi played up to the Swiss 2nd-tier professional league (NLB) during draft minus-2 season, before making the jump to the OHL, last year; where he averaged over a point-per-game in both the regular season and the playoffs.

A natural centerman, Rossi does an excellent job contending at the faceoff dots. He uses his smaller frame effectively by hunkering down to quickly jump on the puck or body-out the opposition. When the play gets moving, Rossi can be found attacking down the middle of the ice, finishing on his own zone entry with a beautiful goal or finding his teammates with a quick, tape-to-tape, pass.

I asked our leader here at BLH, to flex his scouting muscle and this is what he had to say about Rossi:

“He’s got a hard, accurate, shot and a quick release that fools goalies. A great skater and one who isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas to make a play. I don‘t think he’s overly fast, per se, but he’s not slow and his skating isn’t a question.”

Various draft boards have Rossi all over the place, listed at the 9th-overall spot by HockeyProspect.com and as the 9th-best centerman available on DobberProspects.com. That would likely put Rossi in the 12-18 range, a fitting spot for a player with high-upside in a loaded draft class. It’s possible Rossi could edge out Michael Grabner as the highest-drafted Austrian-born prospect, in history, who was selected with the 14th-overall pick, in 2006.

Antonio Stranges – Center/Left-Wing – 5’10” – 170 lbs. – London Knights

I don’t know much about Stranges, at this point, but I do know his exclusion from Team USA’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup sure rubbed fans the wrong way.

Arguably one of the best stick-handlers in this upcoming draft, Stranges’ work with the puck is something to behold. His pull-and-drag is elite, with a natural gift for corralling the biscuit or settling it from a weird bounce.

He doesn’t waste time getting his shot off with a fast, heavy, snap in his release. But, in saying that, he’s shown great levels of patience, as well. He can take that extra half-second to let the goaltender open up before riffling in a goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QClpbMALuFo

Because of his offensive gifts, Stranges doesn’t need much help around him to find the score sheet. This led to speculation amongst analysts trying to uncover why USA decided not to add him to their Hlinka Gretzky roster – a team who finished 5th in the standings and could have used Stranges’ talents. But, for those thinking he’s a shoot-first player, know that his point production, since entering the OHL, has been more heavily rooted in assists than goals.

Still, a noteworthy season, this year, could prove to be the difference between a first-or-second round draft selection. It’ll be on Stranges to continue showcasing his offensive dominance while, at the same time, continuing to spread the puck out and getting his teammates involved. That’s a fine-line to be dancing but Stranges seems more than capable of living up to the task.

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Jaromir Pytlik – Center – 6’3” – 196 lbs. – Sault St. Marie Greyhounds

I currently have Pytlik ranked as a top-10 pick and I seem to be in the minority, on that (for now).

Czech-born-and-trained, Pytlik’s name first began circulating around the internet, nearly a decade ago, after videos of him training became wildly popular on YouTube. Since that time, Pytlik has followed a similar trajectory to 2018 draftee, Oliver Wahlstrom, transitioning from an internet star into a legitimate first-round talent.

He was selected in the second-round of the 2018 CHL Import Draft and made the jump to the OHL in early 2019 (mid-season), after a nice run in the Czech 1-and-2 professional leagues, averaging 0.73 PPG in both the regular season and playoffs, with the Greyhounds.

A fundamentally sound two-way forward, Pytlik’s offensive skillset derives from the work he does on the defensive end of the puck. He can pick your pocket and quickly move the puck up-ice. His IQ, size, and finishing touch are all NHL-ready factors in his game, meaning his development shouldn’t take longer than expected.

Currently seen as a bubble first-round prospect, Pytlik will need to expand on his impressive OHL rookie numbers, notching over 1 PPG, in-order for him to solidify his draft stock. My ranking of 10th-overall may be a bit high, but Pytlik has the tools to live up to that billing.

Follow Keith Fries on Twitter @keithfries

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