Tag Archives: USA Hockey

Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2019 NHL Entry Draft: A USNTDP Triple Threat

It’s never too early to learn about the upcoming draft crop and today Max from TPE Hockey has three profiles on a few lesser known prospects playing for the US National Development Program U18 team.

Trevor Zegras | Center | USNTDP Comparison: Patrick Kane | Rank: 15th

Trevor Zegras is the US National U18 Team’s third line center, but that does not do justice to Zegras’ ability. This because NTDP holds two top 5 centers for the 2019 NHL Draft in Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte. Last year Zegras was held back for a long time because of this, but eventually, Hughes and Turcotte both earned promotions to the U18 team. Zegras then went on to play on the 1st line and dominated the USHL with 32 points in 31 games. This season Zegras has thrived on the 2nd line as Turcotte battles injury problems. He sits at 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in only 4 USHL competition games which is good enough to earn him USHL player of the week.

The Boston University commit is a playmaking center that plays a very similar game to Patrick Kane plus some two-way ability. Zegras is a phenomenal passer that can thread the needle through traffic and make perfect tape to tape passes. He is creative at setting up scoring opportunities on the powerplay. Passing is the most important quality in his game, and it’s complemented very well by his vision of the ice. He is so often able to make a pinpoint pass because of how well he can spot open ice and his teammate moving into it. Zegras also has some very Kane like stick handling abilities. He never has to look down at the puck and can pull off some crazy moves with no problems. Puck handling comes naturally to him, he can do it without thinking.

Zegras’ hands, plus his skating prowess, also allows him to be a great puck carrier. Much like Kane, he is a zone entry/exit machine and is great at setting up plays off the rush. Also like Kane, he succeeds at finding teammates coming into the zone and setting them up after a zone entry. Patrick Kane had a league-leading 904 controlled zone exits in the 17-18 season. I wouldn’t expect those kinds of totals from Zegras, but his approach to these types of plays are very similar to Kane. Zegras’ aforementioned skating prowess is another notable quality. With great north-south speed combined with excellent agility, Zegras is a nightmare to defend one on one. He is great at catching defenders flat footed and blazing past them with his lightning-quick feet. He often gets up to top speed before his defender can even get his feet going.

Not only is Zegras an offensive dynamo, but he allows exhibits excellent two-way skill. Due to his high hockey IQ he knows how to defend. He can cut off passing lanes and cover for defensemen very well. What holds him back from being a contender for one of the best two-way centers in the draft class is his physicality. Zegras shows little physical ability and lacks aggressiveness on the puck.

That said, Zegras’ overall ability shows prowess in all three zones. He’s an entertaining offensive threat, and impossible to look away from.

Cam York | Defense | USNTDP Comparison: Zach Werenski | Rank: 17th

The California native is the key piece on the blue line for the elite NTDP squad. The team relies heavily on his contributions in both zones as their top two-way defender.

In his play last season he split time with the U17 and U18 squads. At the end of the season, he was able to go to the U18 World Junior Championships with the 2018 draft eligibles and he was easily the team’s best defender.

So far this season York has been scoring at a point per game pace in the USHL and in other competitions with the NTDP, like NCAA bouts. Speaking of his NCCA games, York has undoubtedly been a dominant force in those games. He’s easily held is own against players four years his senior.

York is most easily defined as a mobile two-way defender. He is a very slick skater that is good at dodging defenders with quick feet and agility. His feet are always moving, so he doesn’t struggle to get going when the direction of play shifts. York doesn’t have a dynamic top speed, but he really doesn’t need it. He’s a smart enough player to make the right decision as to where he doesn’t need to use his top speed to get out of a tricky situation or create a play. He knows when to rush the puck or to try to make one of his electric stretch passes across the neutral zone. York is so good on the breakout because he can make that quick decision to rush the puck or try to create a play. He also has some silky mitts on him that help him out in transition.

Defensively, York thrives due to his smart approach to defense. He covers his own zone very well and shuts down the opposing team’s attempts to set up on a powerplay.

The problem with York’s defensive play is his physical capabilities. He’s another small defender that has trouble playing the body. York has struggled a good bit when paired up with high-level power forwards. He has issues containing larger players with speed but his superb stick-checking can help him out with that.

Generally, York is still a very good defender but he would benefit a lot from some time playing college hockey, which is known for being good for physically needy prospects.

York is currently not committed to any college as he de-commited from Boston College. York could head to the WHL where the Red Deer Rebels holds his rights, but college is the best path for him.

Overall, Cam York has been for two years one of the best, and now the best, defensemen in the NTDP system.

Spencer Knight | Goaltender | USNTDP Comparison: Frederik Andersen | Rank: 27th

Spencer Knight is one of the most touted players let alone goaltenders by the NTDP.

For a long time, the program has had some goaltending troubles with the occasional gem in Jake Oettinger or Thatcher Demko. But Knight has become a potential star in the making. He’s ranked very highly by various scouts and scouting services. Some who have him as high as 15. Knight has recently gone on a tear against multiple NCAA teams who he repeatedly shut down in games that the NTDP would’ve gotten killed as recently as last year. Knight is doing things we haven’t seen from an NTDP goaltender since, well, ever.

The Boston College commit shows a lot of the qualities we commonly see in top goaltenders nowadays. Knight is a 191cm tall monster. He takes up a lot of room from body size alone but also loves to challenge shooters far past the top of his crease. Sometimes he gives up too much space for a backdoor pass through.

All of his movements are very quick and he is good at sealing the ice and closing holes while moving. He’s very explosive too, which we rarely see from such a well-composed goaltender. He’s very much like the Maple Leafs’ Frederik Andersen in that regard. Knight tends to favor the butterfly, as he should with all these qualities.

Knight is pretty much an impossible goalie to beat with a straight up shot, and he’s quick enough to recover for a passing play. It takes a very crafty player to get one past the NTDP’s star in net.

You can connect with Max on Twitter @TPEHockey if you have any questions or comments.

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Who to Watch at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Tonight the inaugural Hlinka Gretzky Cup will begin and I just wanted to give you the heads up on some of the talent that will be gracing the ice in Edmonton and Red Deer for the next 5 days!

Here is the schedule and here are the official rosters for your viewing pleasure.

What I’m going to do here is just give you a brief overview of the players you should be paying attention to if you end up watching the games on TV or actually going to the games.

We’ll start with the lesser known teams and work our way to the Canadian team because Canada dominates this tourney nearly every year and it usually has the most talent on its roster.

(Sh*t! I just saw Derek Neumeier’s title to his post over at FC Hockey… My bad! Check his post out. It’s very good! Hopefully, some traffic love will appease the blogging gods for using basically the same title…)

First, a little video and if you haven’t, please SUBSCRIBE to our channel!

SWITZERLAND

Rochette has dual citizenship (CAN/SUI) and has spent the last 5 years plying his trade in the Swiss system. This year he was drafted by the Chicoutimi Sagunéens 7th overall in the QMJHL draft.

2019 draft eligible

A dynamic playmaker who has good vision and the ability to make passes in traffic. He is a fluid skater and is skilled with the puck. (link)

Delemont is part of a new breed of defenseman coming to the forefront of hockey. The small offensive defenseman.

2020 draft eligible

Delemont makes up for his lack of size with deft skating abilities and offensive play. He has been productive on the back end at nearly every level he has played at. Confidence and mobility with the puck on the blue line, cerebral decision making. (link)

SLOVAKIA

Drafted 1st overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the most recent CHL import draft, it’s been a while since a Slovak has been this hyped but Cajkovic is the most talented player on Team Slovakia by far and will be impossible to miss.

2019 draft eligible

Cajkovic is pure offense from his shot all the way down to his fancy feet that deke and dangle their way towards premium scoring chances. (link)

Slovakia’s top 2020 eligible prospect will lace ’em up for the team and provide some offense from the blueline.

2020 draft eligible

A composed two-way defender who can make quick decision with the puck and move well laterally. His stride is long and efficient, it makes it simple for him to jump up in the rush off a first pass. (link)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Saint John also added this talented Czech in the import draft this year. Oilers prospect Ostap Safin, should he get sent back to junior, is going to have a couple of fine forwards to play with in Prikryl and Cajkovic next season.

2019 draft eligible

Highly skilled centre. Provides leadership and is a scoring threat whenever he is on the ice. Was a standout player on a team that could not seem to get it going during World Under-17 Challenge. High hockey IQ and always seems to be in the right place. Can play the point on the power play. Top prospect for 2018 CHL Import draft with potential to develop into pro prospect. (link)

Martin Hugo Has is a massive defender who’ll be suiting up for Tampere in the SM-Liiga next season. He’ll draw the scouts attention simply due to his size and physicality.

2019 draft eligible

He possesses an absolute cannon for a shot from the blue line, gets pucks through traffic. Thinks the game well in his own zone, doesn’t just throw the puck away but he is proactive with the puck on his stick. (link)

RUSSIA

Zaitsev was selected by the Red Deer Rebels in the import draft this year and will be suiting up for them in the upcoming season. So there’s a good reason for Rebels fans to take in Russia’s games.

2019 draft eligible

Wonderful skater with strong agility and edge work that gets him into prime set-up areas with regularity. Zaitsev was a top-six player for most of the year, centering either the first or second line. He has good size and keen vision, but he also lends support well below the circles in his own end. Zaitsev seems more like a playmaker than a shooter, but his ability to think ahead of time and properly rank the best options is what separates him from most 2019-eligible pivots. (link)

Russia’s no.1 dman is slated to be one of the most important pieces to their team at this tournament.

Mobile, two-way defenceman. Excellent skater, escapes hits with his skating agility. Really smooth and effortless skater – smart positional defender who transitions quickly. Hard guy to forecheck and can skate the puck out of trouble. He lacks size and strength. Needs to add a little strength for puck battles, as his compete can only take him so far. Loads of upside to his game. (link)

2019 draft eligible

Podkolzin will most likely be manning Russia’s top line at the tournament.

2019 draft eligible

Podkolzin is one of those noticeable players because he works extremely hard but also finds a way to be involved in most quality chances for his team. He busts his rump every shift, so it’s no coincidence the puck seems to always find him. He also owns a deadly shot. (link)

FINLAND

SPEED! He’ll be one of the faster players at the tournament. So you might actually miss him if you’re not paying attention.

2019 draft eligible

Diminutive yet dangerous goal scorer who hunts for pucks and is willing to pay a high price to grab them. Altonen has speed and a heavy shot that keeps both defenders and goalies honest, so his pump fakes usually leads to a lot of bodies sliding across the deck. His combination of speed and elite stickhandling terrorizes unsure opponents. (link)

Kokkonen is the straw that stirs the drink for this Finland team. Look for him to be a massive factor in the team’s success or lack thereof.

2019 draft eligible

One of best defenceman in this age group. Kokkonen has already seen time in Liiga playing for Jukurit. Jumps into the play, has good offensive instincts. Has a very good shot that he keeps low and accurate. Can be physical when needed to separate the opponent from the puck. (link)

Scored at nearly a point-per-game at last year’s u18’s, he should be an important contributor to Finland’s offense this year as well.

2020 eligible

The most interesting aspect of Lundell’s game is his maturity. His hockey IQ is excellent and his defensive play and positioning are much better than would be expected from the player of his age. Lundell has solid hands but he doesn’t make unnecessary dekes for the sake of being flashy. He focuses on simple yet efficient play instead. (link)

SWEDEN

He will challenge Alexis Lafreniere for the scoring title at this tournament and for the 1st overall selection in 2020. I think he’d be a top-10 pick in this year’s draft if he were able to be selected a year early.

2020 draft eligible

A 2020 draft eligible who has been touted as the next great forward coming out of Sweden for many years now. Holtz has been playing above his age since he was a pre-teen and actually spent some time last year playing at Sweden’s top junior level in the SuperElit, where he scored a productive 8 points in 11 games. Holtz has been dominant against his own age group for years now, and he is well known for his instinctive offensive play, fundamental scoring abilities and intelligent well rounded offensive game. (link)

Returns for his second kick at the can in this tourney. Has a motor that never stops and will be an integral part of Sweden’s leadership core.

2019 draft eligible

Described as a dynamic power forward who doesn’t take shifts off. Can create offense on his own with crafty puck handling and explosiveness on the attack. (link)

This year’s high-end smooth skating right-shot 2-way defender out of Sweden is Victor Soderstrom. Will anchor the Swedish defense along with Tobias Bjornfot.

2019 draft eligible

He is a balanced defender who shows terrific skating abilities both with and without the puck. He can play a dependable defensive game, a mobile offensive game, or a hard-nosed physical game depending on the situations he adjusts to. His puck moving side is quite efficient. He has a turn and burn transitional game in which he gets pucks into the offensive zone productively. (link)

From all accounts, Bjornfot is a SOLID two-way defender who’s more talented on the defensive side of the puck than the offensive. Not to say that he’s not offensively gifted as his 22pts in 42 games for Djurgarden suggest there IS offense there but he may find that playing a more shut-down role may benefit him more in this tournament.

2019 draft eligible

There are not many flaws in Bjornfot’s defensive game. He plays physically in the corners and in front of the net, maintains solid gap control, and rarely gets beaten in one-on-one situations. (link)

USA

Ridiculously talented sniper currently cutting up the OHL for Hamilton. A likely candidate to lead the US in scoring this week.

2019 draft eligible

Kaliyev is that goal scoring winger who plays such a composed and controlled style of game. He has confidence with the puck on his stick and instinctive abilities that are a great contributor to his goal scoring success. He is a big kid who has slick puck controlling abilities, a wicked release that can stun a goalie, and the ability to score from anywhere with the puck on his stick. (link)

The only goalie on our list today. Wolf backed up Carter Hart last year in Everett and is expected to take over the starter’s role in 2018/19.

2019 draft eligible

An athletic net minder who suffocates first chance opportunities. He has excellent reflexes with his lower body and despite not being a bigger goalie, he makes up for it with his quickness and awareness.

CANADA

The next great Canadian scorer is amongst you. 40+ goals as a 16-year-old in the QMJHL is mad and I’m jealous I’m not in Edmonton to watch this talent. Watch, someone will tag him with the old “Generational” this week. He might be the next Mike Bossy, who knows? All I do know is the kid scores at will and he’ll be lighting up junior oppositions for the next two seasons.

2020 draft eligible

 Lafreniere is an elite scoring winger who possess one of the most lethal shots from a junior player we have seen in a while. Controls the game when he is on the ice, dictates the play and pace. He has great hands and can flash skill at times, making defenders look silly.(link)

Krebs will be, at worst, a top-ten pick in this year’s draft. He’s drawn some comparisons to Jonathan Toews due to his outstanding two-way play. Was the WHL’s first overall pick in 2016.

2019 draft eligible

Dynamic center with leadership traits, game-changing speed and creativity. Krebs can be a stopper in the defensive zone and a scoring threat in the opposing end. He is the kid you summon to take all the big draws or deliver a game-changing play. (link)

The 2018 WHL Rookie of the Year, Cozens reminds me a bit of Jeff Carter in that the release on his shot is absolutely deadly. He’s got Carter’s size but I don’t think he has his skating unfortunately. Not far off mind you but that shot though… Wow! Should be a top-ten pick next June in Vancouver.

2019 draft eligible

Cozens has a great shot and knows how to finish in a variety of ways, including roofing a backhander from in close. He competes hard in all three zones and creates separation in open ice thanks to his above-average speed. (link)

Scored big at the u17’s last year with 7pts in 5 games. Dach has that Getzlaf size/skill thing going for him. He’s also not the type to shy away from the rough stuff. Could be unstoppable once he gets his weight up to the 215lb range. Not the fastest buggy on the track though.

2019 draft eligible

Dach is a man among boys, which is going to spell a lot of trouble for teams trying to defend against him. Don’t let his size fool you, however: Dach is also incredibly skilled and patient with the puck. Displaying a style of hockey similar to a young Joe Thornton, he uses his large frame and long reach to maintain possession and work a cycle while scanning for opportunities to set up scoring chances for his teammates. (link)

Byram should be a top-5 pick in the 2019 draft. He’s such a good skater and he works his edges so well. He’ll be a top-pairing defender in the NHL someday that also QBs the powerplay. Not only that but there’s an old-school element to his game as well if you know what I mean. Shades of Denis Potvin maybe?

2019 draft eligible

Tough-as-nails defender with deceptive agility and puck handling who is earmarked for a top pairing at the NHL level. Byram is an outstanding puck mover who makes good decisions, but his powerful back skating helps him retreat in time to thwart counterattacks. He stands up at his blue line and rapidly transitions from defense to offense. (link)

Local boy, Matthew Robertson, who plays for the hometown Edmonton Oil Kings, is a smooth-skating two-way defender. Will most likely be tasked with being a shut-down defender on this Team Canada due to his high-end defense and his excellent skating.

2019 draft eligible

Earning minutes on the top penalty kill unit and power play unit as a 16 year old. A fluid skating assertive two-way defender who hs elite footwork and transitional game. He processes the game better than anyone else and makes great reads in transition. Mobile on the blue line and able to create shooting lanes with his footwork. Defends the rush well and rarely ever gets beat wide. (link)

So big thanks to draftgeek.ca, The Sporting News (Kournianos), and Future Considerations because that’s where the majority of the quotes came from. Click some of the links above to get more information.

I hope you enjoy the tournament!

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World Junior Rewind

From opening puck drop on boxing day to Troy Terry’s shootout heroics, the 2017 World Junior’s packed about as much junior hockey excitement into eleven days as anyone could hope for. There were a few major storylines many will remember twenty years down the road, the main one likely being Troy Terry’s shootout magnificence, however the lack of attendance throughout round robin action and even into quarter final action is sure to leave a black mark on the cities of Montreal and Toronto. Also, with the USA having won their third medal in eight years, many questions around Canada’s success at the tournament have already been asked and will likely be asked again come next December.
Focusing on the positives..
The roster the U.S. assembled was quite brilliant, and the way Bob Motzko utilized all four of his lines really helped push the Americans over the top. The Americans did an excellent job combining speed, goal scoring, and finding the players who were unwilling to walk away without a gold medal around their necks.

Tyler Parsons – Parsons is a big game guy and that’s exactly what they got out of him. He’s not a natural high end puck tracker, but man does he fight in the crease. Flames may have a good one.

 

Charlie McAvoy – McAvoy was the second best defenceman in the tournament and provided the Americans with a stabilizing force from the back end. McAvoy will be a high end NHL defenceman, and he will be there very soon.

 

Caleb Jones – Outside of WHL and Oiler fans, not many people were aware of the impact Jones would play on the roster. Jones, much like McAvoy, was a real stabilizer on the back end, able to slow the game down and distribute the puck effectively.

 

Jack Roslovic – Though he didn’t receive the attention that Colin White and Clayton Keller received, Roslovic was one of the most impactful players on the American roster. His ability to transport the puck through the neutral zone with speed, and gain clean zone entries are something that will make him a successful NHL winger.

 

Clayton Keller – He was quiet in the final, but I don’t think anyone can argue the sheer brilliance of Clayton Keller. From his puck skills to speed to the way he sees the ice, Keller is going to be a big time player for they ‘Yotes.

 

Luke Kunin – Kunin had a decent tournament, and was able to generate a fair amount of offensive zone chances. I believe he’s still a year away from the NHL (based on his performance in this tournament) but he played an integral part in the American’s success.

 

Jordan Greenway – Scary, scary player. His ability to skate given his size would have any opponent shaking. He’s a freight train, and the physical aspect of his game, as well as his ability to contribute around the net really allowed fans to see how good of a prospect Greenway is.

 

Tage Thompson – Unbelievably skilled player. Thompson showed he has the ability to dominate games, and I believe that’s exactly what he will bring to the St. Louis Blues. Out of any player on the roster, Thompson impressed me the most.

 

Troy Terry – What’s left to say? He was clutch. I’m not sure he’s ever a top 9 NHL player, but he certainly cemented himself as one of the most legendary US players ever.

 

Though they finished second, Team Canada really didn’t have all that good of a tournament. Aside from Thomas Chabot, and for a short time Phillippe Myers, the back end struggled mightily against the fast and skilled attacks of the Sweden and the USA. In a short tournament like this, the lack of defenceman capable of playing more of a shutdown role inevitably cost them, making the omission of Brendan Guhle even harder to swallow.

 

The forward group deployed in this years tournament was quite strong, but the team lacked in a clear go to guy. Of course Mathew Barzal and Dylan Strome were thought to be those guys heading in, and they did have a fairly strong round robin, but they were never able to truly take over and dominate a game, with Dylan Strome nearly disappearing in the final. Julien Gauthier was one of the more impressive forwards, and given his size, speed, and overall intelligence, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think he’ll be a top none guy in Raleigh next season. Anthony Cirelli received a lot of media attention, and though he played above what was expected, he didn’t blow me away.

 

The goaltending was what it was. They took the two best Canadian goalies in the CHL, and to Hart’s credit the Americans got really lucky on a couple of goals in the final game.

 

In terms of draft eligibles who impressed, no one was better than Halifax Mooseheads forward, Nico Hischier who scooped up seven points in five games and was the clear go to man for the Swiss. Is he going to be a top three pick in this years draft, probably not, but everyone now knows how skilled the young center is. Miro Heiskanen is another player who saw a rise in his draft stock following a fairly strong outing on a weak Finnish squad. The other Fins in Tolvanen, Vesalainen, and Valimaki are likely to remain in a similar spot, though Vesalainen is a guy who could see his name rise. Elias Pettersson had a decent outing for a draft eligible in the WJC, and is likely solidified in the top 15. Lias Andersson showed off how dynamic he can be, and at times looked like one of the best Swedes on the ice. Andersson is a player I had some reservations on heading into the tourney, but he looks like he will be a high end offensive player at the NHL level.

 

Aside from Finlands shocking fall from grace, the other disappointment comes with the Swedes, who on paper were the majority favourite heading in. With a deep defensive corp, elite goaltending, and a good mix of veterans and skilled, the Swedes fell short to the Russians. The Swedes are a perennial power house, but if this tournament showed anything it’s that teams are able to adjust to the same old formula, and that’s evident in the success that a team like Switzerland had at the tournament, proving to be far more competitive than one would have thought.

 

As strange as it may sound, the Fins will have a strong team in the 2018 edition of the tournament, with likely returnees in Rasanen, Vesalainen, Tolvanen, Heiskanen, Valimaki, as well as the addition of likely top 60 pick Robin Salo.

 

Thank you for reading, and follow me at @DraftGeekHockey for more news and notes on junior hockey news and prospects.