Tag Archives: Leafs

Brennen York, Prospects

Top 20 Under 20: Sans North America

2 Comments

I have to preface this list by letting you know I have only seen two of these players live, with a good chunk of viewings done during tournaments that are streamed or on TV (World Juniors, Ivan Hlinka, etc.) This list is made up of players born before 1996-12-7. The rankings are based on a combination of statistical success this year in relation to league, as well as the potential success they may have at the NHL level given team circumstance. It isn’t a perfect measuring stick as I haven’t “scouted” many of these players, so take it for what it is.

1. Rasmus Dahlin – LD – 2000-04-13 (16) – Frolunda HC (SHL) – 6’1 – 165 lbs

Up to this point, Rasmus Dahlin has established himself as a blue chip prospect in every sense of the term. After posting 16 points in 15 games in the SuperElit league, the 16 year old is now logging SHL minutes for Frolunda, and has two points on the year. Dahlin is a smooth skating puck transporter, and possesses the ability to be a dominant set up man on the powerplay. Dahlin has the innate ability to rifle passes through seams with precision, and will likely be a 30-40 assist guy in the NHL. The 2018 draft class is chock full of elite defenders, but Dahlin has clearly established himself as the number one guy.

Dahlin will attend Sweden’s World Junior selection camp.

2. Timothy Liljegren – RD – 1999-04-30 (17) – Rogle BK (SHL) – 6’0 – 198 lbs

After a rough start to the year due to mono, Timothy Liljegren is back on track and showing off why he is considered a top three prospect in this years draft. The right handed blue liner boasts a highly intelligent game with strong puck moving capabilities, as well as a lethal shot from a distance. Liljegren has excellent vision in all three zones, and much like Dahlin, has the ability to to make incredible passing plays with very little room. Liljegren is a strong technical skater, and currently projects to be a number two defenceman at the NHL level.

3. Ilya Samsonov – G – 1997-02-22 (19) – Metallburg Magnitogorsk (KHL) – 6’3 – 205 lbs

There are few goalies who have been able to post the kind of numbers that Ilya Samsonov, not only this year, but over the course of his entire hockey career. Samsonov is dominant, plain and simple. During his rookie campaign in the KHL, Samsonov managed a .925 save percentage, and has followed that up with a stellar .934 through 18 games this season. Samsonov is in an interesting position given the strength of the goaltenders in Washington, meaning he may not become a full time NHL starter for another couple years.

4. Klim Kostin – RW – 1999-05-05 (17) – HK MVD Balashikha (MHL) – 6’3 – 196 lbs

Statistics should not define Klim Kostin. The 6’3 Russian forward was held pointless through a combined 14 games in the KHL and MHL, ultimately leading to his demotion to the MHL. Kostin is an exciting player to watch and brings something to the ice every shift. Though he lacks explosive qualities, he has a strong toolset that features quick hands, good offensive zone vision, and a strong ability to protect the puck in the cycle. Kostin is a fiery guy, meaning discipline will have to improve as he’s shown he can get thrown off his game with chippy play. At the NHL level Kostin looks like he will be a top six winger, though offensive production may not reach over 60 points until his prime.

5. Kirill Kaprizov – LW/RW – 1997-04-26 (19) – Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL) – 5’10 – 192 lbs

Not many players have surprised in the stats department like Minnesota Wild 5th rounder Kirill Kaprizov. The 19 year old winger has posted 28 points (14 goals) through 36 games in the KHL this season. Kaprizov’s high ranking stems not only from his ability to produce in one of the best leagues in the world, but the fact that the Wild are hungry for goal scoring in the top six, and will likely give Kaprizov an extended look there if he comes to North America for the 2018-19 season as a 21 year old.

6. Elias Pettersson – C/LW – 1998-11-12 (18) – Timra Ik (Allsvenskan) – 6’2 – 161 lbs

As an 18 year old, Elias Pettersson has managed to post over a point per game through 24 regular season games in Allsvenskan. Pettersson is one of the most creative players poised to go in the top ten of this years NHL draft, and will likely be given a chance to show off his creativity at this years World Juniors. Pettersson is a quick player who skates well, and relies on his elite level puck skills to be a dangerous offensive zone player. Pettersson likely won’t be an NHL regular any time soon, but with added development time in the SHL, he could very well become a second line NHL center.

7. Igor Shestyorkin – G – 1995-12-30 (20) – SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) – 6’1 -190 lbs

29 games. 1.53 GAA. .943 save percentage. What else needs to be said? The Rangers did extremely well with their fourth rounder and now have a future replacement for Henrik Lundqvist.

8. Oskar Lindblom – LW/RW – 1996-08-15 (20) – Brynas IF (SHL) – 6’2 – 196 lbs

With his contract in the SHL coming to an end following the 2016-17 season, Lindblom may be a major factor in the Flyers top six next season. Lindblom is a skilled forward with excellent offensive zone instincts, and that’s reflected in his point per game pace he’s currently at. Lindblom is an offensive catalyst who’s shooting ability is on par with his passing abilities. Look for Lindblom to put up 40 in his rookie season.

9. Mikko Kokkonen – LD – 2001-01-18 – Jukurit U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga) – 5’11 – 190 lbs

Anytime a 15 year old is playing in the top league in their respective country, they’re going to get a lot of attention. Kokkonen represented Finland at this years U17 tournament where he didn’t record a point, but played a steady, well rounded game. Through 15 games in Jr. A SM-liiga, Kokkonen has put up a total of four goals and four assists.

10. Kristian Vesalainen – C/LW – 1999-06-01 (17) – HPK (Liiga) – 6’3 – 203 lbs

Kristian Vesalainen is a highly intriguing player as he brings a combination of size, speed, and puck skills that you don’t find very often. His statistical totals throughout the first 24 games (16 SHL, 8 Liiga), have not been great, as he has been unable to produce after being loaned to Liiga, however he did manage to post five points in the SHL. The big bodied Fin will likely receive a lot of attention following the World Juniors, so watch for his name to rise in draft rankings.

11. Axel Holmstrom – C – 1996-06-29 (20) – Skelleftea AIK (SHL) – 6’1 – 198 lbs

Detroit has seen better days in terms of their on ice product, however their ability to draft high end prospects late in the draft remains near the top of the league. Axel Holmstrom, who went 196th overall, has done nothing but produce for the past four years, tallying a career total 13 points in 14 World Junior games, as well as 44 points in 98 SHL games. Holmstrom has yet to play a game this season as he is out with injury. In terms of his NHL potential, given his skating ability and puck skills, he looks like a fit in a top 9 role, and if Detroit does head down re-tool lane and he ends up with more ice time, he could be a top six guy when its all said and done.

12. Lias Andersson – LW – 1998-10-13 (18) – HV71 (SHL) – 5’11 – 198 lbs

There’s a lot to like about Lias Andersson, one of which is his ability to shoot from a distance. He sees the ice well and is a dangerous player when given room. One question that remains is whether or not he plays a game that will translate to the NHL. He’s a smaller player who likes to use his feet to weave in and out of Ozone traffic, which leads me to question what he can do on small ice. Luckily for me, that question will likely be answered when Andersson represents Sweden at the upcoming World Juniors.

13. German Rubtsov – C – 1998-06-27 (18) – Vityaz Podolsk (KHL) – 6’0 – 190 lbs

German Rubtsov doesn’t play the stereotypical Russian style of hockey in the sense that he’s not a pure playmaker and doesn’t have a lethal Ovechkin/Tarasenko/Kuznetsov. Rubtsov’s strengths come in his commitment to playing a sound defensive game in all three zones, as well as supporting the puck which allows for easier transitions out of the defensive zone. That being said, Rubtsov is an extremely talented skater with separation speed, and a strong set of hands. I’d expect Rubtsov to be a good third line center at the NHL level, similar to Nick Bonino in that he will be able to play a top six role.

14. Aleksi Saarela – C – 1997-01-07 (19) – Lukko (Liiga) – 5’11 – 198 lbs

Aleksi Saarela, a third round pick by the New York Rangers, was poised to dominate the WJC this year, after posting a point per game on last years championship squad, however we won’t be seeing him as he turned down the invite. Why? Not too sure. He’s been unable to produce at the same rate as last season with Assat, and his current team, Lukko, sits second last in the league which makes the decision to not join the Finnish WJ team even stranger. Saarela plays an intelligent game, and may come across as lazy to some, however I believe him to be somewhat cerebral in his approach, and very economical in his Ozone movement. At the NHL level, Saarela is likely a third liner with the ability to post between 30-40 points.

15. Marcus Westfalt – C/LW – 2000-03-12 (16) – Brynas IF J20 (SuperElit) – 6’3 – 187 lbs

Through 20 games in J18 Elit, Marcus Westfalt posted an impressive 10 goals and 22 assists, which earned him a call up to SuperElit. The 6’3, 187 pound forward. Little is known about the Swedish forward other than his ability to produce not only over in Sweden, but internationally as he also racked up three points in six games at this years U17 tournament.

16. Gabriel Carlsson – LD – 1997-01-02 (19) – Linkoping HC (SHL) – 6’4 – 183 lbs

Gabriel Carlsson is an assertive two way defender with strong defensive zone instincts. He’s not a guy who’s going to post big numbers as his value comes in his shutdown capabilities, however given his efficiency on the breakout he could be a guy who picks up a decent amount of secondary assists when he makes his way to Columbus. Carlsson’s contract comes to an end following the 2017/18 season, and he will represent Sweden at this years World Juniors.

17. Filip Gustavsson – G – 1998-06-07 (18) – Luela HF (SHL) – 6’2 – 185 lbs

Draft Swedish goalies. It’s the key. Gustavsson is already an SHL regular, and currently sits with a .931 save percentage through 7 games. During his time with the J20 team, Gustavsson posted a .935 save percentage before earning the call up. I believe he’s one of the highest potential goalies we’ve seen come from Sweden in a while, however with the strength of goaltending in Pittsburgh, there’s no sense in him making his way over any time soon. Gustavsson may be a guy teams look at near the deadline when offloading veterans.

18. Adam Bokvist – RD – 2000-08-15 (16) – Brynas IF J20 (SHL) – 5’10 – 170 lbs

Adam Bokvist, a right handed defenceman currently playing in the SuperElit league, is proving he can produce at a variety of levels. Bokvist posted 14 points in 8 games during his time in J18 Elit this year, and followed that up with two assists in two games in the SuperElit league. Bokvist really grabbed scouts attention during his time at the U17 tournament where he managed four goals. Bokvist, like many high end Swedish defenceman, excels in the offensive zone, often directing the play from the blue line. It won’t be long before he earns an SHL promotion.

19. Noah Rod – C/RW – 1996-06-07 (20) – Geneve-Servette HC (NLA) – 6’0 – 192 lbs
Noah Rod has been a dominant international player, plain and simple. The Swiss forward has a combined 18 points in 17 games with both the U20 and U18 teams, however his value stretches far beyond that with his speed and physical play adding a unique element to whichever team he’s on. Rod plays a North American style of game, and really excels down low in the cycle and funneling pucks to the net. Given that he’s signed in the NLA until the 21/22 season, he may be a player the Sharks will have to wait for, however he should be high on their priority list as he has the ability to make an impact on their bottom six in the very near future.

20. Carl Grundstrom – LW/RW – 1997-12-01 (19) – Frolunda HC (SHL) – 6’0 – 194 lbs

With 13 points in 25 SHL games, Grundstrom is only three points off last years total. The Swedish center has been excellent this year, and has taken a big step offensively, something I was unsure he’d be able to do as he appeared to be more of a complimentary player. That is not the case, and he’s proving that. Grundstrom will play for Sweden at the World Juniors, and will likely play a top six role, something all Leafs fans are hoping he can one day do in Toronto.

HM:

Linus Soderstrom (G) – New York Islanders
Yegor Korshkov (C/RW) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Lukas Wernblom (C/LW) – Eligible 2018
Jonathan Dahlen (C/LW) – Ottawa Senators
Pavel Kraskovsky (C/RW) – Winnipeg Jets

Did I leave anyone off the list that you think should have been there? Let me know!

Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Zach Laing

Oilers vs Leafs Preview – Battling Babs and the Boys in Blue

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (8-14-2) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (7-11-5)

Location: Air Canada Center, Toronto

Time: 5:30 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

Tonight, the Oilers look to close out their five-game road trip with a win in Toronto and up until now the Oilers only have three of a possible eight points on this trip. Two losses to the Capitals and Hurricanes certainly woke up the team and they rebounded well getting a point in Detroit, and two in Pittsburgh.

Despite the fact the the team is in the bottom of the West, they are only eight points out of a wild card spot. It isn’t unrealistic to see this team make a strong push towards that final spot. This Oilers team isn’t awful. The coaching has made a tremendous difference on and off the ice, and I am certain we will see success shine through soon.

Andrej Sekera and Teddy Purcell will look to continue to build off their two-game point streaks.

The last time these two teams met on March 16th, the Oilers came out on top winning 4-1 in thanks to a three point night from Jordan Eberle. He has certainly struggled in his return from injury. In just 11 games, he only has three goals which translates to .9 Points per 60 (P/60) – a ways off from his career average of 2.5 P/60.

“It would put a win in the win column, which is obviously real important and a goal of ours every night,” said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. “To come home at .500 on a pretty tough road trip, considering we didn’t win the first two, would be an accomplishment that we would be please with. We wouldn’t have a parade, but we’d be pleased with it. I think it’s something we can grow on. Our road record isn’t terrible. We’ve played some good games, we just haven’t had a timely goal or a timely prevent of a goal to give us more wins than losses.”

Davidson says McLellan has coached the Oilers to be more detail-oriented on this road trip, which has helped with results.

“Details plays a huge role in it. That’s something he’s preached,” the blueliner said. “I think guys are just taking it upon themselves now that we’ve came together as a collective group. We know we have to get on a little bit of a run here and get some points together. I think guys know how important it is and as long as we can keep moving in that direction and keep taking what Todd is giving us, we’ll be fine.” Source.

Walter Foddis’ Pregame Metrics:

The Otherside:

Toronto coach Mike Babcock told the Maple Leafs website that goalie Garret Sparks, 22, will make his NHL debut on Monday and forward Joffrey Lupul will not play because of an undisclosed injury. Lupul, who is tied for the team lead with Leo Komarov with eight goals, did not skate on Sunday. With James Reimer out because of a lower-body injury and Jonathan Bernier struggling (0-8-1), the Maple Leafs will turn to Sparks, who is 8-2-1 with a 1.90 goals against average and a .938 save percentage with Toronto of the AHL this season. “We’ve got to find a way to win a game,” Babcock said. “Is he ready for the opportunity? We’re going to find out.” Bernier faced 23 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Reimer did practice Sunday, but he’s not ready to play. “You have to be able to do your job to your fullest and right now it’s a little restricted,” Reimer told the Maple Leafs website. “I can’t quite do everything I need to do to be successful.”

Line Combos and Starting Goalies c/o Left Wing Lock:

According to Oilers HC Todd McLellan, we can expect to see some lineup changes before puck drop due to some “bumps and bruises.”


Oilers (Anders Nilsson):

Leafs (Garret Sparks):

Any ideas on how to improve my game previews? Send me an email at zjlaing@gmail.com.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvxgY0ymuAI]

 

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

First Round Mock Draft

With less than 24 hours, here’s a look at what I think may happen on draft day!

1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid – C – Erie Otters (OHL)
GP: 47 G: 44 A: 76 PTS: 120

Not much to be said. He changes absolutely everything. Will make an impact next season, and for years to come.

2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel – C – Boston University (NCAA)
GP: 40 G: 26 A: 45 PTS: 71

Will be a huge piece for the Sabres moving forward. The rebuild is looking good with ayers like Ristolainen, Kane, and Reinhart already in place.

3. Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Strome – C – Erie Otters (OHL)
GP: 68 G: 45 A: 84 PTS: 129

Strome deepens the already strong group of young forwards in Arizona. Next to Domi and Duclair, Strome could be a 90 point guy in the NHL.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitchell Marner – C/RW – London Knights (OHL)
GP: 63 G: 44 A: 82 PTS: 126

Marner is electrifying, and Leaf fans could use a little excitement. He’s undersized, so jumping to the next level may take time, but he has all the tools to be dominant in the NHL.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Noah Hanifin – LD – Boston College (NCAA)
GP: 37 G: 5 A: 18 PTS: 23

Hanifin solidifies the defence core in Carolina. He’s a stud, and I believe when we look back at this draft he’s the guy everyone says should have gone second or third. Watching him next to Faulk will be thrilling.

6. New Jersey Devils: Pavel Zacha – C/LW – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
GP: 37 G: 16 A: 18 PTS: 34

Zacha brings both the offence and grittiness to be a New Jersey Devil. Scouts have been somewhat split on Pavel, but he will be a difference maker in the Devils retool. Could see him being a consistent 60 point player.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Ivan Provorov – LD – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
GP: 60 G: 15 A: 46 PTS: 61

The Flyers would be ecstatic to grab their future number one defenceman at seven. Though stacked with left handed defenders on the depth chart, Provorov brings that “elite” aspect you look for in the draft.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski – LD – University of Michigan (NCAA)
GP: 35 G: 9 A: 16 PTS: 25

The Jackets are loaded up front with players like Wennberg, Johanssen, and Dano, so Werenski is a natural fit. He will be able to fill the role that Ryan Murray seemingly can not.

9. San Jose Sharks: Mikko Rantanen – C/W – TPS (Liiga)
GP: 56 G: 9 A: 19 PTS: 28

Mikko Rantanen is a stud. He brings both size and offensive ability, something every team salivates over. He’s not overly creative, but his hands and shot make him a constant threat in the offensive zone.

10. Colorado Avalanche: Timo Meier – RW – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
GP: 61 G: 44 A: 46 PTS: 90

It’s Timo Time in Denver. With Nate Mackinnon set to break out, he could use a player on his right side to bang a few home. He’s fiery player who doesn’t quit on pucks. Could be a 30-35 goal player in the NHL.

11. Florida Panthers: Lawson Crouse – LW – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
GP:56 G: 29 A: 22 PTS: 51

With a strong group of young forwards like Barkov, Huburdeau, and Bjugstad, the Panthers could use a player like Lawson Crouse. There’s mixed feelings on Crouse, but I’m optimistic he will succeed.

12: Dallas Stars: Mathew Barzal – C – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
GP: 44 G: 12 A: 45 PTS: 57

Dallas may be shocked the Barzal is there at 12, but they will surely not turn him down. There’s not a ton of center prospects with a high ceiling, but Barzal could be the second line center in Dallas for a very long time.

13. Los Angeles Kings: Kyle Connor – C – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
GP: 56 G: 34 A: 46 PTS: 80

Connor is an interesting case. He has the size and stat line to suggest he could be a top 10 pick, but he does have a few areas he needs to work on. If everything pans out, the Kings land themselves a good top 6 playmaker.

14. Boston Bruins: Nick Merkley – C/RW – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
GP: 72 G: 20 A: 70 PTS: 90

The Bruins are shallow in the prospect department. They are still a competitive squad, however they are in dire need of future B’s. Merkley brings that never quit attitude that will allow him to be a successful NHL’er.

15. Calgary Flames: Jeremy Roy – RD – Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
GP: 46 G: 5 A: 38 PTS: 43

The Flames have built a nice group of young forwards up front, but the back end is still lacking. Roy will be a very good defender for the Flames as he possesses both the raw instincts and puck moving ability to be a difference maker on any given night.

16. Edmonton Oilers: Joel Eriksson Ek – C/LW – Farjestad (SHL)
GP: 34 G: 4 A: 2 PTS: 6

Soured by the fact that Roy is off the board, the Oilers go with a player who’s not far off from being an NHL’er. Eriksson Ek’s stock has risen a lot over the past 4 months, and I think if you’re willing to call Chabot the Sanheim of this year, then Eriksson Ek is the Vrana of 2015.

17. Winnipeg Jets: Travis Konecny – C – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
GP: 60 G: 29 A: 39 PTS: 68

Not a surprise to see the Jets walk away with another stellar prospect as Konecny falls right into their hands at 17. He’s ranked higher than 17, but both size and inconsistency has been a problem for him. If he pans out, he could be the next Tyler Johnson.

18: Ottawa Senators: Jakub Zboril – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – GP: 44 G: 13 A: 20 PTS: 33

Zboril is a mean two way defender who will be a great fit next to Erik Karlsson. He has the offensive ability to put up good numbers and he can be trusted in a shut down role. If there’s one word to be used when describing Zboril it would be “intriguing”.

19. Detroit Red Wings: Jansen Harkins – C – Prince George Cougars (WHL)
GP: 70 G: 20 A: 59 PTS: 79

Harkins is a favourite of mine and soon to be a favourite of all Wings fans. He brings a good combination of skill and two way ability that allows him to play in all situations. At the NHL level, he’s a good second line center. The name Nick Bonino pops into my head when I watch him.

20. Minnesota Wild: Evgeni Svechnikov – C/RW – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
GP: 55 G: 32 A: 46 PTS: 78

Svechnikov is a great pick at 20. He’s a fun player to watch, however some nights he doesn’t necessarily show up. He’s got a great set of hands, and the skating ability to make him a threat around the opposing teams net. That’s a lot of value twenty picks deep.

21. Buffalo Sabres: Denis Guryanov – LW – Ladia Togliatti (MHL)
GP: 23 G: 15 A: 10 PTS: 25

Guryanov is one of the most interesting player in the entire draft. He has size, skill, and speed, and I do believe a few GM’s have mentioned all three of those things as important factors. I want to see him go in the top 10, but that’s unlikely as he arrived onto the scene so late. Buffalo gets a steal at 21.

22. Washington Capitals: Colin White – C/RW – U.S U-18 Team (USDP)
GP: 47 G: 17 A: 28 PTS: 45

It will be interesting to see how White develops over the next few years, but I believe it will be in a good direction. He’s a player you can rely upon to play smart in all three zones and in key situations. Washington needs a guy with versatility and White brings that.

23. Vancouver Canucks: Paul Bittner – LW – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
GP: 66 G: 34 A: 37 PTS: 71

Bittner will be a key piece of the Canucks moving forward. He needs some work when it comes to putting all his tools together, but when he does you better look out.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jacob Larsson – LD – Frolunda (SHL) – GP: 20 G: 1 A: 2 PTS: 3

I’m very high on Jacob Larsson, and it appears the Leafs are as well. He’s a strong defender who gives his opponent little room. Though he didn’t have great offensive numbers in the SHL, he has a good offensive side to his game.

25. Winnipeg Jets: Thomas Chabot – LD – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
GP: 66 G: 12 A: 29 PTS: 41

Another great addition for the Jets… Chabot is a good offensive/two way defender who has learned how to be strong in the defensive zone. He may not be a guy you have on the ice in the last minute of a game, but he’ll surely be a guy you can rely on when you’re down a goal.

26. Montreal Canadiens: Jake Debrusk – C/LW – Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
GP: 72 G: 42 A: 39 PTS: 81

If you peg Debrusk as a soft playmaker, you have it all wrong. He’s a strong offensive forward who plays with a little bite in his game. Never afraid to throw a hit or mix things up with an opponent, Debrusk will be a fan favourite in Montreal.

27. Anaheim Ducks: Jeremy Bracco – RW – U.S U-18 Team (USDP)
GP: 58 G: 27 A: 54 PTS: 81

Though the Ducks love their 6’3, 200 pound players, they can afford to swing for a home run this year given their success in recent drafts. Bracco is, well, great. Everything he does is great. His skating, his hands, his shot, it’s all very, very good. The only question mark is his size.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Oliver Kylington – LD – Farjestad (SHL)
GP: 18 G: 2 A: 3 PTS: 5

The Bolts are stacked up front, and Oliver Kylington may be the gem of this draft. He fell a ton this year, but going to Tampa Bay may I still some confidence into this offensive defenceman, and it would be scary to think of a future where Kylington and DeAngelo are running the power play.

29. Philadelphia Flyers: Jack Roslovic – C/RW – U.S National U-18 Team (USDP) GP: 65 G: 27 A: 52 PTS: 79

I love Jack Roslovic and the game he brings on a consistent basis. At 6’1, Jack has a good frame for an NHL team to work with. He has so many underrated tools, like his passing ability and offensive IQ. I can not wait to see what he becomes.

30. Arizona Coyotes: Ilya Samsonov – G – Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) GP: 18 GAA: 2.66 SV%: .918

The Yotes will have to apologize to the Sabres after this one, as once again, a great player has been ripped from their grasps. Samsonov is a great goalie, and unlike Visentin, I’d put money on it that Ilya pans out and becomes a great NHL goalie.