Tag Archives: 2019 NHL Draft Prospects

Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, Keith Fries, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects, Rumors

Edmonton Oilers: Weekly #AskBLH Mailbag + The 2019 NHL Entry Drafts 1st and 2nd Team All-Stars from @KeithFries

It’s time to get into the #AskBLH mailbag one more time! This is where you ask me any question you’d like and I give you my honest answer. Topics might simply be centered on the Edmonton Oilers, but I encourage folks to step outside that box and ask me whatever is on their minds.

Now, I hope to get around to everybody who sends me their question, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. In that case, I will do my best to get back to you on the ol’ Twitter machine.

THE MAILBAG!

@dashate24 asks: Why do we want to trade Lucic for a more useless player?

Good question my friend! I think it’s just a matter of giving guys a fresh start in other markets. What I’m wondering is why the Oilers are the ones having to sweeten the deal if the Canucks are the ones who really want Lucic?

@AhmedMayta asks: Realistic free agents Oilers should target?

You know what Ahmed? I think it’s going to be really hard to gauge this until we know what the roster is going to look like the night before Canada Day. I would say they should go after players like Dan Carr, Brandon Pirri, Joonas Donskoi, and Brian Elliott, but if they find a way to clear up some cap space by trading some of their bigger tickets, that changes things. You might see them go after players like Gus Nyquist, Marcus Johansson, or Anton Stralman then.

@adnacOilGhost asks: You replace Bob Nicholson as CEO, what’s the very first thing you do?

Oh! I like this question. I’d make it as affordable as possible to go to regular season games for everyone. Bringing down the prices on healthier food options would be a must for me. I’d do what it takes to make the in-game presentation one that rivals that of Vegas’ or Nashville’s. The fan experience is really important to me, so I’d try to maximize that potential the most.

I enjoy anarchy a bit, so I’d also give media passes to the Oilers bloggers out there who pass my rigorous interview process.

As for the team itself, I’d encourage my GM to expand the scouting team as much as possible. I feel like teams really skimp out here. I want scouts everywhere, including Asia. I’d be having hockey camps all over the world promoting the brand and keeping an eye out for talent.

@dashate24 asks: Is it possible that Poolparty (Puljujarvi) gets an offer sheet at $2M x 4 years, and if he does, do we take the 3rd rounder?

I’d match it. JP at $2M for four years would be an amazing contract.

@ArchivistSports asks: What do you think JP will do this June/July?

I think he’ll head home and resume his off-ice training and participate in his annual charity games. Whether he comes back in September or not, we’ll have to wait and see on that.

@Tusen_bitar asks: Why and when you have chosen Oilers?

I was born in 1980, so one might consider me to have been born into the Oilers. My father tells me stories of cheering for Edmonton when I was a very young lad during their Cup dynasty days but I don’t really remember much about that.

As I got older I gravitated towards the Red Wings because of Yzerman/Coffey/Federov and the Penguins for Lemieux/Jagr/Coffey in the early 90s. I liked Peter Forsberg and the Avs for a while and also the Maple Leafs when Curtis Joseph was playing net for them too.

But I always had the Oilers in my back pocket. It wasn’t really until they started to get really bad as to when I ramped up my interest in the team and I simply haven’t found a reason to not cheer for them since then.

@OilDoug asks: What happens with Lucic this offseason. Stay? Go? What comes back?

He gone. What comes back for him? Who knows? It sounds like a player who needs a change of scenery like Milan.

@LonnbergMari asks: If Leavins is right and part of the team just doesn’t want to play with him, what should a smart gm do? Resign or trade and in either case, just hope for the best?

I’m torn on this. Aren’t we sick of the locker room cliques on this team yet? If Holland believes there’s still something in Jesse, he could sit down those guilty of alienating Jesse and give them a stern grilling. Then at the same time, sit Pulju down and tell him it’s time to grow up and that we don’t always work/play with people we like.

But if things are simply too broken, he would find a way to move him and get a good like-aged player in return. My fear in this scenario is that Jesse hits his stride on another club and the Oilers get burned though.

When it’s all said and done though, the players have a job to do, so they should go and do it.

THE 2019 NHL ENTRY DRAFTS 1ST AND 2ND TEAM ALL-STARS by Keith Fries

With this article, I thought it’d be fun to try and construct all-first and all-second teams for this year’s draft-eligible prospects.

Keep in mind that I went with the player’s primary position.

All-First Team

LW – Matthew Boldy  /  C – Jack Hughes  /  RW – Kaapo Kakko

LD – Bowen Byram  /  RD – Moritz Seider

LG – Spencer Knight

A forward line made up of Boldy, Hughes, and Kakko would likely be nicknamed, “Goals and Grit.”

While Hughes maybe is more on the “goals” side than the grit one, there’s no doubt that he’s flanked by some rough riders with skill. We know of Kakko’s explosive offensive abilities, but Boldy also shows a propensity to score. All three are great puck movers. Speaking of which, there’s Byram whose bread and butter is getting the puck out of his own zone. Playing alongside the physically imposing Seider would make those breakout rushes much easier for Byram. Once the puck enters the offensive zone, both defensemen have the ability to jump into the play as a fourth-forward. In their own zone, Seider is the more reliable defender of the two and is helped in net by arguably one of the best goaltending prospects of all-time. Knight, who some would say has franchise potential, doesn’t need much help in front of him to be the brick wall that he is.

This starting line-up certainly helps, though, but even if playing with an All-Worst Team, Knight would find ways to make his squad seem competitive.

All-Second Team

LW – Peyton Krebs  /  C – Alex Turcotte  /  RW – Cole Caufield

LD – Philip Broberg  /  RD – Victor Soderstrom

LG – Dustin Wolf

Krebs, Turcotte, and Caufield would not only be a hell of a trio, but could legitimately be one of the best power play units, in history.

Krebs’ distribution game is off the charts, and with his smart reads and calculated timing, could dish out some beautiful primary assists to either Caufield or Turcotte. We know Caufield is arguably the best sniper in his entire draft class, but Turcotte’s shooting stroke is just as pretty and just as effective. While he may be more of a playmaker, like Krebs, Turcotte has the kind of slick mitts that you want in a centerman to either set up his linemates or finish with a remarkable shot. On the back end, they’re flanked by two highly-skilled Swedish-born defensemen, Soderstrom and Broberg. While Soderstrom handles more of the defensive duties – sound play in his own end, moving the puck along the boards, or manning the point, Broberg is able to jump into the rush with his lightning quick speed and heads up play. The two would make a formidable pairing, with a complimentary skill set. An argument could be made about who slots in at goaltender, here – possibly Ilya Konovalov or Mads Sogaard – but there’s no argument in my mind. Wolf has been lights out since debuting in the WHL in 2017 and has received nothing but criticism along the way – all because of his undersized frame. His IQ, compete level, and maturity are all well beyond his years.

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

2019 NHL Entry Draft: Who are the best Defensive Forwards, Snipers, and the Smartest Players Available? by @keithfries

And we’re back with our final round of the 2019 NHL entry draft’s Loves, Lusts, Booms, and Busts.

Let’s begin with the defensive forwards.

Dylan Cozens is a name you might find on most boards teetering on the edge of the top-5. If he’s on the board at 6, he won’t be when pick 7 comes up. With a big frame already, Cozens does an exceptional job of pushing guys off pucks and dominating down low and along the boards. Plays a solid 200-foot, power, game. His play in his own end leads to many breakout attempts and, with his beeline north-south speed, he can quickly move the puck up-ice and finish with a laser beam wrister.

Dylan Cozens: Boom

One name circling the top-10 is Matthew Boldy; a versatile forward out of the U.S. National Team Development Program. “Polarizing” seems to be the word of the year, as it applies to many prospects at the head of this year’s class – including Boldy. Some have categorized him as the 2nd-best player out of the USNTDP program, behind Jack Hughes, while others have said he could be a swing-and-a-miss. Regardless, it’s his two-way game that has scouts intrigued. He isn’t afraid to play along the boards while carrying the puck into the offensive zone. Can easily body out his defender. And while he doesn’t have much speed, Boldy does a nice job of staying in the play with powerful strides and big steps.

Matthew Boldy: Lust

Then there’s Nolan Foote – who has defense in his blood. Unlike his father, Adam, and older brother, Cal, Nolan’s shot and along the wings is where he seems to be most effective. Does a nice job of screening opposing netminders and using his big frame down low. One of the underrated elements of Foote’s game is his passing. He’s an excellent distributor, with a textbook no-look pass. With 138 points (68Gs|70As) in 168 WHL regular season games, Foote has the numbers that prove he’s not a bust and could be a very desirable option on day 2.

Nolan Foote: Lust

The next set of prospects we’ll take a look at are the snipers.

If it’s a sniper you want, Cole Caufield is your guy. He has so many different weapons in his arsenal and uses each one of them effectively. Away from the play, Caufield does a nice job signaling for his shot to deliver a heavy one-timer. When driving the net or playing down low, Caufield’s ability to roof the puck seems unimaginable and leaves the crowd mesmerized. There’s nothing more I need to say.

Cole Caufield: Love

While it could be argued that he’s more of a two-way forward, Vasili Podkolzin’s sniping abilities are the driving force behind his success. Sure, he can muscle through tight defensive coverages or dish out a clean tape-to-tape pass, but his shot is really something special. When on the power play, he has an Alexander Ovechkin-type game of play, where he sets up at the top of the faceoff circle to receive the puck for a deadly one-timer. He can score in a variety of ways and shows good strength on his backhand shot. His offensive gifts can’t be ignored.

Vasili Podkolzin: Lust

Arthur Kaliyev can absolutely bury the puck! Other than that…

Arthur Kaliyev: Bust

And our final group, the brainiacs (IQ).

Dustin Wolf finished the year as not only one of the best goaltenders on the ice but in the classroom, as well – winning the WHL’s Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy for the scholastic player of the year. A real student of new age head trajectory, Wolf does a nice job keeping himself mentally balanced during games. Doesn’t get spooked easily, and seems to settle in, more, as the game goes on. Finishing the year with a 1.69 GAA and .936 SV% in 61 games played, Wolf showed equal dominance in the post-season, providing the Everett Silvertips with a true #1-netminder after the departure of Carter Hart. NHL Central Scouting ranking him as the 12th-best North American goaltender is a #^%&ing joke.

Dustin Wolf: Love

I’ve always been a fan of comedians because they’re truth tellers. One person who has a great sense of humor, timing, execution, and delivery is Trevor Zegras – who blew me away in early interviews. His high IQ translates into games, and you can see it every time Zegras takes the ice. He’s got unbelievably deceptive hands and overall playmaking abilities that leave you speechless. He can find anyone on the ice and was one of the USNTDP’s go-to players for offense. While he may elect to make the difficult play, rather than the easy one, sometimes, he has the abilities to make those plays happen and can rectify his mistakes with good defensive coverage.

Trevor Zegras: Love

So, based on last week’s and this week’s articles, the most eligible prospect is…

…TREVOR ZEGRAS!

Edmonton, come on up to the stage and draft your next future Oiler.

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Edmonton Oilers: Drafting with the McKeen’s Draft Guide

The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is just around the corner and I’ve got a plethora of draft guides sitting on my desktop and in my tablet just waiting to be utilized. So I thought a good idea might be to use the picks from each guide’s rankings to perform the draft for the Edmonton Oilers.

Now, some guides don’t have enough players ranked to do the entire draft, so we’ll just have to do with rounds one to four in that case, but for the rest that do have enough, I’ll lay them out for you and give you the best brief reports on those players that I can. I haven’t watched all of the players and therefore I’ll be forced to go with reports from other publications and my own digging about to get a good idea on them in order to present it to you.

Today we’re going to continue with the McKeen’s draft guide, which you can find here. What you do with them is you pay $12.99 for a 3-month subscription and that includes three digital magazines in a PDF format (2019 IIHF World Juniors Guide, McKeen’s NHL Draft Guide, and McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook) plus exclusive online content and updates according to their website. The subscription is recurring though, so you can cancel that anytime through your McKeen’s account or by emailing them.

The Oilers have the no.8, 38, 85, 100, 162, and 193 picks in the draft and this is who McKeen’s has ranked at those numbers.

#8 – Peyton Krebs – C – 5’11” 180lbs – Kootenay (WHL) – 67gp 17g 37a 54pts 40PIM

When I first started looking into this player, I have to be honest, I wasn’t impressed. But that was before I learned about the quality of his teammates and before I’d gotten a chance to watch him a bit more. Now that I’ve done that, I wouldn’t be disappointed if the Oilers selected Krebs.

The things I  like about his game are things like his ability to make plays in an unorthodox manner. He’s an unpredictable playmaker and what I mean by that is that just when you think you can predict the sort of pass he’s going to make or how to beat the defender 1v1, he does something completely different. He’s got a tricky little backhand dish that he likes to use that really fools the opposition.

Other aspects of Krebs’ game I think are outstanding are his skating, his defensive awareness, and his tenacity. The Ice captain plays a 200ft game very soundly and he’s like a little waterbug out there, so fast, slick, and elusive. This is definitely the kind of player you put out with a minute left and you want to protect a lead or conversely, try to score a late one.

It’s not all good though, Krebs does have some flaws. Sometimes he tries to do a bit too much on the ice and maybe that’s a product of playing for such a poor team in Kootenay. His shooting can sometimes be erratic despite how lightning-quick his release is and then there’s the issue of the sliced Achilles tendon. Better than a torn one mind you, but are we looking at the next Claude Giroux or the next Robbi Fabbri?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJjAj3v8ks

BLH’s Pick: Matthew Boldy – LW – 6’1″ 192lbs – USNTDP (USHL/NCAA) (ranked 12th)

As I said in the first segment of this series, I’m a HUGE Boldy fan because I love his all-around game. He’s the most complete player in the draft and the Oilers need help on the wings, especially the left wing. He’s bigger and smarter than Krebs but not as quick and flashy.

“There have been USNTDP classes in recent years wherein a player the class of Boldy would have been the top player around. Most of them actually. He has the size of a burgeoning power forward, but the overall game of a skilled one. There isn’t anything that he doesn’t do well, making him a legitimate five-tool winger.” – McKeen’s

#38 – Nolan Foote – LW – 6’3″ 190lbs – Kelowna (WHL) – 66gp 36g 27a 63pts 62PIM

Nolan Foote is your typical power forward. His skating is, at best, average but he’s a very powerful hockey player with a deadly shot. He’s an industrious worker who is tough to knock off the puck but is pretty much a north/south player due to his skating.

I’d say for a team that loves to implement the cycle down low, Foote would be a good addition to their squad.

This season the brother of Tampa’s Cal Foote and son of Ex-Av Adam Foote played through a hand injury and some have wondered if that is the reason why his production wasn’t as high as expected. His team unexpectedly missed the playoffs as well, so there’s that to consider in addition.

BLH’s Pick: Nils Hoglander – RW – 5’9″ 185lbs – Rogle (SHL) (ranked 41st)

This little whippersnapper would be a fan favorite due to how he plays the game. He LOVES to lay guys out despite being so small and he’s pretty good at it too. He’s so very quick and dangles defenders out of their jocks regularly. He’s just the kind of guy that’ll provide the depth scoring a good team is looking for. When they’re paying the boys in their top-6 the big bucks, they’ll have Hoglander on the cheap down the lineup providing offense and entertainment.

It would behoove the Oilers to add as many exciting players to its organization as possible I feel. Hoglander isn’t just electrifying, he also works his ass off and in a blue-collar city like Edmonton, the fans would really appreciate this little Swede.  

“He’s always 100 percent with his work ethic. He always starts something when he’s on the ice and is hard to play against. He’s not smart enough to be the go-to offensive guy, but he can pop up from the second or third line and contribute.” – The Hockey News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aGPbvUUYm4

#85 – Vojtech Strondala – C – 5’7″ 155lbs – Horacka (CZE 2) – 33gp 8g 15a 23pts 14PIM

Right off the bat, I’ve got reservations with a 155lb centerman but let’s set that aside for a moment. Strondala is VERY quick. He’s got some of the quickest hands in the draft as the puck is never on his stick for long. He likes to make rapid passes to get the puck up the ice and that’s where his tremendous motor, and dogged determination kicks in. He’s not the most offensively gifted when it comes to scoring goals. Most of them come from goal-mouth scrambles apparently, but he’ll work his ass off to do what it takes to either stop a goal from being scored against or produce one for his team.

Unless he puts on 20 or so pounds, he’ll probably never be strong enough to make it at the NHL level. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and Strondala’s will isn’t the question here.

BLH’s Pick: Danil Gutik – LW – 6’3″ 179lbs – Yaroslavl (RUS-JR) – 38gp 5g 8a 13pts 12PIM (ranked 90th)

Folks from Alberta might remember this fella from the Hlinka/Gretzky and the WJAC tournaments where he and Vasili Podkolzin ripped it up. One of the younger players available in this draft, he put up eight points in 11 games combined at those tourneys. The hands, the shot, the passing, the stickhandling, it’s all there… The line on him is that he’s extremely talented, one of the most talented in this draft class actually. 

Unfortunately, he might fall into the “enigmatic” category which tends to scare a lot of teams away from Russians, the compete level isn’t really there. The other thing that might scare folks away is his skating. Apparently, Gutik’s skating mechanics are not there, so you have to wonder if he could get his that portion of his game to at least an acceptable level and if he brought up his compete level just a bit more, what kind of player the team taking him would have; because he’s the kind of player you will see on highlight reels making asses out of defensemen that give him too much respect on the ice. Imagine that on Leon Draisaitl’s wing? I mean, when’s the last time Edmonton had a real dangler on the wing? Eberle? Hemsky? He might be the ultimate gamble. 

“He’s an elite puck handler and he completely dictates the play with possession. He’s difficult to hold to the outside as his spatial awareness and creativity are off the charts.” – Future Considerations

#100 – Antti Saarela – RW – 5’11” 183lbs – Lukko (FIN) – 24gp 2g 8a 10pts 20PIM

Saarela spent half of this season playing for Luuko’s junior team and their men’s league team where he scored at nearly the same rate (7g 8 15pts 21PIM for Luuko jr).

He’s a positionally flexible player but has spent most of his time playing centre or right-wing. Saarela plays with a lot of energy and urgency in his game, he’s a fantastic forechecker, he skates well, and he’s someone that you can play in all situations. A responsible and supportive player defensively he is as well.

Aleksi’s brother is not a line driver though (not sure who’s expecting a line driver at this point in the draft anyhow), his shot velocity isn’t amazing, he lacks strength, and he’s a bit undisciplined. I reckon we’ve got the makings of a solid bottom-6 winger who can contribute on the PK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ2MyCd-zoQ

BLH’s Pick: Shane Pinto – C – 6’2″ 192lbs – Lincoln/Tri-City (USHL) – 56gp 28g 31a 59pts 63PIM (ranked 105th)

From all the reports I’ve read, it’s a shame that Pinto wasn’t included on this season’s USNTDP squad. He’s a very balanced player in that he does a lot of things well and none very poorly. Some of the attributes that one might notice right away with him is his anticipation. Pinto is a really smart player that can see the way a play is developing before it does. His wrist/snap shot is pro-ready, he’s got the strength, hockey IQ, and positional flexibility that coaches at the next level will really love. 

He’s not the most physically engaging player, but he doesn’t shy away from it. He could probably work on his defensive awareness in his own zone. I reckon he’d be a good pick for the Oilers as he’s pretty much flown under the radar until recently, I feel like with his size and toolbox, he could turn out be at the very least a depth scorer and at best, a two-way middle-6 forward. Edmonton could use as much depth as possible. 

“He definitely has an NHL body. He’s got hands, skating ability and a good shot. He’s effective when he’s playing a power game, and he can make plays down low.” – The Hockey News

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#162 – Cameron Rowe – G – 6’2″ 203lbs – USNTDP (U18) – 30gp 16W 10L 3.40GAA .875SV%

In today’s NHL, teams are looking for goaltenders that are calm, collected, and don’t unnecessarily expend energy when stopping the puck. Rowe’s game is quite the opposite of that. Fundamentally, he’s a fine netminder, and he’s got the technicals to be a good goalie, but it seems that all breaks down when the puck is shot. He played about as many games as Spencer Knight this year but let in nearly a goal more per game than him (3.05 vs. 2.21).

BLH’s Pick: Santeri Hatakka – D – 6’0″ 175lbs – Jokerit (FIN-JR) – 43gp 4g 9a 13pts 30PIM (ranked 176th)

I watched Hatakka at the U18s recently and he was a defender that stood out for me for the Finns. Apart from having a really fun name to say, this guy has a cannon for a slapper. He’s not a flashy defender like Antonni Honka or Lassi Thomson, but at this point in the draft, he’s a VERY solid two-way option. Lacks a bit of creativity, but to be honest, I’m not so worried about that. If he can make low-risk plays consistently and he has the skills and tools to be an effective defenseman at the next level, great! 

“He’s not a defenseman with a super-high upside, but he does just about everything well on the ice. He’s solid at both ends of the rink; in his zone he can play a physical game and be tough to play against along the wall and in front of the net. He has good speed going forward when rushing the puck or jumping into the play.” – Hockeyprospect.com

#193 – Ethan De Jong – RW – 5’10” 170lbs – Quinnipiac (NCAA) – 38gp 10g 15a 25pts 8PIM

I’m going to be honest here, I couldn’t find any scouting reports for this player online or in any of my draft guides for this year, but from what I can gather; he’s a small skilled playmaking forward. Pretty typical for the Junior A level in Canada. He lead the Prince George Spruce Kings two seasons ago in scoring and then went on to finish this year 6th on the Quinnipiac team in scoring.

BLH’s Pick: Martin Hugo Has – D – 6’4″ 192lbs – Tappara (FIN-JR) – 37gp 9g 7a 16pts 38PIM (ranked 204th)

A project player, more or less. The right-shot Has’ best attribute is his top-end speed. He’s got a fairly good slap shot from the point but he takes his time getting it off. In terms of defense, he’s solid. When he needs to be physical he is, when he needs to be more cerebral, the Czech defender can play that way too. He’ll need to improve on the more technical aspects of his skating in order to make the jump to North America, but for now, marinating in Tappara’s system (as he’s been doing for two seasons now) is as good a plan as there is. 

I like him for the Oilers because of his skating ability, his size, and for the fact that it could be a while before he would even come to North America, thus not allowing the team to throw him to the wolves before he’s ready. 

“He has decent footwork, but still has work to do in terms of his agility and backwards skating. Once he starts rushing the puck and reaches his top speed, it can be very impressive. He has good confidence with the puck on his stick; he likes to rush it out of his zone with his good skating abilities.” – Hockeyprospect.com

What do you think of McKeen’s picks vs. mine? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter (@beerleagueheroe)!

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Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2019 NHL Draft: Who Are the Best Playmakers, Hitters, and Offensive Dmen? by @keithfries

As we come down the final stretch of draft season, NHL scouts are compiling their final rankings for the 2019 NHL draft and journalists are trying to pretend they know what they’re talking about. Yeah… I went there.

Here at Beer League Heroes, we like to keep it light but also informative. So grab a beer and kick back while you read this edition of our dating game: Loves, Lusts, Booms, and Busts.

Let’s start with our first set of eligible prospects, the playmakers.

Even with an undersized frame and lack of physical defense, it’s hard to not fall in love with Jack Hughes. While he may have the scoring touch of a Patrick Kane, of the 112 points Hughes tallied with the USNTDP’s U18 hockey club, this season, 78 were assists. That speaks incredibly well to his team-first mentality and style of play.

Jack Hughes: Lust

Trevor Zegras, who some have dubbed (unfairly) “Jack Hughes Lite,” has some of the best playmaking abilities in this draft class. In fact, his high level of skill is not only greatly desired by scouts but also has become an area of concern – many fearing his exceptional plays won’t carry over well into the NHL. But, Zegras is aware of these negative remarks, stating at the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine, “What works in the USHL won’t work in the NCAA. And what works in the NCAA won’t work in the NHL.” Zegras’ self-awareness is a good reflection of his high I.Q.

Trevor Zegras: Love

While he certainly has performed well enough, this season, to garner attention from scouts and pundits, alike, Brett Leason may very well be playing above his potential – in his last year of Draft eligibility. He played incredibly well in the OHL/CHL playoffs and seems to have found his niche as a playmaking winger. He has great size and because of his age there’s maturity there, but when you factor in things like he’s never cracked 100 points in a regular season and that his numbers took a significant jump this year than in previous ones, you might be looking at a bust more than a sure-fire first-round talent, here.

Brett Leason: Bust

Finally, Ryan Suzuki; who has dropped on many draft boards but still has the upside as a true top-6 forward. His ice-vision and quarterbacking are made for today’s game, and, when you factor in that he was the first-overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection Draft, you have to think his maturity is off the charts. While he may not beat out his brother, Nick, for draft rights (Nick was selected 13th-overall in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights), Ryan definitely has the same game as his brother and potentially a higher ceiling.

Ryan Suzuki: Boom

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Next, let’s take a look at the hard-hitters.

While this draft seems a bit subdued in the physicality department, a top prospect that has some grit and throws his weight around is Moritz Seider. At 6’4” – 207 lbs., Seider looked more than comfortable playing in the German adult league (DEL), this season, and capped off the year with a nice performance in their playoffs and the World Championships representing Team Germany. He drew the most attention at the NHL Scouting Combine, noting to reporters that he had met with all-31 clubs – meaning the whole league is in love with him.

Moritz Seider: Love

Swedish-born prospect, Albin Grewe, would certainly be in this conversation. His game is largely predicated on wearing down the opposition with his strength, whether he’s delivering a check, bodying up a defender along the boards, or just being a general pest against the puck carrier. While he likely will fall to day 2, I still feel Grewe has the skillset to make it as an everyday NHLer. I had the pleasure of interviewing him, earlier this season, and he seemed like a straight-shooter, no bullshite.

Albin Grewe: Boom

One name I’ve seen floating around is Navrin Mutter, the 6’3” centerman from the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. A two-way freight train, one had better keep their head on a swivel when Mutter is nearby. While his stats suggest he’d likely be a bottom-6 NHLer, and therefore a “bust” in this dating game, I’d like to avoid getting my ass kicked by one tough ‘mutter’ – SHUT YO’ CLEVER MOUTH! So…

Navrin Mutter: LOVE!! (Please don’t kill me)

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Our last category, for this week’s episode (part two coming soon), is offensive defensemen.

Philip Broberg drew love from the media, early on in the season, due to his exceptional breakout plays from his own end. One of the best skaters in this draft, Broberg can reach top-speed like a Tesla Roadster. He can absolutely rifle the puck and looks like he could be a solid PP defenseman, in the NHL. He could stand to work on his defensive game a bit, but again we’re talking about offensive defenseman, and in that conversation, he’s undoubtedly a hot commodity.

Philip Broberg: Boom

While he has fallen on many draft boards into the second, even third, round, Anttoni Honka began the season as a potential top-10 pick. His ability to carry the puck 200-feet is certainly intriguing, with good passing in the opposition zone, as well. He’s a really good skater, with shifty feet and quick lateral transitions. I’m not so down on him as some other draft analysts. He did a nice job contributing to the score sheet while playing for various clubs and leagues.

Anttoni Honka: Lust

Finally, there’s Lassi Thomson, a Finnish-born defenseman currently playing for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. A personal checkmark in my scouting book is whether or not someone made the jump to international waters – be it a European coming to North America or vice versa. Some scouts seem irritated by his lack of physicality on the defensive end, but then quickly turn around and glorify his offensive upside. While I err on the side of optimism, I can admit he needs work. But his ability to join the rush, coupled with his versatile shot combinations and strong backhand, is desirable for today’s NHL.

Lassi Thomson: Bust

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Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Return of the Yak? Plus Thoughts on the 2019 Draft

The one time in my life that I got the chance to see the Edmonton Oilers rookies take on the University of Alberta Golden Bears was the year Leon Draisaitl joined the team. I remember him, Darnell Nurse, Dillon Simpson, Mitch Moroz, Laurent Brossoit, and a couple of Russians starring for the Oilers in this game.

One would think that it was Nurse or Draisaitl running the show, but it wasn’t. Bogdan Yakimov and Vladdy Tkachyev were doing their best impressions of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau.

Which leads me to this, according to a source of mine, Bogdan Yakimov will sign with the Oilers for 1-year soon. Of course, this could all change. As I always say, but as of right now, I’ve got two sources on this and they’re both in alignment with each other. If it does come to fruition, I don’t think this will be a two-way deal. Can you see Yakimov coming all the way from Russia without a guarantee to be playing in the NHL? And if it doesn’t work, they could just loan him back to a European club as they did with Jesse Joensuu way back when.

What does it mean for the roster in this case? Well, given the fact that the Lucic to Vancouver rumors won’t go away and now there are radio stations in Vancouver discussing this weekly. I wonder if there’s a deal that would send Looch and Jujhar Khaira to Vancouver? Two local lads coming home is always a good story and Edmonton needs to create some roster space, right?

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And now the Kyle Brodziak to Ference Island rumors are popping up. We spoke about this back in February, right? Either he retires and loses his remaining year of salary, he gets traded (something I don’t imagine he wants to do now that he’s planted roots), or he heads to LTIR.

So if Ken Holland finds a way to move Milan Lucic, Jujhar Khaira, and Kyle Brodziak off of the Oilers roster, those are three very big men but also three ineffective men. That said, there still needs to be balance on the roster and say what you will about player intimidation, it’s a thing, and I believe the Oilers would add someone who brings a bit of truculence and fear-mongering to the office. Yakimov isn’t that guy mind you, but maybe that opens the door for Evan Polei as a long shot to make the team. Maybe Michael Ferland or perhaps Garnet Hathaway would be options? If Edmonton decides to re-up Alex Chiasson, he’d be another.

The one thing you’re not going to get with Bogdan Yakimov is speed. This is a big dude who moves well, don’t get me wrong, but he’s no Chris Kreider out there. His assets lie in his hands and his smarts.

So, we’ll see on this one. It would be kinda cool if the Oilers could bring back that old Russian tag-team of Yakimov and Tkachyev, wouldn’t it?

Draft Notes

Earlier in the week, I posted my top-ten for the draft and it got some heat, which is fine. Twitter is hard place to justify your ideas sometimes. So, I’m going to try and do that now.

Here is the top ten that I posted,

  1. Jack Hughes (C)
  2. Kaapo Kakko (RW)
    ——————
  3. Bowen Byram (D)
  4. Alex Turcotte (C)
    ——————
  5. Cole Caufield (RW)
  6. Spencer Knight (G)
    ——————
  7. Matthew Boldy (LW/C/RW)
  8. Trevor Zegras (C)
  9. Dylan Cozens (C)
  10. Peyton Krebs (C)

So one of the first things said to me was by my friend SPR (@theoilknight) and he questioned the idea that the 5th and 6th best player on the USNTDP squad are still better than every player in the Canadian Hockey League apart from Bowen Byram. It didn’t seem right to him and he wondered how would Krebs or Cozens do if they were on that team and if they’d be ranked higher.

Very fair questions.

This is the way I see it. Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are near guarantees to be first line players in the NHL at some point and I believe that Bowen Byram will be a no.1 defender. As for Alex Turcotte, he’s got the tools to be a 1st liner in the future but will his health allow it? If it does, whoever drafts him will get a very dynamic and intense center.

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After Turcotte is when things get interesting for me. Cole Caufield is THE best goal scorer in the draft and that has massive value to me as does being the best goalie since Carey Price. Spencer Knight deserves to be in the top ten of any team’s draft list IF goaltending is a priority for them. We’re not talking about your run of the mill goalie here with Knight. This guy will be competing for a Vezina Trophy within the next ten years, if not five. Caufield and Knight are specialists if you will. They are the best and what they do. If you like having the best on your team, you take one.

We follow up with Matthew Boldy, Trevor Zegras, Dylan Cozens, and Peyton Krebs. What I’d say about this group of players is this, Boldy is the most complete player in the draft in my opinion. He’s both effective on offense and defense, he’s a goal-scorer and a playmaker. Zegras has that dusting of Mitch Marner in his game, in that he’s uber-creative (aka a risk taker) and he’s a very good skater with speed. The fancy moves he performs to make a pass, that could very well be his downfall, but with the way the league is trending; I can see him being the next Barzal.

Dylan Cozens had a fine season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Damn fine, but he’s been ranked no.3 or no. 4 for near the whole year. He hasn’t done anything to knock him down the rankings, he just hasn’t done much to keep him up there. In my viewings of this player, I saw two different skaters.

  • One who moved his feet and was dominant.
  • One who didn’t move his feet and was very easy to contain.

That is a problem for me in light of what the kids on the USNTDP were doing. Sometimes he’d get the puck and stop skating too or he’d try to dangle a defender 1v1 instead of chipping and chasing. Now, is it a big problem? I don’t see it that way. Leon Draisaitl has games where he’s not moving his feet or he tried to do too much with the puck, and he scored 50 goals and 100 points last season. Cozens has a pro-ready shot and his work along the boards is fantastic. There’s a player there for sure, but maybe I’m not so enamored with him as much as I once was.

Peyton Krebs was a guy I wasn’t convinced of early in the year but I watched him at the u18s and he turned my head a bit. I love his tenacity, his hands are silky smooth, his shot is hard and accurate, and he’s not one to make a conventional play. He’s really creative I find. I wonder if he tries to do too much though. After doing as much as he could for a very poor Kootenay team last year, did he pick up that marginal bad habit?

See, Krebs and Cozens played on the same line during the u18 tournament (for the most part), but they weren’t the line drivers. Alex Newhook was. But alas, it’s only one short term tourney and we shouldn’t make too much of a fuss over that handful of games.

I just feel like if it’s completely within the realm of possibility that those six USNTDP could be better than the best forwards the CHL has to offer. Why not? Another possibility is that the USNTDP just might be taking over the CHL as the premier developing program for professional hockey players.

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Sean asked, what would happen if we dropped Cozens or Krebs onto “The Program’s” roster? I bet they’d perform quite well. On the other hand, how would Trevor Zegras do if he had played for the team that holds his CHL rights, the Mississauga Steelheads? Do you think that they would’ve traded Owen Tippett and Ryan McLeod if Zegras was on that team? I don’t. Would the Halifax Mooseheads be Memorial Cup champions if Matthew Boldy was on their team? How many goals would Cole Caufield have scored playing alongside Morgan Frost or Barrett Hayton in Sault Ste. Marie? Would Chicoutimi have moved past the first round of the QMJHL playoffs if Spencer Knight was tending net for them?

Good hockey players are good hockey players where ever they play. It’s not the USNTDP’s fault that they happen to have an outstanding crop of draft eligibles this year nor is it the CHL’s fault that it’s not a great draft class for them at the top.