First round

The first round, as it has been since Kyle Davidson was hired, was busy. With the third overall pick, the Blackhawks selected Swedish center Anton Frondell.

Frondell, the best European prospect in this draft, shows a lot of promise in his two-way game. When asked if the Blackhawks were “getting their own Barkov,” Frondell’s answer was simple: “Yeah.”

Based on comments from Davidson, Frondell will likely remain with Djurgårdens in Sweden for the 2025-26 season.

With their second first-round selection, the Blackhawks selected forward Vaclav Nestrasil. Nestrasil, who spent his 2024-25 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, plays a tough-nosed game and uses his 6-foot-6 frame to good use.

Nestrasil is committed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst next season.

With their third and final pick of the first round, Chicago traded up with the Carolina Hurricanes to acquired the 29th overall pick. With this pick, the Blackhawks selected forward Mason West. West, currently a 17-year-old with Edina High School, is a physical specimen. West stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 218 pounds.

A multi-sport athlete, West will play one last season of high school football before taking his talents to Michigan State University.

Third round

After trading both of their second-round picks to draft West, Chicago had to wait until the third round to make a pick. With the 67th overall pick, Chicago drafted another forward in Nathan Behm.

Behm brings size and a scoring touch to the prospect pool. The 6-foot-2 forward scored a career-high 31 goals during the 2024-25 season.

Fourth round

With the first of two fourth-round selections, Chicago drafted forward Julius Sumpf.

Sumpf, a German forward, spent his 2024-25 season with the Moncton Wildcats. Like Behm, Sumpf recorded a career high in goals with 26 last season.

With their second fourth-round pick, Chicago drafted Brantford Bulldog forward Parker Holmes.

Holmes, a teammate of fellow Blackhawks prospects Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker, tallied only one goal in 21 games with the Bulldogs.

Sixth round

In the sixth round, Chicago broke the streak of drafting forwards, taking defenseman Ashton Cumby.

Cumby, who played his 2024-25 season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, is a physical, defense-first skater. Despite being defense-first, Cumby recorded a career high in goals, assists and points this season.

Seventh round

With their final pick in the draft, Chicago drafted Russian goaltender Ilya Kanarsky.

Kanarsky, a 20-year-old goalie currently playing in the MHL, had a record of 22–8–1 with a .938 save percentage and a 2.24 goals against average in 34 regular season games during the 2024-25 season.

Analysis

With the 2025 NHL Draft being considered not as deep compared to previous seasons, the Blackhawks took gambles on two traits: size and upside. Davidson emphasized this thinking when explaining to the media his choice to trade up for West.

Time will tell with a lot of these picks. Project picks take time, and the Blackhawks chose multiple projects in this draft. There are no winners or losers of the draft immediately after the draft, so time will tell. Patience will be a virtue with these young men, maybe more so than in previous drafts.

The post ANALYSIS: A quick glimpse at the Blackhawks’ 2025 draft class appeared first on The Rink.

1. New York Islanders — Andy’s Pick
   Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

(Michael Miller / ISI Photos)

New Islander general manager Mathieu Darche won’t get cute here. Schaefer is at the top of this year’s draft class and the smooth-skating defenseman will go No. 1 to the Isles. The Islanders need defensemen in their prospect pool badly and will take full advantage of pole position in this year’s draft. After missing a decent chunk of the 2024-25 season due to injury, Schaefer, who is 17 years young until September, will most likely need at least one more full season of development in the OHL with Erie, or there is a real possibility he could be NCAA bound for the 2025-26 campaign.

2. San Jose Sharks — Eric’s Pick
   Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

(Natalie Shaver / OHL Images)

While it is possible Sharks GM Mike Grier could galaxy-brain this pick and look to diversify his prospect pool with someone like Anton Frondell, which has been widely speculated as being the case, enough to make me strongly consider making Frondell the pick here, he would be wise to not overthink this one and select the consensus best forward in the draft in Misa. Though, us Blackhawks fans would be quite pleased if Grier does pass on the nearly goal-per-game scorer. I’m very much not confident in this given the growing belief Frondell will be a Shark, but I will give a proverbial 51-49 edge to Misa here and hope for the Hawks’ sake that I am wrong.

3. Chicago Blackhawks — Andy’s Pick
   Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

(Kenta Jönsson / BILDBYRÅN)

If Misa is here, it’s Misa, but if it’s Frondell, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson goes with the young Swede here and there is a lot to like. You need skill to win, but you also need players who win pucks and play a 200-foot game. That’s what you get with Frondell, and all signs indicate that his character and will to win are elements that any team would want in their locker room. It will be interesting as to when he would come overseas to make his NHL debut, likely the 2026-27 season, but regardless, the Hawks will be getting a hell of a prospect with Frondell.

4. Utah Mammoth — Eric’s Pick
   Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

The Sam Bennett effect is real, folks. Utah opts for the gritty center to create a diverse 1-2 punch down the middle with Logan Cooley. Bill Armstrong has shown before he is not afraid to reach for the player he believes is the best fit for his organization and again goes back to that well to continue building the Mammoth.

5. Nashville Predators — Andy’s Pick
   James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA) 

There are rumblings that Hagens may drop, but the Predators are truly at a crossroads after laying an egg in 2024-25, and the skill and talent of Hagens may be too much to pass up. Let’s not forget that it was not long ago that Hagens was predicted to go No. 1 overall. He was a point-per-game player for Boston College and tallied nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven World Junior contests for the gold medal-winning United States. Barry Trotz has hinted that he thinks highly of Hagens’ game, and for that reason and more, he goes to Nashville.

6. Philadelphia Flyers — Eric’s Pick
   Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

O’Brien has been one of the players most commonly associated with a rising draft stock as Friday has approached, and there has been much speculation that he will not last past Philadelphia at 6. In O’Brien, the Flyers get a smart pivot capable of producing offensively. Philadelphia likes opting for cerebral players, so while O’Brien may not have the highest ceiling among the players still on the board, he certainly feels like a Flyers type of pick.

7. Boston Bruins — Andy’s Pick
   Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) 

For a player who some have indicated has the ceiling of Patrice Bergeron, who better to take a flier on Desnoyers than Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. Some think Martone goes at 7, and possibly, but Fabian Lysell and Matthew Poitras are the lone skilled forwards in Boston’s prospect pool, neither of whom may work out for the long term. If David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and others are to be Bruins for life, then they need to get younger with puck distributors and high-end talent. Desnoyers could be the steal of the draft and Boston would be wise to take him at 7.

8. Seattle Kraken — Eric’s Pick
   Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

The Kraken have invested heavily in high-end forwards in the first round over the last few years, highlighted by Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Berkly Catton, so it’s time for them to turn their attention to the blue line. In Mrtka, the Kraken get a hulking yet smart defenseman. He uses his size well to close gaps and is good as a distributor in transition as well, giving Seattle a well-rounded two-way option for the future.

9. Buffalo Sabres — Andy’s Pick
   Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) 

For whatever reason, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams felt compelled to move John-Jason Peterka, who finished second on the team with 68 points. The return on that trade is questionable, and if Martone, who some think is the best pure goal scorer in the draft, is available at 9, there is no chance Adams can pass up on him. Skating is something Martone will need to work on, but his willingness to get to the net, decent hands in tight and sharp shooting ability will see him being an NHL weapon. He has been rumored to head to the NCAA ranks next season, which will only support his development.

10. Anaheim Ducks — Eric’s Pick
    Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Anaheim is loaded with quality young players and prospects up front, even after dealing away Trevor Zegras this week, and while they also have some quality young pieces on the blue line already, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek makes a reasonable selection here in Smith, a creative, offensive-minded defenseman. Verbeek has also had a tendency to favor size, and at 6-foot-3, Smith also checks that box.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins — Andy’s Pick
    Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) 

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are nearing the end of their storybook careers, and the Penguins need to think about the center position for their future. Though McQueen should not be expected to carry that same torch, he is big, strong and highly skilled. Injuries shortened his 2024-25 campaign, but he is fully healthy and will be a force, should he decide to return to the WHL next season.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers) — Eric’s Pick
    Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

After snagging McQueen, who could be the steal of the draft, at 11, the Penguins turn their attention to the blue line with their second consecutive pick. Aitcheson plays an old-school brand of hockey on the blue line, making his presence felt in a big way with his physical style of play. He may not be the most thrilling player offensively at the next level, but did manage a very respectable 59 points in 64 games this season.

13. Detroit Red Wings — Andy’s Pick
    Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

Victor Eklund fits everything a Detroit Red Wing is and has been. For those reasons, I am tempted to deviate from this choice, as Steve Yzerman is finally feeling the heat after another season without making the postseason, but alas, he will stay the course and take the highly skilled running mate of Anton Frondell. Eklund will be at least two years away from making his NHL debut, but that time for him to physically develop will serve him well.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets — Eric’s Pick
    Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Simply put, Bear plays a playoff brand of hockey that would be a welcomed addition to a Blue Jackets squad on the verge of breaking through to the postseason. While not overly big, he plays bigger than his frame suggests, and being a 40-goal scorer this season, Bear clearly has the finishing touch to complement his nose for the net.

15. Vancouver Canucks — Andy’s Pick
    Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Some think this may be a tad early for Nesbitt, but Vancouver is lacking in identity and having a future face of the franchise. Nesbitt is certainly not NHL ready yet, but his ceiling for a 6-foot-4 center, who is good at the dot and taking on players one-on-one may be precisely what they are looking for. Without being in the top 10 in the draft, going will over skill could be the path the Canucks take, and Nesbitt possesses both intangibles.

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames) — Eric’s Pick
    Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Yes, he’s from Quebec, but Carbonneau is a perfectly rational pick here for the Habs with their first of back-to-back picks. Carbonneau is an excellent puck handler and is not afraid to use his body to get where he needs to go. He plays a style that would complement the many skilled forwards Montreal already has, and again, being a Quebec native is never a negative for le bleu, blanc et rouge.

17. Montreal Canadiens — Andy’s Pick
    Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)  

Cootes is a hungry player and gets better and better every year. He is fast, tough and plays bigger than his size. He could end up being the next installment of Brendan Gallagher for the Habs. Cootes ultimately could be a third- or fourth-line center when Montreal starts competing for championships.

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils) — Eric’s Pick
    Ben Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

I promise I’m not just going for the “hometown” picks. Kindel, despite playing in the same building as the Flames, brings a lot to the table. The top draft-eligible scorer in the WHL this season, Kindel is an elusive pivot who plays with pace, something the Flames could certainly use. His dual-threat offensive ability allows him to produce in a variety of ways, as is evidenced by his 99-point campaign.

19. St. Louis Blues — Andy’s Pick
    Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

The Blues will need some better puck-moving defensemen in their future, and the swift-skating, lefthanded Reid may be one of the better ones in this draft class. As with any puck-moving rearguard, size comes into question but at 18, he is 6 feet and already 190 pounds and is very strong on his feet. He has the ceiling of a power play quarterback and would be a solid mid-round pick for St. Louis.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild) — Eric’s Pick
    Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)

Reschny is a cerebral player who reads off his linemates well, taking advantage of his high-end vision and passing abilities to generate scoring chances for his team. These traits should allow him to gel nicely with other skilled players with the Blue Jackets, with the possibility to turn into an effective second- or third-liner.

21. Ottawa Senators — Andy’s Pick
    Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo Hockey (Sweden)

With Gastrin, the Sens get a player that they can use in multiple situations. He projects as a center or winger, is a smooth skater and sees the ice very well. He is not the player who is overly strong in any one area, but very sound fundamentally and a responsible hockey player with a scoring touch. He would make a nice add in Ottawa.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche) — Eric’s Pick
    Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

After scoring a talented forward at 6 in O’Brien, the Flyers add to the blue line with Fiddler, a rangy defenseman with some edge to his game. The son of longtime NHLer Vernon Fiddler, Blake already possesses an NHL frame at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, but moves well for a big man, often using his feet to position himself well to shut down the opposition. He is raw, especially on the offensive side of things, but with further development could become a top-four option.

23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning) — Andy’s Pick
    Logan Hensler, D, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

The Preds will go with a defenseman here and the right handed Hensler is one of the better young prospects in college hockey. After a decent first season at the University of Wisconsin, there is ample room for him to grow and improve his game. It may be two more years of Big Ten hockey before Hensler turns pro, but he has plenty of time to develop into a top-four defenseman in the NHL, which is a real possibility.  

24. Los Angeles Kings — Eric’s Pick
    Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The Kings like size, and while Lakovic certainly offers that at 6-foot-4, he is also arguably the best player available on the board at this point, with some feeling he belongs in the middle of the first round. While his numbers don’t jump off the page like some, he was playing on a rebuilding Moose Jaw team and was relied upon as one of the team’s go-to options as a draft-eligible player. He certainly has notable upside, and the Kings place a bet on Lakovic reaching that potential as a chance-generating winger.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs) — Andy’s Pick
    Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL) 

(OHL Images)

Speed, tenacity, a scoring touch and character, this sounds like the perfect fit for what Kyle Davidson is trying to do in Chicago. And you know who has done well at churning out NHL talent? The University of Michigan. As a Wolverine come August, Spence will be in the ideal setting to work on his game. A two-year plan in Ann Arbor likely, let’s just hope that he makes it to pick 25. If so, it is a great day to be a Hawks fan.

26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks) — Eric’s Pick
    Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

One of two teams with three picks in the first round, Nashville opts to round out the positional trifecta with Ravensbergen after picking Hagens and Hensler with their first two picks. The Predators could certainly use a quality goaltending prospect after questionably moving on from Yaroslav Askarov last summer, and Ravensbergen is a worthy candidate here. He reads plays very well and boasts great size at 6-foot-5. He plays a positionally sound style, which may not be the most exciting, but should set him up for a successful career in the cage. With Juuse Saros in town for the foreseeable future, the Preds can afford to be patient with Ravensbergen as well.

27. Washington Capitals — Andy’s Pick
    William Moore, C/LW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL) 

The Caps get creative here and take a two-way center with a ton of upside. Moore could very well fall to day two of the draft, but there is a ton of value getting him at the 27th overall pick. He should slot into the lineup very nicely at Boston College in the fall and could be involved in their power play unit and on their top two lines immediately. He will get great exposure and development playing in the ever-talented Hockey East for the next two seasons.

28. Winnipeg Jets — Eric’s Pick
    Max Psenicka, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

The Jets have a decent crop of young forwards on the way, so looking to the blue line may be the play here. While maybe a little off the board, Psenicka has been a late riser among this year’s crop. At 6-foot-5, he boasts projectable size with the ability to play at a high pace, a great combination if you are hoping to find an impactful rearguard.

29. Carolina Hurricanes — Andy’s Pick
    Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)

As the Hurricanes’ age among defensemen continues to rise, they will use this late pick to get a blue-liner. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Brzustewicz would be a nice add based on his strong two-way game. He put up decent numbers in London and projects as a reliable NHL prospect, without flash but the simplicity of his game will make him incredibly valuable to any franchise.

30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars) — Eric’s Pick
    Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

The Sharks are in need of quality young blue-liners, so going for Boumedienne makes a ton of sense here. An interesting player, Boumedienne was born in Finland but represents Sweden internationally. His U18 showing turned heads, registering 14 points in just seven games. He has projectable size and is an attentive defender. While he may not become a big-time point producer professionally, he has the tools needed to be a serviceable NHL blue-liner.

31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers) — Andy’s Pick
    Semyon Frolov, G, Spartak Moscow (Russia)

The Flyers are in need of goaltending depth in their prospect pool and the end of the first round is a great place to snag the quick-footed Frolov. Time will tell how long it may take him to come to the States, but it certainly worked out well for the Fly-boys and Matvei Michkov, and having a fellow countryman in goal for the youngster could be an added bonus.

32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers) — Eric’s Pick
    Jack Murtagh, LW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)

The Flames again add to their forward corps with the final pick of the night. In Murtagh, Calgary gets a player determined to beat the opposition with his feet however possible, whether that be around or through. Murtagh is not afraid to get his hands a little dirty to make things happen offensively, with a willingness to win puck battles along the boards. His style and pace would complement Kindel nicely down the road.

BONUS

34. Chicago Blackhawks — Andy’s Pick
    William Horcoff, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

(Daryl Marshke / Michigan Photography)

Perhaps it is too wishful to think that the Hawks will take two Wolverines back to back, but after the 6-foot-5 Horcoff posted 10 points in a mere 18 games at Michigan in 2024-25, he may be the next best prospect on the board. Great in tight areas and puck winner with a hard shot, Horcoff, son of longtime NHLer Shawn Horcoff, could be a nice complement to Chicago’s center depth in its prospect pool and has the flexibility to play on the wing as well.

The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft begins at 6 p.m. CDT on ESPN. Be sure to tune in to The Rink’s live draft coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. CDT on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

The post The Rink’s 2025 NHL Mock Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Check out Rink prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley and Rink staffers for a LIVE reaction podcast:

The players that the organization selects will be listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats.

2025 Blackhawks NHL Entry Draft

Chicago Blackhawks Draft Picks

Trades made leading to and during the draft:

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/13/25	Victor Soderstrom		Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick
6/21/25	Joe Veleno		Andre Burakovsky
7/1/25	2026 sixth-round pick		Sam Lafferty

Trade Analysis

• The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Joe Veleno

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken for Joseph Veleno

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2025 1st round pick (#29) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 2nd round pick (#34), a 2025 2nd round pick (#62), a 2027 5th round pick

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2025 1st round pick (#29) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 2nd round pick (#34), a 2025 2nd round pick (#62), a 2027 5th round pick

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2025 Upper Deck NHL Entry Draft Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

Ilya Nabokov, Goaltender (38th overall)

The first pick of the 2024 draft for the Avalanche was goaltender Ilya Naboko from Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL. He is ranked number two on the international goalie list and posted a 23–13–3 record as a rookie with a .930 save percentage. To add to that, Nabokov had a 16–6 record in the playoffs with a .942 save percentage. The youngest player to do so, he won the Gagarin Cup and secure the playoff MVP. He has a two-way contract that will end in April 2025, meaning that he could fill the gap left by Trent Miner. He is confident and explosive in the crease to take away angles.

William Zellers, Left Wing (76th overall)

William Zellers, who attended Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep in Minnesota, led all U.S. high school hockey league in goals and points this last season (57–54–111). The University of North Dakota commit plays a fast and physical game and will head to the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL first. Zellers will get in on the forecheck quickly. Even when he is in tight quarters, he can get a shot off, making him a constant scoring threat. Zellers plays a great two-way game, making him effective in both the power play and the penalty kill.

Jake Fisher, Center (121st overall)

Jake Fisher, who will attend the University of Denver next season, is a forward that overpowers his opponents in puck battles. A skater with speed down the middle, he can also rip the one-timers with ease. While playing with the Fargo Force last season, Fisher tallied 47 points (23–24) in 51 games. The centerman would help lead the Force to the Clark Cup championship and secure the win as well. 

 “I chose the University of Denver because the hockey team has a history of winning championships and developing NHL players,” Fisher said. “The coaches have treated me great, and I have a high level of trust in them that they will put me in the right position to succeed. The schooling as well is a high level, and I love the campus and location in the city.”

+=

Jake Fisher cashes in on a gross pass from Mac Swanson and the Force take a 3-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/jDXmiXUnJ4

— xy – Fargo Force (@FargoForce) April 25, 2024

Louka Cloutier, Goaltender (132nd overall)

Louka Cloutier will attend the University of Nebraska- Omaha next season after spending the year with the Chicago Steel. Cloutier broke out after taking over the starting role for the Steel, posting a 14–14–2 record with a .904 save percentage. He is calm and collected in the net, but not a game breaker. Cloutier has a ton of potential and the NCHC will help him develop his game. He will play against the best talent in the NCAA, but fans will need to be patient as he develops his game.

The deficit is only two after a period thanks to stops like this from Louka Cloutier #FeelSteel pic.twitter.com/N8pfwZyVex

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) April 7, 2024

Ivan Yunin, Goaltender (137th overall)

Ivan Yunin is an 18-year-old goaltender playing in Russia’s MHL (equivalent to juniors in North America). Yunin is an athletic goalie that plays with a wide stance and can move effortlessly around the crease. Playing his second season for the Omskie Yastreby, Yunin put forth a 2.31 goals allowed average and .909 save percentage. The six foot two-inch youngster can react quickly to changes in the play and make improbable saves.

Maxmilian Curran, Center (161st overall)

Maxmilian Curran, also known as Max, is a strong two-way forward with a high hockey IQ. He needs some work on his skating, but makes up for it with his vision and pass-first mentality. Curran missed the last half of the season because of injury, but was hitting his stride before that. He is a center who can control the play in every zone, playing a smart positional game. Curran’s main deficiency in his game is a lack of grit. Playing with the Tri-City Americans for 40 games, he racked up 32 points (5–27).

Tory Pitner, Defense (185th overall)

Tory Pitner is another player committed to the University of Denver. He will actually be roommates with Jake Fisher this year. Pitner is a stay-at-home defenseman that likened himself to John Marino and Jeff Petry. Pitner is not the biggest kid at 180 pounds, but he can outbox his opponents and dig hard in the corners. He has a very active stick and can take space away from the attackers.

“I chose to attend the University of Denver because of the blend of elite athletics and academics,” Pitner said. “The coaching staff with the hockey program is second to none, and their ability to develop NHL players is something that I really valued and was another reason I chose to attend the university.”

Christian Humphreys, Center (215th overall)

Christian Humphreys will attend the University of Michigan this fall after spending the last two seasons in the U.S. National Development Program. With the USHL team, Humphreys tallied 24 points in just 23 games (7–17). He is a well-rounded forward with strong secondary scoring capabilities. Humphreys is strong on the forecheck and plays well through all three zones. He will need to work on his skating, but the NCHC will force him to get better at that. The Pittsburgh native possesses a strong work-ethic that will help him grow as a player.

Nikita Prishchepov, Center (217th overall)

Nikita Prishchepov is a big center that has great vision that can lead on a pass rather than throw the puck into the feet. He has splendid vision and is patient with the puck. Prishchepov spent the last season with the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL. He collected 67 points (22–45) in 64 games, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.

Nikita Prishchepov conclut la passe de Maxime Pellerin et les @TigresVicto mènent 2-1 dans le #MDSLCH !

Nifty hands from Pellerin as he finds Prishchepov! #CHLGOTW pic.twitter.com/tOpSfjr1Aq

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) October 20, 2023

Conclusion

The Avalanche had a need in the crease, and they filled it today with three goaltenders. Colorado may not see a few of them for a couple of years, but goalies may take years to get to the NHL. Trent Miner, who just signed a new contract, has been in the system for three years and never seen the NHL. Colorado added three players that will see development out of the organization in the NCHC. The Avalanche turned two picks into five with trades and did it without giving up a current man on the roster. It was a successful draft for the Avalanche. The only thing I would have done differently is I would have taken more defense.

The post Complete Avalanche draft player breakdown appeared first on The Rink.

The players that the organization select will be listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats.

Trades made leading to and during the draft:

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
5/24/2024	2024 1st round pick (#20), 2024 2nd round pick (#54), and a 2024 2nd round pick (#61)		2024 1st round pick (#18) and 2024 2nd round pick (#50)
6/26/24	2027 fourth round pick		Ilya Mikheyev (15% rretained), Sam Lafferty, and a 2027 2nd round pick
6/28/24	2024 2nd round pick (#34), and a 2024 2nd round pick (#50)		2024 1st round pick (#27) - Marek Vanacker
6/29/24	2024 3rd round pick (#92)		2025 3rd round pick

Trade Analysis

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2024 1st round pick (#18) and 2024 2nd round pick (#50) from the New York Islanders for a 2024 1st round pick (#20), 2024 2nd round pick (#54), and a 2024 2nd round pick (#61)
• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Ilya Mikheyev (15% retained), Sam Lafferty, and a 2027 2nd round pick from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2027 4th round pick
• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2024 1st round pick (#27) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2024 2nd round pick (#34) and 2024 2nd round pick (#50)

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2024 1st round pick (#27) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2024 2nd round pick (#34) and 2024 2nd round pick (#50)

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2024 NHL Entry Draft Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

1. San Jose Sharks — Andy’s Pick 

Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)

When the Sharks won the lottery, this was a done deal. Winning the Hobey Baker Award as a 17- year-old when college hockey has never been better is a heck of a feat. There is still a real possibility that he returns to BU for an additional year of development, but nevertheless, this is the consensus No. 1 overall pick and for good reason. The kid has all the tools.

The Sharks are expected to take the slam-dunk top prospect in Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. (Photo courtesy of Boston University)

2. Chicago Blackhawks — Eric’s Pick 

Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)

The Hawks have another opportunity to add a franchise cornerstone and turn to the blue line this time to land their top-pair right-handed defenseman of the future. Levshunov boasts an impressive tool kit of skating, playmaking and physicality in an NHL-sized frame. As a true freshman at Michigan State, Levshunov was the No. 1 defenseman for a strong Sparty squad, playing huge minutes in all roles. While already having Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic as top-four options for the future, Chicago lacks a projectable stud all-around defenseman in its rebuild and checks that box in a meaningful way with the Belarusian.

Side note: I had every intention of providing some draft analysis leading up to the draft about potential options for the Blackhawks, but frankly, with how thoroughly exhausting the endless vitriol among Blackhawks fans online has been regarding the pick, it ultimately was not worth my sanity to write pieces that would inevitably fall on deaf ears. The fact of the matter is, whether the Blackhawks select Levshunov or Ivan Demidov (or surprise and choose someone else), the draftee will be a foundational piece to the franchise moving forward, and that is undoubtedly something to celebrate, regardless of who it is. Be happy, Blackhawks fans. The front office knows far more than you do.

The Blackhawks opt for defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University)

3. Anaheim Ducks — Andy’s Pick 

Sam Dickinson, D, London (OHL)

This could be Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom as well, but with the talent-rich offensive prospect pool the Ducks have, so much so that they may be shopping Trever Zegras, they will go with a defenseman here. Dickinson has tremendous versatility, offensive output and a lunch-pail style, put your hard hat on and go to work that would blend in well with Mason McTavish and what the Ducks are trying to build culturally. Anton Silayev is a strong possibility here, too, but Dickinson could be the best fit.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets — Eric’s Pick 

Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)

Columbus landed a huge building block in Adam Fantilli last summer and return to the well of big pivots again by selecting Lindstrom. Though Lindstrom battled injury concerns throughout the season, he boasts a tantalizing skill set and large frame. With Fantilli penciled in as the No. 1 center for the future, Lindstrom can slide in nicely as the No. 2 center to give the Blue Jackets a 1-2 punch down the middle sure to make many franchises jealous.

5. Montreal Canadiens — Andy’s Pick 

Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946 (Russia)

The Habs would be thrilled if Demidov slides to 5 and this would be a no-brainer. After taking David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick in 2023, they will turn to offense, and who better than perhaps the highest rated pure offensive talent in the draft after Celebrini. Though, to be fair, it would be entertaining to see Habs fans’ reactions should Montreal look elsewhere.

6. Utah Hockey Club — Eric’s Pick 

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

One of this year’s biggest risers late in the season, Sennecke gives Utah a highly talented winger who can perform on the biggest stage. Though Utah could instead look to one of the high-end defensemen still available, the combination of size and skill Sennecke offers is too much to pass on, betting on his steep trajectory to continue.

7. Ottawa Senators — Andy’s Pick 

Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL)

The Senators are at a crossroads, have so many needs and could pick a defenseman here, too, but Iginla’s stock continues to rise and it does not have to do with his last name. He is impactful in so many areas and plays a controlled game, something that Ottawa needs badly. 

8. Seattle Kraken — Eric’s Pick 

Zeev Buium, D, Denver (NCAA)

With the center position comfortably addressed with Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, the Kraken can take advantage of a strong blue line class and opt for Buium, a talented offensive defenseman with plenty of moxy. Buium has been a winner at every level in his career, winning U18 and U20 world championships and the NCAA title with Denver this spring. Wherever he lands, Buium should become a fan favorite on and off the ice.

9. Calgary Flames — Andy’s Pick 

Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw (OHL)

Perhaps the most offensively skilled defenseman in the draft, and if available, there is little chance Calgary can pass up on him at 9. They certainly need help on the blue line and this would be a great fit, especially if the “hometown kid” is already off the board.

10. New Jersey Devils — Eric’s Pick 

Anton Silayev, D, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

The Devils opt for the massive Russian defenseman to firmly round out what should be an incredible top four for many years to come alongside Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey. Silayev can skate like the wind for a big guy and provides a strong shutdown game to go along with decent offensive upside. It is entirely possible Silayev is gone long before 10, but if he slips to this range, any team would be thrilled to land him.

11. Buffalo Sabres — Andy’s Pick 

Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL)

Corey Pronman has Catton rated as the second-best forward in the draft, and why not? With 54 goals and 116 points with Spokane in 2023–24, there is no doubting his talent. He is not heavy and perhaps that is why he will drop this low, but regardless, Buffalo gets a real potential game breaker here.

12. Philadelphia Flyers — Eric’s Pick 

Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary (WHL)

The last of the top-end defensemen in the class, the Flyers add a high-end offensive defenseman in Yakemchuk, who hit the 30-goal plateau in the WHL. Add in a bit of bite in his game and he feels like a player Flyers fans will rally around for years to come.

13. Minnesota Wild — Andy’s Pick 

Konsta Helenius, C, Tappara (Finland)

A well-disciplined hockey player, this feels like a Minnesota pick. The Wild still have decent talent and will not need to rush Helenius. He will have time to develop and could turn out to be a solid pivot for their future, something they could certainly use.

14. San Jose Sharks (from PIT) — Eric’s Pick 

Stian Solberg, D, Oslo (Norway)

After choosing Celebrini to begin the night, the Sharks can turn their attention to the blue line, an area they desperately need help in. They opt for Solberg, one of the draft’s biggest late risers, who provides a menacing physical game on the blue line.

15. Detroit Red Wings — Andy’s Pick 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (Sweden)

All signs see Brendsegg-Nygard landing in Detroit if he is still available. He is gifted offensively and responsible in his own end of the ice; a vintage Red Wing trait that they would love to work with and develop. Playing in Sweden never hurts your cause as a Red Wings target, either.

16. St. Louis Blues — Eric’s Pick 

Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czechia)

The Blues choose to add another blueliner to the organization after selecting Theo Lindstein with one of their first-round picks last year. Jiricek missed significant time with injury this season, but the Blues bet on the upside that had him considered as a lock for the top 10 entering the season.

17. Washington Capitals — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Eiserman, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

At this point last year, many people thought Eiserman was a top-two pick in this year’s draft. Questions have arisen as to whether or not he can play in all areas of the ice. Still, he is a gifted offensive talent with an incredible shot. He will be a critical part of Boston University’s success next year and is still a talented prospect who filled the net with the NTDP unlike anyone has before.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (from NYI) — Eric’s Pick 

Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon (USHL)

After picking Levshunov at 2, the Blackhawks turn their attention to the forwards available at 18 and opt for Boisvert, a well-rounded center who offers goal-scoring ability and a physical edge the Hawks are lacking in their prospect pool. Boisvert’s size also allows him to comfortably project as a center at the NHL level, something the Blackhawks could use given the uncertainty of Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar being long-term center options.

Chicago selects gritty forward Sacha Boisvert with the 18th overall pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of the Muskegon Lumberjacks)

19. Vegas Golden Knights — Andy’s Pick 

EJ Emery, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

The Golden Knights’ defensive core is aging and Emery fits the mold of what they can use moving forward. The North Dakota commit plays a hard-nosed defensive game that is not fun to play against. As the Knights get older, he would be coming in at the right time and provide the yin to Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin’s yang.

20. New York Islanders (from CHI via TBL) — Eric’s Pick 

Michael Hage, C, Chicago (USHL)

The Islanders go with the talented Hage at 20, a player who can add offensive pop to an organization known for its defensive acumen. New York is probably thrilled to get Hage at 20 after trading down from 18, as he would have likely been in consideration for them had they stood pat.

21. Los Angeles Kings — Andy’s Pick 

Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Chernyshov plays the length of the ice and is always around the puck. Big and strong and a decent skater, he found success in the KHL and ultimately could be a goal-scoring threat in the NHL in a power forward mold.

22. Nashville Predators — Eric’s Pick

Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City (USHL)

Barry Trotz looks past Connelly’s troubling off-ice past and bets on the offensive upside that would have comfortably put Connelly in the 10–15 range if not for the character concerns. Good luck, Nashville. Hopefully it works out, or not.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL)

A strong, physical center who plays a power game is everything that is lacking down the middle for the Leafs. Most of the Leaf core will still be intact by the time Beaudoin will be ready and he can simplify his development with a lot of talent around him. This would be a solid pick for Leaf nation. 

24. Colorado Avalanche — Eric’s Pick 

Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph (OHL)

The Avs are in the advantageous spot of being able to focus on taking the best player available, and Luchanko fits that bill at 24. A skilled pivot with good offensive instincts, Luchanko’s top-end speed game would mesh well with a Colorado team known for playing with pace.

The Avs take skilled forward Jett Luchanko with the 24th pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of Luke Durga / OHL Images)

25. Boston Bruins (from OTT via DET via BOS) — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Hutson, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL) 

The Bruins love their in-town talent and another Boston University product could be the take here. Like a Torey Krug or Matt Grzelcyk, the Bruins have a good history of developing defensemen who are not blessed with size. Hutson being right down the road is a plus, and let’s be honest, it would certainly make for an interesting storyline with older brother Lane already in Montreal.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from WPG) — Eric’s Pick 

Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor (OHL)

Montreal giddily takes the stage to take Greentree, a player who very well may be gone multiple picks ahead of this spot. Greentree gives the Habs a big-bodied winger to add to their forward group, something they could certainly use to complement Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and now Ivan Demidov.

27. Carolina Hurricanes — Andy’s Pick 

Leo Sahlin-Wallenius, D, Vaxjo U20 (Sweden) 

One of the better skaters in the draft, Sahlin-Wallenius plays a safe and responsible game. He has good stamina, and while not overwhelmingly dynamic in any one area, he is a consistent hockey player who could eventually be in the 4–6 range on a defensive depth chart.

28. Calgary Flames (from VAN) — Eric’s Pick 

Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George (WHL)

The Flames stay close to home for their second pick of the first round, taking Parascak out of the WHL. Parascak gives the Flames a scoring threat for their prospect pool, something Calgary could certainly use more of as it looks like the turning of the chapter in Cow Town.

29. Dallas Stars — Andy’s Pick 

Alfons Freij, D, Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden)

Freij comes with an offensive game and puck-moving ability. He is yet another smooth-skating defenseman from Sweden who will need to refine his defensive habits, but with his offensive form and blue-line depth in Dallas, he could be very intriguing for the Stars’ brass.

30. New York Rangers — Eric’s Pick 

Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew’s (PHC)

Letourneau just feels like the easy pick here. The Rangers love their massive forwards, and with a solid team already in place, New York can afford to be patient with Letourneau and hope he is able to develop into a valuable NHL piece.

31. Anaheim Ducks (from EDM) — Andy’s Pick 

Emil Hemming, RW, TPS (Finland)

A large body with offensive upside who could be a good puck-winning player for the young Ducks core. He will need to work on his skating and creativity with the puck, but there is potential in his game. He will be a late first- or early second-round pick.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from FLA) — Eric’s Pick 

Nikita Artamonov, LW, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

Philly returns to the Russian well in selecting Artamonov, a player who some feel should be chosen much higher. By bringing over Matvei Michkov, the theoretical Russian factor should feel diminished for the Flyers, so they bet on Artamonov’s upside to close out the first round.

The first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft will begin at 7 p.m. EDT on Friday and will be broadcasted on ESPN and Sportsnet.

The post The Rink’s 2024 NHL Entry Draft first-round mock draft appeared first on The Rink.

1) Chicago Blackhawks 

Andy’s Pick: Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL)

Nothing to overthink here, folks. He is the No. 1 prospect in the world, a potential generational talent and no amount of click bait you can read will make Kyle Davidson decide to move this pick. It just ain’t gonna happen. No. 98 will be flying off the shelves in a red, white and black jersey come Wednesday night.

2) Anaheim Ducks  

Eric’s Pick: Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

Like the first pick, there is no need for Anaheim to overthink this one. Fantilli offers everything you could want in a prospect with his size, speed, skill, and compete level. While many in the industry are wondering if the Ducks look elsewhere, they stick to the script here and take the future star pivot.

3) Columbus Blue Jackets  

Andy’s Pick: Leo Carlsson, C, Örebro HK (SHL)

This is where things could begin to get interesting. No. 3 may be where people start to wonder when Matvei Michkov’s name will be called, but a year ago, the Blue Jackets signed Johnny Gaudreau, only to have a dismal 2022–23 campaign, finishing second last in the NHL. Waiting on Michkov for a few years may not be something Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen can see through. Carlsson has all the tools to be a legitimate No. 1 center in the NHL. At 6-foot-3 with speed and terrific skill set, though he may head back to Sweden for another year or two, by the fall of 2025 at the latest, he’ll be ready to be an impact player for the Jackets.

4) San Jose Sharks 

Eric’s Pick: William Smith, C, U.S. National Team Development Program

While the Sharks could certainly consider Michkov here, I think Mike Grier opts for a safer option in Smith, an uber-creative centerman. San Jose is starving for high-end talent, and landing a player like Smith will go a long way for their rebuild.

5) Montreal Canadiens  

Andy’s Pick: Ryan Leonard, RW, U.S. National Team Development Program 

Tough call for Director of Scouting Nick Bobrov and General Manager Kent Hughes with Michkov still here, but with Leonard they get a hard-nosed player who buzzes around, is unafraid to go in the gray areas and win pucks and plays with an edge. It is certainly a player of need up front for the Habs with all of their smaller skilled forwards. With Smith going at four, Leonard will be the second incoming Boston College Eagle in the top five.

6) Arizona Coyotes 

Eric’s Pick: David Reinbacher, D, EHC Kloten (NL)

Bill Armstrong and his army of matching suits take the stage at No. 6 and take the best defenseman in the draft class in Reinbacher, a do-it-all minute-munching blueliner. With Arizona needing a new long-term No. 1 defenseman following Jakob Chychrun’s departure, Reinbacher fills that need. The Coyotes could absolutely consider Michkov or another forward like Dalibor Dvorsky, but in the end, the high-end rearguard wins out.

7) Philadelphia Flyers 

Andy’s Pick: Matvei Michkov, RW, HK Sochi (KHL)

With the Washington Capitals’ interest in Michkov widely reported, Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere would be wise to pick up the phone and utilize as much leverage as he has here to find the right deal to swap picks with the Caps. In the end, given the Flyers’ full rebuild mode and another first-round pick at 22, Michkov makes perfect sense here and the return on a trade won’t be enough to pass up on this player. They can afford to wait for a talent that may ultimately be the best player taken in the draft.

8) Washington Capitals 

Eric’s Pick: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (Sweden)

A player many scouts feel belongs in the conversation alongside “the big five,” Dvorsky gives Washington a highly skilled centerman to build their next core around while also being able to have him in the fold to support Alex Ovechkin at the end of his career as well. Given the Capitals’ lack of center depth, especially in their pipeline, Dvorsky makes a world of sense for Washington if they are unable to secure Michkov.

9) Detroit Red Wings 

Andy’s Pick: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL)

Some feel Oliver Moore would be the take here considering his playing likeness to Dylan Larkin. That may be true, but the versatility of the big-bodied Danielson, who can play a number of different roles, fills a massive need for Detroit, who could be two to three years away from being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. He has NHL size, decent speed and wins pucks, a great all-around player who Steve Yzerman will love.

10) St. Louis Blues

Eric’s Pick: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg (WHL)

The Blues consider a number of different options here, and while I think they would ideally like more size, they choose to not overthink it and take the most skilled player remaining. In Benson, St. Louis adds a supreme offensive talent to complement their core. The Blues could certainly think about a defenseman or a bigger forward here, but skill wins out in the end.

11) Vancouver Canucks

Andy’s Pick: Oliver Moore, C, U.S. National Team Development Program 

The Canucks have a variety of needs, and with this pick, the best move is to take the best pure skater in the draft. That’s Moore. He is an exciting player that is a pure blazer. He could be brilliant in the Big Ten next year at the University of Minnesota, and it will be a year or two before the NHL awaits, but he’s incredibly talented with a ton of value at 11th overall.

12) Arizona Coyotes

Eric’s Pick: Matthew Wood, RW, University of Connecticut (NCAA)

After grabbing their future stud defenseman at No. 6, the Coyotes turn their attention to forwards at No. 12. In Wood, Arizona gets a big goal-scoring winger who could be a perfect match for Logan Cooley down the line. The Coyotes could opt for a center, but go with who many scouts would consider the consensus best player available at this spot.

13) Buffalo Sabres

Andy’s Pick: Tom Willander, D, Rögle BK J20 (Sweden)

Buffalo may wince after Arizona’s pick of Wood, as he would be an excellent complement to their young offensive core. Buffalo then shifts to the blueline. With Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power being the Sabres’ top two left-handed defensemen for years to come, addressing the other side could be critical. Willander’s stock is on the rise and the smooth Boston University commit could fit in nicely with Buffalo’s long-term plans. A future trio of Dahlin, Power and Willander looks mighty nice for the organization.

14) Pittsburgh Penguins 

Eric’s Pick: Gabriel Perreault, LW, U.S. National Team Development Program

New Penguins executive Kyle Dubas has a decision to make between swinging for the fences with a supreme offensive talent or opting for a safer type of pick. In the end, the Pens take a swing and scoop up Perreault, a crafty dual-threat winger with the hopes he pans out and is able to pair up with either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin in the twilight of their careers.

15) Nashville Predators 

Andy’s Pick: Daniil But, LW, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (Russia)

Here’s the first big leap in the first round, but if you are going to “swing for the fences,” as General Manager Barry Trotz has asked his team to do, But, a 6-foot-5 power forward may be the guy. He’s a monster, protects the puck and the Preds have little in terms of prospects on the wing. There are other wingers on the card that may be as attractive, but few can ignore But’s upside.

16) Calgary Flames

Eric’s Pick: Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)

The Flames are an interesting case, seemingly being in turmoil with a number of players looking to leave Cow Town, but also not really having any glaring holes in the organization, either. As such, Calgary scoops up a meat-and-potatoes goal-scoring winger in Barlow, who fits the traditional Flames mold.

17) Detroit Red Wings

Andy’s Pick: Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL)

By all accounts, Honzek is a faster skater than what was initially reported. He is big and can finish, but above all else, what scouts like about him is his work ethic and character. That’s something Steve Yzerman and company will not ignore. The Wings get a great prospect here at 17.

18) Winnipeg Jets

Eric’s Pick: Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)

Winnipeg adds a high-end offensive defenseman to their pipeline, something they were clearly lacking. Sandin Pellikka will take time to develop, but given the Jets are on the verge of tearing things down, they have the time needed to wait for the elite-skating puck-mover.

19) Chicago Blackhawks

Andy’s Pick: Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL)

If Brayden Yager is available and taken here, I will not be sad, but there are questions whether or not he will be a pivot in the NHL. So, if you are going for a winger, as Kyle Davidson should here, you need some sandpaper. Musty is everything you need here at 19. He needs to work on his skating, but he is a puck-winning player who can finish. With skill players like Bedard, Frank Nazar and Lukas Reichel in the system and on the smaller side, you need some muscle. Great pick here with Musty.

20) Seattle Kraken

Eric’s Pick: Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL)

Despite clearly being set for the future down the middle, the Kraken grab Ritchie, a well-rounded power forward, with the plans to either use him as an ideal third-line center or as a winger to complement Matty Beniers or Shane Wright down the road. Injuries held Ritchie back during his draft season, so Seattle is also banking on this being a “buy low” type of scenario.

21) Minnesota Wild

Andy’s Pick: Otto Stenberg, C, Frölunda HK J20 (Sweden)

He may be a few years away, but the Wild have a deep prospect pool and can afford to wait. Since that’s the case, you need to take a high ceiling into account, and Stenberg has that. He’s raw, plays with a ton of heart and has a cannon of a shot. A lot of value with this take for the Wild.

22) Philadelphia Flyers

Eric’s Pick: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Daniel Briere sprints to the podium to snag Yager, who many feel could even crack the top 10. Yager is a smooth-skating center with an excellent shot, and with a lacking prospect pool, Philadelphia suddenly looks significantly better for the future with the additions of Michkov and Yager as future goal scorers.

23) New York Rangers

Andy’s Pick: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George (WHL)

Some have Heidt in the top 20 and others in the second round, but the Rangers are another team that will be looking for center depth and one with playmaking ability. Heidt plays with great instincts and awareness. He still needs to mature physically and there will need to be a firm development plan for him, but he has a shot to be a nice pro some day.

24) Nashville Predators

Eric’s Pick: Eduard Sale, LW, HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)

The Predators continue with their mentality of swinging for the fences, taking a player who is clearly the most talented player remaining on the board. The skillset alone would have warranted potentially a top-10 pick, but Sale’s work ethic and consistency have drawn significant questioning this season, resulting in his stock falling. If Barry Trotz and his no-nonsense approach to the game can straighten out Sale, Nashville could have a gem here.

25) St. Louis Blues

Andy’s Pick: Dimitri Simashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

St. Louis needs a defenseman, and should Simashev be here at 25, it would be an absolute steal for them. He’s 6-foot-4, skates extremely well, can move the puck and plays stingy defense. The blue line for the Blues is aging, and having a top-four defenseman in the pipeline is a must. Great fit here for Simashev.

26) San Jose Sharks

Eric’s Pick: Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL) 

After securing a high-end center at No. 4, the Sharks take a swing on potentially landing another big-time producer here at No. 26. Cristall is one of the more debated players of the draft class, as his 5-foot-9 frame combined with subpar skating ability leaves legitimate and serious concerns about an NHL future. But, given the immense offensive talent he has been thus far in his career, Mike Grier hopes more development helps get Cristall up to speed enough to become an NHL producer.

27) Colorado Avalanche

Andy’s Pick: Gavin Brindley, RW, University of Michigan (NCAA)

With all the talent in Colorado, it’s hard not to envision Brindley buzzing around with the rest of them. Some worry about his size, but he plays bigger than he is and has a contagious intensity. He will get better being around quality talent in Denver, and the Avs seem like the team that will know exactly how to use his intangibles.

28) Toronto Maple Leafs

Eric’s Pick: Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

The Maple Leafs only hold one pick in the first four rounds of the draft this year, so they need to make this pick count. They opt to take Molendyk, a highly efficient and well-rounded defenseman who can do a lot of things well. While Molendyk might not be the most exciting option on the board, he provides Toronto with a dependable modern-style blueliner for the future.

29) St. Louis Blues 

Andy’s Pick: Charlie Stramel, C, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

With their third pick in the first round, the Blues complement their skill picks with some toughness down the middle. Stramel may end up being a third-line center, or at worst somewhere in the bottom six, but he is big and a pain in the neck to play against. He needs to have a better year in Madison, but should his game grow, he has a good shot at being an NHL regular.

30) Carolina Hurricanes

Eric’s Pick: Bradley Nadeau, LW, Penticton (BCHL)

Carolina has been desperate to add goal scoring to its organization over the last few years, so with this pick they take a bit of a swing on a guy who might have the most offensive upside remaining in Nadeau. Nadeau is on the smaller side, but the Hurricanes have shown that if you are willing to work hard, a smaller frame does not bother them (see: Jarvis, Seth). Nadeau’s hockey smarts and offensive skills make him a worthy pick here for a team knocking on the door of hockey’s elite teams.

31) Montreal Canadiens 

Andy’s Pick: Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL)

We may not see a goalie being selected in the first round, but if so, it may be the Habs that do it. Montreal has a lot in their prospect cupboard exclusive of a goalie of the future. Hrabal may be the best of this class due to his size and athleticism. The UMass commit will take time to develop, but all the tools are there to be a regular NHL fixture in the pipes.

32) Vegas Golden Knights

Eric’s Pick: Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

Gauthier feels like a perfect fit for the Stanley Cup champions, as he plays a competitive and physical style while mixing in a nice offensive skillset. While there are a few players still on the board who most think will almost positively go in the first round, it is hard to argue against the fit here and that Gauthier is anything other than the best player available for Vegas to select.

The first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft begins at 6 p.m. CDT in Nashville. Be sure to follow Eric on Twitter (@WALaxer19), as he will be live on site in Nashville and plans to tweet out his live reactions and analysis to the Blackhawks’ picks and trades throughout the draft.

The post The Rink’s 2023 NHL Entry Draft first-round mock draft appeared first on The Rink.

The players that the organization selected are listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats.

Trades made leading to and during the draft:

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/26/2023	RFA Rights to Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula		Taylor Hall, and UFA rights to Nick Foligno. Foligno was signed to a 1 yr $4M contract for 23/24
6/29/2023	Future Consideration		Josh Bailey and a 2026 2nd round draft pick. Bailey was put on waivers for buyout purposes.
6/30.2023	2023 2nd round pick (51 overall)		2023 6th round pick (#167 overall) and a 2024 2nd.
6/30/2023	2024 7th-round pick		Corey Perry

Trade Analysis

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno from the Boston Bruins for Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula
• The Philadelphia Flyers acquired a 2023 2nd round pick (#51) from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2024 2nd round pick and a 2023 6th round pick (#167)
• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Corey Perry from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2024 7th round pick

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2023 NHL Entry Draft Ticker appeared first on The Rink.

The 2023 draft class has been touted as one of both quality and quantity, giving the Blackhawks a prime chance to further build on what was a successful 2022 draft. However, given the quality and depth of the 2023 class, the draft is expected to be highly unpredictable, more so than normal, with many players being viewed as able to be selected anywhere from the late first round to into the late second or even third round. As such, we will avoid publishing a traditional mock draft, but will instead focus on some of the traits the Blackhawks should be looking to target with their picks and mention a few players who could be available at the team’s given draft picks…well, with the exception of No. 1.

First overall

Of course, starting with the first overall pick, there is essentially no question who that pick will be, with 17-year-old mega prospect Connor Bedard the consensus top player available. In Bedard, the Blackhawks will be getting a franchise-altering talent capable of becoming one of the best players in the world, often referred to as being a generational level of prospect. While the “generational” term is thrown around fairly often, it is genuinely warranted with Bedard, as many view him as the second-best prospect to come along in the post-lockout era, second to only Connor McDavid.

On the ice, Bedard is an electrifying offensive player. He already owns one of the best shots in the world, with a lightning-quick release on his full arsenal of shots. This aspect of his game is something regularly compared to Auston Matthews, one of the NHL’s premier shooters and goal scorers.

Bedard is also a capable playmaker, able to recognize the appropriate time to defer to his teammates to create the best scoring opportunity for his team. Though not a world-class skater like McDavid, Bedard is able to maneuver his body through traffic well to find open ice to attack. Though Bedard will never be confused for a giant, he possesses a sturdy frame, which allows him to handle the physical pressure he faces from opposing defenses. Bedard will likely not be a Selke Trophy Winner, but he is effective in his own end thanks to his high hockey IQ. Some have concerns about whether Bedard can be a long-term center, but his skillset should allow him to succeed in the position. After all, if someone like Jack Hughes can excel down the middle, Bedard likely can, too.

Connor Bedard of Team Canada skates during the second period against Team Sweden in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on Dec. 31, 2022, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)

While it can be easy to have sky-high expectations for a prospect like Bedard, the expectations are warranted, and all signs indicate he can become a world-class player. He might not be the next Wayne Gretzky, but he should certainly become a future franchise icon. Buckle up and enjoy, Blackhawks fans! If you are looking for your next jersey to purchase, snagging a No. 98 sweater would be a very good option.

19th overall

Moving on to the 19th overall pick, which the Blackhawks received from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2022 trade deadline in the Brandon Hagel trade, the draft board will be wide open. While there are certainly a number of players who will presumably be available at that spot to consider, determining which of the higher-end players will still be available is anyone’s best guess. With how unpredictable the first half of the first round could be, it is entirely possible there is a player or two who falls down to the Hawks at 19. Given that probable context, that is likely to determine who the pick will be.

The organization already has Frank Nazar and Lukas Reichel as potential top-six forward options for the future, but both are certainly on the smaller side, so adding a bigger, skilled forward to them and Bedard is likely the play at 19. Though size is not the end all, be all, it is undeniably important, especially come playoff time. Thankfully for the Blackhawks, there should be at least one bigger forward option still on the board, with names like Daniil But, Nate Danielson, Samuel Honzek, Quentin Musty, Calum Ritchie, Eduard Sale and Matthew Wood all being potential fits if available, with Musty and Wood in particular piquing my interest. If the team decides that taking purely the most skilled player available regardless of size, then the likes of Gavin Brindley, Riley Heidt, Gabriel Perreault, Otto Stenberg and Brayden Yager could be options as well depending on who is available, but all things being equal, the team would likely prefer to add size to the future top six if at all possible given they will already have a trio of sub-6-foot players in that projected future top six.

Matthew Wood would fit the bill of a big-bodied skilled forward should he be available with the 19th overall pick. (Photo courtesy of Sportskeeda)

Do not expect the Hawks to select a defenseman (or goaltender, for that matter) at 19 outside of the incredibly unlikely chance of David Reinbacher somehow being on the board, though he is widely projected to be a top-10 selection, potentially even cracking the top five.

Of course, the Blackhawks do have the capital should they want to move up from 19 to target a specific player who they feel would not last until 19. Davidson showed the willingness to be aggressive on the draft floor last summer, so nothing is out of the picture, but banking on the team picking at 19 is the most likely outcome as things currently stand. On the flip side, the team also certainly has the assets needed to acquire a third first-round pick (likely a late first) should they want to scoop up another player (likely from the list above) who they do not project making it to the second round. This is likely a more probable scenario than moving up from 19.

35th overall

This pick is likely going to be the epitome of taking the best player remaining on the board, though still more likely to be a forward than a defenseman. Should a right-handed blueliner like Oliver Bonk still be available (many anticipate he will be selected late in the first round), then he could be a legitimate target. The Blackhawks are overflowing with young left-handed defensemen, so if the team was to use a relatively high pick on a rearguard, the smart bet would be on a right-handed option. However, with the majority of the more heralded right-handed defensemen in the draft being offensive defensemen (Hunter Brzustewicz, Lukas Dragicevic and Axel Sandin Pellikka, to name a few) and the best two-way righties (Reinbacher and Tom Willander) all but guaranteed to be gone come 35, a defender is probably not the best use of the pick.

With as unpredictable as the draft will be, it is entirely possible that one of the forwards mentioned above is still sitting there for the Blackhawks at 35, which they would likely be thrilled about. Additional bigger forwards who could garner consideration if available are David Edstrom, Charlie Stramel and Anton Wahlberg, though that trio likely does not have as high of offensive upside as the forwards listed previously do. Should the target be a smaller forward, names like Ethan Gauthier and Bradley Nadeau could be options if available.

Many Hawks fans on social media have been clamoring over the idea of the team drafting Andrew Cristall, a tiny, skilled forward who is long-time friends with Bedard. While it is a fun narrative, Cristall’s game does not project as transferring well to the pro game, as his small frame and below-average skating are serious concerns. As such, Cristall should not be a consideration at 35 (or even at 19 like some fans are hoping for).

44th, 51st and 55th overall

Again, at these spots, it will largely come down to who the Blackhawks feel are the best remaining players available. However, do not be surprised if two of these three picks—should the team keep all three picks—are used on a defenseman and goaltender. At 44, a rugged right-handed blueliner like Maxim Strbak could be a nice addition to complement the team’s existing defensive prospect pool. While Strbak could potentially be available at 51 or 55, relying on that happening is probably not a safe move. If waiting until one of those later second-round picks, Cameron Allen also provides a well-rounded yet physical style. If the Hawks would opt for a more “modern” style of defender, someone like Beau Akey could make sense with one of those picks as well, as he profiles as more of a smooth-skating puck mover though still having a physical element to his game. Aram Minnetian is another “modern” style defender with good puck-moving ability who could be a factor late in the second round.

The 2023 draft class appears to have four goaltenders who have established themselves as the cream of the crop. Michael Hrabal, a giant in the cage, is likely to be snatched up either late in the first round or early in the second round. While the Hawks could take him at 35 if available, that would likely not be the best use of the asset. But, once getting to the middle or end of the second round, grabbing one of the three remaining touted goalies very well may be on Davidson’s bingo card. Carson Bjarnason and Adam Gajan seem to be viewed interchangeably as the No. 2 and 3 options, followed by Trey Augustine to round out that group. Though the Blackhawks do have Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom in the system, they can certainly do worse with one of those second-round picks than adding another quality netminder to the fold.

If folks are dead set on having a fun Bedard-related narrative to hold on to for a fellow draft pick, the one to go for is Gajan, who was the goaltender Bedard scored his highlight-reel “Heartbreaker” goal against during the World Junior Championships. Perhaps that moment was a bit of foreshadowing in two ways, with Bedard using Patrick Kane’s iconic celebration after scoring on a goalie who may be a future teammate down the road. Time will tell.

Goaltender Adam Gajan of Team Slovakia makes a pad save against Team Canada during overtime in the quarterfinals of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on Jan. 2, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)

Forwards available in this range will be tough to pinpoint, but some names that could be options include Kasper Halttunen, a big Finnish winger, Nico Myatovic, a power winger from the Seattle Thunderbirds, who the Hawks clearly have been keeping a close eye on all season, and Jayden Perron, a tiny, skilled forward from the Chicago Steel.

67th, 93rd and 99th overall

This is the range of the draft where teams start to defer more toward filling needs and taking swings on players. Should the Hawks have kept and made all of the above draft picks, they might have four forwards, a defenseman and a goaltender added to their prospect pool come pick 67. If they do pick one of the top four goalies during the second round, then the likelihood of grabbing a second goalie in the draft is probably pretty slim. But, if they pass on the higher-end options, someone like Scott Ratzlaff could certainly be a target with one of these picks, as they will undoubtedly be very familiar with his game being another Seattle Thunderbird.

But again, should the Blackhawks have taken a goalie already, then the focus the rest of the way will be skaters. At 67, a few potential forward options could be Carey Terrance, a speedy and versatile center, who would likely be a bit of a safer pick as a future bottom-six option, and Coulson Pitre, a high-end playmaker with top-end speed, and Noel Nordh, a physical power winger with a strong shot, as more of those “swing” type of players. On the blue line, should the team want to add an all-around righty, Andrew Gibson fits the bill nicely. On the left side, a pair of physical giants in Jakub Dvorak and Daniil Karpovich could add some nastiness to the back end.

Carey Terrance could provide the Blackhawks with a high motor and versatility. (Photo by Natalie Shaver / OHL Images)

At 93 and 99, a number of forwards could come into play, such as Rasmus Kumpulainen, Ethan Miedema, Martin Misiak, Jesse Nurmi, Alex Pharand, Jakub Stancl, Matthew Soto and Adar Suniev all providing intriguing elements. Defensively, options such as Quinton Burns, Brady Cleveland, Drew Fortescue and Gavin McCarthy could be fits.

131st and 195th overall

The latter stages of the draft are practically impossible to project, as every team’s board varies greatly the later things get.

Depending on how things fall, some names that may be considered with these later picks include forwards Jakub Bednarik, Beckett Hendrickson, Emil Jarventie, Cole Knuble, Jaden Lipinski, Connor Levis, Timur Mukhanov and Zach Nehring and defensemen Samuel Barcik, Matteo Mann, James Petrovski and Carter Sotheran, with the majority of these players providing size and a physical element in their game, with players like Jarventie and Mukhanov being “swing” type of skilled players.

Trading opportunities

As mentioned previously, the Blackhawks have ample ammunition should they want to make deals to move up or add additional draft capital. Of course, moving up from 19 is a hot-button topic among Hawks fans, though it very well might not be worth the cost to move up considering there will likely be a comparable level of player still available at 19. One option to keep an eye on is the Hawks using their array of second-round picks and/or future draft capital to acquire a third first-round pick to target a player of their liking. Davidson has alluded to the fact the team has an abundance of draft capital this year and that it is not likely the Hawks use all of the picks they currently hold. Davidson has recently stated he is willing to consider any and all possibilities that may present themselves at the draft, and needless to say that between his history of being aggressive on the draft floor and the ample draft capital he possesses, there could certainly be some fireworks in Nashville. Regardless of whatever may happen, this draft will be a transformational one for the franchise, and that is something for Blackhawks fans everywhere to earnestly enjoy and celebrate.

The first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, hosted at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, begins on Wednesday at 6 p.m. CDT, with rounds 2–7 beginning Thursday at 10 a.m. CDT. I will be live on site for both days of the draft and intend to tweet out instant reactions to the picks and trades the Blackhawks make. Be sure to follow me (@WALaxer19) for these live reactions!

The post The Rink’s Chicago Blackhawks 2023 draft preview appeared first on The Rink.

The players that the organization selected are listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats:

Round	Pos	Player	Height	Weight	Team	Notes
1 - 6						Traded to CBJ in S. Jones trade on 7/23/21
1 - 7	D	Kevin Korchinski	6' 2"	185	Seattle Thunderbirds WHL	Acquired from OTT in trade for Alex DeBrincat 7/7
1 - 13	C	Frank Nazar	5' 10"	180	USA U-18	Acquired from MON in trade for Kirby Dach 7/7
1 - 25	D	Sam Rinzel	6' 4"	177	Chaska (HS-MIN)	Acquired from TOR in trade with Petr Mrazek 7/7
2 - 38						Traded to TOR for Petr Mrazek and 25th
2 - 39	C	Paul Ludwinski	5' 11"	184	Kingston Frontenacs	Acquired from OTT in trade for Alex DeBrincat 7/7
2 - 57	C	Ryan Greene	6' 1"	179	Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)	Acquired from MIN in M.A. Fleury trade on 3/21/22
3 - 66	F	Gavin Hayes	6' 2"	177	Flint Firebirds (OHL)	Acquired from MON in trade for Kirby Dach 7/7
3 - 71						Traded to CAR on 7/24/21
3 - 81	F	Samuel Savoie	5' 10"	190	Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)	Acquired from VGK in M. Janmark trade on 4/12/21
3 - 90	C	Aidan Thompson	5' 11"	181	Lincoln Stars (USHL)	Acquired from TOR in N. Zadorov trade on 7/28/21
3 - 94						Acquired from EDM in D. Keith trade on 7/12/21, then traded to ARI
4 - 103						Traded to TB with B. Hagel on 3/18/22
5 - 135						Traded to VGK with M. Janmark on 4/12/21
6 - 167						Traded to PIT for Liam Gorman
6 - 173	F	Dominic James	5' 11"	165	University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)	Acquired in S. Jones trade on 7/23/21
7 - 188	F	Nils Juntorp	6' 1"	186	HV71 (SWE)	Acquired from CAR for a '23 6th
7 - 199	C	Riku Tohila	6' 5"	190	JHT (Liiga)

Trades made leading to and during the draft

Date	The-Rink Division	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
7/7/22		Alex Debrincat		'22 First round draft pick (7), '22 second round draft pick (39), a third-round pick in 2024
7/7/22		Kirby Dach		‘22 1st round pick, ‘22 3rd round pick
7/7/22		2022 2nd round draft pick (38)		First round draft pick (25) and goaltender Petr Mrazek
7/8/22		2022 6th round draft pick (167)		Rights to forward Liam Gorman

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2022 NHL Entry Draft Ticker appeared first on The Rink.

Here are the selections and analysis for each of Chicago’s eight selections:

Round 1, Pick 32: Nolan Allan, Defenseman, Prince Albert Raiders (FC Hockey Rank: 101)
Allan was an interesting draft choice at the end of the first round. The 6-foot-2 defender came as a surprise to most this early in the draft. He has a good combination of size and speed and plays a simple “stay-at-home” style. Allan’s ability to think the game is a plus, and he makes many simple plays out of his own zone. However, he brings almost zero production in the offensive zone and does not project much more offense at the NHL level. Allan probably could have been had in the late second round with better overall players on the board. As a first-round pick, he will get every opportunity to play his shutdown role in years to come.

Round 2, Pick 62: Colton Dach, Center, Saskatoon Blades (FC Hockey Rank: 95)
Dach should be a familiar name, as Colton is the younger brother to Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach. The younger Dach does bring much of the same size as his brother at 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, but does not show the same top-end skills Kirby did in his draft year. Colton shows a straight-line threat on the ice, but needs to develop his playmaking skills in order to be effective at the pro level. With improved skating, he can be play a possession game and be difficult in the “tough” areas on the ice. In the year of the siblings for the Blackhawks, the Dachs might be a line we will be forced to see in the future. Let’s begin to figure out what we will call the Dach line in a few seasons.

Round 3, Pick 91: Taige Harding, Defense, Ft. McMurray Oil Barons (FC Hockey Rank: Not ranked)
Keeping with the size theme, Harding brings a 6-foot-7 frame to the Blackhawks’ selections. What is even more impressive is him tipping the scales at 236 pounds as a 19-year-old. Harding will be attending Providence College in the fall and will be one to keep an eye on for his development. At a part of the draft where draft boards can have players ranked all over the place, Harding was an intriguing pick for an overage prospect. Anything Chicago gets from Harding that turns into NHL games will be a plus. Personally, this seemed like an obvious pick that Chicago is choosing size over talent this early in the draft.

Round 4, Pick 105: Ethan Del Mastro, Defenseman, Mississauga Steelheads (FC Rank: 79)
Del Mastro was a great pick in the fourth round for Chicago. Another big defenseman at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, the Steelhead is a physical defenseman that shows enough skill in all three zones. Having missed this past season in the OHL due to the pandemic, the season before, Del Mastro showed he has the skating ability and range to be a disruptive force for opposing forwards. If there is a part of his game that needs improvement, it would be his skating ability. It is hard to say a fourth round selection is a sure-fire NHL player, but Del Mastro does show the ability to use his frame well and is a tough defender to play against. This might be the first pick where we see some true value, which is disappointing.

Round 4, Pick 108: Victor Stjernborg, Center, Vaxjo HC (FC Rank: 62)
To say Stjernborg is short at 5-foot-11 would be a disservice to him, but compared to the picks above, he does come up short. With that being said, this was another nice pick in the fourth round. The Swedish forward is a reliable forward that plays a highly responsible game. He makes great decisions and never seems to be out of position. As he continues to develop, his priorities will be on gaining strength and physicality. Stjernborg is the type of player that makes a NHL roster because he gets it between the ears. He does not have a ton of offensive upside, but does show a nice blend of smarts and skill. This could have been the best pick of the fourth round.

Round 6, Pick 172: Ilya Safonov, Center, Kazan Ak-Bars (FC Rank: 173)
Going back to his size theme, Bowman selected the 6-foot-4 Safonov out of the KHL. Safonov was passed over the last two drafts, but brings a combination of fight and size that you would look for later in the draft. The left-handed forward is a force to deal with in front of the net and in the corners and is a willing participant on every puck battle. Chicago cannot go wrong picking a center that is willing to do the dirty things you want from a pick in the sixth round.

Round 7, Pick 204: Connor Kelley, Defenseman, University of Minnesota-Duluth (FC Rank: Not ranked)
Kelley is a former U.S. National Team Development Program prospect that shows a very good skating ability; just do not expect much offense from the Maple Grove, Minnesota, native. Kelley is a defensive defenseman that did chip in three goals at UMD this past season. A seventh-round pick is always tough to predict. Anything Chicago can get out of him would be a plus, especially as an overage prospect in the draft.

Round 7, Pick 216: Jalen Luypen, Center, Edmonton Oil Kings (FC Rank: 189)
As far as last picks of your draft can go, Chicago did a great job with this pick. Again, it is hard to predict Luypen making the roster this late in the draft, but all things point to the Oil King alum making changes to his game that helped him improve. He is a hard-working character-type forward that comes with some grit. Luypen did chip in 16 goals in 23 games for Edmonton in the WHL this past season. If the organization can find a hard-working, sandpaper-type of player this late, one would be ecstatic.

The post Sizing up the Chicago Blackhawks’ draft appeared first on The Rink.

Were they fun to watch? At times. Was it a good year of growth for younger players? Well, that depends on how many and which of those players will be around in 2–3 years, when hopefully the time and trial investment of this season will be paying off, because it is likely not all of them will be in Chicago at that point.

So today, all Hawk fans, and especially Blackhawks management, should be looking forward. And doing so with a critical, discerning eye—instead of blind optimism.

And we confront again the question of the Blackhawks’ last four seasons of, if we are being honest, mediocrity: Is the glass half full, or is it half empty?

One thing that is indisputable: There are loads of Twitter accounts and media types (paid directly by the Hawks or not), who will tell you the glass is half full, that the 2020–21 season truly marked significant improvement—or at least promise—for the franchise.

I do not know about your household budget, but for my money, I want to see the numbers, not the hype.

So, in this article, we are going to look at actual improvement (and regression) with the Blackhawks this season—and leave relative “promise” to those who are paid to project NHL talent (scouts), and to those in the media and fanbase who choose to live in the land of pink unicorns and gumdrop houses. It is, after all, a free country.

But, even before looking at “improvement,” let’s define what the goal is, what the team is trying to improve toward.

It used to be, from say 2009 to 2017(-ish), the (One) goal of the Blackhawks every season was not just to make the playoffs, but to go deep, if not win the Stanley Cup.

Today, we (a fair amount of us anyway) seem to be almost satisfied finishing 20th or so out of 31 teams—as though a significant chunk of the Blackhawks Twitterverse would be ecstatic to finish high enough (depending on the playoff format) to just make the postseason (and get crushed).

But, if two playoff home games and a first-round elimination is your “be all/end all,” we will now return you to your regularly scheduled spring and early summer activities.

For the rest of us, the goal remains for the Hawks to not just make the playoffs, but go deep once there. And as far as reaching that goal, the Blackhawks have perhaps taken a step back in 2020–21.

“Wait, what?!” That’s right, in one hugely important area: 5-on-5 play.

We have said it here before. We have said it a lot the last couple of years on the RinkCast. Arguably the best single metric of playoff viability is 5-on-5 play—the most obvious (but not the only) reason being that a much greater percentage of the game is played at 5-on-5 in the playoffs versus the regular season. Not to mention the fact that the checking gets heavier; there is less open ice, and refs tend to swallow their whistles—and not call as many penalties—in the postseason as well.

The Blackhawks absolutely tanked at 5-on-5 this year.

“Good” news, the Blackhawks were 7–5 this season in 3-on-3 overtime, and who does not love seeing Patrick Kane or Alex DeBrincat bury a game-winner after a mad sequence of end-to-end rushes? No one.

But, 12 “charity points” (for regulation ties) and a net +2 in extra points for overtime winners does nothing to make you a good team in the playoffs, where those things do not exist. In fact, it just helps mask your 5-on-5 deficiencies over the course of the regular season.

And, at 5-on-5 over the last four years, the Blackhawks have been anywhere from slightly underwater to downright awful—that last descriptor applying especially to the 2020–21 season, where the team mustered 100 goals at full strength, versus giving up 125—and that being over just 56 games.

But, what is more important to understand is why. If you delve into the particulars of the Hawks’ last four seasons, you can see some obvious indicators.

One is defense.

It is not a big secret that the Hawks have not been a good team defensively over the last four years. And again, they were not this year, where they gave up 33.4 shots a game. Good news: That is slightly better than the previous two seasons.

But, if you dig a little deeper into the shot numbers, there is this: High-danger Corsi against at 5-on-5 was a league-worst 534 (shots generated in high-danger areas) going into last night’s season finale, and high-danger goals against was next-to-last in the league, by just one goal.

What this essentially means is the Hawks allowed opponents more top-quality scoring opportunities 5-on-5 than any other team in the league, upon which teams were able to convert at an almost league-worst rate.

Which leads to goaltending.

If you looked at the Hawks’ goaltending numbers around the end of February (which we did at the time), they were stellar. Everyone was on the Kevin Lankinen train, when his save percentage was north of .920 and his goals-against average (GAA) was under 2.50.

But, as we told you then on the RinkCast, the rookie netminder was probably going to regress at some point, perhaps significantly. And he did, finishing the season at a .909 save percentage and 3.01 GAA. For comparison sake, in 2017–18, the Hawks’ second-worst 5-on-5 season in the last four, the immortal Anton Forsberg finished at .908/2.98.

We are not here to bury Lankinen, and honestly the sample size (not to mention a porous defense in front of him) does not give you enough to make a definitive judgement on him. However, in a recent article written by The Athletic, one pro scout is quoted as saying that Lankinen’s upside is as a “1B” in the NHL (think Antti Raanta or Cam Talbot), not a legitimate No. 1 netminder. Similar was said of the Hawks’ other netminder, Malcolm Subban.

So, is it just the defense and goaltending? Probably not.

Certainly, this was a younger Hawks team than in past years (though pretty much around the median league wide), which is perhaps a slightly mitigating factor in the fall off the 5-on-5 cliff, but they were also the league’s lightest team at an average weight of 190.7 pounds.

(“Yeah, but they are super fast and skilled, the game has changed, so…” And we do not have time or, ugh, energy to have this argument for the seven millionth time since 2009.)

But, there is this: The four “heaviest” teams in the league this year are defending Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights (West Division leader), Washington Capitals (second in the East Division) and the New York Islanders (a playoff team).

How does this correlate to 5-on-5 play? Physics, to start.

At 5-on-5, there is less space (and more traffic) on the ice, more “50-50” pucks up for grab, etc. All else being equal, bigger players (or those who play bigger) tend to be better 5-on-5 players.

Go back to the Hawks’ abysmal 5-on-5 high-danger scoring chances numbers outlined above, which are all about how well you defend the front of your net, where all the traffic is. See a connection?

So, yes, hockey is still (and until further notice) a contact sport, and size still matters, especially 5-on-5.

“But what about ‘when’ Jonathan Toews comes back?”

Let’s veer briefly, for the sake of argument, into the aforementioned land of unicorns, magic and glitter, and assume that Toews comes riding back (on a white horse would suffice) at 100% health, heck, even “rested” and “recharged”—at 33 years of age, after missing an entire season due to a mystery ailment.

As we have also argued (over and over again, for years), faceoffs matter (as we saw last night at the end of the second period)—and without their top faceoff guy of the last nearly 15 years—the Blackhawks’ numbers suffered this year, going from a typical 49% since 2017 to around 46%. A healthy Toews also somewhat elevates overall team defense (when he is on the ice anyway), and adds an element of ability in the rough going, which is all good for the team 5-on-5.

But, Toews actually played all or most of the three seasons prior to this one, when the Hawks were somewhere between slightly and deeply underwater 5-on-5 and did not make the playoffs (either entirely, or at least not in the traditional sense).

Yes, getting a reasonably healthy Toews back would help the team at 5-on-5. But, while getting him back at all is far from assured, the numbers show he also would not going to solve the problem by himself.

So, is it all “negative” then? No. It is about really improving instead of just assuming “everything is going to magically work out” for a team that has not had a lot really work out for four years running now.

Where we are going with this is do not let “positivity” blind you to the fact (enumerated in several ways above) that this team still has significant holes that need to be filled—somehow and from somewhere.

This is where we come back to the notion of “promise.”

If I only had a dollar for every time someone told me: “Gus just needs coaching. The defense will come.” Now in his fourth organization in the last two years, Erik Gustafsson barely brings back a box of tape in trade, because he still stinks at actual defense, in spite of lots of “coaching.”

In 2018, we were told by Chicago’s intrepid, infallible general manager that Dylan Sikura would be the next big (pun intended) thing. He…eh…was not.

We were told by the same general manager that Ian Mitchell was ready for the NHL his last year in college. He really was not even ready this year.

Now, we are being told that Henrik Borgstrom, who signed a two-year contract with Blackhawks according to a report from The Athletic today, was among the greatest college players Stan Bowman ever saw.

Is there a pattern here?

We strongly suggest, if you have had the stomach to stick with us thus far, that you go read that “scout’s opinion” article from The Athletic.

The NHL scouts queried are high on Kane and DeBrincat (as they should be—and kudos to DeBrincat, who has worked hard and taken his game to another level—but, to be clear, those guys also have also been aroundthe last four years when the team struggled or stunk 5-on-5).

The scouts like Dominik Kubalik.

But, they had this to say about Kirby Dach, the guy many fans have rushed to crown “the next Jonathan Toews”: He is not another Toews.

He will be a good-to-great player in whatever role he matures into. But, is he going to be a quasi-road grader, super-productive No. 1 center (which this team desperately needs to find in addition to similar qualities in a No. 2 and No. 3 center)? Maybe. But quite possibly not.

Again, scouts can be wrong. But, they are paid to be wrong a lot less often than over-anxious fans.

The scouts say 38-year-old Duncan Keith’s minutes need to be reduced (they do). But, who takes them?

Scouts acknowledge Connor Murphy’s ongoing improvement, but pretty much condemn Nikita Zadorov for having no value beyond (effectively, mind you) moving players off of pucks—which is important, as we state above. But, he is also a chronically mistake-prone pylon—which was his reputation before the Hawks traded Brandon Saad (a good 5-on-5 player) for him.

Mitchell and Adam Boqvist? In scouts’ eyes: Offense good, defense not. “I’m not sure what they see” (in Boqvist) was stated in the article. Paraphrasing here: Mitchell will always need a certain kind of defense partner, (i.e,, be somewhat sheltered).

But, Murphy cannot play with both of these guys, and Calvin de Haan is a nice player when he is healthy, which is not often.

The scouts seem to really like Wyatt Kalynuk (for his shot and skating anyway—but, remember, our boy Gus can really skate and shoot, too) and Brandon Hagel.

Hagel, in our eyes, may end up being the biggest “find” of this season—a promising, versatile, do-what-it-takes forward—whose game is very well suited for 5-on-5 play.

And, there were positive notes on Pius Suter and Philipp Kurashev (who, unlike Zadorov, gets pushed off of pucks far too easily at this point).

What we are getting at, though, is this: There is more work to be done here—and not just by pro player development and the coaching staff. And, you should not just assume Toews will come back and fill all these holes, because he was not fully accomplishing that prior to missing this season, regardless.

The Blackhawks’ front office, now four years removed from a true playoff season, needs to step it up. Talk less in “Stan Bowman media sit-downs” about “rebuilding.” Do more of the hard work of actually rebuilding, which may mean unpopular in the near term, but ultimately better long-term decisions.

Stop over-building expectations on guys who never pan out, or at least not like the Hawks keep “promising” they will. Start being brutally honest about what they have—and, more importantly, about what they do not (yet) have.

They do not have a good 5-on-5 team; they have not for four years. And, they do not even have a lot of prospects who confidently project as solutions to that problem.

The truth is, the Blackhawks overperformed in net, on the power play and in 3-on-3 overtime until March 1. Since then, the law of averages—and the rest of the NHL—not only caught up with them, but overtook them, and the results were largely abysmal, in spite of the “fun” factor.

The No. 1 goalie the Hawks will need to return to contention may not be here—and, odds are, may not even be in the organization.

Where are the centers who can go toe-to-toe with Mark Scheifele, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Tyler Seguin, Nathan MacKinnon and down the road with, say, Quinton Byfield?

Toews is getting on in years, with a lot of miles on his body, and “coming off” (maybe) a serious “health issue.”

Will Dach even end up at center, or is his best position at wing (where the Hawks are already fairly loaded)?

After that, at center, we are banking on the “promise” of junior players, college kids and a young pro who held out on his former team for a new contract in Europe (Borgstrom).

And then, there is defense. Sure, as always, we can dream about Alec Regula or Alex Vlasic, who at least look the part of bigger, more physical defenders—but their NHL careers are not guaranteed.

The picks of Dach and Vlasic in 2019 were encouraging as far as building some size into the Hawk pipeline, a need that Bowman (to his credit) acknowledged at the time, although it was also long overdue.

Much more needs to be done, and picking 11th or 12th in the first round of the draft is not really ideal in terms of grabbing a difference-maker who checks all the needed boxes.

The Hawks may have some money in free agency this summer, but four years removed from the playoffs and floundering in the mushy middle of the league, Chicago is no longer a marquee destination for unrestricted free agents. Fact. NHL players on UFA deals want to win, and win right away.

Perhaps the Hawks can get a difference-making player or two in free agency this summer, but quite plausibly, they would have to overpay to do so.

The front office has real work to do, and a lot of it. Do not let them off the hook by buying into the “sunshine and roses” take on a season that was, at best, a mixed bag of pretty good and pretty bad—and in fact really discouraging in terms of becoming, again, the type of team that wins playoff series.

Here’s hoping the Hawks themselves know this—and have a plan beyond telling us how great, oh, I do not know, take your pick (Evan Barratt?) will be. Thanks for reading.

The post Blackhawks season wrap: What just happened here, and what is next? appeared first on The Rink.

Mackie makes his return to the ice

Forwrad Mackie Samoskevich rejoined the lineup on Sunday for the first time since Jan. 8. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft prospect scored the game-winner in overtime in Plymouth, Michigan, against Team USA. The University of Michigan commit now has 22 points in 17 games this season. Check out Samoskevich’s scouting reports on FC Hockey for more analysis about his game here.

The Sean Farrell show has plenty of sidekicks

With his two assists on Sunday, Sean Farrell continues to lead the USHL in points. The pair of helpers gave the Montreal Canadiens prospect 41 assists on the season, 14 more than teammate Matt Coronato for the USHL lead in assists. Farrell’s 18 goals give him his league-leading 59 points.

Speaking of Coronato, the Harvard University commit is second in the league in points with 55. His 28 goals lead the USHL over teammate Erik Middendorf, who has netted 23 goals himself. Middendorf is currently third in the points standings with 48 points. Chicago rounds out the top four slots in scoring, as forward Josh Doan currently has 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.

For more on Coronato’s draft talents in the upcoming draft, click here.

Rookies continue to contribute

Forward Adam Fantilli, a potential top draft pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, continues to show he has the skills to play in the USHL at an early age. The Nobleton, Ontario, native has registered eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 28 games this season. Fantilli has registered 11 points in his last nine games as he continues to show and all-around game that will continue to impress NHL scouts.

Not to be outdone, fellow rookie forward Jackson Blake continues to impress in his first season in the USHL. The University of North Dakota commit currently ranks second on the team in rookie scoring with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 21 games. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft hopeful continues add to his 5-foot-10, 148-pound frame with the excellent development from the Chicago Steel staff.

Off to Iowa to finish February

The Steel play a pair of round games to finish of the month of February. On Friday, Chicago will travel to Buccaneer Arena for a 7 p.m. CST matchup with the Des Moines Buccaneers. The following night, Chicago faces off against the Waterloo Black Hawks at 6:05 p.m. at Young Arena.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago beats Youngstown, splits with USA appeared first on The Rink.

The NHLPA voted last week to approve the 24-team format proposed by the Return to Play committee. The top four teams in each conference would play each other in a mini-tournament to decide seeding, while seeds five through 12 in each conference would play a best-of-five “play-in” round.

In his news conference, Bettman said the Return To Play committee was still deciding whether the format would be a bracket or use reseeding, as well as if the playoff round where the field would be down to 16 teams, would remain a best-of-seven games or use a best-of-five games format like in the play-in round.

Also, the play-in round will not be considered “playoffs,” as pointed out by The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun:

NHL says the round-robin/play-in are considered Qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs. And while this could still change, the NHL as of now considers that round a special set of games and not actual playoffs. So for record-keeping purposes, the playoffs weren't expanded from 16

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 26, 2020

The league released a memo Monday announcing it targeted early June as the start date for Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol. Phase 2 includes the opening of practice rinks and allowing small, voluntary group workouts on and off the ice.

According to the 29-page memo, “It has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last. We are continuing to monitor developments in each of the club’s markets, and may adjust the overall timing if appropriate, following discussion with all relevant parties.”

In his news conference, Bettman deemed the 2019–20 season officially closed. Regular season awards can be voted on and regular season records and stats will be final as of March 12.

Bettman said that he did not believe that NHL training camps, which are part of Phase 3 of the return to play process, would be open before the first half of July.

On the topic of the NHL Draft Lottery, Bettman made clear that there would be 15 teams eligible for the lottery for the top three picks of the draft: The seven teams already eliminated from any postseason play, and the eight teams that will be eliminated during the play-in round.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie broke down the draft process:

NHL Draft Lottery will be on Friday June 26. The Nos. 1, 2 and 3 picks will be up for grabs. Fifteen teams — the seven who are no longer playing plus 8 more currently identified as Teams A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H — will be in the lottery. Same lottery odds as prior years.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 26, 2020

If the winner of the No. 1 pick draw comes from the bottom 7 seven teams (DET, OTT, SJ (belongs to OTT), LA, ANA, NJ, BUF), that team is awarded No. 1. If the winner of the No. 1 pick draw comes from the other 8 teams, the No. 1 pick will be awarded in the Phase 2 lottery.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 26, 2020

If the winner of the No. 3 pick draw comes from the bottom 7 seven teams (DET, OTT, SJ (belongs to OTT), LA, ANA, NJ, BUF), that team is awarded No. 3. If the winner of the No. 3 pick draw comes from the other 8 teams, the No. 3 pick will be awarded in the Phase 2 lottery.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 26, 2020

Everyone clear? Good.

There are still massive amounts of details for the NHL to iron out before the 24-team playoff format can actually begin, including testing procedures, hub cities for games to be played and safety of the teams and personnel involved in making these games happen.

On the subject of hub cities to host the play-in rounds and the playoffs, TSN’s Frank Seravalli and The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline and Thomas Drance gave insight prior to Bettman’s Tuesday news conference:

Don't believe decision coming today on hub cities. But hearing 10 teams still in running to be a hub. List includes: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Vancouver.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 26, 2020

Columbus is still under consideration to be a hub city for the #NHL’s re-start.

But told hub cities won’t be part of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s announcement at 4:30 p.m. ET today.#CBJ

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 26, 2020

Told that on the NHL general manager's call Vancouver was among the markets listed as still being under consideration as a hub city.

No decision as of yet, but aside from Columbus – as @Aportzline reported – most of the hub cities are in the West.

— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) May 26, 2020

Bettman confirmed in his news conference that there are 10 cities being considered, including Chicago, Columbus, Las Vegas, Edmonton, Dallas, St. Paul (Minnesota), Vancouver, Toronto, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Hub city considerations were based around testing capacity, local government quarantine policies and the caseloads in the cities considered. Bettman estimated the two conference hub cities will be selected within the next three or four weeks.

The league taking these first steps are a hopeful sign toward completing the 2019–20 season and naming a 2020 Stanley Cup champion.

The Stanley Cup has been awarded every year since 1893, with two exceptions: 1919 because of the Spanish flu outbreak and 2005 when the league’s lockout led to the cancellation of the entire 2004–05 season.

The post NHL makes 24-team return to play format official, lays out draft lottery process appeared first on The Rink.

Sean Farrell
Games: 44
Goals: 15
Assists: 41

Scouting notes:
Sean Farrell is a playmaker. He does an excellent job of finding his teammates and generating offense. Farrell is a quick decision maker and shows a soft touch on his passes. Farrell shows the ability to make plays under pressure and protect the puck despite his smaller frame. He stretches the defense well with his passes and creates space for himself with his stick handling and patience. Farrell has very good hockey sense. He does not let his lack of size hurt him along the boards and in front of the net. One thing to pick on, Farrell can look to not be as selfish and shoot the puck more.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Brendan Brisson
Games: 45
Goals: 24
Assists: 35

Scouting notes:
Brisson is always in a position to score goals. He finds the open spots in the defense with ease and holds off defenders in tight very well. Brisson supports his teammates and makes it easy for them. He goes hard to the net with a purpose and is a hard-nosed forward. When Brisson keeps his feet moving, he is a handful for defenders to contain, as he battles along the boards very well. With added strength, Brisson will be really difficult to contain. He plays with a ton of urgency in all three zones. Brisson possesses a good shot and nice touch and shows the ability to make plays at high speeds. His skating is excellent.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Sam Colangelo
Games: 44
Goals: 28
Assists: 30

Scouting notes:
Colangelo can score from all over the ice. He shows an easy release on his shot and can get that shot off quickly and in tight, finishing second on the team with 28 goals. Colangelo has a nice release, but can also make plays with his positioning in deep and with his drive to the net. He skates hard with a drive in his stride. When playing at top speed, he can beat defenders wide. Colangelo is good on his edges and does a nice job of missing defenders with his shiftiness and deception. He transitions quickly from the defensive zone. Colangelo plays with good positioning and an active stick in his own zone. His hockey sense is off the charts.

Projection: Late first round or early second round

Luke Reid
Games: 45
Goals: 2
Assists: 17

Scouting notes:
Reid is a smart, resourceful defender. He has a simple approach to his game. He supports his defensive partner well. Reid seems to always be in a good position and makes simple plays to move pucks out of his zone. Reid has a nose for the puck in his own zone. His determination is excellent along the boards and wants to win battles. He is a smooth skater, but with some development can really take his skating to another level. Reid could be a sneaky shutdown defender at the next level with that added skating. He played against top weapons in the USHL and handled them well. Reid also shows a willingness to play a physical style.

Projection: Mid-round pick

Mathieu De St. Phalle
Games: 49
Goals: 30
Assists: 30

Scouting notes:
De St. Phalle led the Steel with 30 goals as an over-ager for the NHL Entry Draft. He is active in the offensive zone and can find holes in the defense and make them pay with his shot. De St. Phalle has a nose for open spaces on the power play and is very active knowing he can score different ways. He pushes play with his skates. He also owns willingness to use his teammates and find the open play. De St. Phalle knows he will be getting the puck back. With the puck on his stick, he keeps eyes up and makes quick, decisive plays. De St. Phalle was used in all situations and is an active penalty killer. He has a willingness to block shots and reacts well defensively with hustle and a never-quit attitude. De St. Phalle will not be just a goal scorer at the next level.

Projection: Mid-round pick

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine
Games: 45
Goals: 26
Assists: 31

Scouting notes:
Fontaine plays with an obvious confidence. He looks to make plays with his top-end speed. He can get a shot off quickly and has accuracy. Fontaine seems to always be around the puck and making plays. Fontaine has his head on a swivel and shows a knack for making simple plays with his line mates. He does not slow down through the neutral zone. When his feet are moving, he is tough to stop offensively. Fontaine is another over-ager for the NHL Entry Draft.

Projection: Mid to late-round pick

Victor Ostman
Games: 30
Save percentage: .913
Goals against average: 2.34

Scouting notes:
The Swedish goaltender uses his 6-foot-3 frame economically and positions himself well. Ostman shows the ability to make saves without any extra effort, but is also highly athletic. His athleticism may be underrated because he makes it look too easy. He moves well laterally, but can get out too far and get lost in traffic on cross ice passes. Ostman is strong on his pads and hard to knock around. He secures the lower half of the ice with strength and battles to see pucks through traffic. Ostman shows a compete level that NHL teams look for in a goaltender.

Projection: Mid to late-round pick

Jimmy Dowd
Games: 48
Goals: 4
Assists: 22

Scouting notes:
Dowd is an effective defenseman. He plays a simple game in all three zones. He is the type of defenseman you do not notice until you watch the game film, then you see his overall impact. Dowd plays with good hockey sense and creates separation from his defenders with smooth stick handling. He is locked in defensively in his own zone and plays a solid positional game. His stick always seems to be in passing lanes. Dowd wants his team to win and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Projection: Late-round pick

The post Scouting the Chicago Steel: 2020 NHL Entry Draft prospects appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts “Gatekeeper” and “JJ” are joined once again by The-Rink NHL draft guru Bill “Wiz” Placzek to wrap up the draft.

• We discuss the trade for Olli Maatta
• We discuss the trade for John Quenneville
• The crew reconvenes to go through the Blackhawks draft picks, some #WordsOfWizdom, and the trade for Calvin de Haan.
• Some opinions on what might happen with the goalies this next season
• Some vintage #GateRage
• We answer some listener and reader questions along the way
• We say thank you and best of luck to a Rink writer, and a potential HUGE podcast guest coming.

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 54 – Draft/Trade wrap with Bill “Wiz” Placzek appeared first on The Rink.

It doesn’t matter whether you or I think Bowman should never have matriculated to the GM’s job in 2009—that he was probably over his head at the time—or that many of his moves since have been ill-conceived headscrachers. And no, sorry, he didn’t “win 3 Cups” either; the first Cup was all on his predecessor(s), and the latter two were largely (though not completely) a result of the foundational work of the prior GMs (Kane, Toews, Keith, Hossa, etc).

But the fact is, Bowman has now been the GM of the Hawks for nearly a decade. Nearly a decade of on-the-job training that seems to be showing some meaningful results.

It’s doubtful more than 2 players in this year’s Blackhawk draft class ever makes it to the NHL, most likely only Kirby Dach and Alex Vlasic. So in that regard, it’s likely not a “draft for the ages.” At the same time, while many interwebz experts were beating the Alex Turcotte drum, proclaiming that “the game has changed” and “small and skilled” is the way of the future, Bowman went the other way—the way, here at the The Rink, we’ve been saying he needs to for several months.

He went, literally and figuratively, big. More importantly, he did it for the right reasons:

(On Kirby Dach) “The thing we liked about him, it’s obvious to see . . . his skill set, he has incredible hands. He scores the beautiful goals. He can do everything. But he can do the other things. He was great at stripping pucks, he was great at backchecking, he was great at physical plays in the playoffs when they were really targeting him. He not only took it, but he gave it back. It was impressive to see him raise his game at the time of the year when it matters most, which is playoff hockey. When you watch the NHL playoffs and you see how intense it can be. And, then you look at the way he plays and you can see that that game translates.”

And after taking Dach—after already trading for stay at home defenseman Olli Maatta—Bowman took a 6’6″ defenseman in Alex Vlasic who is also more of the stay at home, take care of the basics variety.

The thinking is clear; Bowman is acknowledging, without really saying it, his roster and especially his talent pipeline desperately needed size and physicality (without sacrificing skill). Needs driven by the harsh (and actual) reality of NHL hockey in 2019—while you can rack up points in the doldrums of February with the side show of 3-on-3 OT and the shootout, the playoffs, the games that really matter, remain real hockey. Real, hard hockey, where winning 16 games between April and June is tough, painful, and debilitating. Not for the slight of heart nor the slight of frame.

Bowman is on a bit of a winning streak of late, having offloaded “slight” Nick Schmaltz for Dylan Strome and appearing to cash in on Strome’s early career resurrection in Chicago. Picking up Drake Caggiula for Brandon Manning, and now a draft that is a big (pardon the pun) move toward revamping and re-sizing the Hawk roster to be more realistically playoff-ready.

All for now. Comment below.

The post Analysis: Bowman steps up and delivers appeared first on The Rink.

Our panel weighs in:

Jeff Osborn:

Stan Bowman went a little off the script and picked the big center from Saskatoon. Dach is big, has great hands, and very good (but not top) speed for his size. He projects as a Ryan Getzlaf type of player, which is definitely something they could use. They immediately get a rare combination of size and creativity up the middle, behind Dylan Strome and Jonathan Toews. He could very well be the number one center of the future and has a pretty good mentor to show him the ropes. The Blackhawks picked from an area of need rather than best player available

The downside of this kid is that he is not quite as talented as maybe Turcotte or Byram. I feel like Bowman bought into the mock draft hype and maybe made an emotional pick. This pick will define Stan Bowman’s legacy in Chicago. He might not be as responsible in his own end as some might like just yet. When he does make it to the NHL, it also might be on the wing rather than his natural position. He said in his interviews that he feel like he’s able to make the jump to the NHL this fall, and he has a better shot than Byram might have.

Juliana Nikac:

There’s a significant amount of upside to Kirby Dach’s game. He’s one of those rare players who skates exceptionally well for his size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and doesn’t look awkward while accelerating. He has fantastic edge work and mobility that allows him to maneuver anywhere on the ice and protect the puck easily. Dach’s size also provides him with the ability to be physical when he has the puck, shouldering off defenders much like Rick Nash in his prime. He’s also reliable defensively, playing heavy minutes every game and often finding himself on the penalty kill utilizing his great backcheck.

The one downside of Dach’s game is that he doesn’t use his size effectively as he could. His lack of physicality is very visible during games and teams know this and target him, taking him out of plays and battles he should win more often than not. But the good news is that he’s already improved on this area of his game.

It’s clear Dach projects to be a good NHL center, but it’s difficult to determine what his ceiling is. If he can play a similar style to Nash, I think the Blackhawks will be happy and fans should be, too. But don’t expect Dach to be an elite player, because he probably will not reach that level when he’s finished developing. He’ll be in the tier below that, though, and that’s what makes him a valuable

John Jaeckel:

Love the pick.

Stan Bowman head-faked the entire fanbase and took a center—just not the hometown player. everyone expected.  Still Hawk fans are going to love every inch of 6’4” Kirby Dach, who possesses the hands and moves of much smaller players—in a big body that may allow him to be a dominant physical force in the league, as well as a reliable scorer.

He has a dazzling array of shots, and that unique ability and quick soft hands to roof a puck in tight on a goalie. He also is an incredibly graceful, agile skater. Thinks the game at a high level and exhibits a 200-foot awareness that will support him as a center in the NHL. Think of all the big, skilled centers the Hawks face in the Central. Stan Bowman went for the move that favors the Hawks matching up to win playoff series.

He’ll likely be a center, and once he grows into his large frame, he should be a complete power centerman with elite skill.

Kudos to Stan Bowman, he filled a glaring team need and resisted the pressure to grab the smaller center with Chicago “roots.”

Ray Napientek

Upside: At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Dach has the size and skill that the Chicago organization is lacking at the forward position pipeline. Dach plays a smart game. He can use his linemates with excellent vision or beat you with his physical play in front of the net and use his reach to hold off defenders, much like Jonathan Toews can. His shot is strong and crazy accurate. For his size, Dach is a fine skater that plays well on his edges and can make players miss.

Downside: This is not a sexy pick in Chicago. Until late, Dach was not a name on many Blackhawks “experts” picks. Stan Bowman would have to keep his fingers crossed that Bowen Byram and Alex Turcotte do not turn into legends. John McDonough would also make sure to let everyone know he could have sold millions of local boy Turcotte jerseys.

Summary: Dach has the size and strength to maybe squeeze into the NHL next season. That would help Bowman but should not be expected. Bowman still needs to find forwards that will play in their own end and kill penalties.

Ron Luce

Upside: Have you ever heard about size in the NHL? How about speed? Willingness to go to the net? All of those things describe what Kirby Dach was in the WHL this past season. The 6’4” pivot had a nice season with the Blades in the WHL. He was better than a point per game and all of his goals, if you watch his highlights, were in deep slot. Dach showed he can go into the “high traffic areas” and make things happen, something that this Blackhawks team desperately needs.

Downside: Dach may be a bit of a reach at number three. He is a very nice player, and the size is incredibly appealing, but he never scored more than 25 goals in the WHL. That said, Joe Thornton was never a huge goal scorer but knew how to set everyone else up for success. If Dach can become that type of player, this is certainly a win. Outside of that, the only concerns for Dach are can he use his size effectively in the NHL? If he can, he will be a forced to be reckoned with, if he cannot, then we may see the second coming of a great bust for a number three pick.

How this affects the team’s plans: Much like any player in this draft besides Hughes and Kakko, teams have to wonder are these kids ready for the NHL this year? If Dach indeed needs another year in the WHL, which is completely possible and highly likely, then the Blackhawks still need another centre to round out the Toews, Strome, Kampf group. Without another centre, the lines will be a bit shaky. Sure, Anisimov could fill that void, but I anticipate AA being moved after July 1st.

What do you think? Join the discussion and comment below.

The post Instant Reaction Roundtable: Blackhawks select Kirby Dach appeared first on The Rink.

Eleventh, and last, in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Jack Hughes.

Jack Hughes
2018–19 Team: Team USA U18
Date of Birth: May 14, 2001
Place of Birth: Orlando, Florida
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 170 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Central Scouting Scouting: !st, North American skaters
NHL comparable: Connor McDavid-lite

Jack Hughes’ elite skills set him apart from everyone else in the 2019 NHL Draft. Right wing Kaapo Kakko made a late run at the top spot by working his magic in the Worlds and against men in Finland. However, when New Jersey steps to the podium, it would me a major shock if Hughes’ name was not called.

An offensive wizard, Hughes has elite skating ability and off the charts hockey IQ. The Orlando, Florida native can reach top speed, a la Connor McDavid, in a blink of an eye. What makes him so dangerous is his ability to make plays at his top speed. His fluid stride and pound for pound strength make him tough to knock off the puck.

His vision is clearly superior to others in the draft. Hughes is able to find small holes in the defense that many others are not willing to go to or do not see. With the puck, Hughes reminds many of Patrick Kane as he makes passes that others would not see let alone make. Hughes is an expert at drawing defenses to himself or dangling to find time to make plays.

Hughes has the definition of “soft hands.” His ability to stickhandle in a paper bag is quite impressive to watch. The puck is in constant movement and next to impossible to take away from him while he finds the opening to make a play.

A quick release and bullseye accuracy allow him to beat unsuspecting goalies. Think: deadly accurate with his shot. Hughes’ wrist shot is only going to get better with strength and will be a great weapon for him. A team’s power play will run through him at the NHL level as he instinctively orchestrates movement around the offensive zone.

Hughes’ physicality is minimal but willingness to battle for loose pucks in front of the net and work hard along the boards to retrieve pucks is in his DNA. His determination outweighs his body mass. Hughes looks to have the intestinal fortitude to be great, work hard and take pride in his own zone.

Projection

Top-line center with Art Ross Trophy capabilities.

Hughes may not be the sure thing like McDavid or Sidney Crosby were coming out of the draft but he is close. The ability to control games when he’s on the ice will set him apart early in his career as he adjusts to playing at the highest level. He may take some time to see himself engulfed with the elite players at the top of the leaderboards, but his time should come.

Implications for the Blackhawks

None.

If Hughes drops to No. 3 in the draft, the Chicago Blackhawks organization should run to the podium and conduct a dance-off between Stan Bowman and Mark Kelley while John McDonough sings karaoke.

Also, anyone thinking the Blackhawks could trade up to No. 1 with their assets clearly should stop watching hockey.

He’ll end up in the Eastern Conference so enjoy his talents and root for him 80 games out of the year.

What others are saying

…many are calling the next Patrick Kane. His parents both played the game and his father is an ex-Bruins coach and minor pro coach, …gets things done with strong hands, terrific vision and quick feet. Great anticipation and the ability to hold pucks on his stick no matter where he ventures. He steers pucks through traffic; his terrific vision and edging make opponents scramble to where the play is going to open into a solid look. He can come to a dead stop, watch a crowd converge on his space, and wire a puck to the open spot of net. Has a terrific shot when he uses it too.
Bill Placzek – Draftsite

The post Draft prospect profile: Jack Hughes appeared first on The Rink.

Tenth in the series of prospect profiles is winger Kappo Kakko.

Kaapo Kakko
2018–19 Team: TPS, Liiga
Date of Birth: February 13, 2001
Place of Birth: Turku, Finland
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 190 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Winger
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: #1, European skaters
NHL comparable: Peter Forsberg

In this draft, there are two players who have established themselves in an echelon above the rest of the class. It doesn’t mean that players after the top two won’t be good, or potentially great, NHL players. It means that these two are essentially “can’t miss” prospects for the teams lucky enough to pick in the top two. Kaapo Kakko is one of those two top players this year.

Kakko is an effortless, yet powerful skater, almost appearing to glide at high speed all over the ice. The young Finn can pass the puck with precision, but his real weapon is his shot. His shot is not the hardest you’re going to see, but it is very deceptive coming off his stick. Kakko’s lightning fast release allows him to freeze goaltenders as he weaves his way into open shooting areas all over the offensive zone.

The most impressive part about Kakko’s play may be his skating and ability to always find open ice. Blackhawks fans are used to Alex DeBrincat’s abilities in these regards, but Kakko takes it to an entirely new level. He can outstate anyone trying to cover him, determine the correct play—whether that be a pass or a quick wrist shot—and more often than not, good things happen.

Kaapo Kakko is the ultimate playmaker on the ice for any team he plays for. It’s safe to say he may the most NHL-ready prospect in this draft, even more than Jack Hughes. Hughes will need to put on some weight and develop a tad more physically, where Kakko has the size to compete at a high level in the show. Kakko has shown “man-like” power moves in international play that suggest a relatively easy translation of his skills to the NHL.

The only question that may be raised as an argument against Kakko’s immediate impact in the NHL is playing on European ice. The larger European ice sheet more time and space to create space plays. However, with the way the game is going as a speed first game, there is little doubt Kakko can be an immediate force for his new club come October.

 Projection

Top line winger.

At 18 years of age, Kakko is fairly matured physically and has all of the necessary skills to be a force in the NHL.

He could be an immediate impact player in the NHL. Scouts have cited Kakko as being “near-impossible to push off the puck.”

The only question that may arise, as stated before, is how quickly can Kakko translate his game “thinking” and reactions to the smaller NHL ice sheet? If it is a quick transition, Kakko may win the Calder Trophy in June 2020.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Near-impossible.

While Hughes is in all likelihood headed to New Jersey with the first overall selection Friday night, there have been rumors that the New York Rangers might pass on Kakko and take Bowen Byram second. If so, you could pretty much count on seeing Stan Bowman and the Hawk brass vault to the stage in record time and claim Kakko as their prize. Will it happen? Unlikely. But no one foresaw Adam Boqvist falling to the Hawks at 8th overall last year either.

Kakko is both a player who can step in right now and provide immediate help on offense, while also setting up the future as a player who can be a part of the organization for the next 15 years. As Stan Bowman was quoted saying during the latest “On The Lock: Season 3” episode, the Blackhawks want a player who is going to be an important part of the organization 15 years from now, not just a guy who can come up and make an immediate impact. That said, Kakko fits both of those descriptions.

However, it is almost 99% certain to think that Kappo Kakko is wearing Rangers’ blue this fall in the Big Apple.

What others are saying

“..quality hands.. able to keep the puck under control when physically challenged.. works in all areas to help his team get possession.”

–Draftin Europe 2018

The post Draft prospect profile: winger Kaapo Kakko appeared first on The Rink.

Ninth in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Alex Turcotte

Alex Turcotte
2018–19 Team:  U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: February 26, 2001
Place of Birth: Island Lake, Illinois
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 4, North American Skaters
NHL comparable: Claude Giroux

Center Alex Turcotte is an interesting study in hockey scouting. The Island Lake, Illinois native piled up the points when he was in the lineup for Team USA U18’s this past season. Turcotte finished the year with 96 points in 53 games played, culminating in 39 goals. In the World Juniors, in seven games the highly-skilled center did not disappoint (4 goals, 5 assists). The question that comes with the center is where does he fall on draft boards of many “experts.”

Without a doubt, Turcotte will be drafted in the first round, just like his father Alfie in the 1983 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. What many don’t agree on is his ceiling when it comes to his NHL career. Here’s what we do know:

Turcotte is an excellent skater. He keeps his feet moving and does an excellent job of playing bigger than his size (5-foot-11, 183 pounds). His first step is quick, his acceleration is top-notch and his stride strength is fantastic. The motor is always running at top speed. The lower body injury that forced him to miss games early this past season does not appear to have any effect on his skating.

Although not an elite shot, Turcotte does use his wrist shot and slap shot with great accuracy. He displays a nice soft touch with the puck on his stick. The center shows that he can score a wide variety of ways, especially taking advantage of his toughness on rebounds in front of the net. Turcotte is not afraid to go to the “tough” areas on the ice.

There may not be a player that gets it “between the ears” better than Turcotte in the draft. His ability to think the game one step ahead is a plus in his game. Teammates can expect no-look passes on their stick for easy tap ins. Turcotte shows a nice “read” on his opponents, as well. This shows up in his checking game. His ability to get in passing lanes and force turnovers is a great part of the effect he can have on a game.

Defensively, Turcotte shows the tenacity that sets him apart from others in this draft. His willingness to play along the boards, in front of the net and force turnovers in the neutral zone may be second-to-none amongst picks this draft. He is an effective penalty killer who displays a willingness to do whatever it takes to kill of penalties that is reminiscent of Jonathan Toews. The word unstoppable comes to mind when thinking about his drive on defense.

Projection

This is where some “experts” differ in their evaluation of Turcotte. There may not be a prospect with such a difference in projections from ceiling to floor.

Here’s the ceiling for those that like him:
Turcotte projects as an all-around weapon as a pivot. His ability to make plays on offense, play a relentless defensive game and show up on both special teams makes him a potential world-class No. 1 center. Think Patrice Bergeron or Pavel Datsyuk.

Here’s the floor of those that are “lukewarm” on him:
A second-line center that will score and do some nice things on special teams. His injury history could be a concern and his slight frame will hinder his development into a top-line center. Think Nico Hischier. Or he could be a very good playmaking wing, like Giroux.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Chicago has some very good options at forward with the No. 3 pick. Turcotte could be at the top of that list. Kirby Dach and Dylan Cozens could also hear their names called by the Blackhawks. If Chicago decides to go with Turcotte you can expect him to head to the University of Wisconsin to fine tune his game and work on his strength to play against men at the next level. This pick—as with most players in this top 10—would not be about next season.

With Toews signed for signed until 2023 (and possibly beyond after this contract ends), Turcotte would be allowed to grow under one of the best two-way centers of his generation. Toews showing Turcotte the ropes would be priceless. Then, when Captain Serious loses a step (and we saw him struggle for two seasons before last year), Turcotte might be ready to step in and take the reins as the top force at center for the Blackhawks.

President and CEO of the Blackhawks, John McDonough, could sell a lot of tickets and jerseys with the Illinois native. Don’t think this is not something that has been whispered throughout the organization. The team will never come out and say such, and the media will never uncover it, but McDonough has had his fingerprints all over the roster before—you can’t rule it out here. However, with as much anticipation and high expectation that have been attached to this pick, this front office and the Blackhawk brand can’t afford a “miss” that would be ascribed to a “pr move.”

If the Hawks take Turcotte at #3, it should only be because he is absolutely the best player available.

What others are saying

”  . . . a 200 foot centre with decent size and elite feet and hands . . . has built a two-way game. His high end skill, balance, explosive feet and terrific touch and handles in tight spaces, is enough to make NHL suitors think the end product is going to something special. Has seen action as a winger. Committed to the University of Wisconsin.”
Bill Placzek – DraftSite.com

The post Draft prospect profile: Center Alex Turcotte appeared first on The Rink.

Eighth in the series of prospect profiles is defenseman Bowen Byram.

Bowen Byram
2018–19 Team: Vancouver Giants, WHL
Date of Birth: June 13, 2001
Place of Birth: Cranbrook, BC, Canada
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 194 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: #2, North American skaters
NHL comparables: Scott Neidermayer/Drew Doughty

In a draft year where, as Wiz paraphrased Oprah on Rinkcast 53, “everyone gets a car,” Byram is the finely tuned Porsche you want when you’re navigating tight curves in the Alps, swagging it on the streets of Zurich, or opening it up on the Autobahn.

An über-smooth, powerful, 360 degree skater, Byram is close to a total package defender—although average-sized and in need of further work on defensive recognition. The major hallmark of Byram’s game is elite offensive skill, where his skating and stickhandling are on par with high-skill wingers. Add to that a unique ability to recognize soft spots and blown coverages by opponents in the offensive zone, coupled with an accurate wrist shot and a sneaky good one-timer.

But there’s more.

Byram can pass the puck, either in tight areas or making an accurate, perfectly timed stretch pass through two zones.

But, it would be unfair and inaccurate to call Byram a purely offensive defenseman. His skating enables him to both close and cover superbly skating backward; he will work at stopping the opponent. And he will throw a check and seal his man off. But like a lot of young defensemen with substantial offensive gifts, he will pinch deep and sometimes get caught. Like our comparable Scott Neidermayer did in his stellar career, Byram will need to adjust to the NHL and gain greater discipline in his reads.

Finally, Byram has a little nasty to his game, and as he is fairly developed physically—but not completely so—there is probably no cause for worry as to whether he will handle the physicality of the NHL.

 Projection

#1 defenseman/team captain.

At 18 years of age, this is a supremely gifted player who is arguably near NHL ready—and yet still has more room to fill out and improve the mental aspects of his game.

His maturity and leadership qualities are said to be off the charts. In the words of one scout recently, “he gets it.”

The only question here, as mentioned previously, is his eventual assimilation of a more disciplined 3-zone game in the NHL. But that, unlike native skills and abilities that can’t be coached, can to a large extent be taught and drilled into a player.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Huge.

Byram literally has to be at the center of the Hawks’ discussions around what to do with the third pick.

First, there is an argument that no current Hawk prospect, including last year’s first rounder Adam Boqvist, selected 8^th overall, truly projects as a #1 defenseman. Some have characterized taking Byram as a binary choice—you have Boqvist, why take Byram? But it isn’t. They play different sides—so they could conceivably play together. Also, Byram is more physically stout at a similar stage of development and seems to have more of an appetite for the physical aspects of the game—in addition to elite offensive skill—suggesting he may be better suited as a true #1.

Second, it is likely the Hawks are getting calls from other teams wanting to trade up and take Byram, as he is really the only top-quality defenseman available this year. Detroit (6^th overall), Edmonton (8^th), and LA (5^th) are said to all covet Byram. Depending on how much a team wants Byram—and if the Hawks feel they can afford to pass on him—the added assets to Chicago in such a deal could be significant.

Third, because selecting a left-side player of Byram’s playing style might make Erik Gustafsson superfluous. And soon. There’s an argument that, if he isn’t already, Byram will soon be a better overall player than Gustafsson, who is nearly ten years older. Instead of eventually extending Gustafsson for big money, selecting Byram could give Stan Bowman the luxury of trading Gustafsson for decent return—perhaps even a late first round selection in this loaded draft— before his current deal expires.

What others are saying

“Controls the game … plays with swagger … smart and skilled … plays in all situations … doesn’t panic with the puck … good support of his partner.”

—ISS Hockey 2017

The post Draft prospect profile: defenseman Bowen Byram appeared first on The Rink.

Seventh in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens
2018–19 Team: Lethbridge Hurricanes
Date of Birth: February 9, 2001
Place of Birth: Whitehorse, YT, Canada
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 183 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Center/Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: NHL Central Scouting Rank No. 5 – North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Jeff Carter

Dylan Cozens is a rare combination of size, speed, strength and skill. The 6-foot-3 183 pound forward scored 34 goals in 68 games for the Lethbridge Hurricanes this past season. Cozens uses his size to find space in front of the net, fighting off defenders for loose pucks and hard fought goals. The Whitehorse, Yukon native can also use his speed to beat defenders with a second gear that many could not handle in the WHL.

Cozens ability to play in all three zones is something that is overlooked because of his size and speed coming up the ice. He has a long reach and almost freakish strength at 183 pounds, that will be a plus at the NHL level. Cozens flashes the ability to overpower and take pucks away from opponents. But although he has an appetite for physical play, he is not a player who will take himself out of position by playing recklessly.

When compared with fellow WHL’er Kirby Dach, what jumps out is that while Cozens might not quite match Dach’s hands and smoothness, he has a powerful base and looks more projectable as a sheer power player—with ample skill. And like Dach, he might not be far from NHL ready in terms of physical maturity.

For as good as he is without the puck or when shooting, Cozens is a crafty playmaker. He plays a simple game with the puck and does not try to force plays. Cozens takes what the defense gives him. Whether it’s a dump in, an impressive dangle or using his speed, he is a weapon that can beat a defense many different ways.

Projection

Top line center/wing.

At barely 18 and with plenty of room to fill out his large frame, Cozens’ unique package of raw skills and physical attributes presents the team drafting him with several creative options. He could be effective strictly as an up and down sheer speed winger with added size and strength, a la former Edmonton Oiler Ryan Smyth. Or he may, potentially, be a foundational center man in the mold of Jonathan Toews. Or, on the lower end projection, a really good 2nd line center who can move out to wing, like Jeff Carter.

Ranking Cozens has been something of a puzzle to many pundits. Cozens has been ranked as high as No. 3 and as low as No. 12. He is, regardless, a high floor player, because of his size/speed combination and high end skill. The question is how high his ceiling is, and at what position(s).

Implications for the Blackhawks

With a need for a center that can play with size and speed, the Chicago Blackhawks should entertain serious consideration toward drafting Cozens with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Having Jonathan Toews on hand to mentor Cozens would be a plus. Cozens can learn the small things that make a player with size and speed successful at the NHL level. His ability to play right wing could also facilitate a faster jump to the NHL level more quickly, especially with Toews and Dylan Strome most likely holding down the top two center spots in the near future.

Do not be surprised if Cozens comes off the board at No. 3. And don’t be disappointed if he does.

While most Hawk tweeters have “narrowed” the team’s choices to Alex Turcotte and Bowen Byram, the fact is, the team has analyzed Cozens (and others) closely. That said, with the possible exception of consensus second overall selection Kappo Kaako, no player in this draft projects as more of a physical force with speed and skill. They say “the game has changed,” favoring speed and skill—which Cozens has in abundance—while also having the size and strength that are still necessary to help a team win Stanley Cups.

What others are saying

“Dylan Cozens is a consistent player who has very good finishing ability. He has good vision and can be dominant below the dots. His cycle game and his ability to get to the net stand out as hallmarks of his game.”
—McKeens Hockey Draft Guide

“This man child isn’t through filling in or building his muscle. Makes everyone around him better. Will cause problems in front, or from the perimeters. Exploits the defense and reads linemates well. Fluid non-stop player who plays hockey smart and would fly through a wall to help his team win. Can project as a big centre as well as a big wing. The sky’s the limit.”

—Bill Placzek, draftsite.com

The post Draft Prospect Profile: center/right wing Dylan Cozens appeared first on The Rink.

Each day over the next week leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 21 in Vancouver, we will be taking a look at the top prospects available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick.

Today’s entry in the series of prospect profiles is right wing Kirby Each

Kirby Dach
2018–19 Team: Saskatoon Blades, WHL
Date of Birth: January 21, 2001
Place of Birth: St. Albert, AB, Canada
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 198
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 3, North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Rick Nash/Jamie Benn

Three things immediately jump out from Dach’s highlight reels: size, mobility, and a startling array of shots that are a result of outstanding hands. As a skater, he is not a straight line burner, but has nice 360 degree mobility, surprisingly adept edge work and the burst to beat defenders, all of which, in one package, is somewhat unusual in a player his size. Even at 6’4″, 200 pounds, he can maneuver and quickly roof the puck in close, and fire it accurately from any angle—at full speed. Dach will likely top out at 215-220 pounds, and should he develop more of a power game in the NHL, it will only add to his potential lethality as a scorer and set-up man. All of which comes in addition to solid defensive instincts.

Projection

Many feel Dach could develop as a center in the NHL, as he has excellent setup abilities in addition to his scoring talent. Regardless he has all the native tools to be a big time point producer in the NHL, who will also be a three-zone, three situation player. It is hard to imagine an 18 year old with this kind of ability, size, and room to grow being anything less than a significantly productive top line forward on any NHL team within 3 years.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Another player you could somewhat compare Dach to is Marian Hossa, who formerly held the job of 1st line RW on three Blackhawk Stanley Cup teams. Thus, Dach could easily slide in on one of the Hawks’ top lines as a RW—and perhaps fairly soon.

This is a player, unlike last year’s first round selection, Adam Boqvist, who probably does not need a lot of maturation to be able to compete physically in the NHL. Which makes Dach an intriguing option for the Hawks at #3, or perhaps even if they traded down to 5-6. If the Hawks believe they can still compete for a Cup while Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith still have some tread on their tires, then using the #3 pick on the player most near being NHL ready points somewhat toward Dach.

Dach brings that rare combination of sheer size, skating and skill—with good hockey sense and commitment to defensive play—that the Hawks somewhat lack at the forward position.

The post Draft prospect profile: right wing Kirby Dach appeared first on The Rink.

Fifth in the series of prospect profiles is left wing Matthew Boldy

Matthew Boldy
2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: April 5, 2001
Place of Birth: Millis, Masschusetts
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 192
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 9 by NHL Central Scouting – North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Boldy has the excellent all-around game that teams search for in a top six forward. The left wing showed his offensive prowess with 33 goals in 64 games played this past season. However, he does not just rely on his shooting ability to make in impact on the scoresheet. Boldy also garnered 48 assists and showed the ability to play with high skill players such as Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte.

His shot is at an elite level and jumps of his the stick. Boldy shows a knack for scoring from anywhere on the ice and can pick even the tiniest of holes left open by opposing goaltenders. Boldy can stickhandle with most in this draft class. He shows an ability to make plays with defenders hanging on him and beat slower defenseman wide, usually after drawing the defender inside.

Finishing off his all-around game is his ability to play in all three zones effectively. His hockey IQ is elite and was given the responsibility to play in all big game situations, such as, the penalty kill, power play and late game situations. Boldy is tough along the boards and in front of the net, but does not seek out unnecessary contact. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Boldy has the frame that excels at the NHL level. With maturation and more weight room strength will be a handful for opponents.

Projection

It would not be far off to project Boldy as a 20-plus goal scorer at the NHL level. His shot is not the equal of Cole Caufield but he could beat many professional goaltenders consistently. With his size and skating, he can work up and down the top six forwards and play with very talented linemates. His skills on the power play and penalty kill will allow him the chance to play in many meaningful situations that help a hockey team win.

This draft was a tough one for Boldy. Any other year could have seen him higher on draft boards. Also playing behind some really talented forwards with Team USA has put Boldy in the shadow of others in the draft class.

Implications for the Blackhawks

The No. 3 pick has put Chicago in an excellent spot to draft a projectable elite talent. Is Boldy that kind of talent—in this draft? Maybe. He just does not come with the same name recognition as other options options that will be available. The Blackhawks are in desperate need of forwards that can play a team concept on defense and kill penalties and Boldy can do both.

If Chicago trades down out of the No. 3 spot then Boldy would be a nice pick. He would instantly become the top forward prospect in the organization and slot in nicely on the top six forwards, most likely after his stop at Boston College.

What others are saying

“He never overhandles the puck and he’s prepped and ready to attack, whether that’s the big shot, flipping a puck to himself or finding a teammate. To me he’s got to be one of the most exciting wingers this draft”

Team USA Head Coach John Wroblewski – NHL.com

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Left wing Matthew Boldy appeared first on The Rink.

Center/wing

Shoots: Left

Height: 6’0.25”

Weight: 173

Amateur team: USNTDP

Date of birth: March 20, 2001

Place of birth: Bedford, NY, USA

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: 6th (North American skaters)

NHL comparable: Teuvo Teravainen

Zegras is part of a pack of terrific 2019 draft-eligible forwards from the U.S. National Team Development Program. But unlike the well-rounded Alex Turcotte or pure scorer Cole Caufield, Zegras’ forte’, a bit more like Jack Hughes, is playmaking and slowing the game down to make almost unbelievable passing plays in space. He is an effortless skater with good 360 degree mobility, and elite stickhandling ability. Zegras also demonstrates defensive responsibility and will defend over 200 feet of ice. Another hallmark of Zegras’ game is aggression, peskiness, and willingness to stand up for teammates, though he is not really a physical force even in amateur.

Like a lot of young, skilled forwards, Zegras will need to add weight and strength for the pro game—where the opportunities to make slick, crafty plays are reduced by the size and awareness of the world’s best players.

Projection

We used Teravainen as a comparable for Zegras (although Zegras’ ceiling may be higher) for a few obvious reasons: his size at draft age, talents and playing style, and the fact that he can arguably play all three forward positions. That last part is also a question: what is Zegras’ ultimate NHL position, center or wing? How a team views him ultimately, may impact where exactly he goes in the draft. If you see him as a center, will he have the overall physical package/willingness to be a first line center? But, like Patrick Kane, with Zegras’ exceptional talent, it may not matter as much exactly where he lines up for the faceoff.

A criticism leveled at Zegras has been, that although he is almost equally as crafty shooting the puck as he is passing it, he has a tendency to overpass and not take shots he should. A la Nick Schmaltz.

Through growth and maturation, Teravainen has become a good NHL player—but he had to work at it. So will Zegras, to achieve his top potential. But you can’t coach rare vision and hands—both of which he has in abundance. Also, Zegras’ passion for the game suggests he will work to realize all of his exceptional talent—which will continue this fall at Boston University.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Broken record time: the Blackhawks have enough organizational holes at this point that Zegras could likely fill a meaningful role for the team in 2 seasons. The Hawks will likely never simply “replace” Patrick Kane. But, if you wanted a player to step in and approximate Kane at some point as an elite playmaker and power play presence on the half-board, he could ultimately be that guy, which is probably a more realistic development track for the young forward than replacing Jonathan Toews as a three-zone, first line center.

While projected to go in the top 10, most mock drafts have Zegras in the 5-10 range, where he might make more sense for Chicago, were they to trade down. However, like Caufield and Vasili Podkolzin, opinions on Zegras’ ultimate draft slot vary, and he could crack the top 5.

Highlights

The post Draft prospect profile: Center Trevor Zegras appeared first on The Rink.

Third in the series of prospect profiles is center/right wing Cole Caufield.

Cole Caufield
2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: January 2, 2001
Place of Birth: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 163 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Center/Right Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 8 per NHL Central Scouting – North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Theo Fleury

Cole Caufield scored 72 goals in 64 games this past season playing for the U18 program. That is an astounding number. Playing on a line with potential first overall pick Jack Hughes, and on a once-in-a-lifetime deep team, allowed Caufield to take advantage of his excellent shot. With that being said, his numbers would still have been impressive without Hughes.

Listed at 5-foot-7 and 163 pounds, Caufield does have a smaller frame on the surface. However, the Wisconsin native is solidly put together. In today’s NHL, we are seeing smaller players each year have success. A comparison to Alex DeBrincat, who scored with ease in juniors, would not be too far off, however, Caufield will not fall to the second round like DeBrincat.

Caufield uses his soft hands and excellent shot to bury a high percentage of his chances. What separates Caufield from many is his ability to find open ice to receive passes. His skating allows him to find open areas with good edge work and a nice, extra acceleration when needed. He also does a good job of keeping his feet moving when forced to play a contact game by the defense.

A little ball of energy on the ice, Caufield is far from a liability in his own zone. Many times taking on battles along the boards. As he matures, he will have some edge to his game even with the slight frame.

Projection

Goal scorer.

Caufield is going to score a lot of goals at the NHL level. His scoring ability is elite and projects as top line forward. On a stacked team up the middle, he’ll be able to switch to right wing, and with his size, may open up more opportunities to use his scoring talents. If playing center, his ability to get to the tough areas will be important. He appears to have the DNA to get into tough areas against his opponents and nothing in his game suggests that he would not against NHL level talent.

Caufield is also going to see plenty of time on the power play. He has the type of skills that Chicago fans have seen with Artemi Panarin on the man advantage. Although he needs to add strength, his one-timer is excellent. He can also bury wrist shots with ease, as the puck jumps off his stick. Even if it takes time for Caufield to adjust to 5-on-5 play in the NHL, he might still have a big, immediate impact on a team’s power play.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Chicago fans have been enamored with Caufield ever since the DeBrincat comparisons were made. Both are small-sized snipers. And they would likely play opposite sides. But, that being said, Chicago would need to pair each (or both) with skilled (i.e., top 6 quality), road-grader type forwards—a commodity that (outside of Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad) the Hawks presently lack at both the NHL level and in the prospect pipeline—to help relieve some pressure off them and open up space. As we are seeing in the Stanley Cup finals, speed and skill are good, but sheer force is also needed to win in the NHL playoffs.

Reports have hinted at the fact that Chicago does like Caufield. That is not a surprise. He is a great talent in the draft. However, the question must be asked, how many smaller forwards can this team win with? Fans and pundits keep saying the game has changed (favoring smaller, slighter players). Yet the combined size and physicality of the Stanley Cup winner every year seems to suggest otherwise.  Could you build an elite team around Caufield and DeBrincat after Kane and Toews start to decline? If Chicago were to pick Caufield, then perhaps a greater focus would be necessary to finding true centers and larger, complementary top 6 forwards for the future in upcoming drafts and/or free agency.

But at No. 3 in the draft, Caufield would probably be a reach for the Blackhawks.

What others are saying

“Right now, a diminutive scorer with great wheels, passing hands, a feisty side and an incredible goal scoring ability. Hides his release point and shows great velocity and needs very little time or space to shoot and score. He plays heavy on his stick and displays a wicked backhand, a quick wrist shot and devastating one-timers. The Wisconsin native is committed to the University of Wisconsin, and size is NOT a concern.”
Bill Placzek – Draft Site

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Cole Caufield appeared first on The Rink.

Second in the series of prospect profiles is right wing Vasili Podkolzin.

Vasili Podkolzin

Right wing

Shoots: Left

6’0-3/4”

196 pounds

Date of birth: June 24, 2001

Place of birth: Moscow, Russia

Amateur team: HC Rhys Podolsk

NHL central scouting final ranking: 2^nd, international skaters

NHL comparable: Vladimir Tarasenko

Perhaps no player disrupts current draft boards—with the possible exception of USNTDP right wing Cole Caufield—more than the obviously gifted, yet enigmatic Vasili Podkolzin, who could realistically be picked anywhere from third to thirteenth overall. However, the tape doesn’t lie. What you get with Podkolzin is a relentless two-way forward who can and will do all the little things and the big things necessary to help his team win: a fearless, versatile, natural leader who crushes most of the negative Russian hockey player stereotypes.

Offensively, Podkolzin combines power, über-slick hands, and crisp, tight edge work to create end-to-end scoring rushes—around and through all 5 opponents. In a single highlight (see video below), you’ll see him employ abrupt change of direction, a sick toe drag, wide speed and sheer drive to the net. He is both a power player and one who can effect plays “in space,” due to his hands and recognition.

A good, but not great skater, Podkolzin is fast enough. One criticism of Podkolzin’s skating is that he is bent forward in his stride—a trait that some believe creates vulnerability to big hits and concussions, though there’s scant evidence this has been an issue thus far in his career. But what he lacks in flat out speed, he more than makes up for in will to win and score. And unlike many Russians, Podkolzin seems to hunger for, and thrive in, the physical aspects of the game.

Projection:

More Russian comparisons. You want a winger with a blistering and accurate one-timer from the circle, a la Artemi Panarin? Few (including current NHL players) are better than Podkolzin. Or perhaps a complete three-zone player who delivers everything you can ask of a forward: scoring, passing, defense, killing penalties, playing the power play and even winning an occasional faceoff—like, say, Tarasenko (or Slovak/Blackhawk legend Marian Hossa)? Podkolzin again.

Much has been made of the fact that Podkolzin is committed to his KHL organization for two more years, and that his point production in international play is at times inconsistent. Some have even gone as far as saying Podkolzin could be nothing more than a third liner in the NHL (when he arrives) due to his overall three-zone style of play.

However, reports out of the NHL draft combine suggest Podkolzin interviewed well (through an interpreter) and made no bones about the fact that he intends to play in the NHL in two years. And the fact is, as often as not, drafted players take 2-3 years to meaningfully play in the NHL. Hawk fans who reflexively point to Alex DeBrincat and Henri Jokiharju as proof to the contrary, forget that the NHL team they matriculated to was, ummm, not good at all with lousy depth. And ostensibly, Chicago plans to be a good team, perhaps as soon as this year.

So the choice becomes, do you trust the talent development process of Podkolzin’s KHL organization—versus that of a CHL team or NCAA program? Another question: do you believe his adaptation to the NHL would capitalize on his obvious array of offensive talents?

Valid concerns that may determine how high Podkolzin is selected and what kind of NHL player he becomes.

Implications for the Blackhawks

If Podkolzin becomes the force that some believe he will, there’s absolutely a place for him in the Blackhawks’ organization. Sure, you have Patrick Kane on one line at RW, but there’s no law that you can’t have a “young Tarasenko” on another. And you have to wonder if Blackhawk brass has not at least toyed with the notion of Podkolzin being the third piece of the longer term puzzle at RW, creating havoc and launching one-timers fed to him by Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat.

This is a time of year when “group-think” influences draft prognosticators and “mock GMs,” a phenomenon that has recently elevated the stock of some North American prospects, while downgrading Podkolzin. But while it’s possible Podkolzin could drop out of the top 10 due to issues touched on above, it’s perhaps just as likely some GM picking near the top of round 1 is going to find his explosive talent and will to win too intriguing to pass up.

What others are saying

“I am going to go out on the line right now and say this kid is the best up and down winger in the class, and everyone should start praying their team doesn’t pass him by, because he is the real deal, from Russia with love.”

—Bill Placzek, draftsite.com

Highlights

The post Draft prospect profile: Right wing Vasili Podkolzin appeared first on The Rink.

First in the series of prospect profiles is defenseman Philip Broberg.

Philip Broberg
2018–19 Team: AIK Allsvenskan Swedish League
Date of Birth: June 25, 2001
Place of Birth: Orebro, Sweden
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 201 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defenseman
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 5 European Skaters
NHL comparable: Mattias Ekholm

At 17 years of age, the 6-foot-3 and 201 pound Broberg has an excellent frame to project as a monster on skates. His size and speed combo allows him to take away time and space while using his body effectively, both defending in front of the net and in the corners. His physicality suggests a shutdown type defender.

The Swedish defenseman has a knack for picking up pucks in his own zone and leading his team on breaks the other way in a blink of the eye. He reaches top speed quickly and has excellent power in his stride. Broberg also finds his teammates without losing stride and jumps into plays to become an extra forward on the attack.

Broberg uses his reach to his advantage in the defensive zone. His use of the stick is excellent and allows him to make plays along the boards and in tight to the net with ease. Broberg’s positioning is solid for a defenseman his age but the small intricacies of playing in the NHL will come with experience. He shows a solid feel for the power game and can be a handful for opponents with his strength.

With high hockey IQ, Broberg has a knack for making plays one step ahead. He has shown a tendency to try to make plays that are not there, something that will need to be fixed for the top league in the world, but he sees the game at an elite level. Most of the time, he makes the game appear that it is in slow motion to him. An important quality for a top pick at defense.

Projection
A good size-speed combo and the ability to play big minutes suggest a top 2 defenseman is Broberg’s ceiling. At worst, you are drafting a two-way defenseman that can kill penalties, play on the power play and log No. 3 defenseman type minutes.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Broberg would be a nice addition to the Blackhawks’ defensive prospect pipeline. He would instantly become the tallest, heaviest, most physical, and defensively astute of all Blackhawks’ defense prospects (and a couple of players on the NHL squad). With that being said, many draft analysts predict Broberg to be the second or third defenseman taken in the draft. He would be a reach at No. 3, but an intriguing option who fills a need, should Chicago trade down.

What others are saying

A big-bodied puck rusher with excellent speed and a physical component, Broberg is the perfect low-risk, high-reward rearguard. Some feel he’s destined to become a top-pairing NHL defenseman.
Steve Kournianos – The Draft Analyst

Highlights

2018 Gretzky-Hlinka and 2019 World Junior Championship Highlights

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Philip Broberg appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts “Gatekeeper”, “JJ” and staff prospect writer Eric Andrews are joined by The-Rink NHL draft guru Bill “Wiz” Placzek and hold a mock draft.

• After a short hiatus, the crew convenes to go through the first round of the upcoming draft and some #WordsOfWizdom.
• John drives the short bus for this episode.
• Eric, Gate and Wiz plead their case for the Blackhawks pick with JJ.  Does it work?
• Gate throws the whole thing off the rails with one of his picks.
• Wiz takes us through picks 11-32
• Koekkoek extended, IIHF World Championships end with some Blackhawks players winning gold.
• The-Rink is expanding with four new writers, a potential BIG podcast guest coming, and a promising new season.
• We answer some listener and reader questions along the way

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 53 – Mock Draft with Bill “Wiz” Placzek appeared first on The Rink.

Ryan Johnson – 6 feet, 161 pounds – Defenseman (54 games, six goals, 19 assists)
Johnson is the top defensive prospect in the USHL and it is not close. Johnson spent much of the season guiding the Clark Cup champion Sioux Falls Stampede in all situations. Johnson quarterbacked the power play, led the penalty kill and was thrust into all big situations. The California native is a smooth skater with an extra gear that takes him into an elite puck-moving defenseman. Johnson is active with his stick, shows excellent positioning and can bury his chances when pinching at the right time. Projected as a late first- or early second-round pick, the 17-year-old could be a steal for a team looking to give him time to develop his top-pairing skills.

Robert Mastrosimone – 5 feet 10 inches, 178 pounds – Center/left wing (54 games, 31 goals, 29 assists)
The Chicago Steel forward had a successful season with in the USHL playing on a line with overaged center Nick Abruzzese. Mastrosimone brings an excellent shot that will get better with strength. Mastrosimone is an offensive wizard that finds open spaces in the defense and buries his chances. The New York native shows good effort in all three zones and brings a toughness to his game that is bigger than his size. Projected late first- or second-round pick that showcases top-six forward skills and work ethic.

Bobby Brink – 5 feet 10 inches, 163 pounds – Right wing (43 games, 35 goals, 33 assists)
Brink showed a high-level offensive game. His skating level needs to improve but his work ethic and agility set him apart from most. The word “sniper” would describe the Minnesota native. Brink has a quick, accurate shot that jumps off his stick. Brink works hard in all three zones and has a ton of untapped potential if his skating becomes above average. Projected late first-round or early second-round that projects as a top-six forward needing some strength.

Egor Afanasyev – 6 feet 4 inches, 201 pounds – Forward (58 games, 27 goals, 35 assists)
Afanasyev plays with a high IQ and with a reckless abandoned when on the ice. The Russia native uses his good size to make plays in tight spaces and is a bull to play against along the boards and in front of the net. A true power forward type, Afanasyev also has excellent skating ability. He is a true combination of size and speed that plays out in the NHL playoffs. Projected second-round pick and a middle-six forward that can be a wrecking ball for opponents.

Vladislav Firstov – 6 feet, 183 pounds – Left wing (62 games, 26 goals, 32 assists)
The Yaroslavl, Russia, native brings a nice combination of size and scoring ability to his game. Firstov’s shot is heavy. He can beat goalies with his silky hands or bury his shot with authority. His shot can be NHL-ready early in his pro career. Firtov shows an excellent motor and plays tough in all three zones. With added strength, the forward projects as a top-six forward that could really blossom into a steal in the draft. Projected second-round pick with a ton of upside as a scoring winger that will play responsibly in his own zone.

Matias Maccelli – 5 feet 11 inches, 170 pounds – Forward (62 games, 31 goals, 41 assists)
The Finland native rose up draft boards with an excellent season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Maccelli is a smaller sized forward that displays good quickness as a 200-foot player. His willingness to use his linemates and set them up with his playmaking skills. Maccelli can be used on the power play, penalty kill and play an important role as he outworks his opponents. Projects as a second- or third-round middle-six forward that can be counted on in all situations and make plays with high skill teammates.

Isaiah Saville – 6 feet 1 inch, 194 pounds – Goaltender (34 games, 1.90 goals against average, .925 save percentage)
The right-handed goaltender had an excellent season for the Tri-City Storm. Saville combines excellent positioning and off-the-charts compete level to beat shooters. The Anchorage, Alaska, native shows excellent athleticism and can make saves with his reflexes that many his age dream about. Saville is quick on his pads and takes away angles very well. Projected second or third round pick that does not come with the size some teams covet but projects as an NHLer in his competitiveness and athleticism.

Ethan Phillips – 5 feet 9 inches, 146 pounds – Forward (50 games, 16 goals, 27 assists)
Phillips is an undersized forward that plays with speed. The forward from Nova Scotia, Canada, can make plays with the puck and stickhandle with anyone coming out of the USHL in the draft, even without losing speed. Shows an active skill set in the offensive zone, working hard to find teammates and open spots in the defense. Phillips uses his stick well on defense and plays a solid positional game in his own zone. Projected third-round pick that will need time to get stronger as a possible middle six forward.

Marcus Kallionkieli – 6 feet 1 inch, 176 pounds – Forward (58 games, 29 goals, 24 assists)
The Helsinki, Finland, native has an excellent offensive skillset. Kallionkieli works hard to find open spots in the defense and uses his smooth shot to his advantage. He displays good size and his shot should only improve with strength. For as much upside he has on the offensive side of the puck, his defensive skills are all average at best. His commitment in his own zone must increase in order to make an overall impact at the next level. Projected third- or fourth-round pick that can handle the third line for a team looking for someone that outscores his matchups.

Shane Pinto – 6 feet 2 inches, 188 pounds – Forward (56 games, 28 goals, 31 assists)
Pinto flew up draft boards with a solid season in the USHL this past season. The New York native uses his size to his advantage and will only increase with added size and strength. Pinto has good speed and can make plays at high speeds. Creative with the puck, Pinto shows a work ethic that makes him a tough player for opponents in all three zones. Projected third- or fourth-round pick that may have more upside than some of the players ranked ahead of him but needs to put it all together.

For more prospect news and an in-depth look at all the prospects for the NHL Entry Draft, check out Future Considerations here.

The post USHL Draft Notebook: Sizing up the USHL prospects in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft appeared first on The Rink.

But clearly, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman will have options afforded by this high pick. As always, the outcome will depend on which door he chooses. That is what we will discuss here.

The fact is, Bowman not only “lucked out” in getting the third overall pick in the draft lottery last month—he also got a ton of added pressure. It is easier for a GM to slide out from under the responsibility of a missed 18^th overall selection (Mark McNeill) than it is at a pick position where Jonathan Toews was selected.

Another fact: this is a pick, if Bowman handles it properly, that could not only accelerate the Hawks’ rebuild, but could have a positive and significant impact on the franchise for the next decade or more.

So here, dear readers, are all the options (as we see them today):

BEST AVAILABLE ATHLETE

This was a draft strategy coined by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. Gil Brandt and Co., did not just draft the best available defensive tackle because his team couldn’t stop the run the previous year. The Cowboys always thought two or three years out. And there is a strong argument for this philosophy in the NHL.

Sure, more and more, because of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, salary cap, more and more former European pros coming to North America and improvement in NCAA hockey, players now tend appear more often in the NHL the year after they are drafted. Still, overall, most players are a mere 17 years old when drafted and even some of the best typically require development in junior, college and/or the minors before debuting in the NHL. Sometimes, young players rushed to the NHL can be ruined by high expectations, followed by early struggles on bad teams.

All that said, let’s follow the conventional wisdom that Jack Hughes and Kappo Kaako are off the board when the Hawks go on the clock. Who, then, is the best available athlete?

Again, we will not presume to tell you that. We are not NHL scouts. And we put far more credence in those opinions than “YouTubes” and mock drafts put out by people who get their information from…YouTubes and internet-based mock drafts.

What we can say is this: there does not appear to be any position on the Hawks, except perhaps left wing (Alex DeBrincat, Brandon Saad), that you can say with any certainty is “set,” right now, or, more importantly, three to four years from now.

And for the record, our opinion is, the Hawks should be looking for the highest potential impact player at No. 3 this year—regardless of position—with one important caveat (that we will get to later).

The Hawks need elite young prospects all over the ice. Some may disagree and point to a defense pipeline that includes Adam Boqvist, Ian Mitchell and Nicolas Beaudin, all of whom are good-to-very-good prospects. However, until proven otherwise, all of these players are small and have documented defensive deficiencies that raise some valid questions as to where and exactly how they project in the NHL.

Aside from Henri Jokiharju, who is perhaps the most well-rounded defensive prospect (because that is really what he still is), the Hawks do not have a legitimate high-end defense prospect who plays a two-way game. Jokiharju, at this point appears to be a top-four defenseman in the future. But, where in the top four? Probably not an elite, No. 1 defenseman.

There is one defenseman, Bowen Byram of the Vancouver Giants (WHL), who scouts say stands head and shoulders above the rest in this draft class. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he is more Jokiharju-sized than the smaller Boqvist (for example), skates exceptionally, can defend in space, shoots and passes with aplomb, has off the charts hockey sense and a nasty streak to boot.

So if the Hawks braintrust sees Byram as the best available athlete and a future elite player at No. 3, slam dunk. He is the pick.

While Bowman now appears to have stolen Dylan Strome from Arizona last season, and Jonathan Toews had a solid rebound season, Toews is now north of 30, the Hawks are still weak overall on faceoffs and—especially in the playoffs—you can never have enough quality centers.

From 3–8 in this draft, center is well-represented. Take your pick from Alex Turcotte, Dylan Cozens, Kirby Dach, Payton Krebs or Trevor Zegras. We will not try to fake our way through telling you which should be “the guy” at No. 3. Again, that is up to the Hawks, and that would also be assuming that any of the above are better players than say Byram or Vasili Podkolzin.

Easy for us to say.

Seriously though, Podkolzin, the enigmatic Russian right wing has perhaps “fallen” in the eyes of “internet hockey experts,” but it is hard to imagine serious hockey people dismissing his obvious set of talents and disposition: fast, über-competitive, physical, a great shot (you miss Panarin? This guy could potentially solve that) and defensively responsible.

We hesitate to project 17-year-olds, but watching him on tape in the top Russian junior league, it is hard not to see elements of Panarin and another great current NHLer from Russia, Vladimir Tarasenko.

Sure, there are potential transfer issues from Russia. Sure, he did not flash gaudy offensive numbers in a recent international tournament. Important considerations, but relative blips on the bigger radar picture. Let scouts figure it out based on a much greater set of metrics and time spent watching the player, talking to coaches, etc.

The bigger point is this, it appears that the Hawks have four or five (minimally) viable choices at No. 3 from whom to take the best available athlete—assuming they feel that player is clearly better than who they might take at pick 6, 7 or later.

Which leads to what, for some fans, might be a less comfortable scenario.

TRADING DOWN

“What? Why would you do that? You lucked out and got the third overall pick.”

Here is why. Two words: Cam Barker.

2004 was a two-player draft, perhaps not unlike this one. After Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, there was a clear drop off to the next player who most, but not all, thought was Cam Barker of the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL. The Hawks held that pick, took Barker and the rest is history.

I wanted the Hawks to take Andrew Ladd instead, who was picked fourth by Carolina, and ironically, ended up hoisting the Cup with the Hawks in 2010—while Barker did not. But, the point is, sometimes in a two-player draft, your scouting might not see much difference in the quality of the player you would take at No. 3 than the one you could get at No. 7 or 8.

Perhaps, the grade you have on all the players left on the board are good to very good, but not elite future NHLers. But, as so often happens in all major sports’ drafts, another GM may have someone targeted that they want at No. 3—and they want him enough to give up a lot to move up and take him.

Here is a purely hypothetical scenario:

On draft night, Hughes and Kaako go first and second as expected. At No. 3, the Hawks are leaning toward taking Turcotte—a sturdy, skilled all-around center prospect—but they do not necessarily grade him much higher than Cozens or Krebs. And they grade none of those players as future, true elite players (a la McDavid, Crosby, Toews).

Thus, the Hawks know if they trade down a few slots, they will very likely get one of those comparable players.

Enter the Buffalo Sabres, picking seventh. Or, perhaps new Edmonton GM—and noted Russophile—Ken Holland, who might absolutely knock the door down to grab Podkolzin at No. 3. Edmonton picks eighth, where the Hawks would still be positioned to snag a future quality NHL center.

But, of course, Holland would need to further sweeten the pot for Chicago. Perhaps quite a bit.

Again, it depends on how much the other team’s GM wants that player at No. 3—how much would they give up?

Could the Hawks not only get a really good center at 7 or 8 who can be a difference maker for another decade, but also, for example, fill a glaring need on the blueline as well?

We can debate whether the Hawks could pry an Adam Larsson or an Evan Bouchard out of Holland in return for a five-slot swap to get a player he loves.

Likely not. But you never know.

The point is, if GMs come to Bowman with those kinds of offers—unless he is thoroughly convinced his guy at No. 3 is “can’t miss” elite— then he is dumb not to at least listen and evaluate.

WHERE IT COULD ALL GO WRONG

Broken record time: Cam Barker.

Say the Hawks hold the No. 3 pick, even though there is (hypothetically) a drop off from 1–2 to 3–7, and take, say, Turcotte.

Let’s even say Turcotte ends up being a better player than Barker, more along the lines of, say, Matt Duchene (a pretty good pro comparable for Turcotte). Duchene has become a nice player. But in the history of the NHL, is he ever going be mentioned in the same breath with Toews? No.

Or, let’s say, Turcotte, like another high first round, former USNTDP player, Jack Skille, ends up significantly underperforming in the NHL. Would that happen? Probably not.

But, over and over, time has a way of defying our initial expectations. Typically, everyone feels good about the pick the morning after the first round, when it is all sunshine and roses, but often not so much three or four years out.

And that is when the second guessing starts, or someone saying: “they should have traded down.”

In the end, no one knows right now—and no one can predict the future. But, this is why NHL scouts are paid to go to places like Nisku, Alberta, in January to watch hockey players, talk to coaches, etc., and you hope yours are as good as or better than anyone else’s…and that your GM has the judgement and courage to, when presented with good data, do the right thing for the franchise—not just temporarily placate the masses.

Please comment below.

The post ANALYSIS: The blessing (and the curse) of the third overall draft pick appeared first on The Rink.

The Background

An Illinois native from Island Lake, Alex Turcotte has hockey in his blood. The son of Alfie Turcotte, a former first round draft pick by the Montreal Canadiens who played 16 professional seasons around the world, and grandson of Réal Turcotte, who played four seasons with Michigan State in the 1960s, Alex is poised to be the highest-drafted Turcotte in his family line.

2019 NHL Draft prospect Alex Turcotte played with the Chicago Mission in 2016–17. (Photograph courtesy of Paul Kidd)

Turcotte played for the Chicago Mission U16 team during the 2016–17 season, alongside future Wisconsin Badgers teammate Owen Lindmark. He led the Mission in points with 35 through 20 games and moved on to the US National Team Development Program the following season. In two seasons playing for Team USA, Turcotte has skated in 162 games across the U17 and U18 levels, tallying 211 points and earning a U18 World Junior Championships Silver Medal in 2018 and a 2019 Bronze Medal this past weekend.

Turcotte fills future need for Blackhawks at center

First and foremost, the Chicago Blackhawks have a need for a dynamic forward prospect in their system. Players like Dylan Sikura, Evan Barratt and Philipp Kurashev have shown promise at the junior, NCAA and minor levels, but there is a lack of a sure-fire, “next” player who will slot into the Blackhawks’ top six in their system. Riddled with players whose ceiling could be to eventually fill third-line roles, Chicago needs a player who is going to make that jump.

Turcotte looks the part of that “next” player. While his size at 5-foot-11 and hovering in the 195-pound range is not the most imposing, especially when compared to other players that the center position like Kirby Dach (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and Dylan Cozens (6-foot-3, 185pounds), but his skill and work ethic on both ends of the ice are things all NHL teams desire. He possesses a playmaking ability that has been honed with the US National Developmental Team Program alongside players like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras and Matthew Boldy, all players that are projected to be drafted within the top 15 picks this June.

If Turcotte was not hindered with injuries early this season, his numbers and draft projections would probably both be higher going into the NHL Draft. At the U18 World Junior Championships this past week, Turcotte put up nine points in seven games as the United States won the Bronze Medal over Canada; a solid showing, but overshadowed by teammates Hughes and Caufield breaking tournament scoring records. That would be a theme that has followed Turcotte all season with Team USA: Playing behind the near-consensus top overall draft prospect in Jack Hughes. When looking at production this season for Team USA in USHL competition, Turcotte put up the highest points per game of any player with a 2.12 scoring rate.

The Blackhawks showed last season that they are more than capable of putting up big numbers offensively from their major forwards, fronted last season by Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome. But, the depth of the forwards group and their ability to play a two-way game, outside of Toews and Brandon Saad, left the Chicago forwards thin and at times a liability that the defensive group could not make up for. If Chicago were to add Turcotte, he could slot into the 2020–21 roster and play a third-line role down the middle, adding both a scoring and playmaking touch offensively, while also having the ability to be sound in his own end of the ice.

The case against Turcotte

Injury issues and comparative size are the biggest marks against Turcotte in this draft class. The Blackhawks do need a dynamic player down the middle, and the possibility of adding a player like Kirby Dach or Dylan Cozens, guys who are arguably NHL-ready as far as size and skill go, might be hard for Chicago to pass up. Turcotte is committed to the University of Wisconsin next year and is likely to be a one-and-done player for the Badgers. Although it is just one year to wait, the Blackhawks might stray away from taking a player who they will have to wait for, if a player who is NHL-ready is available for next season. The Blackhawks could also address their need for an immediate roster filler on defense by taking top-ranked defenseman Bowen Byram and loading up the future of the blue line, already having Henri Jokiharju ready to go next season and Adam Boqvist, Ian Mitchell and Nicolas Beaudin coming down the pipeline very soon.

Conclusion

With NHL comparisons being made to players like Dylan Larkin, Zach Parise and current Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, Turcotte looks to be the best player in the draft when it comes to playing a complete game. For a Blackhawks franchise that needs a player that they can look to be the future of the forwards group, Turcotte can play that part. If Chicago is looking for a future top-line forward that they can hang heavy minutes on and play in all situations in the near future, Turcotte fits the bill.

The post Chicago Blackhawks draft: The case for Alex Turcotte appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts “Gatekeeper” and “JJ” are joined by staff writers Mario Tirabassi, Eric Andrews, Ray Napientek to talk about the end of the Blackhawks season.

• The Blackhawks moved up from 12th to third in the NHL Draft Lottery!
• What should/could the Blackhawks do in the draft?
• Is it possible they trade up or down?
• How does the change in draft order change summer free agency?
• Airing of grievances.
• We answer some listener and reader questions

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 51 – Season Wrap / Draft Lottery appeared first on The Rink.

The down side of that is that all the meatball theories are being thrown on the table. On the commute in this morning, I heard a respected member of the Blackhawks media suggest that the Blackhawks trade their pick, Brandon Saad, Adam Boqvist and potentially another piece to move up one—just ONE—spot. Let me be the first to tell you, that would be immensely irresponsible and stupid.

Before you fire up your EA Sports NHL 19 video game and start constructing irrational trade scenarios, let me be the one to tell you to stop.

Just stop it!

I am as happy as all of you are and, potentially, even more happy. Last night was Christmas in April for me. Despite their faux playoff run, Blackhawks fell “bass-ackwards” into a top-three draft position. All the pieces have fallen into place. We all have to remind ourselves of some very important things, though. Tinkering too much with a brand-new, shiny toy could result in breaking it before you even get to use it. The Blackhawks, more specifically Stan Bowman, need to use this pick wisely.

I believe they will use it wisely. Bowman’s actions since Joel Quenneville was fired tell me he is on the road to improving this team for next season. My honest opinion is that Bowman has done some of his best work as a Blackhawks General Manager these last six months.

He cut bait on mistakes he made last summer instead of his normal regiment of doubling down and found a useful player in Drake Caggiula. He admitted Nick Schmaltz was not the player they had hoped he was and brought in two talented (and bigger) former first round picks in Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini. Instead of blindly buying into the playoff hype, he stood his ground and did not overpay for a low-percentage trade deadline acquisition. I have been far from a Bowman fan, but I am completely on board with these moves, or lack thereof in some cases.

Here comes the part where I make all the fans with wild imaginations and their crazy nonsense scenarios angry. These are just a few I have seen or read:

Point: The Blackhawks should trade down and select another defenseman. (?)
Counterpoint: NO! They are playing with house money, and they do not need another defenseman after spending the last two drafts stockpiling defensemen. That is silly. They needed depth scoring and a shutdown defenseman. This draft can bring the Blackhawks depth scoring, but no defenseman in this draft can step in before Toews and Kane are gone and be a shutdown defender. That kind of move will probably need to be done through a trade or free agency.

Point: The Blackhawks should trade up to take Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko.
Counterpoint: NO! Unless you can get a team to willing take your spare parts and garbage (which they will not), there is no package the Blackhawks can put together that does not set the roster back going into next season. Furthermore, the talent gap between Hughes/Kakko and third overall is not so wide that it would be worth overpaying to move up. Big market teams like the Rangers and Devils are not letting go of top-two picks for anything less than a blockbuster, franchise-changing deal.

Of the two scenarios, moving down the draft would hold the higher potential, but is unlikely. Bowman could acquire a useful player (or two) and still draft a high-end offensive player.

This brings me to my prediction. I think the Blackhawks stay at third overall and take a player like Dylan Cozens or Kirby Dach, unless something crazy happens like Hughes or Kaako dropping, ala Seth Jones.

This is a great opportunity for the Blackhawks organization. Just look at this list of recent players drafted third overall:

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Miro Heiskanen
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Dylan Strome
Leon Draisaitl
Jonathan Drouin
Alex Galchenyuk
Jonathan Huberdeau

These are all potential high-end, difference-making players. Rejoice, Chicago, safe does not always mean bad. Take it in and celebrate.

Give us your thoughts below!

A mood.#NHLDraft #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/fRO2HdbcMY

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 10, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The post REACTION: What might the Blackhawks do with the third overall pick? appeared first on The Rink.

The Colorado Avalanche, via the Ottawa Senators, came into the event with the best chance to take the first overall prize of U.S. National Development Program center Jack Hughes or big Finnish wing Kaapo Kakko thanks to last season’s trade of Matt Duchene. Duchene has been since traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both Columbus and Colorado qualified for the playoffs, while Ottawa decided to keep last year’s first round pick and took big power forward Brady Tkachuk, who had himself a solid 45-point (22 goals, 23 assists) rookie season.

Once the ping-pong balls dropped and the final lineup was announced, the Blackhawks moved all the way up to third overall. This will prove to be a very important draft year for the future of this team. The New Jersey Devils will pick first overall and the New York Rangers will pick second overall.

pic.twitter.com/0xiRKWOVu6

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 10, 2019

Last season, the Blackhawks came into the 2018 NHL Draft Lottery as the seventh overall pick and left the building with the eighth overall selection. The story played out very well and they were able to select Swedish phenom Adam Boqvist with their pick.

When you already know that the NHL rigged the draft lottery for you #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/dKYp8Liyrm

— Aaron Goldschmidt (@lateinthegoldie) April 10, 2019

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks to pick third overall in the NHL Entry Draft appeared first on The Rink.

The Slate Hill, New York, native currently leads the USHL in scoring (76 points), assists (49) and is tied for ninth in goals (27). Abruzzese is also scoring at a 26.2 percent clip on all his shots, a number that is quite impressive at any level of hockey. The first-line center has also been tasked with shutting down the opponent’s top-line players.

At 5’9” and 160 lbs., pro scouts need to watch Abruzzese closely in order to truly enjoy his full body of work this season. The NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings ranked Abruzzese the 200^th best prospect amongst North American skaters, a ranking that may seem low when it is all said and done for Abruzzese.

“Too often in the scouting community we put too much emphasis on evaluating with the tape measure and birth certificate,” Chicago Steel General Manager Ryan Hardy stated. “By any metric, Nick Abruzzese is an elite player with the hockey sense and playmaking capabilities that translate to the upper echelon of the players in the NHL.”

Abruzzese’s accomplishments on the ice have not gone unnoticed by the USHL. The left-handed shooting center has twice been the recipient of USHL Forward of the Week, once last season and once this season. An impressive feat, knowing the amount of high-end talent throughout the top junior league in the country.

The accomplishments do not stop on the ice, as Abruzzese is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Harvard, an Ivy League school that participates in the ECAC for hockey, who recently lost to Massachusetts in the NCAA Northeast Regional play. Harvard, coached by Ted Donato, has qualified for the NCAA Tournament three of the last four seasons, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2016–17 season, when the Crimson finished with a 28–6–2 record.

“His mindset and approach to his development are also exceptional,” Hardy said. “The team with the courage to draft him will get potentially the steal of the draft.”

As the Chicago Steel look to make a deep run in the Clark Cup playoffs, the former New Jersey Avalanche product, the same organization that helped develop Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce, will look to lead the way with his scoring, playmaking ability and leadership that has helped the Steel fight to hold onto the second place spot in the Eastern Conference, which would earn the team a first round bye in the playoffs.

The post USHL scoring leader Abruzzese braces for Clark Cup Playoffs, NHL Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Finally is the Blackhawks’ seventh round choice, left wing Josiah Slavin.

Josiah Slavin
2017–18 Team: Lincoln (USHL)
Date of Birth: December 31, 1998
Place of Birth: Erie, Colorado
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 189 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: Not Ranked
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: Not Ranked

NHL Comparable: Josh Archibald

Overlooked last year in his first year of draft eligibility, Slavin had a bounce back season this year with the Lincoln Stars in the United States Hockey League.

Slavin began his career in the USHL playing for the Tri-City Storm in 2016–17. In a limited role, Slavin posted six goals and seven assists in 49 games. Slavin started this season well, recording a goal and an assist over the first three games of the season. On Oct. 4, Slavin was traded to Lincoln, where he was given a larger role. He made the most of the opportunity, tallying 23 goals and 19 assists in 60 games for the Stars to become Lincoln’s second-highest point producer.

While not an elite talent, Slavin pairs good skill with a high work ethic to be effective. Perhaps his best offensive weapon is his wrist shot, which he gets off quickly with good power and accuracy. Slavin’s 23 goals led Lincoln this season. Slavin enjoys using his big frame to get to the front of the net, and with good hands, Slavin can put away rebound opportunities effectively.

Slavin is a tireless skater who shows a lot of effort on the ice. He has decent speed and can get up and down the ice well. Though not high-end, Slavin’s skating is workable and should be able to get to a pro level.

Unquestionably, though, is Slavin’s best trait: his character. He is very much a team-first player. Slavin has a very good attitude and works as hard as anybody. This selflessness and work ethic make Slavin a natural leader. On Wednesday, June 20, the Stars announced Slavin would be the team’s captain next season. Slavin and his older brother, Jaccob, who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes, regularly express their devout Christian faith and point to it as their strength and source of success as hockey players and as people.

Both Slavins are products of the Colorado Thunderbirds, a youth program in Colorado that has churned out many quality players over the years, including Seth Jones, Brandon Carlo, Troy Terry and Nick Shore.

Implications for the Blackhawks
It is hard to go wrong with taking a player in the last round with some skill, good work ethic and leadership abilities. If Slavin pans out and can become an NHL player, great. If not, he can at least serve as a good influence to other prospects in the system.

Timeline
Slavin will return to Lincoln for one more season. He will then attend Colorado College, where he will likely spend at least three years. After college, he would likely need a year or two in the minors to prepare for the NHL. If Slavin makes it to the game’s highest level, it likely would not be until at least 2023–24.

Projection
If Slavin follows in his brother’s footsteps of making it to the NHL, it would likely not be anything more than a fourth line role. But, with the good head on his shoulders and work ethic, he could become a reliable depth player coaches love.

What others are saying
“Josiah is an impressive young man with all of the necessary qualities to be a great leader. He has been an incredible ambassador of the Stars organization during his time in Lincoln. We look forward to working with him, along with the rest of our leadership group, to continue to drive the culture of the Lincoln Stars.”
— Cody Chupp/Lincoln Stars Head Coach

“We like the project there. We think where he is on the curve, he’s gonna play another year and then go to Colorado College. We just like the whole project.”
— Mark Kelley/Chicago Blackhawks VP of Amateur Scouting

The post Draft Pick Profile: Josiah Slavin appeared first on The Rink.

Next is the Blackhawks’ sixth round choice, goaltender Alexis Gravel.

Alexis Gravel
2017–18 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: March 21, 2000
Place of Birth: Berlin, Germany
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 222 lbs
Catches: Full-Right
Position: G

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 3 (North American Goaltenders)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 1 (North American Goaltenders)

NHL Comparable: Devan Dubnyk

Gravel is a big, right-handed goaltender who has spent the last two seasons playing for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Gravel has been highly touted at points over the last couple of years and has at times looked fantastic. However, he has struggled with consistency and with his development, which led to some questions about his potential and therefore his draft stock.

The first thing that stands out about Gravel is his huge frame. At 18 years old, he is already 6’3” and weighs 222 pounds. This size helps him cover a lot of the net, a big plus for goaltenders. It seems that, more and more, successful upcoming goaltenders have larger frames like Gravel’s, so this is certainly a trait in his favor.

Gravel has good quickness, especially given his size. He is an athletic goaltender who has good reactions. Gravel is a good skater and can challenge shooters well, with the ability to move back in his net and a shooter gets closer to shut down deke opportunities. Gravel is a butterfly goalie and his quickness allows him to speedily get into his butterfly position.

Given his size, Gravel has pretty good strength, especially in his legs. His powerful legs allow him to react to bang-bang plays. Gravel is a battler and holds his own in net-front scrambles and goal line stands. He fights hard to track pucks through traffic and never quits on a play gone wrong. Gravel is highly competitive, which helps him make saves when things get hectic.

Gravel’s glove is one of his biggest strengths, as he can quickly flash it to make a big save. He is good at keeping it up in a ready position. Gravel is able to control rebounds better than most at his level, which will help him in his development.

Positioning is another strength for Gravel. He is very good at staying square to shooters, which, in addition to his size, helps him cut down angles. Gravel’s quickness helps him recover and stay square to shooters on rebound opportunities as well.

However, there are some issues Gravel will need to fix before he is ready to play at the NHL level. His lateral mobility leaves a lot to be desired. As a result, he can get beaten if the puck is moving across the ice quickly or if there is a quick, cross-crease pass. He does not handle the puck particularly well, and as such, often chooses to stay in his goal instead of playing the puck. Gravel can also work on his mental strength, as he has the tendency to ruminate on bad goals and let them affect his play. There is also some concern about his stick positioning, as he can sometimes leave his five hole exposed.

Gravel is a second-generation goaltender, as his father, Francois, played professionally for over a decade and represented France at the 1998 Olympics. The elder Gravel was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1987 but never made it to the NHL.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Gravel was a nice pick up for the Hawks, especially in the sixth round. With as many goalies picked early on day two, it was a little surprising to see Gravel fall to the sixth round, given he was ranked as the third-best North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. As such, the Blackhawks may have lucked out. Gravel will need a long time to reach his potential, similar to Corey Crawford, who was drafted in 2003 but did not play regularly with Chicago until 2010–11. The Hawks have not drafted a goalie recently with nice upside, so taking Gravel could be a nice addition to the organization once he develops.

Timeline
Gravel is categorized as a project because of the aspects of his game he needs to work on. While having decent potential, he will take longer than other goalies to reach it. Gravel will return to Halifax this season and will likely spend another year or two there before turning pro, where he would likely spend a few years in the minors before being a legitimate option at the NHL level. Gravel likely will not be ready for regular NHL action until at least 2022–23 or 2023–24.

Projection
Gravel has the size and quickness needed to be a good goaltender at the NHL level. Whether he could become a reliable starter remains to be seen, but with proper development, Gravel should be a decent NHL backup at the least.

What others are saying
“At 6’3” and 220 pounds, Gravel already has the frame needed to be a pro goaltender. Gravel is a strong skater. He can get out of his crease to cut down angles, making full use of his frame and giving shooters little to look at. Gravel can back up quickly, taking away the ability to deke him. He also tracks pucks well but could stand to work on his lateral push. Gravel sometimes looks awkward when moving side-to-side. He also needs to adjust his stick position and close off the five hole. These adjustments would really help his game. He gets into and out of the butterfly quickly. Gravel has strong, quick legs that take away the bottom of the net. His glove hand is also particularly strong.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Alexis is a guy we think has a lot of potential. And with goalies you have to be patient with them, they take a little bit longer (to develop). But he’s got a lot of ability, he’s got the size to be an NHL goalie, and I think that’s part of it. We’re happy that he was there and we were able to get him.”
— Stan Bowman/Chicago Blackhawks General Manager

Gravel’s draft-day interview can be viewed below:
https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/alexis-gravel-on-being-drafted/t-298273022/c-60673103

The post Draft Pick Profile: Alexis Gravel appeared first on The Rink.

Next is the Blackhawks’ fifth round choice, center Mikael Hakkarainen.

Mikael Hakkarainen
2017–18 Team: Muskegon (USHL)
Date of Birth: January 26, 1998
Place of Birth: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 193 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 179
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: Not ranked

NHL Comparable: Frans Nielsen

Mikkael Hakkarainen is an overage center who spent this season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League. As a 20 year old, Hakkarainen used his skill set to control play in many areas of the game.

Hakkarainen is a good skater with nice speed and acceleration. He has good hustle and likes being around the puck. His agility allows him to weave across the ice with the puck and make quick directional changes. Hakkarainen displays his effort through his skating. He seems to always be moving, even through checking and pressure along the boards.

Hakkarainen possesses a good shot marked by its accuracy and quick release. His wrist shot and snapshot are definitely his best shots, and he could probably stand to use them more often.

Hakkarainen is a gifted playmaker with good vision and hands. He is able to make nice passes without forcing it. Hakkarainen is a creative and unselfish player.

Hakkarainen is reliable in all three zones, as he has good hockey smarts and awareness. He is able to shut down the opposition in his own end and can transition the play to offense well with his good passing skills. Hakkarainen is also excellent at taking face offs.

Despite having some concussion issues at the beginning of the season, Hakkarainen returned mid-season and lit it up offensively for Muskegon, registering 46 points in 36 games this season. By the end of the season, Hakkarainen had established himself as a dominant force in the USHL.

Overall, Hakkarainen was a late-bloomer and is still a bit of a project, but he has some tools needed to be a reliable NHL player, albeit with limited long-term upside.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Hakkarainen adds some depth to the Blackhawks’ lacking center prospect pool. While he has been a successful player at the USHL level, the offensive production would likely not translate to the NHL. However, thanks to Hakkarainen’s sound all-around game, he could develop into a reliable bottom-six player for the Hawks in the future. His ability at the dot is also something the Blackhawks are lacking.

Timeline
Hakkarainen is committed to attend Providence College in the fall, where he will likely spend at least two or three years before turning pro, where he would then likely spend a year or two developing in Rockford. If Hakkarainen makes the jump to the NHL, it likely would not be until at least 2021–22 or 2022–23.

Projection
If he makes it to the NHL, Hakkarainen would slot in as a bottom-six skater. He has proven to be good defensively and has enough playmaking ability to contribute some offensively. Despite posting good offensive numbers this season in the USHL, Hakkarainen will likely not be relied upon as a scorer at the NHL level, but could be a player capable of being a low-end two-way center.

What others are saying
“Hakkarainen was extremely solid in this game. He was a constant threat playing really quick and effective passing game creating many scoring opportunities and having some himself. He read the play extremely well being in the right place at the right time. The forward is a good stick-handler but he doesn’t make unnecessary dangles. His speed, agility and acceleration were impressive for this level of play. Even though he didn’t show much grit, he seemed physically more mature than most of the other players. He took care of his defensive responsibilities well too.”
— Asko Huuki/Finn Prospects

“I think what attracted us to him was, when you went and saw him play, he got on the scoresheet but even if he wasn’t on the scoresheet you noticed him play. He played hard. 200-foot.”
— Mark Kelley/Chicago Blackhawks VP of Amateur Scouting

The post Draft Pick Profile: Mikael Hakkarainen appeared first on The Rink.

Next is the Blackhawks’ fourth round choice, center Philipp Kurashev.

Philipp Kurashev
2017–18 Team: Quebec (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: October 12, 1999
Place of Birth: Munsingen, Switzerland
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 61
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 68

NHL Comparable: Evgeny Kuznetsov

Philipp Kurashev is a skilled Swiss-born center playing for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Kurashev possesses high-end offensive skills, which he displayed this season, tallying 60 points in 59 games.

One of Kurashev’s biggest strengths is his skating ability. He has very good speed, which he can get to quickly with excellent acceleration. Kurashev uses his edges very well, having the ability to cut quickly to the middle of the ice for scoring chances. Kurashev knows how to use his powerful skating well, as he often skates through checks to create offense. He has strong legs, making him very tough to knock off the puck.

Kurashev has a nice shot featuring a very good release. He can really get the puck on net in a hurry. Kurashev’s shot has good accuracy and decent power as well. He is comfortable shooting the puck in all situations and is not afraid to use any of his shots. Kurashev is good at getting pucks through to the net in traffic, which can often create rebound opportunities for teammates.

Another of Kurashev’s strengths is his vision and passing ability. Kurashev seems to always know where his teammates are and can find them and get the puck to them in a heartbeat. He is able to make difficult passes look easy. Kurashev enjoys combining his skating and playmaking abilities. He regularly uses his feet to create space and draw defenders to him before making a tape-to-tape pass or a nice area pass for a teammate to skate into. Kurashev’s playmaking ability also helps him be highly effective on the power play as a distributor. Kurashev is also really good in the cycle because of his ability to make plays while moving his feet.

Kurashev is a bit of a hit-or-miss player in the defensive end. He uses his skating well to cover ice and support his defensemen. He is comfortable in board battles and clearing the front of the net, and his decently sized body helps him do so effectively. His skating and play making help him transition play from defense to offense quickly. However, his positioning and awareness can be an issue. He can sometimes be too focused on the puck and lose track of his man or his positioning. But, with proper coaching, this should be able to be rectified.

The biggest knock on Kurashev is his lack of consistency. Kurashev is a game-changing player in some games but is non-existent in others. He has loads of offensive talent, but often does not use it enough to be a constant threat.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Kurashev is another high-risk, high-reward prospect for the Hawks. If he can figure out his consistency issues and improve in the defensive end, he could be a nice NHL center option, likely in a middle-six role, though his game fits a top-six role better. While not overly large, Kurashev should still fill out his body enough to have adequate size to play his style, a style the Blackhawks do not really have right now. If he pans out, he could be a steal and give the Hawks added depth.

Timeline
Kurashev will likely still need at least a couple of years before turning pro to really figure out his game. He would likely benefit from a year in Rockford as well. If he ever gets to the NHL, it would likely not be until at least 2021–22.

Projection
Kurashev has the raw talent to be a dynamic forward, similar to someone like Evgeny Kuznetsov. But, with his consistency issues, it is possible, if not likely, he would not reach that high of a level. If Kurashev can pull it together, he could be a serviceable middle-six center in the NHL with some nice offensive upside. He could prove to be one of the steals of the draft if he is able to round out his game and translate it consistently at the NHL level.

What others are saying
“Kurashev is a dynamic skater. He is lightning quick, with a great first step, top-notch acceleration, and incredible top speed. He can blow by the defence, creating breakaways and odd-man rushes in transition. Kurashev can also take a defender wide and cut to the net. He is agile, with the ability to make quick cuts and weave in and out of traffic. Kurashev has a powerful stride and good balance. He is tough to knock off the puck and can make plays off the cycle as well. … Kurashev has good vision and can play the role of playmaker. He uses his quickness and ability to make quick cuts to open up passing lanes and find teammates. He can control the puck on the half boards on the powerplay and look to set up a scoring chance. Kurashev has the poise and patience to extend plays an wait for a teammate to get open.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Kurashev is a good all-around player who wants to get involved in the play any way he can…strong playmaking abilities with excellent creativity and vision…quickly finds open lanes to get through and when he has multiple options, he typically always tries to connect with a teammate rather than fire a shot on net himself…needs to shoot more as he has a dangerous release…his explosive first steps allowed him to reach his top speed quickly…gives his opposition fits as he is dangerous on zone entries with his quickness and creative puck skills…electrifying hands make him dangerous to score anywhere around the opponents net…at times can force pucks and create turnovers by trying to be too careless with his passes…defensively, he can play a crucial role…follows his player tightly, and is engaged into puck battles deep in the zone…also provides an outlet for his defenseman to hit on the breakout…has to improve on his face-offs quite a bit if he wants to become an NHL center, but he does display top-six potential at the NHL level.”
— Aaron Vickers/Future Considerations

The post Draft Pick Profile: Philipp Kurashev appeared first on The Rink.

The post Blackhawks Prospect Adam Boqvist Highlights (VIDEO) appeared first on The Rink.

Next is the Blackhawks’ second third round choice, right wing Niklas Nordgren.

Niklas Nordgren
2017–18 Team: HIFK Jr. (Finland)
Date of Birth: May 4, 2000
Place of Birth: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 169 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 21 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 19 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Alex DeBrincat

Niklas Nordgren is a high-end offensive right wing from Finland playing for the HIFK Junior team. Nordgren dominated at the junior level and impressed in limited Champions Hockey League action with the main HIFK squad, marking four goals and two assists in two games. Nordgren was also excellent for Finland in the U-18 World Junior Championship, tallying eight goals and two assists in 10 tournament games en route to a gold medal.

Nordgren boasts a top-notch shot with a fantastic release. He has the ability to change the appearance of his release, which throws off goaltenders. While his wrist shot is definitely his main weapon, his snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and backhand are all good as well. He is a threat to score with all of them.

While having a high-end shot, Nordgren is a good playmaker as well. He has good hands and vision, which allow him to be a very good passer. Nordgren is able to locate his teammates and get the puck to them. He has surgeon-like ability to thread slick passes through tight gaps. Nordgren’s patience with the puck allows him to create space as plays develop, which he can either turn into a scoring chance for himself or distribute the puck to his teammates.

Nordgren is a very reliable player defensively. He regularly kills penalties because of his hockey sense and ability to break up passing lanes with his stick. He supports his defenders well and does not mind coming deep into his zone to do so. He takes pride in playing sound defense and clearly works hard defensively, as he is a good backchecker.

The big knock on Nordgren is his skating. He does not have top-end speed and lacks good acceleration. Improving his skating is paramount for him to become an NHL player.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Nordgren seems to be a high-risk, high-reward type of player. He has loads of offensive skill, enough to potentially contribute in the Hawks’ top six. But, if he cannot drastically improve his skating, he will not get to that level. He has a similar high-end offensive game as Alex DeBrincat, but does not skate as well as DeBrincat. Nordgren could prove to be a fantastic pickup for the Blackhawks if he can get his skating up to par.

Timeline
Nordgren will definitely need at least a couple of years before having a shot at coming to the NHL. He needs to add muscle, as he has a very small frame at just 5’9” and 169 pounds. But again, the skating ability is the big issue. Playing in the top Finnish league should help get him to a workable level.

Projection
Nordgren oozes the offensive ability needed to be a top-six winger in the NHL, but his skating very well could keep him from getting there. He is very much a boom-or-bust type of pick, as he will either pay big dividends or will not contribute at the NHL level at all. Time will tell.

What others are saying
“Nordgren has a ton of offensive skill. He has an excellent wrist shot, with a very quick release. It is both powerful and accurate. He can fool goaltenders by varying that release. Nordgren also has a good snapshot and strong one-timer. He can even score with his backhand. Nordgren has good hockey sense. He finds soft spots in the defence, getting himself open for scoring opportunities. Despite his size, Nordgren is willing to go to the net. When he gets there, he is able to get deflections and can score on rebounds.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Niklas Nordgren had a great start to his professional career when he scored three goals on his professional debut in a Champions Hockey League game. He hasn’t had the same kind of success in Liiga but his offensive production in the Finnish junior league has been amazing. Nordgren is a very talented offensive winger who works hard and understands his defensive responsibilities so that he’s not a liability defensively. He seems to be more of a playmaker than a goal-scorer but also has an excellent wrist shot.”
— Jokke Nevalainen/Dobber Prospects

The post Draft Pick Profile: Niklas Nordgren appeared first on The Rink.

First up is the Blackhawks’ first third round choice, center Jake Wise.

Jake Wise
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: February 28, 2000
Place of Birth: Naples, FL
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 38
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: Not Ranked

NHL Comparable: Travis Konecny

Once considered to be a potential top-10 draft pick, Jake Wise’s draft stock entered free fall after an average 2016–17 season and an injury to start this season. However, with a lights-out second half of the season, Wise re-established himself as a worthy prospect.

By the time June rolled around, some analysts believed Wise could sneak into the first round because of his strong late-season performance. Slotting in as the second line center on an absolutely loaded USNTDP U-18 team, Wise was able to slide under the radar a bit to find his game again. Wise managed to tally 43 points in 38 games this season.

Wise is a good skater. He has good speed and acceleration. One of his biggest skating strengths is his ability to change speed quickly and effectively thanks to his quick feet and high-end edgework. This ability allows him to excel in one-on-one situations, as he keeps defensemen guessing on what he will do. He can open up passing and shooting lanes with his feet for himself and his teammates, another valuable trait.

Wise possesses high-end hands. His stickhandling ability is excellent and he is very comfortable with the puck on his stick. Wise is capable of combining his hands and skating to beat defenders on the rush, but does not mind being patient to set up developing plays.

Wise has good vision, allowing him to be an effective passer. He reads plays well and recognizes the best places to get the puck to his teammates. Wise is able to make pinpoint passes, but does not force high-risk passes. His hockey sense and smarts are high-end, which helps him make the best decisions with the puck.

While not an elite shooter, his shot features a quick release and good accuracy, though not overly powerful. However, Wise is generally a pass-first type of player, as is evidenced by the 32 assists he registered this season. With his high-end release, he could stand to shoot the puck more, which would make him a more dangerous threat offensively.

Wise is responsible defensively and exudes good effort in his own end. He takes pride in his backchecking and does well supporting his defensemen. His smarts allow him to effectively recognize threats and adjust accordingly. He needs to add strength to help clearing the front of the net.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Many expected the Hawks to take a forward with at least one of their first round picks, so being able to grab a center some thought had first round potential with their first third round selection was a great get for the team. He should give the Blackhawks some added reliable depth at the center position, though not for a few more years.

Timeline
Wise is headed to Boston University next season, where he will likely spend at least a couple of years. The earliest Wise could conceivably take the United Center ice would likely be 2020–21.

Projection
Wise has the ability to become a middle-six centerman. While he likely doesn’t have a ton of high-end offensive upside, he should become a serviceable two-way player who is good in his own end and can contribute offensively.

What others are saying
“Top-end playmaker with superior vision and hockey sense who is the power play architect for Team USA’s under-18 team. Wise has excellent hand-eye coordination and razor sharp awareness, and he’ll rarely make a mistake when opponents giftwrap a scoring chance. He also possesses a highly-accurate shot that seems to give goalies a hard time.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Wise is an incredibly intelligent player with the ability to read and react to the play developing around him. He was an offensive catalyst for Team USA, providing them with a combination of goal scoring and playmaking ability. He works extremely hard with or without the puck, and is always looking to generate a scoring chance. Wise does a lot of the little things right.”
— Future Considerations

The post Draft Pick Profile: Jake Wise appeared first on The Rink.

3rd round
69th pick: Jake Wise, C, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)
Some felt Wise had the potential to sneak into the first round. The fact the Blackhawks were able to grab him in the third round is great value.
74th pick: Niklas Nordgren, RW, HIFK Jr. (Finland)
The Hawks clearly like Nordgren, as they traded up to take the talented winger. He dominated this year in the Finnish junior league and played well on the international stage as well.

4th round
120th pick: Philipp Kurashev, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
Kurashev, a Swiss-born player, was a point-per-game player for the Remparts this season. He has excellent skating and good skill. Many view him as a high-risk, high-reward prospect.

5th round
139th pick: Mikael Hakkarainen, C, Muskegon (USHL)
Hakkarainen is a Finnish center who has spent the last couple of seasons playing in the United States in the USHL. He spent part of the 2016–17 season playing for the Chicago Steel.

6th round
162nd pick: Alexis Gravel, G, Halifax (QMJHL)
Gravel entered the season regarded as one of the best goaltender prospects in this year’s draft class. He has a sound technical foundation and could prove to be a valuable pick.

7th round
193rd pick: Josiah Slavin, LW, Lincoln (USHL)
The younger brother of Carolina Hurricanes rising star defenseman Jaccob Slavin, Josiah was passed over in last year’s draft. Slavin posted 42 points this season for the Lincoln Stars, a big uptick from his 14 points in 2016–17. Slavin has high character; the Stars recently named Slavin as their captain for next season.

Takeaways
The Blackhawks clearly established a trend with this draft: small, skilled players who can skate. With Slavin being the only skater above six feet tall, the Blackhawks did not appear to care about size. Additionally, the team appeared to have been willing to swing for the fences, as players like Boqvist and Kurashev are noted as being boom-or-bust prospects.

Though not yet formally announced, it is expected all of the Blackhawks’ draftees will be in attendance at the team’s upcoming prospect camp, likely to be held in mid-July.

The Rink’s full draft pick profiles on today’s picks will be available throughout the upcoming week.

The post Blackhawks NHL Draft Day 2 Recap appeared first on The Rink.

Though not necessarily being viewed as a consensus first round pick by most, the Blackhawks were very high on Beaudin and were excited to be able to add him to the organization because of his high-end playmaking style.

Beaudin is the type of defenseman the Blackhawks crave. He is a very smart player with outstanding vision and offensive ability, specifically the ability to get the puck to his forwards. Beaudin is also capable of quarterbacking his team’s power play, something he did well with Drummondville this season.

While having decent mobility, skating is certainly an area Beaudin will need to improve to get to the NHL. He has decent speed and agility, but does not have the best acceleration. He can also improve his footspeed in regard to backwards skating, as he can be beat on the outside. However, Beaudin does possess a pretty solid foundation, which helps him stay balanced when clearing the front of the net and battling along the boards for pucks.

Beaudin possesses a pretty good shot. His slap shot is not overly powerful, but he does a good job getting it through traffic to create scoring chances. His wrist shot is probably his best shot, with good power and accuracy and a quick release.

However, the crown jewel of Beaudin’s game is definitely his vision and passing ability. He has a knack for finding teammates and making good decisions with the puck. Beaudin’s good hands allow him to complete difficult passes. Beaudin is very comfortable with the puck on his stick and enjoys bringing attention to himself so he can find an open teammate. Beaudin can also push the pace with long stretch passes. His high-end playmaking ability is evidenced by the 57 assists he registered in 68 games in the regular season and eight more assists in 10 playoff games.

Beaudin’s defensive game is still a work in progress, though he showed signs of growth this season. His awareness and hockey sense really helps him out and helps make up for his deficiencies, such as his relatively small frame, being just 5’11” and 175 pounds.

Beaudin will definitely need at least a couple more years of development before being able to crack the Blackhawks lineup, but in time he should prove to be a nice piece on the Hawks’ blueline.

Implications for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are set up nicely for the future on the right side of their defense with 2018 #8 overall selection Adam Boqvist and 2017 draftees Henri Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell. Being left-handed, Beaudin gives the Blackhawks a nice piece to develop. He has the potential to be a power play quarterback and slot in as a second-pairing defenseman down the road.

What others are saying
“Beaudin is a very good stick handler and passer. He plays the role of power play quarterback, setting up teammates, and being creative at the blue line. He is very smart and anticipates the play, spotting open teammates and hitting them with tape-to-tape passes through tight openings. Beaudin is also very good on the rush. He protects the puck well and can skate the puck out of tight situations. He also is willing to rush the puck up the ice. Beaudin’s vision helps him to make a strong first pass, and to start the transition game for the Voltigeurs.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“He’s got great vision. (His) hockey sense (is) off the chart. (He) reads the play really well. He’s ahead of the play, he sees it coming. He’s becoming a complete defenseman also. His defending is really getting better and better. He takes pride in it. He can be playing against the best players on the other side and also bringing a lot of offense. (He is) a solid player and a transition guy that can move well with great vision.”
— Dom Ducharme/Drummondville Voltigeurs Head Coach

The post Blackhawks select Nicolas Beaudin appeared first on The Rink.

The Blackhawks were thrilled to get Boqvist, as they likely were very surprised he was still available. The Hawks were expected to select right wing Oliver Wahlstrom, but with Boqvist available, Chicago likely could not pass up the chance to grab the high-end defenseman.

An elite offensive defenseman, Boqvist prides himself on his top-notch skating ability. Boqvist has the ability to break games open with his feet and is an effortless skater. He is very slippery and difficult for defenders to contain.

Boqvist is an excellent passer with great vision. He is a top-notch playmaker and can make high-difficulty passes look easy. Boqvist also possesses a good shot, with great accuracy and a high-end release. Boqvist has an uncanny ability to create shooting lanes for himself with his feet.

Though still a few years away from being ready for the NHL, Boqvist has the potential to be a franchise defenseman, an exciting thought for the future of the Blackhawks’ blueline. Hawks fans should get their first look at Boqvist during the upcoming Blackhawks Prospect Camp, expected to be help in mid-July.

Looking back to our draft prospect profile on Boqvist, he should be a good fit for the Hawks:

Implications for the Blackhawks
With as much elite offensive potential as Boqvist has, he very well may be off the board by the time the Hawks are picking at eighth. But, if he is still available, he could be an excellent choice to be a blueline building block for the future. A one-two punch of Boqvist and Jokiharju on the right side of the defense would be simply amazing. The Blackhawks really do not have a top-pairing right-handed defenseman right now, so they could do worse than drafting Boqvist to develop into that spot, especially considering the rapid decline of Brent Seabrook.

What others are saying
“A dynamic offensive defenceman that can carry plays with the puck on his stick. A highly mobile and nimble skater that moves with fluidity, balance, and confidence. Utilizes an active stick and creates turnovers frequently. Could be more proactive in his own end, but has shown progression in understanding lanes and reading unfolding plays; most of his best defensive work comes through the neutral zone, as there is a lot less time and space to work with, and it is in those moments that Boqvist shines. Offensively, Boqvist is electric; he has the toolbox of a top line forward. Slick puckhandling ability paired with excellent vision and positional awareness makes him a dangerous threat every time he is on the ice. He also takes advantage of the attention and bodies he draws towards himself in creating space for teammates. All-in-all, Adam Boqvist is a complete offensive defenceman that knows how to get the puck from point A to the back of the net, and can make it happen all by himself.”
— Curtis Joe/Elite Prospects

“Boqvist is as good a playmaker as he is a shooter. He is equally dangerous in both offensive aspects. He can score from anywhere on the ice. If he doesn’t have the shooting lane, he can complete almost any pass. It’s usually the right pass and on the tape. He does all of this at a high rate of speed as he is a dynamic skater. Need an example of how offensively gifted he is? When his team needed a shootout goal, he was called upon to deliver and usually did. Of course the question with an offensive defenseman is how good is his two-way game? In Boqvist’s case, it’s decent. There’s certainly work to be done especially in his own end, but it’s improved. He’s actually really effective breaking up plays in the neutral zone. He uses his speed and stick handling to do this. Where he needs to improve is his size and strength in order to become more effective in his own zone. He thrives in open space, but needs to solidify his play in tight spaces.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

The post Blackhawks select Adam Boqvist appeared first on The Rink.

This year’s draft is intriguing for a number of reasons. This draft class is notorious for having a boatload of high-end defensemen available, as well as a handful of top-end wingers. Looking at the last five drafts, nine defensemen were selected in each of the first rounds of the 2013, 2016 and 2017 drafts, while only eight were selected in the first round in 2015 and just five in the first round in 2014. However, in a draft class with as much blue line quality as this year’s, the first round tonight could see as many as 13 defensemen selected if our top 31 players are all selected or if tonight’s events mimic the mock draft below. The last time at least 10 defensemen were selected in the first round of a draft was 2012, when 13 were chosen, including a remarkable eight of the first 10 players selected.

Additionally, there is seemingly no guarantee about what will unfold after the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes pick first and second, respectively. Montreal holds the third pick, and being in the market for a first line center, the Canadiens could opt to move the pick for immediate help. Or, if Montreal keeps the pick, they could decide to go a bit off the board to get their long-desired top pivot instead of drafting a higher-ranked player like Filip Zadina or Brady Tkachuk.

With the fourth pick, the Ottawa Senators have a decision to make. Ottawa must give up either this pick or their first round pick next year to the Colorado Avalanche to complete the Matt Duchene trade. If the Senators send this pick to Colorado, they will miss out on a player like Zadina or Tkachuk, who would be a big building block moving forward in their rebuild. But, if they choose to keep this pick and send next year’s first round pick, they may miss out on the chance to draft first overall and pick phenom Jack Hughes were they to win the draft lottery after what is expected to be another poor season.

Other teams within the top 10 may also consider moving their picks, though likely only if the return is strong enough. Rumors have swirled regarding the availability of the first round picks belonging to Arizona, Detroit, Vancouver and Chicago, who pick fifth through eighth, respectively. It is also possible some huge names could be on the move as well throughout the evening. Additionally, with all of the aforementioned teams needing help on their blue lines, it is possible highly ranked players like Zadina and Tkachuk could slide down the draft board.

So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at what might happen in what is shaping up to be a very exciting first round tonight. Though some of these picks could be moved prior to the selection, they will be predicted as the draft order currently stands.

1. Buffalo Sabres
Team Needs: LW, D, G
Options with the pick: Rasmus Dahlin, Andrei Svechnikov

Draft selection: Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda (Sweden)

The Sabres take the slam dunk, can’t-miss Swedish phenom who will immediately upgrade their defense and be a face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. While Svechnikov would be a worthy first overall pick in other years, there is no mistaking what the Sabres have available to them in Dahlin. He is a franchise-altering, generational player who will help bring Buffalo out of their long and painful rebuild.

2. Carolina Hurricanes
Team Needs: C, RW, G
Options with the pick: Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk

Draft selection: Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Barrie (OHL)

The Hurricanes pick the dynamic Russian goal scorer to become their long-term go-to offensive weapon. Svechnikov finally gives Carolina a legitimate top-end scorer who will fit in nicely with the likes of young stars Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen and top prospect Martin Necas.

3. Montreal Canadiens
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk, Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Draft selection: Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)

Montreal indeed goes off the board to get their hopeful first line center of the future. Kotkaniemi rocketed up the draft rankings this spring and established himself as the best center available. Though he may not have the elite offensive ability of Zadina or the all-around heavy game of Tkachuk, Kotkaniemi fills Montreal’s biggest need.

4. Ottawa Senators
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk, Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Adam Boqvist

Draft selection: Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

Despite right wing not necessarily being an area of great need for the Senators, they take the best player available in Zadina, a high-end sniper. Zadina should become a huge piece of Ottawa’s offense moving forward as they navigate their tricky rebuild. For what it’s worth, if this pick is moved to the Avalanche, they would likely take Zadina, too.

5. Arizona Coyotes
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Brady Tkachuk, Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist

Draft selection: Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston University (NCAA)

Arizona grabs the best player available in Tkachuk, making him a second-generation Coyote after his father, Keith. While Arizona could easily look toward taking a defenseman, Tkachuk is just too good to pass up. If a player like Tkachuk does not adequately round out Arizona’s plethora of high-end young forwards, not many would.

6. Detroit Red Wings
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Noah Dobson, Quintin Hughes, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist

Draft selection: Quintin Hughes, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)

The Red Wings go for the slam dunk pick in the smooth Wolverine defenseman. Hughes gives Detroit a legitimate long-term top-pairing defenseman. His familiarity with playing in Michigan (both with the US National Team Development Program and for the Wolverines) is a nice fit as well. While Hughes may be a bit one-dimensional, this pick just makes sense.

7. Vancouver Canucks
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Noah Dobson, Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist

Draft selection: Noah Dobson, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Vancouver goes for the best player available in Dobson, who increased his draft stock with an excellent showing in the postseason en route to a Memorial Cup championship. Filling a big need doesn’t hurt, either. Dobson is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman who can play in all situations and log big minutes.

8. Chicago Blackhawks
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Evan Bouchard, Oliver Wahlstrom, Adam Boqvist, Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno

Draft selection: Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)

The Blackhawks get their guy in Wahlstrom, a lethal finisher. While wingers are not necessarily the biggest need for Chicago, Wahlstrom should be able to finally fill the void next to Jonathan Toews on the Hawks’ top line and give the team a legitimate top-end sniper. Another option could be slotting him in opposite Patrick Kane if head coach Joel Quenneville would rather keep Alex DeBrincat on the first line. A combination of Wahlstrom and Kane could be devastating for the opposition. Bouchard and Boqvist may have drawn more consideration from the Blackhawks if they were left-handed, as the Hawks likely feel they are set for the future on the right side with 2017 draftees Henri Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell. By selecting Wahlstrom, Chicago cements their top-six forward group for the foreseeable future, with Wahlstrom joining Toews, Kane, DeBrincat, Brandon Saad and Nick Schmaltz.

9. New York Rangers
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Evan Bouchard, Adam Boqvist, Ty Smith

Draft selection: Evan Bouchard, D, London (OHL)

The Rangers snag the best player available in Bouchard, a high-scoring offensive defenseman. New York does not have much in the cupboard in terms of right-handed defensemen behind Kevin Shattenkirk, so Bouchard gives them a legitimate top-four right-handed defensemen who should be a valuable piece of their rebuild moving forward.

10. Edmonton Oilers
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Adam Boqvist, Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Joel Farabee

Draft selection: Adam Boqvist, D, Brynas (Sweden)

Assuming Wahlstrom, Edmonton’s top target, is taken by Chicago, the Oilers will instead look to Boqvist, a high-end right-handed offensive defenseman, something the Oilers are lacking. He has all the tools needed to be an elite offensive defenseman in the future. Adding another high-end option to get the puck to Connor McDavid is nice as well.

11. New York Islanders
Team Needs: C, D, G
Options with the pick: Barrett Hayton, Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Bode Wilde

Draft selection: Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

The Islanders are in good shape with wingers, and with no goaltenders expected to be taken in the first round, they can focus on picking a center and a defenseman with their back-to-back picks. With the future of John Tavares currently uncertain, the Islanders would like to shore up down the middle in case Tavares leaves Long Island. Hayton, although not close to what Tavares brings, is the best center available, boasting a reliable two-way game. With newly crowned Calder Trophy winner Mathew Barzal being the future of the Islanders in the middle, Hayton would be able to comfortably slot in as a number two center, a role he could excel in, especially with the talented wingers he would likely find himself between.

12. New York Islanders (Acquired from Calgary)
Team Needs: C, D, G
Options with the pick: Joe Veleno, Ty Smith, Bode Wilde

Draft selection: Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL)

Turning their attention to their second pick, the Islanders take the best defenseman available in Smith, a good two-way blueliner who excelled in an expanded role this season with Spokane.

13. Dallas Stars
Team Needs: C and RW
Options with the pick: Joe Veleno, Joel Farabee, Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov

Draft selection: Joe Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Dallas picks the best player available in Veleno, who will add solid center depth for the Stars. Veleno is a very well-rounded player, similar to Jonathan Toews, and while lacking an elite ceiling, he should become a nice long-term piece in Dallas.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (Acquired from St. Louis)
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Joel Farabee, Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov, Serron Noel

Draft selection: Joel Farabee, LW, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)

With plenty of options available on the wing, the Flyers opt for Farabee, an undersized, but skilled left winger. Farabee is at his best when playing with highly skilled line mates, as he played on a line with Wahlstrom and 2019 top prospect Jack Hughes, and Philadelphia can certainly offer that.

15. Florida Panthers
Team Needs: RW and G
Options with the pick: Grigori Denisenko, Vitali Kravtsov, Serron Noel

Draft selection: Vitali Kravtsov, RW, Chelyabinsk (Russia)

Florida goes with the best right wing available in Kravtsov, who has improved his draft stock in the spring, climbing all the way to being the third-ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting behind Dahlin and Boqvist. While Kravtsov is not close to jumping to the NHL, he should pan out in the long run and prove to be a wise pick.

16. Colorado Avalanche
Team Needs: LW, D, G
Options with the pick: Grigori Denisenko, Serron Noel, Rasmus Sandin, Isac Lundestrom, Bode Wilde

Draft selection: Grigori Denisenko, LW, Yaroslavl (Russia)

The Avalanche take the best player available in one of the highest-skilled players in the entire draft class. Denisenko will need some time before joining the Avs, but he could make a huge impact alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen down the road. Denisenko resembles Patrick Kane in the sense he is incredibly slippery and can make world-class plays with the puck. Adding a player like that to an already-dangerous Avalanche offense is a scary thought for opponents.

17. New Jersey Devils
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Martin Kaut, Isac Lundestrom, Ryan McLeod, Dominik Bokk

Draft selection: Martin Kaut, RW, Pardubice (Czech Republic)

New Jersey looks at their needs and what is available and decides on Kaut, a solid two-way right winger from the Czech Republic. He plays a game similar to Marian Hossa, and improved his draft stock with an excellent showing at the World Junior Championship playing on a line with Zadina and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Martin Necas. Kaut’s ability to be a high-end playmaker is too much for the Devils to look past, envisioning Kaut forming a future trio with MVP Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets
Team Needs: C
Options with the pick: Isac Lundestrom, Akil Thomas, Rasmus Kupari, Ryan McLeod

Draft selection: Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (Sweden)

With the Blue Jackets in pretty good shape in all areas for the future, they can take whoever they feel is the best player available. While there are plenty of solid options at center, Lundestrom has the best two-way game, a big plus for a team with the high-end offensive defensemen Columbus has.

19. Philadelphia Flyers
Team Needs: LW and RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Rasmus Sandin, Dominik Bokk, Bode Wilde

Draft selection: Bode Wilde, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)

Though not a need at the NHL level, the Flyers have made it known they would like to add another defenseman, ideally right-handed, with one of their picks. Farabee was too good to pass up with the 14th pick, and their guy is still on the board at 19th in Wilde, a wild (no pun intended) pony with a cannon of a shot and plenty of upside. General Manager Ron Hextall comes away with two of his top targets and is thrilled.

20. Los Angeles Kings
Team Needs: D
Options with the pick: Rasmus Sandin, Jared McIsaac, K’Andre Miller

Draft selection: Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Los Angeles has not drafted a defenseman in the first round in a while and are lacking quality defensive prospects. As such, they grab the safest defenseman available in Sandin, who played a solid two-way game this season for the Greyhounds.

21. San Jose Sharks
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, Akil Thomas, Dominik Bokk, K’Andre Miller

Draft selection: Dominik Bokk, RW, Vaxjo (Sweden)

The Sharks are generally in pretty good shape, so they can afford to take a shot on a player who will take a bit longer to develop. At this point in the draft, Bokk probably has the most skill and upside.

22. Ottawa Senators (Acquired from Pittsburgh)
Team Needs: LW and D
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, K’Andre Miller

Draft selection: K’Andre Miller, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)

Ottawa needs to shore up their blue line, especially with the possible departure of Erik Karlsson. While Miller will need time to develop, he has the highest ceiling among the defensemen available. With the rebuild in Ottawa starting to kick into full gear, waiting for Miller should not be an issue.

23. Anaheim Ducks
Team Needs: LW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Akil Thomas, Rasmus Kupari

Draft selection: Akil Thomas, C, Niagara (OHL)

Anaheim is set on the back end for the foreseeable future, and while currently strong down the middle, select Thomas, a well-rounded, hard-working player with nice offensive upside. He can play center and wing, which will give the Ducks added flexibility.

24. Minnesota Wild
Team Needs: RW
Options with the pick: Serron Noel, Jared McIsaac, Jett Woo

Draft selection: Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

New Minnesota General Manager Paul Fenton cannot believe Noel is still on the board at 24, grabbing him in a heartbeat. Noel is extremely raw and will need a lot of time to develop, but his amazing combination of size, speed and skill give him among the highest ceilings out of any of the players in the draft class.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs
Team Needs: C and D
Options with the pick: Jared McIsaac, Rasmus Kupari, Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Ryan Merkley

Draft selection: Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (Finland)

The Maple Leafs and new General Manager Kyle Dubas have made it clear the team will be picking the best player available when they are on the clock with the 25th pick. Kupari is very gifted offensively and would be a nice addition to Toronto’s young, high-end offense.

26. New York Rangers (Acquired from Boston)
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Jared McIsaac, Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley

Draft selection: Jared McIsaac, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

The Rangers opt to take the best player available with their second of three first round picks, adding a nice left-handed defenseman in McIsaac. He is a beast to play against defensively, which will nicely complement New York’s group of skilled blueliners.

27. Chicago Blackhawks (Acquired from Nashville)
Team Needs: C, RW, D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Nicolas Beaudin

Draft selection: Nicolas Beaudin, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)

After bypassing two high-end defensemen at pick eight, the Blackhawks go a bit off the board to take a player they really like in Beaudin. Beaudin fits the bill of what the Hawks love in puck-moving defensemen, and being left-handed will help his cause, as Chicago already has their long-term right-handed defensemen in Henri Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell, as mentioned earlier. However, if the team would rather grab a more defensively minded player, Jett Woo and Mattias Samuelsson are good, left-handed options.

28. New York Rangers (Acquired from Tampa Bay)
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Jesse Ylonen

Draft selection: Jesse Ylonen, RW, Espoo (Finland)

With their final first round pick, the Rangers take a shot on Ylonen, a skilled Finnish winger. He has high-end offensive ability, but needs to work on his defensive game and get stronger. But, despite the risk, the potential high reward could certainly pay off, especially given New York already made two picks.

29. St. Louis Blues (Acquired from Winnipeg)
Team Needs: C and D
Options with the pick: Ryan McLeod, Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley

Draft selection: Ryan McLeod, C, Mississauga (OHL)

St. Louis takes a shot on the best player still available in McLeod, one of the best skaters in this year’s draft class. He really needs to work on his physical game, as he currently does not embrace contact at all, something he will need to add to his game to excel in the NHL. Additionally, his seeming lack of motivation and drive makes him fall a bit on the draft board. But, despite the high risk, the potential high reward could certainly pay off, especially given St. Louis needs to add a high-end center, something McLeod can become…if he wants to.

30. Detroit Red Wings (Acquired from Vegas)
Team Needs: RW, D, G
Options with the pick: Jett Woo, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Mattias Samuelsson, Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Alexander Alexeyev

Draft selection: Mattias Samuelsson, D, USNTDP U-18 (USHL)

After picking elite offensive defenseman Quintin Hughes, the Red Wings grab Samuelsson, a solid defenseman with a huge frame. While Samuelsson has managed to put up respectable offensive numbers thus far in his career, he does not project as a high-scoring blue liner, rather, a highly effective and reliable defender who can occasionally contribute offensively, which is exactly the role Detroit will want him to fill behind Hughes.

31. Washington Capitals
Team Needs: RW and D
Options with the pick: Ryan Merkley, Calen Addison, Alexander Alexeyev

Draft selection: Calen Addison, D, Lethbridge (WHL)

Clearly, the Stanley Cup champions have an excellent and deep team with few holes. With the possible departure of stud blue liner John Carlson this summer, the Caps opt for Addison, a right-handed puck-moving defenseman with great skating ability.

The first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft begins tonight at 7:30 EST on NBCSN. Rounds two through seven begin Saturday at 11 a.m. EST on NHL Network.

The post 2018 NHL Entry Draft Preview and Mock Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Finally in the series of prospect profiles is our top-ranked prospect, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Rasmus Dahlin
2017–18 Team: Frolunda (Sweden)
Date of Birth: April 13, 2000
Place of Birth: Trollhattan, Sweden
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 1 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 1 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: A hybrid between Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman

Elite. Franchise-altering. Generational. When the skating ability of Erik Karlsson, the physical command on the ice of Victor Hedman and the smarts of Nicklas Lidstrom are combined into one player, people tend to take notice, especially when that player possesses those traits at just 18 years of age. Such is the case with the undisputed top prospect of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Dahlin is everything anyone could ask for and more. He is the complete package. He is unquestionably the best the 2018 draft class has to offer, period. Dahlin is the type of player teams dream of. For the Buffalo Sabres, who hold the first overall pick in this year’s draft, that dream will become a reality tomorrow night.

Skating is arguably Dahlin’s biggest strength. He has outstanding speed, acceleration, edgework and agility. Dahlin makes skating look easy. He seamlessly transitions from forward to backward and vice versa with ease and can get up to his top speed in either direction in the matter of a couple of strides. Dahlin has good leg strength, which allows him to be stable on his feet and to generate power, helping him create separation from opponents. His edgework allows him to weave in and out of defenders at top speed, making him very difficult to contain. Dahlin has an uncanny ability to cut to the middle of the ice in the offensive zone to create high-quality scoring chances.

Dahlin has excellent offensive skills. He has an accurate shot with a quick release, though not incredibly powerful. He is not afraid to use any of his shots, as his wrist shot, snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and backhand are all good. Dahlin has a knack for getting the puck through traffic and on goal. Dahlin has great patience with the puck, which he regularly uses to create better shooting lanes for himself.

Dahlin is an excellent passer as well. He can make quick, hard, accurate breakout passes and can also make tape-to-tape stretch passes. Dahlin’s excellent vision helps him find his teammates. Dahlin’s hockey sense also helps him identify the best decision to make with the puck, which he is then able to execute.

Stickhandling is another big strength for Dahlin. He is very comfortable putting the puck through and around defenders, seemingly with ease. Dahlin is very capable of making even the best defenders look bad. His hands allow him to make plays at high speed as well. Dahlin’s awareness helps him with maneuvering the puck on the rush, as he is able to identify openings and potential threats.

Dahlin is very good defensively. He uses his big body to get in the way of opponents on the rush and forecheck. Dahlin’s skating ability allows him to cover a ton of ice and cover up mistakes made by himself or teammates. Dahlin’s skating, passing and hockey sense allow him to be deadly in transition, as he can either make a quick breakout pass or carry the puck himself. Dahlin’s ability to play on either side is the cherry on top.

If there is anything Dahlin could improve on, it would be his strength. At 6’3”, he has a big frame, but at only 185 pounds, he has plenty of room to grow. Adding strength would improve his shot, making him even more dangerous offensively. Adding bulk would also help his defensive game, making it easier for him to clear the front of the net and win board battles. Additionally, Dahlin does not mind throwing his body around to make hits, and if he wants to do that in the NHL, he will need to add some more muscle.

Overall, Dahlin is an incredibly special player who boasts as complete a package as any defenseman in the draft in a long time. He is a can’t-miss prospect who will become a household name among hockey fans almost immediately. Scouts and analysts are often very hesitant to use superlatives with prospects and compare them to current or past NHL players, but with Dahlin, he is fully deserving of the praise and more. For Sabres fans, sit back, relax and enjoy tomorrow night, because your franchise’s future is about to change.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Simply put, get used to seeing him two times each year when the Hawks play Buffalo. The trio of Dahlin, Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt are the foundation for a lengthy rebuild in Buffalo that should finally be coming into the daylight. The trio in some ways could remind people of Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, respectively, and how they brought the Blackhawks to the NHL’s pinnacle. Buffalo still needs to add some other pieces, but the foundation is in place.

Timeline
Dahlin is already NHL-ready. He will step right into Buffalo’s lineup and be a dynamic defenseman from the get-go. He should be in contention for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Projection
The sky is the limit for Dahlin. He will be an elite, franchise-altering number one defenseman for Buffalo. He has the ability to become one of, if not the best defenseman in the game. He has already been touted as the best defensive prospect in a long time and has regularly been compared to the likes of Karlsson, Hedman and Lidstrom. That says all that one needs to know. Currently, that group plus Borje Salming is likely the Mount Rushmore of Swedish defensemen. But, that very well may need to be reconsidered in the future…Dahlin has the ability to be that good.

What others are saying
“Dahlin has the skating, skills and elite hockey sense that can dictate the style of play and the pace of a game with or without the puck. He finds ways to contribute in all situations, is ultra-competitive and a high-character person who leads by example.”
— Dan Marr/NHL Central Scouting

“The NHL defenseman now needs to combine skill and skating as primary attributes over size and Dahlin combines all these attributes like no other player in the draft. He has size and strength…and continues to gain mass and fill out. Dahlin has exceptional vision and anticipation and seems to see plays well ahead of his competition. His agility and skating combined with his hockey sense makes him near impossible to check or stop at the level he is currently playing in; which is pro hockey in the SHL. With the puck on his stick, he has…the ability to control the puck while at speed and under duress and has a bag full of tricks and dekes to beat defenders. His shot is the one aspect of his game he wants to improve as it isn’t overly powerful but is very accurate and often finds the net through traffic from the point. His passing ability is excellent, he makes long stretch passes and has an uncanny ability to find open teammates, perhaps lending to the Erik Karlsson comparisons.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

“An electrifying defenseman with ankle-breaking moves, Dahlin is ready to show the NHL what he’s made of. He’s been called the Swedish Bobby Orr, but Dahlin’s passing ability and puck control techniques are quite unique for a defender from any era.”
— Steve Kournianos/Sporting News

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Rasmus Dahlin appeared first on The Rink.

According to a source, the Hawks’ high grade on USNTDP RW Oliver Wahlstrom has not changed—it’s just gone up. Apparently Wahlstrom has “impressed” the team as having “high character” in addition to his obvious size and skill.

Today, barring other factors, it sounds as though the Hawks will snag Wahlstrom with the #8 overall pick (assuming he’s still there).

Three other players the Hawks are said to be considering at that position are are Acadie-Bathurst defenseman Noah Dobson, Finnish center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and QMJHL center Joe Veleno.

Some might ask: why take another scoring winger, a current relative strength of the Hawks’ NHL roster, when there seems to be more dire organizational need at center and defense?

However, unless you’re picking in the top 2-3 slots, you have to look at every draft through the lens of 2-3 years out minimum. And in a draft like this year’s—so deep and loaded with potential quality NHL players—you should be even more inclined to go with the best player available.

My information is the Hawks are placing equal emphasis on character and maturity as they are on talent (because at #8 in this year’s draft, talent is a likely given with several selections).

Picking this high for the first time in a decade, and coming off a miserable season with an aging veteran core, the Hawks cannot afford to miss with this pick—the player selected at #8 this year must be a player who can be party of the “next” core of quality players for Chicago.

More to come.

Follow @jaeckel and join the conversation below.

The post Source: Hawks “very impressed” with Wahlstrom appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 2nd-ranked prospect, right wing Andrei Svechnikov.

Andrei Svechnikov
2017–18 Team: Barrie (OHL)
Date of Birth: March 26, 2000
Place of Birth: Barnaul, Russia
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 1
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 1

NHL Comparable: Vladimir Tarasenko

Andrei Svechnikov is a Russian offensive dynamo who played for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League this season. The big winger possessing excellent skating and shooting drew some consideration to be the first overall pick this year, which says a lot about his ability, as expected first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin projects to be a generational defenseman. Svechnikov’s offensive tool box makes him a monster who is virtually impossible to defend.

Perhaps the biggest thing that stands out about Svechnikov is his amazing shooting ability. He can score seemingly at will with his vast arsenal of shots. While he usually defaults to his wrist shot, his snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and even backhand are all high-end shots. Each of his various shots have excellent power and accuracy and are released very quickly. His shooting makes him a threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone. There is no doubt his shot is ready for NHL goaltenders. Svechnikov also has great hand-eye coordination, allowing him to make deft deflections to score as well.

Svechnikov possesses excellent skating ability. He has great top-end speed and good acceleration. He enjoys using his speed to beat defenders to the outside, and then uses his fantastic edgework to cut swiftly to the net, all while using his big body to protect the puck. Svechnikov’s agility makes him difficult to defend, as he can easily slip away from pressure into open ice. Svechnikov has a very powerful stride thanks to his strong legs, which also give him great balance and stability. This stability helps him around the net to gain and maintain positioning, as well as winning board battles in the offensive zone.

Passing and vision is another strength for Svechnikov. Svechnikov knows he is a scoring threat when he has the puck, and though he generally is a shoot-first player, he has no issues distributing the puck to his teammates, usually in very good positions to score. Svechnikov has the ability to thread the needle on difficult passes and also enjoys creative passing plays, particularly around the net. His passing ability makes him an even more dangerous offensive threat, as he is not a one-trick pony. His ability to read plays and execute his decisions makes him an elite offensive talent.

To round out his excellent offensive game, Svechnikov also possesses outstanding hands. He is a dazzling stickhandler, which he uses very well in one-on-one situations and in tight to the net. The combination of his great hands and skating makes him incredibly difficult to contain for defenders. Svechnikov is able to make moves at top speed, allowing him to be in control of the game. His hands are very quick, helping him to score on rebounds and quick net-front plays. Svechnikov’s high-end hands and shooting also allow him to be good in the shootout.

While not necessarily amazing in his defensive end, Svechnikov holds his own defensively. He is already a better defender than most highly skilled forwards. While he can have a tendency to not show as much effort defensively, he has improved. Svechnikov still needs to grow in his understanding of defensive coverage and positioning, but that will come with time and good coaching. Given his great skating and offensive ability, Svechnikov can transition play from defense to offense in a heartbeat.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Barring an unforeseen dealing of the second overall pick by Carolina, Svechnikov will be heading to Raleigh to help bring the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. As such, Hawks fans should get used to seeing the big Russian dominate offensively with the likes of budding star Sebastian Aho and former Blackhawk Teuvo Teravainen. Likely the only question regarding Svechnikov’s status will be what number he will be wearing, as veteran Justin Williams already wears Svechnikov’s familiar number, 14, in Carolina.

Timeline
Svechnikov is expected to jump right into an NHL lineup and contribute immediately. Given his likely destination in Carolina is sorely in need of some added offense, there is no reason to think Svechnikov will be headed anywhere other than Raleigh this fall.

Projection
There is no reason to think Svechnikov will not become an elite all-around scorer. He has the size, speed and skill needed to be among the best in the game for a long time. He will become one of Carolina’s premier players and could be a household name among hockey fans very quickly.

What others are saying
“Svechnikov checks all the scouts’ boxes; he has size and strength already…and is physically ready to play against men. Skating is above average, he has good acceleration, a powerful stride, and strong balance. He is a very smart player that can find gaps in coverage despite the extra attention he commands, he takes advantage of teammates and makes them better by exploiting his skill and vision. Perhaps his most significant skill set is his shot; he possesses a quick release that combines power, speed and accuracy. Svechnikov has a wide array of weaponry with deadly wrist, snap, and slap shot and one-timer options. His puck control skills allow him to carry the puck at speed, and beat defenders one-on-one or deke the goalie to score.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

“Svechnikov has every offensive skill one would want in a player. He has a fantastic wrist shot with a bullet-quick release. He also has an excellent snapshot and a great one-timer. His shooting arsenal is elite, and NHL ready. His backhand is elite. A pure sniper, he can also tip-in pucks, and has the quick hands to finish on rebounds, or on dekes close to the net. Svechnikov can stick handle in a phone booth, beating defenders one-on-one, and in close to the net. He protects the puck well and has the power to control it down low and create in the cycle game. While he is best known as a sniper, he has excellent vision and passing skills as well. In the cycle game, he can play the role of playmaker for his linemates. Svechnikov is a smart and creative player, who is often one step ahead of the competition.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Andrei Svechnikov appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 3rd-ranked prospect, right wing Filip Zadina.

Filip Zadina
2017–18 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: November 27, 1999
Place of Birth: Pardubice, Czech Republic
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 197 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 3
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 2

NHL Comparable: David Pastrnak

When thinking of the best shooters available in this year’s draft class, Filip Zadina is certainly in the discussion. In his first year playing for Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Zadina has proven to be a lethal scorer thanks to his elite shooting ability. Though already on the map as a top prospect at the beginning of the season, Zadina solidified his elite prospect status with an outstanding showing at the World Junior Championship, tallying seven goals and one assist in seven games for the Czech Republic.

Zadina’s shooting ability is what sets him apart from many other prospects. His best shot is his wrist shot, featuring a lightning-quick release, amazing power and deadly accuracy. His snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and backhand are also high-end with similar attributes. Zadina does an excellent job of disguising his release, making it incredibly difficult for goaltenders to track his shot. As such, Zadina is very much the definition of a sniper. As a rookie in the QMJHL, Zadina pumped in a remarkable 44 goals this season. He has the ability to open up a game and score in bunches. He should have no issues translating his shooting to the NHL level, either.

While primarily a shooter, Zadina is a good passer as well thanks to some slick hands. He has good vision and awareness, which helps him be an all-around threat. However, at times, Zadina can make some ill-advised decisions with the puck, whether in the form of holding onto the puck for too long or for forcing a pass to a covered teammate, leading to a turnover. Zadina will need to improve his decision-making to reach his elite potential.

Zadina is also a good skater. He has good, though definitely not elite, speed and acceleration, and has excellent agility and edgework. Zadina uses his skating ability to find open ice, which he regularly translates into scoring opportunities. When Zadina can find open ice and his teammates can get the puck to him, odds are good he will be putting a high-quality shot on goal. Zadina’s skating also allows him to be dangerous on the rush, though his lack of elite speed limits his ability to be a game-breaking skater. If Zadina can improve his speed, he will be an ever more lethal threat and one that would be incredibly difficult to shut down.

Though Zadina is not exactly small, he could benefit from bulking up a bit more. Adding strength would likely help him along the boards and in front of the net. He has good leg strength, which allows him to be solid on his skates. More strength could also help him to become a more powerful player, which would help him be more effective with his desire to get to the middle of the ice.

Unlike many top-end forward prospects, Zadina is very reliable defensively. He regularly killed penalties for Halifax and even proved to be a scoring threat then. Zadina is good at shutting down passing lanes, both with his feet and stick. He could benefit from more time in juniors learning better defensive positioning, but, as a whole, Zadina is a better defender than most forwards his age.

Overall, Zadina has everything needed to be a star in the NHL for a long time. His scoring ability should make him a fan favorite for the team lucky enough to add him to their organization.

Implications for the Blackhawks
While some scouts feel Zadina could potentially fall out of the top five in the draft, there is basically no way he would fall all the way to the Hawks at the eighth pick. As such, Blackhawks fans should probably hope he goes to an Eastern Conference team so the Hawks only have to see him a couple of times each season.

Timeline
Zadina very well could step right into an NHL lineup. He undoubtedly has the skill needed to play in the NHL. His skating is good enough and he has a big enough frame. But, it is also entirely possible the team drafting him would rather want him to further develop his game in juniors. Zadina will likely receive a chance to prove he can stick in the NHL this fall, but, if he does not do that, he will be NHL-bound in 2019–20.

Projection
Zadina appears to be next in the long line of NHL stars to play for the Halifax Mooseheads. Zadina should develop into an elite top-line scoring winger. He has the shot needed to be a potent sniper at the NHL level.

What others are saying
“He’s been exactly as advertised and more for Halifax. The power winger has been destroying CHL competition and saved his best performances for this Czech national team this holiday season. He uses his size and strength to create space and then delivers electric moves and finishing ability. Can beat you from anywhere on the ice. A tireless worker.”
— Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects

“Zadina is a pure and talented goal scorer. He has a very heavy wrist shot, with a good release. He can combine this with his skating and power game to be a real threat off of the wing. An absolute sniper, he can score with his wrist shot, snapshot, slap shot and one-timer. He even has a strong backhand. Zadina takes advantage of his shooting skill, as he generates a very high number of shot attempts every game. Zadina also has the soft hands to score in close to the net. He can bury rebounds, deke goalies, and get tip-ins. He has a knack for getting himself open, finding soft areas on the ice even when everyone is watching him.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Filip Zadina appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 4th-ranked prospect, left wing Brady Tkachuk.

Brady Tkachuk
2017–18 Team: Boston (NCAA)
Date of Birth: September 16, 1999
Place of Birth: Scottsdale, AZ
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 2
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 3

NHL Comparable: Matthew Tkachuk

Brady Tkachuk is the premier power forward available in this year’s draft class. Tkachuk packages an amazing skill set with his big body to be an all-around issue for the opposition. The son of longtime NHL legend Keith Tkachuk and brother of Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames is unquestionably one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft, especially given he missed the cutoff for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by hours. Tkachuk is the oldest first-year eligible player in the draft class.

Despite being a large man, Tkachuk has very good skating. He has very good top-end speed and decent acceleration, though he could certainly improve in that area. However, once he gets going, Tkachuk is able to hold his own with the majority of players. His big frame allows him to be very stable on his feet, making Tkachuk very difficult to move when he plants himself in front of the net. Additionally, his strong legs give him excellent power on his stride.

Tkachuk possesses a diverse set of offensive skills. His shot is pretty good, as it has good power and accuracy and a decent release. His hands also allow him to be good controlling rebounds and sending them to the back of the net. Tkachuk has good vision and awareness, which in addition to his good hands, allow him to be a good passer. Similar to his father and brother, Tkachuk enjoys throwing his body around to cause havoc on the forecheck. His strength also helps him win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net.

Tkachuk’s physicality also allows him to be effective in his defensive zone. Tkachuk is not afraid to get in shooting lanes and block shots, and loves using his stick to disrupt the opposition. He does not hesitate to support his defensemen when needed, especially in board battles. Tkachuk’s size gives him an edge in this area and also helps him clear the front of the net when needed. Tkachuk’s skill and skating allow him to transition play from defense to offense quickly as well.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Tkachuk is the type of player the Hawks’ forward group is sorely missing right now. With so many skilled, albeit small, forwards, the Blackhawks could greatly benefit from adding a legit power forward such as Tkachuk. It would not be difficult to see him slot in immediately on the second line with Nick Schmaltz and Patrick Kane. Tkachuk has the speed, skill and creativity to hang with Schmaltz and Kane, but also possesses the size, strength and grit they lack. Tkachuk would complement the pair very well. This, however, would take some luck for the Hawks, as Tkachuk is expected to be a top-five pick. However, with the quality of defensemen available in the draft and the potential needs of some of the teams picking ahead of Chicago, there is an outside chance Tkachuk could fall down the draft board and be available when the Blackhawks are on the clock with the eighth pick. Do not get your hopes up, though. Odds are good Tkachuk will be a player Hawks fans will be annoyed with every time the team plays against him.

Timeline
Tkachuk already has an NHL-ready frame and game. It will all come down to what the team drafting Tkachuk wants to do with him. Tkachuk has already stated he is waiting to commit to returning to Boston University until conferring with his NHL team. If the NHL team wants him in their lineup this season, expect Tkachuk to take the ice beginning this fall. Or, if the team would rather he spend another year in college, Tkachuk may not join an NHL roster until 2019–20. But, unlike many other prospects, Tkachuk legitimately is ready to step right into the NHL right away.

Projection
Tkachuk has a scarily well-rounded game. His toolbox, size, playing style and mentality should set him up to be a dominant top-six power forward for years to come. He will be a beast to play against, especially come playoff time. Tkachuk will be a valuable long-term piece for the lucky franchise that will call his name on Friday night.

What others are saying
“Brady Tkachuk plays the game as his name would suggest, physically, aggressively and with a significant amount of skill. Tkachuk has a pro ready game in most respects as he is physically mature and strong enough to play against men. His skating is an asset as he has good acceleration and top speed, and is very strong on his skates in terms of balance and can make power drives to the goal when he drops his shoulder and drives to the goal. He is dangerous in front of the goal as he uses his size and strength to plant himself as a screen in front of the goalie and has excellent hand-eye coordination for tips and rebounds. Tkachuk has a quick release on his shot, has a variety of dangerous shooting options from a quick wrist shot, to a powerful one-timer.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

“He has a little more finesse to his game. Matthew and their dad could go right through the door at you, but Brady may be a little more deceptive with his skill set. But he still has the same drive and tenacity that drives him to the net – except he can also get there with an end-to-end rush.”
— Dan Marr/NHL Central Scouting

“We’ve all seen what Matthew Tkachuk has done for the Calgary Flames in his brief NHL career. Some good, some bad and certainly some ugly, but most of it has been good. Now, consider that there’s a player with the ability to agitate like the Flames youngster, but with more speed and skill. What if I told you he has the same last name? Meet Brady Tkachuk. He’s Matthew’s younger brother and should be a top five pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. … His pure skill should be exciting for those teams that have a chance to acquire the young forward. And while they should expect him to live up to the Tkachuk talent pool, they could be getting much more as the youngest Tkachuk also looks like he could be the best yet.”
— Andrew Forbes/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Brady Tkachuk appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 5th-ranked prospect, defenseman Noah Dobson.

Noah Dobson
2017–18 Team: Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: January 7, 2000
Place of Birth: Summerside, P.E.I.
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 177 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 5
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 8

NHL Comparable: Aaron Ekblad

Noah Dobson is a big but nimble two-way defenseman playing for the recently crowned Memorial Cup champion Acadie-Bathurst Titan in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Dobson is a unique player because of his tall but relatively skinny frame, good skating and excellent two-way playing style. Dobson was already expected to be a top-10 pick in the draft, but with an outstanding showing of 20 points en route to the Memorial Cup championship, Dobson solidified his draft stock as one of the draft’s best defensemen, possibly second best behind only the expected first overall pick, Rasmus Dahlin.

Despite being a taller player, Dobson skates exceptionally well. He has very good speed, which he can use in both directions. He is able to accelerate very quickly given his size, which, in addition to his speed, allows him to create separation from opponents. Dobson possesses a long and powerful stride thanks to his long legs, which also give him a sturdy base. His skating ability helps him jump into the play, which he enjoys doing regularly.

Dobson has the skills required to be a good puck-moving defenseman. Whether skating the puck himself on a rush or making a nice breakout or stretch pass, Dobson can lead a team’s transition to offense effectively. He has good passing skills, which, in addition to good vision, allow Dobson to be a good playmaker, both on the rush and with established possession in the offensive zone. Dobson is very comfortable threading the needle through traffic. This playmaking ability also allows Dobson to be very effective, though not necessarily elite, on the power play in a quarterback role.

Dobson has a very hard slap shot, which he regularly uses from the point and on the power play in the form of one-timers. He is able to get the puck through traffic and on the net. If it does not beat the goalie clean, odds are good a rebound will be available. Dobson also has a nice wrist shot with good power and accuracy and a pretty quick release.

Defensively, Dobson is very effective because of his size, skating and vision. He uses his height well to gain ideal positioning, create leverage to clear the front of the net and win board battles. In addition to his size and wingspan, his skating allows him to cover a ton of the ice and effectively close gaps. His skating also allows him to transition play from defense to offense quickly. Dobson’s hockey sense and vision allow him to be very good positionally, recognize threats and quickly shut threats down.

The biggest (and perhaps only) knock on Dobson’s game is his lack of strength. He has a huge frame, but is very, very raw. He has a ton of room to fill out physically. Adding muscle will allow him to be even more effective in the offensive and defensive zones, with the ability to improve his already great shot and be even better in front of the net and along the boards.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Dobson’s draft stock has risen in the last month or so with his excellent performance at the Memorial Cup. It is very possible, if not likely, he will be off the board when the Hawks pick eighth. But, if he is still available, Dobson would be a great pickup. Upon development, Dobson would likely slot in as the long-term top-pairing right defenseman for the Blackhawks, giving the team an amazing one-two righty punch with Henri Jokiharju. Dobson’s all-around game would be something head coach Joel Quenneville would appreciate, and Dobson would likely be able to earn Quenneville’s trust pretty quickly.

Timeline
Dobson needs at least a year to continue adding muscle to his big frame. He does not have NHL strength. His game is ready, but an additional year of development would be hugely beneficial in his development. Do not expect to see Dobson in the NHL until 2019–20.

Projection
Given Dobson can fill out his big frame, there is no reason to think he will not become a high-end top-pairing defenseman in the NHL. He has all the tools needed to be highly effective in both the offensive and defensive zones. He skates very well for being as big as he is, which will really help him at the NHL level. While not a flashy player, Dobson will be a stud defenseman opponents will dread playing against for the foreseeable future.

What others are saying
“The draft’s biggest riser finished his season with a bang. The smooth-skating, right-shot defender led his Acadie-Bathurst squad to a Memorial Cup victory. He was the heart and soul of the team while also piling up the points at a rapid pace. He finished the QMJHL playoffs with three goals and 13 points in 20 games but increased his level of play during the big dance. He finished tied for third in tournament points with two goals and seven points in four games. Dobson is considered a lock for the top 10 and could even find himself vying for as high as third overall when things shake out in Dallas this month. He has all the tools to be an impact defender in the NHL.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

“Rangy, mobile defender with size and strong puck skills who sticks to his opponents like velcro. Dobson is a rare specimen for a teenage defender in that he is a big-bodied puck mover with speed who plays with poise in all three zones. He is one of the QMJHL’s top scoring blueliners thanks to his ability to run a power play, dictate the tempo of a game regardless of the situation and seize opportunities that nobody else was able to identify. Dobson is a strong, agile skater with a deceptively quick first step and the ability to make sharp directional changes in open ice. Getting the puck behind pesky opponents in the neutral zone can be done with either his wheels or with hard, crisp passes, but Dobson isn’t the kind of defenseman who lets his forwards take it from there — he loves to jump into openings and create or finish from areas close to the hashmarks.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Noah Dobson appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 6th-ranked prospect, defenseman Quintin Hughes.

Quintin Hughes
2017–18 Team: Michigan (NCAA)
Date of Birth: October 14, 1999
Place of Birth: Orlando, FL
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 173 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 6
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 4

NHL Comparable: Kris Letang

While not as complete a package as projected first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin, Quintin Hughes is as good a consolation prize as they come for teams looking for an elite offensive defenseman. Hughes is the very essence of what it means to be a mobile defenseman, and, in combination with his high-end puck skills, he will become a lethal offensive blue liner for years to come.

The first thing that stands out about Hughes is his world-class skating ability. From speed to acceleration, edge work to transitions and agility to balance, Hughes truly has it all in terms of skating. Hughes’ acceleration and speed allow him to open huge gaps of separation very quickly with the puck. He enjoys gliding behind his net to bait forecheckers to chase him, which he uses to his advantage. By the time the forechecker gets around the net, Hughes is already at the hash marks flying at full speed. By the time Hughes gets to the neutral zone, his afterburners are in full swing. When Hughes gets going, there’s no way for defenders to keep up. Hughes uses his agility and edge work to weave through the opposition with ease. His skating also allows him to be a highly effective power play quarterback with the ability to roam the top of the offensive zone while on the man advantage. Hughes uses this ability to get penalty killers to slide to him, opening up space for Hughes’ teammates.

Another elite aspect of Hughes’ game is his playmaking ability. His speed open the door for many scoring chances, but with top-end vision and puck skills, Hughes is able to capitalize on those chances. He has amazing vision and can find a teammate and have the puck on their stick with the blink of an eye with little space. While Hughes loves pushing the pace in the offensive end, he is perfectly willing to wait out defenders to create space and wait for plays to develop as well. Hughes is very good at drawing players to himself. His hockey sense ad smarts allow him to bring defenders exactly where he wants them so he can dissect the defense. Hughes has no issues making high-difficulty passes and often finds himself on the score sheet as a result. Hughes racked up 24 assists this season as a freshman at Michigan.

While not necessarily a shoot-first type of player, Hughes possesses a very good wrist shot, which he gets off very quickly with decent power and accuracy. Hughes could probably stand to shoot the puck more, but his excellent playmaking ability makes up for that. Hughes also has a good enough slap shot to be a respectable threat from the point, albeit not an overpowering shot.

Hughes is very much an offensive defenseman, but his defensive game is not bad by any means. He uses his elite skating to shut down gaps and cover attacking players. His awareness helps him identify threats and then reacts with his skating. Hughes sometimes has issues clearing the front of the net and winning board battles because of his relatively small frame. He will need to get stronger to become a more effective defender, especially when transitioning to the NHL. His skating really helps him, but that will not be enough for him to shut down the opposition’s biggest and best players. Hughes is among the best players in the draft class at transitioning play from defense to offense thanks to his blazing speed.

Overall, Hughes has arguably the best skating in the draft, a luxury especially as a defenseman. His silky smooth skating makes him an elite offensive weapon, even when he transitions to the pro game. He still has some work to do defensively and needs to add a lot of muscle, but given he is able to do so, Hughes should be a household name in the NHL for the foreseeable future.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Hughes very well could be off the board when the Blackhawks are on the clock with the eighth pick. Even just a couple of months ago, some felt Hughes would likely go more around pick 10, but with a strong showing at the World Championships, his draft stock rebounded to being a potential top-five pick. If available at the eighth pick, Hughes would look amazing on the Hawks’ blue line for the next 15 years. He has the world-class skating the current defensive core is lacking, outside of a declining Duncan Keith. Hughes would be an invigorating player who would fit right in with the Blackhawks’ system. While he would need to earn the trust of head coach Joel Quenneville defensively, he has the motivation and desire needed to do so. Hughes is a competitor and wants to succeed, and being in Chicago would certainly give him the opportunity to do so. A future top pairing of Hughes and Jokiharju would be quite a treat for Hawks fans for the long-term future. Additionally, it sounded like Hughes and Patrick Kane really enjoyed playing together and getting to know each other at the World Championships. They sat next to each other in the locker room and had nothing but good things to say about each other. It is not unreasonable to think Kane probably put in a good word to the scouting team.

Timeline
Hughes will likely be headed back to Michigan for at least one more year before making the jump to the NHL. Do not expect Hughes in an NHL sweater until 2019–20.

Projection
While he will need to improve in his own end, there is no reason to think Hughes will become anything less than a top-pairing defender, with the ability to become one of the best in the game. Even if Hughes is not able to become a steady top-pairing defender, he should have no problem being a top-four defender with high-end offensive ability. Hughes is a special player.

What others are saying
“Smooth-skating offensive defenseman with superior command of his puck control and distribution, Hughes is the very best of a talented group of American draft-eligible rearguards. Raised and nurtured within a deeply-rooted hockey family, the current freshman at Michigan is one of the NCAA’s top newcomers and became an instant go-to option on a team loaded with NHL prospects and quality upperclassmen. The first thing you notice about Hughes is his calmness with the puck — he rarely, if ever, gets frazzled or frustrated in the face of a relentless or physical opponent. His ability to maintain control of the puck under harrowing circumstances is excellent, but it’s the plays he makes immediately after eluding pressure that sets him apart from the significant majority of not only his draft peers, but all defensemen in college hockey.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Hughes is an outstanding skater. He looks like he is floating above the ice. He has very good speed and acceleration in both directions. Hughes has a textbook stride, and the ability to change directions on a dime. He uses the outstanding speed to join the rush or to pinch in at the line. Hughes is rarely caught deep as he can still get back into position defensively thanks to that speed. His agility and footwork allow him to beat defenders one-on-one as well as to walk the line and make quick moves to open up passing and shooting lanes. Hughes has a low center of gravity which helps his balance and makes him strong on the puck. Hughes has excellent vision and playmaking ability, as well as the hockey sense to almost always make the right play. He seems to think the game and anticipate plays better than others out there on the ice. With his skating and stickhandling ability, Hughes is not afraid to skate the puck out of his zone or lead the rush. He can also make a long pass to start the transition game and start an odd-man rush. He has the passing ability and the hockey IQ to quarterback the play from the point. Hughes has the poise to make plays under pressure.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Quintin Hughes appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 7th-ranked prospect, defenseman Evan Bouchard.

Evan Bouchard
2017–18 Team: London (OHL)
Date of Birth: October 20, 1999
Place of Birth: Oakville, ON
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 196 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 4
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 5

NHL Comparable: Colin Miller

When asked who the leading point producers among draft-eligible players are, one would likely not guess a defenseman playing for a rebuilding team. However, despite these qualms, Evan Bouchard managed to pile up the second-most points among all draft-eligible skaters, totaling a whopping 87 points this season for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, second only to elite sniper Oliver Wahlstrom’s 94 points with the USA U-18 National Team Development Program.

Bouchard’s mind-boggling numbers came as a surprise to many, as Bouchard had never been relied upon to be a big-time defenseman prior to this season. During his rookie season in 2015–16 with London, the Knights leaned on the likes of current NHLers Mitch Marner, Christian Dvorak, Matthew Tkachuk and Victor Mete and top prospect Olli Juolevi. In 2016–17, London maintained their top pairing of Mete and Juolevi and turned to the likes of Cliff Pu, Robert Thomas, Max Jones and Sam Miletic offensively. However, with Mete and Juolevi playing elsewhere and Pu, Thomas, Jones and Miletic all being traded mid-season, the bill was passed to Bouchard. After the trades, Bouchard inherited the captaincy of the team and took his game to another level, being relied upon to play huge minutes in all situations. Bouchard never looked back.

Clearly, as the point totals indicate, Bouchard is very much a gifted offensive defenseman. He excels in nearly every aspect of the offensive game. His ability to pretty much do it all in the offensive aspects has turned many heads, and seen his draft stock rise substantially throughout the season, with some projecting him as a top-five pick.

Bouchard has an absolute cannon of a shot from the point. Whether in the form of his slap shot or one-timer, Bouchard loves bombing away. He uses his slap shot unashamedly and is very good at getting it through to the net, even with heavy traffic. Bouchard registered a whopping 297 shots on goal this season, an average of almost four and a half shots per game, good for second in the OHL, just 11 shots shy of first place. Bouchard also possesses a good wrist shot and snapshot, featuring good power and accuracy. Bouchard was rewarded this season for his shooting barrage, tallying a remarkable 25 goals, 10 of which came on the man advantage.

Bouchard also possesses elite puck-moving skills. Some scouts believe he has the best passing ability in the draft, with the specialty of making long, tape-to-tape stretch passes. Bouchard’s high-end vision and hockey sense allow him to read the play and make the best decisions with the puck. While Bouchard is classified as a puck-mover, he has no issues slowing the game down and waiting for the right play to present itself. Again, this is another trait scouts feel he does as good or better than anyone else available in the draft. Bouchard quarterbacked London’s power play this season, and with his dual threat of a rocket of a shot and pinpoint passing, proved to be lethal in this role, registering 33 of his 87 points on the power play.

Bouchard’s hockey sense allows him to be incredible with recognizing the opposition’s defensive schemes. He is able to easily identify weak points in the defense and quickly break them down to generate a high-quality scoring chance for his team. This awareness also allows him to pick his spots to jump up into the play, which he enjoys doing. Bouchard is one of the smartest players available in the draft.

If there is one area of Bouchard’s offensive game that is not excellent, it is his skating. His skating is probably the biggest knock on his game. Bouchard is not fast by any means. He has fine speed and good agility once he gets going, but his acceleration is very much lacking. This is one area he will really need to improve before being able to contribute offensively at the NHL level. Bouchard’s skating can also get him in trouble defensively. Opposing forwards are sometimes able to beat him to the outside with speed, which is a concern for playing at the next level. This lack of speed can also result in Bouchard getting out of position if he is not able to recover quickly enough.

Another concern for Bouchard is his compete level. Many scouts feel he does have enough intensity and drive in his game. While this is possible, it may also be a result of his playing style, as more of a slow-the-game-down type of player. Regardless, Bouchard will likely need to increase his energy a bit to be successful in the NHL.

Despite his skating, Bouchard is usually an effective defender because of his size, stick and awareness. Bouchard has a massive wingspan, which can help cut down on players beating him to the outside. His size and reach allow him to cover a lot of ice. Additionally, with how smart and aware of a player he is, he positions himself well once established in the defensive end and can break up plays well. His size allows him to clear the front of the net well and win battles along the boards. When a puck is turned over, Bouchard can quickly transition the play to offense with his elite passing ability.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Bouchard would be a really nice addition to the Hawks’ blue line. The production from the back end has drastically dried up in the last couple of seasons with the regression of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Bouchard would give the Blackhawks a long-term power play quarterback and a player who can log a ton of minutes. He would also complement Henri Jokiharju nicely on the right side in the top four, as Jokiharju plays a more skating-focused style. Having a one-two punch of Bouchard and Jokiharju on the right side of the Blackhawks’ defense for the next 10–15 years would be a good position to be in. However, with how highly some scouts feel about Bouchard, it is entirely possible he could be gone by the time the Hawks are on the clock with the eighth pick.

Timeline
Bouchard’s size and early birthday mean he is closer to being NHL-ready than many draft-eligible prospects. He already has the offensive game and the smarts to play in the NHL. Bouchard very well could make a push for a roster spot to begin next season. But if he does not make the jump immediately, Bouchard could join a team in the spring after London’s season is complete. At the latest, Bouchard will join an NHL blueline in 2019–20.

Projection
Bouchard is as smart as they come, which will take him a long way. His well-rounded and dangerous offensive game will be what carries him at the next level. If he can get his skating to an NHL level, he could become a top-pairing defenseman capable of racking up a ton of points every season. If the skating does not progress as well as many would hope, he should be able to settle into a second-pairing role specializing as a power play quarterback.

What others are saying
“Offensively, Bouchard delivers a consistent effort with his puck management and playmaking, though the prevailing knock on him appears to be average straight-line speed. The good news is that Bouchard is nimble for his size, plus he has excellent timing and awareness to eventually outmaneuver pressure and join the attack deep into enemy territory. His feet are quick enough to maintain a tight gap while backskating, and his massive wingspan and long, active stick help limit the number of times an onrushing forward breezes past him. Bouchard has top-pairing potential with the skills and smarts to be a big point producer at the NHL level.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Bouchard had a tremendous third season in the OHL, completing his regular season with a whopping 87 points in 67 games. The point total represented the highest mark for any first-time draft-eligible skater in the CHL – not just defenders but all skaters. His 297 shots were the second most in the OHL. He tacked on a goal and four helpers in four playoff games. Bouchard has watched his stock grow all season long from being a guy (consistently) ranked in the mid-20s to landing at fifth overall on Craig Button’s most recent list. The big, right-shot defender was the focal point of the Knights offense and often saw upwards of 30 minutes a game in all situations. He’ll be snatched up early this June and is the type of player who could conceivably crack and NHL lineup in the fall due to his late 1999 birthday and accomplished CHL resume.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Evan Bouchard appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 8th-ranked prospect, right wing Oliver Wahlstrom.

Oliver Wahlstrom
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: June 13, 2000
Place of Birth: Portland, ME
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 208 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 7
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 7

NHL Comparable: Patrik Laine

One phrase immediately comes to mind when thinking about Oliver Wahlstrom: Elite goal scorer. Wahlstrom, who is also a Swedish citizen through his father, tallied a mind-boggling 48 goals in just 62 games this season for the USA U-18 National Team Development Program.

Wahlstrom’s world-class scoring ability comes from his lethal shooting. Wahlstrom has one of, if not the best shot in the entire draft. He can score seemingly at will with any of his shots. His wrist shot is perhaps his most dangerous, with loads of power, pinpoint accuracy and a release so fast goaltenders sometimes do not even react to it until it is already past them. Wahlstrom’s snapshot, though not used nearly as frequently as his wrist shot, is also quick, hard and accurate. Wahlstrom is a big-time threat on the power play, as he loves setting up on his off side and one-timing slap shots, which, like his other shots, have amazing power and accuracy and is released in a hurry. Wahlstrom has the shot needed to step into an NHL lineup and be a big-time goal scorer.

However, despite having a jaw-dropping shooting ability, Wahlstrom has no problems feeding his teammates. In addition to his 48 tallies, Wahlstrom also recorded 46 assists this season. Wahlstrom knows he is a very dangerous threat, which often causes defenders and goaltenders to overplay him. Wahlstrom possesses the vision and awareness to find open teammates, often in prime scoring locations. This ability makes Wahlstrom incredibly difficult to defend, as it is almost a lose-lose situation for the defender and is seemingly a matter of time before the puck ends up in the back of the net.

Wahlstrom is also a very good skater. He has good top-end speed and has excellent acceleration. He has a lot of get-up-and-go in his game. He has a good motor and can often beat defenders late in a shift. He is a motivated skater as well, especially in the offensive zone. For example, a few times this season after missing a shot, Wahlstrom would out-hustle everyone to the puck, get to a scoring area and put the puck in the back of the net. Wahlstrom loves having the puck on his stick, and is an explosive skater around loose pucks. He uses his edges well, allowing him to cut to the middle of the ice for higher quality chances. Wahlstrom is able to change paces very quickly, which can cause issues for defenders when they are expecting him to change directions or cut and he instead accelerates and creates space and separation.

Another strength of Wahlstrom’s offensive game is his stickhandling ability. He has very good and quick hands, and he is very creative with them as well. Wahlstrom uses his quick hands to maneuver the puck where he wants it when being pressured, which he often times translates into a shot on goal or a pass to a teammate. Wahlstrom is very comfortable with the puck on his stick in all scenarios and has the ability to make defenders look silly.

Despite being a world-class offensive player, Wahlstrom definitely needs to clean up his game a bit in the defensive end. Wahlstrom tends to be a player who waits out the opponent’s possession so he can then transition to offense. He is not a huge liability, but can often be caught puck watching and sometimes losing track of his man. Another area lacking in Wahlstrom’s game is physicality. He has a big enough and strong enough frame to withstand the physical play in the NHL, and is willing to take contact to make a play, but he does not look for chances to use his big frame to his advantage. If Wahlstrom focuses on these areas over the next year or two, he could become a much more complete player.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Simply put, Wahlstrom is the missing link who can fill the Hawks’ first line right wing void. He would look fantastic on a line with Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews. Wahlstrom is used to playing with highly skilled players, as he played on a line with fellow projected first round pick Joel Farabee and the projected first overall pick next year, Jack Hughes. Wahlstrom would add an infusion of goal scoring into a Blackhawks roster who looked lost in the desert this season. It remains to be seen if Wahlstrom will be available when the Hawks are on the clock with the eighth pick, as goal scoring comes at a premium. While snagging Wahlstrom with the eighth pick would solve the long-term first line right wing problem, he will not be in that spot next season, as he is committed to attend Harvard, meaning the endless carousel of players along side Toews would continue this season. Another thing to consider with adding Wahlstrom would be asking where Alex DeBrincat would fit into the lineup. Perhaps if head coach Joel Quenneville could get over himself, he could slot in opposite Patrick Kane, which as was seen a bit at the World Championships, would not be the worst thing. If Quenneville refuses to go that route, it could mean a first line of DeBrincat, Toews and Wahlstrom and a second line of Saad, Schmaltz and Kane. Or, if Wahlstrom would be comfortable playing his off-wing all the time, he could play opposite of Patrick Kane, which could form a new “nuclear combination.” Regardless, however it would play out, adding Wahlstrom, a rather Patrik Laine-esque player, to a very lackluster forward prospect pool and a stumbling offensive unit would be huge for the organization. Wahlstrom could be the long-term missing top-six piece the Blackhawks are missing to revitalize their offense.

Timeline
As mentioned, Wahlstrom is committed to play at Harvard next season. Wahlstrom already has the size needed to step into the NHL and certainly already has the skating and skill. How much time Wahlstrom will spend at Harvard remains to be seen, but it is possible he could join his NHL team as early as 2019–20.

Projection
There is no reason to think Wahlstrom cannot become a long-term top-line sniper in the NHL. He has a world-class shot and will likely have very minimal issues transitioning his game to the NHL. While Wahlstrom likely projects better as a winger, he has played center growing up, as recently as the 2016–17 season. So, if a team really wanted to try to convert him back to being a center, that could be an option as well. Regardless of where he plays, Wahlstrom has everything needed to become the next big-time goal scorer in the NHL.

What others are saying
“Wahlstrom has done nothing but improve his draft stock this season. The dynamic winger currently leads the U18 USNTDP in nearly every statistical category by producing 40 goals, 83 points and 243 shots on goal in just 54 games. Wahstrom is big, strong, lethal from the circles down and loves driving into the dirty areas to finish a play. His chemistry with fellow 2018 draft-eligible prospect, Joel Farabee and 2019 uber prospect, Jack Hughes has been incredible. Wahlstrom appears destined for a top 10 selection this June and could force his way into the top five.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

“Wahlstrom is a dominant power winger with elite puck skills, highlighted by a devastatingly accurate shot. He is one of the top goal scorers available for the draft, but he does far more than simply fill the back of the net. Not only is Wahlstrom Team USA’s top-line right wing, but he is also a key cog in both the power play and the penalty kill. Although it seems like he never turns down the opportunity to crank one towards the cage, he is blessed with an acute sense to quickly identify a defender’s intentions, then exploit the tiniest of windows and turn a seemingly harmless 1-on-1 into a clear dash for the cage. Wahlstrom has very good speed with an above-average first step. And although he is no straight-line road-runner, his footwork, balance and lateral skating ability are all excellent, and he uses a keen understanding of play development to get the extra step or two he needs to create plenty of space between the opponent and him.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

Some of you may remember this clip from many years ago as well. Wahlstrom was just nine years old here. Needless to say, he has always had a knack for scoring goals.

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Oliver Wahlstrom appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 9th-ranked prospect, defenseman Adam Boqvist.

Adam Boqvist
2017–18 Team: Brynas Jr. (Sweden)
Date of Birth: August 15, 2000
Place of Birth: Falun, Sweden
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 2 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 2 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: John Klingberg

Adam Boqvist is an elite smooth-skating, offensive Swedish defenseman. While he may be lacking in size, his talent more than makes up for it. Boqvist looks like he will be a special player for a very long time.

Perhaps the first thing that stands out about Boqvist is his amazing skating ability. Boqvist possesses very high-end agility, which, in combination with his great speed and acceleration, makes him a threat purely because of his legs. Boqvist is an effortless skater. He is at his best when he is weaving in and out of opponents with the puck. Boqvist’s agility allows him to make last-second cuts to easily elude defenders. His ability to make the opposition miss is remarkable.

Another big strength of Boqvist is his hockey sense. Boqvist is very good at scanning the ice and almost immediately making a decision about what to do next. Whether it be making a pass or keeping the puck, Boqvist rarely seems to make ill-advised decisions with the puck.

Boqvist’s high-end vision allows him to be an excellent passer. Boqvist is among the best players in the draft class at making a quick, hard breakout pass. He has no troubles making tape-to-tape stretch passes, but also has the touch and perception needed to make skilled area passes for a teammate to skate into. His passing ability and creativity with the puck also make him a lethal power play quarterback.

Boqvist also possesses very good hands, which allow him to be a shifty player with the puck. Boqvist is comfortable dancing around defenders with his feet while putting the puck through and around defenders with his hands. His hands also allow him to be very dangerous close to the net, whether in the form of a deke or a finesse shot.

Another elite trait Boqvist possesses is his shot. Boqvist’s wrist shot is very accurate and he gets it off quickly with good power. He also has the ability to sneak shots through from the point, often leading to deflections or rebounds. Boqvist’s top-notch skating also allows him to open up shooting lanes for himself. His slapshot is also a legitimate threat, though adding more upper-body strength would make it even more dangerous.

While Boqvist specializes as an offensive defenseman, he holds his own in the defensive zone. Boqvist uses his hockey sense to locate opponents and quickly closes gaps with his skating. His smarts also allow him to anticipate and break up plays, which he then transitions to offense lightning-fast, whether with his feet or making a strong breakout or stretch pass. However, because of his size, Boqvist can be out muscled in front of the net and along the boards, which will likely cause some issues in the NHL. He will need to be able to handle playing against opponents’ biggest and best players if he is going to be a go-to defender.

Overall, there are tons of things to love about Boqvist. He does have some growing to do, which will take time, but he looks to be an elite defenseman in the making.

Implications for the Blackhawks
With as much elite offensive potential as Boqvist has, he very well may be off the board by the time the Hawks are picking at eighth. But, if he is still available, he could be an excellent choice to be a blueline building block for the future. A one-two punch of Boqvist and Jokiharju on the right side of the defense would be simply amazing. The Blackhawks really do not have a top-pairing right-handed defenseman right now, so they could do worse than drafting Boqvist to develop into that spot, especially considering the rapid decline of Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks’ prospect cupboard is basically non-existent in terms of right-handed defensemen after Jokiharju, so investing in a high-end righty would not be a terrible decision for Stan Bowman. However, with Boqvist’s draft stock as a bit of an unknown—some have him projected as high as fourth overall and others down around 10th overall—the Hawks may need to look elsewhere. With as many high-end defensemen as there are available who are expected to go in the top 10, playing style will likely determine where they will go. If a team wants a game-changing offensive talent, Boqvist will go early. If teams want a more well-rounded game, he could slide a bit. Only time will tell.

Timeline
Boqvist will definitely need a couple of years to be ready for the NHL, especially given the fact he is among the youngest players in the draft class, being born in mid-August of 2000. He is very light given his height, and will really need to bulk up to sustain the physicality of the NHL. Though not a liability per se, Boqvist also needs to improve his defensive game, as he is much better offensively than defensively. He would likely benefit from a year in the American Hockey League to get used to playing his game on the smaller North American ice. As such, Boqvist will likely not be fully NHL-ready until 2020–21.

Projection
Boqvist is a very talented player. He owns all of the tools needed to develop into a franchise defenseman, though that will take time. As stated, he needs to get bigger and solidify his play in the defensive zone, but assuming he does, there is no reason to suspect he will not become a top-pairing defenseman capable of quarterbacking his team’s power play. Even if Boqvist cannot add enough strength to be a legitimate top-pairing defender, he will be an elite number three option.

What others are saying
“A dynamic offensive defenceman that can carry plays with the puck on his stick. A highly mobile and nimble skater that moves with fluidity, balance, and confidence. Utilizes an active stick and creates turnovers frequently. Could be more proactive in his own end, but has shown progression in understanding lanes and reading unfolding plays; most of his best defensive work comes through the neutral zone, as there is a lot less time and space to work with, and it is in those moments that Boqvist shines. Offensively, Boqvist is electric; he has the toolbox of a top line forward. Slick puckhandling ability paired with excellent vision and positional awareness makes him a dangerous threat every time he is on the ice. He also takes advantage of the attention and bodies he draws towards himself in creating space for teammates. All-in-all, Adam Boqvist is a complete offensive defenceman that knows how to get the puck from point A to the back of the net, and can make it happen all by himself.”
— Curtis Joe/Elite Prospects

“Boqvist is as good a playmaker as he is a shooter. He is equally dangerous in both offensive aspects. He can score from anywhere on the ice. If he doesn’t have the shooting lane, he can complete almost any pass. It’s usually the right pass and on the tape. He does all of this at a high rate of speed as he is a dynamic skater. Need an example of how offensively gifted he is? When his team needed a shootout goal, he was called upon to deliver and usually did. Of course the question with an offensive defenseman is how good is his two-way game? In Boqvist’s case, it’s decent. There’s certainly work to be done especially in his own end, but it’s improved. He’s actually really effective breaking up plays in the neutral zone. He uses his speed and stick handling to do this. Where he needs to improve is his size and strength in order to become more effective in his own zone. He thrives in open space, but needs to solidify his play in tight spaces.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Adam Boqvist appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com host Jeff “Gatekeeper” Osborn and co-host John Jaeckel throw together a last minute episode to address the recent insanity following the end of the NHL season.

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful fathers out there!

• The “terrible” Michal Kempny is now a Stanley Cup Champ
• The Blackhawks sign Jacob Nilsson, Andreas Martinsen, and Henri Jokiharju
• Corey Crawford is actually alive, ALLEGEDLY
• Then things get interesting as they talk about:
  • Suggestion of a Brandon Saad buyout
  • Talk of a trade involving Marian Hossa for Scott Darling
  • Talk of a trade involving Brandon Saad for Justin Faulk
• We wrap up the episode with some great listener/reader questions.

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The post The Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 24 appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 10th-ranked prospect, center Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
2017–18 Team: Assat (Finland)
Date of Birth: July 6, 2000
Place of Birth: Pori, Finland
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 188 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 6 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 9 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Ryan O’Reilly

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a big Finnish center who many regard as being the top centerman available in the draft. While not an elite talent, Kotkaniemi does many things well on both sides of the puck, making him a valuable player.

Kotkaniemi is very effective in the offensive zone because of the versatility he brings to the attack. He is not afraid to keep the puck on his stick and drive to the net. If he does not have a skating lane, he likes firing the puck on goal. Kotkaniemi has a very good wrist shot featuring a high-end release. He also has a good snapshot because of his release. Kotkaniemi enjoys using his big frame to get to the front of the net to cause havoc on the opponent’s defense. Kotkaniemi’s hands allow him to pounce on rebound opportunities and send them to the back of the net.

Vision and passing are big strengths for Kotkaniemi. He is able to thread the needle through traffic to hit a teammate with a perfect pass for a high-quality scoring chance. He sees the ice very well and is able to quickly identify passing and shooting lanes.

Kotkaniemi has high-end hockey sense. He is one of the smartest players available, as he very rarely makes mistakes with the puck. Kotkaniemi is appropriately patient with the puck. He has no issues waiting for a play to develop to take advantage of a scoring opportunity or set up a teammate. Kotkaniemi positions himself well, which often leads to scoring chances.

While Kotkaniemi is by no means an elite skater, he is able to hold his own. He has decent speed, but his acceleration needs a lot of work. Kotkaniemi is a bit awkward during his first few steps, which will need to be cleaned up before playing in the NHL. His size allows him to be pretty stable, both along the boards and in front of the net, whether as a screen on offense or clearing the front of the net on defense. Kotkaniemi has enough speed to get around defenders and drive to the net, but is happy slowing play down as well, which he does well with his great hockey sense.

Kotkaniemi is a responsible player in his own end. He has no issues coming down low to support his defensemen and help clear the front of the net. His big body allows him to be effective in board battles. Kotkaniemi’s hockey sense and vision allow him to position himself well and read the play in order to shut down the opposition’s attack.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Kotkaniemi could certainly be an option for the Hawks if the want to take a center with the eighth pick. While he may be considered a bit of a reach over some of the other players who will be available when the Blackhawks are on the clock, Kotkaniemi’s potential as a high-end center could make him a worthy choice. Kotkaniemi is expected to be taken somewhere in the 10–15 range, but could jump higher if a team wants to add a center. The Hawks’ forward prospect pool is relatively weak, so adding Kotkaniemi could go a long way to replenishing the forward group as the Stanley Cup core continues to age. Kotkaniemi could prove to be the long-term answer to replace Jonathan Toews, giving the Blackhawks a one-two center punch of Kotkaniemi and Schmaltz. Another important thing to note is Kotkaniemi will be under contract in Finland for another two seasons, meaning he could not step into the lineup for another three years. So, if the Hawks are wanting to draft a player who can help sooner rather than later, they will likely look elsewhere.

Timeline
As mentioned, Kotkaniemi has two years left on his contract with Assat in Finland, meaning the soonest he could come to North America would be 2020–21. While this may be a disappointment for teams wanting to bring him over sooner, this time should give Kotkaniemi ample opportunities to really polish his game, allowing him to step right into and contribute in an NHL lineup.

Projection
Kotkaniemi is widely viewed as the only prospect with the capability of developing into a first line center. While he would need to improve his skating a bit and add some strength, Kotkaniemi has the tools needed to be a pivot on the top line. At worst, Kotkaniemi should prove to be an effective second line center for the team drafting him. Kotkaniemi has played wing the majority of this season for Assat, so being a top-six winger is an option as well if a team strong down the middle would rather go that route.

What others are saying
“Alert and versatile forward with good speed and a wide range of attributes who has performed well beyond expectations as a 17-year-old playing key minutes in Finland’s top league. Kotkaniemi comes across as a smart, clean player with or without the puck and can play either center or wing. He is used on the penalty kill and in late-game situations, showing defensive prowess regardless of the job he’s assigned. He has a nose for sniffing out opposing intentions, and his quick hands and keen vision can turn a run-of-the-mill enemy breakout into a quality chance for him or his mates. One skill that stands out is his playmaking ability — Kotkaniemi is quite creative with the puck and threads the needle with ease. Kotkaniemi is a central figure on the power play, where he likes to control the puck along the wall and look for backdoor cutters or point men open in the high slot. Although he comes across as a playmaker rather than a finisher, Kotkaniemi has an excellent shot/release combination and can corral a puck in traffic and still wire it on net. He makes up for an average first step with excellent awareness and anticipation, and he’s difficult to knock off the puck once he maintains control. Strong on his skates and heavily involved in puck battles, Kotkaniemi is highly reliable on odd-man rushes but also nimble enough to cut sharply across the grain and throw defenders into a state of confusion.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Kotkaniemi has good size. He takes advantage of his big frame, as he’s willing to work down low. He loves to take the puck and drive to the front of the net. Without the puck he is also found around the top of the crease, ready to provide a screen or pounce on a rebound. Kotkaniemi has a strong wrist-shot and an excellent release. He is a smart player and has a knack for finding open space without the puck and setting himself up for a one-timer or wrister on net. Kotkaniemi is also a good playmaker, with good vision and passing skills. He has the stickhandling ability to protect the puck on the cycle and extend plays to find an open teammate. Kotkaniemi anticipates the movements of his teammates and can get them the puck in good scoring areas. He does not force things and is willing to keep possession by hitting the open man in the cycle rather than making an overly risky play. Kotkaniemi is also strong on the forecheck, pressuring the defence and creating turnovers and scoring chances for teammates.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Jesperi Kotkaniemi appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 11th-ranked prospect, center Barrett Hayton.

Barrett Hayton
2017–18 Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Date of Birth: June 9, 2000
Place of Birth: Peterborough, ON
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 9
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 6

NHL Comparable: Patrice Bergeron

Barrett Hayton is a highly effective two-way center playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League. Despite playing on a team loaded with high-end talent, Hayton has established himself as a go-to player thanks to his sound all-around game.

Hayton skates well, with good speed and acceleration. He is very comfortable in his skates and is able to move around the ice very well. Hayton has very good balance and power because of his strong legs, which also allow him to fight through checks and establish position in front of the net, whether on offense or defense. Hayton also uses his skating to protect the puck well.

Shooting is a strong suit for Hayton. He has a very powerful shot and gets it off quickly. Hayton’s lethal wrist shot is his best weapon, though his snapshot is also very effective. He is not always the most accurate shooter, and this is something he needs to work on to be successful offensively at the next level, but Hayton has shown signs of improvement. His slapshot is definitely his weakest shot, as he needs to develop more upper-body strength for it to become a threat.

Hayton excels offensively by getting to the front of the net, where he can cause havoc and generate scoring chances. He has very good hand-eye coordination, tipping pucks and banging home rebounds. His lower-body strength allows him to hold his own and maintain positioning against bigger defenders.

Defensively, Hayton is very responsible. He regularly comes deep into the defensive zone to help his defensemen and cover opposing players. His lower-body strength allows him to effectively clear the front of the net and win puck battles along the boards. Hayton is very good positionally and almost always finds himself between the puck and his net, allowing him to break up passing and shooting lanes well.

Hayton is a very reliable player and teams and coaches know what to expect from him. He has a high compete level and does just about everything well. He does not have one area of his game that is elite, per se, but because of his ability to do a bit of everything, he is a highly effective player who should enjoy a long and successful NHL career.

Implications for the Blackhawks
While Hayton is considered to be among the safer, more well-rounded players available in the draft, his lack of high-end offensive ability will likely keep him from cracking the top 10, so the Hawks will likely look elsewhere when on the clock with the eighth pick. Hayton is expected to be selected somewhere in the 10–15 range, so unless Chicago moves back from eight or up from 27, Hayton will not be headed to the Windy City.

Timeline
Hayton will need some more time to get a little stronger and to improve his foot speed. While he is not a slow skater by any means, increased speed will really round out his game and help him at the next level. He needs to improve the accuracy of his shooting and needs to become a more consistent player as well, as he regularly has good games and bad games. Hayton will not be in the NHL next season, but if he develops well with Sault Ste. Marie, he could earn a spot on an NHL roster as soon as 2019–20.

Projection
Hayton lacks the high-end offensive ability needed to be a first line player in the NHL, but should be an effective player in a team’s middle six. He has played both center and left-wing this season, which will give him more flexibility to float around in a lineup. On the high-end, Hayton could become a good two-way second line center who can produce offensively. On the low-end, Hayton would be a third liner, either at center or on the wing, and be an effective two-way player.

What others are saying
“Hayton plays a straightforward game. He protects the puck well on the cycle and has some soft hands. However, he is not the type of forward to dangle a defenceman and get past him in a one-on-one situation. Instead, Hayton looks to keep the puck moving, find the open man, and then get it to the net. He is a smart player, who makes quick, smart plays with the puck on his stick. He is also good on the forecheck. While he does not lay a lot of big hits, he gets in quickly, pressuring defenders and creating turnovers.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Slick, two-way center who can beat you in a variety of ways. Whether you view Hayton as the beneficiary of a deep supporting cast, or a key cog in Sault Ste Marie’s attack, the truth is he very much is a very skilled, heady player. He has excellent vision and makes most defenders miss when he’s controlling the puck below the circles. Hayton’s a strong skater with excellent balance. He won’t blow past defenders immediately after his first or second step, but his straight-line speed when combined with the likelihood of a sudden change in direction keeps opponents guessing. Hayton is both shifty and crafty with the puck, plus he’s capable of making high-percentage plays on his backhand. He knows how to finish around the goal, but he’s also shown to favor his lethal wrist shot from anywhere near the circles. Again, this kid is very hard to prepare for — both before a game and right when he hops over the boards. He can be a relentless forechecker, especially on the penalty kill, and he will use his body effectively to protect the puck. He has top-line upside and should be expected to dominate the OHL next season when his role is expanded.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Barrett Hayton appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 12th-ranked prospect, center Joe Veleno.

Joe Veleno
2017–18 Team: Drummondville (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: January 13, 2000
Place of Birth: Montreal, QC
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 193 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 8
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 13

NHL Comparable: Nicklas Backstrom

Any player granted exceptional status by the Canadian Hockey League is likely going to open some eyes. While Veleno has been a very good player in his time playing juniors, he has probably not fully lived up to the exceptional status. Because of this, Veleno’s draft stock has been debated. However, there is no debating what Veleno brings to the table on the ice.

Veleno is a very gifted skater. He has great top-end speed and accelerates well. He uses his skating to his advantage, often times creating space and opportunities with it for himself and his teammates. Veleno is very comfortable skating with the puck and uses this ability to generate offense. Veleno’s skating allows him to be unpredictable, as he can burn a defender to the outside or quickly cut into the middle of the ice.

While Veleno is very much a pass-first player, he does possess a decent shot. He could certainly stand to use it more frequently, which would increase his ability to be an all-around offensive threat, as defenders know he tends to prefer distributing the puck. Veleno needs to add some strength in order to have a more dangerous shot, and needs to quicken his release as well to make his shot become a high-end weapon.

As mentioned, Veleno’s offensive game is largely predicated on his passing ability. Veleno possesses very high-end vision and hockey sense. Veleno is able to read and react to what is happening around him very well. This ability allows Veleno to make the best choice with the puck. Veleno does not mind being patient with the puck to wait out defenders and open up room for his teammates. He can thread the needle with pinpoint passes, often times leading to high-quality scoring chances for his teammates. His elite passing ability is reflected by the 114 assists he has registered in his three years in the QMJHL.

Veleno is a very responsible player defensively. He supports his defenders well and does not cheat up the ice for offensive opportunities. Although not the largest player, Veleno does not mind getting in the dirty areas to get his team possession of the puck. Veleno has a very high compete level, which is reflected in his defensive play. His compete level also allows him to be a good leader on the ice. Veleno was Saint John’s captain before being traded to Drummondville mid-season.

Overall, Veleno is one of the best two-way players available in the draft. He will likely prove to be a pretty safe pick for the team drafting him, even if he does not have a super high ceiling. Veleno will need to get stronger to be able to help clear the front of the net and win board battles at the NHL level. Added strength will also help bring his shot to an NHL level and will give him more stability in his skating. Veleno plays a similar style to newly crowned Stanley Cup champion Nicklas Backstrom in the sense of being an elite playmaker and good defender and having leadership capabilities, though not being a big-time goal scorer.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Veleno is among the more intriguing prospects in the draft because of his CHL exceptional status. While Veleno is certainly not one of the very best prospects of the class, many feel he deserves to be in the top 10. Others feel differently, seeing Veleno as someone who could fall as far as the end of the first round. In reality, Veleno would probably be a reach with the eighth pick, especially considering the quality that will be available when the Hawks are on the clock. Barring a miracle, Veleno will be off the board by the time the Blackhawks pick at 27. So, unless the Hawks move into the 10–20 range, Veleno will not be a Blackhawk.

Timeline
Veleno needs another year to get a bit stronger before making the jump to professional hockey. But, with his very well-rounded game, he should be able to step into an NHL lineup in 2019–20.

Projection
Veleno likely will not reach the level of other CHL exceptional status players John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Connor McDavid, who have become franchise cornerstone players in the NHL. However, Veleno should be a nice piece for the team choosing him. He will likely slot in as a second line center who will be a reliable contributor at both ends of the ice for many years to come.

What others are saying
“Veleno’s strongest asset could be his skating. He has breakaway speed and acceleration, excellent agility and edge work and is strong on his skates. More of a playmaker than sniper Veleno does a great job of distributing the puck using his vision, hockey sense and puck skills to set up teammates. Veleno has a good shot but needs to more selfish and take more shots. Veleno has good size and strength and while not a very aggressive player, he isn’t shy to fight for loose pucks and can win puck battles along the boards with his high compete level.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

“Veleno has tremendous speed and outstanding acceleration. It is his skating skill that truly gave him a leg up on older competition and earned him the exceptional player status. He is silky smooth on his skates. Veleno has the ability to take a defender wide and cut to the net. He also has the agility and edgework to beat a defender in a one-on-one situation off the rush. Veleno is strong on the puck, and works well down low and in the cycle game at the junior level.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“A jack-of-all trades player with a nice tool belt. Great edgework, acceleration, vision and puck-protection skills. The 17-year-old is already a consummate worker in the defensive end and is a very safe selection as he has a pro-level approach.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Joe Veleno appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 13th-ranked prospect, defenseman Ty Smith.

Ty Smith
2017–18 Team: Spokane (WHL)
Date of Birth: March 25, 2000
Place of Birth: Lloydminster, AB
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 14
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 14

NHL Comparable: Duncan Keith

Ty Smith is a prototypical modern-day mobile defenseman who, despite being undersized, uses his skating as the crown jewel of his game.

Smith is a high-end skater. He has very good speed and elite acceleration, arguably the best in the entire draft class. Smith is a very smooth skater. He uses his edges well to be able to roam the ice, both offensively and defensively. He is comfortable walking the blue line in the offensive end, allowing him to be a scoring threat.

Smith combines good hands and hockey sense with his skating ability to be an effective player in the offensive zone. He is very aware of what is happening around him, and with that, knows what to do with the puck. Smith rarely makes mistakes with the puck because he is patient enough to let plays develop.

Passing is one of Smith’s biggest strengths. He is able to make tape-to-tape stretch passes and cross-ice passes look easy. Smith quarterbacked Spokane’s power play this season, where he was able to put his playmaking skills on display. Smith enjoys distributing the puck and serves as a key cog of the Spokane offense, with the puck seemingly always going through him on every offensive possession. Smith racked up an amazing 59 assists this season, speaking to his playmaking ability.

Smith has a decent shot. His wrist shot is his best shot, though he has improved on his snapshot and slapshot of late. Smith is able to get his point shots through to the net and usually keeps them close to the ice, giving his teammates prime opportunities to deflect shots or put home rebounds.

Smith uses his top-notch skating ability to be an effective defender. He is able to cover a lot of ice because of his excellent footwork. Smith is usually able to force opposing players to the outside as a result. With his skating ability, Smith is able to quickly transition play from defense to offense, whether by skating the puck or by making a breakout or stretch pass.

Though Smith is not a very physical player, he does not mind contact and is usually able to hold his own. He needs to add strength, which would largely help in his ability to clear the front of the net and win board battles. Additional strength would also aid in developing his shot and generating more power.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Smith does not have as much upside as the other defenders who will likely be available when the Hawks pick at eight. There is no way Smith drops anywhere near the 27th pick, the next time the Blackhawks are on the clock. Unless the Hawks make a deal to pick in the 10–15 range, the second coming of Duncan Keith will not be wearing the Indian head.

Timeline
Smith needs time to get stronger. His offensive game progressed significantly this year, tallying 73 points, which is very encouraging. Still, Smith will need more time to round out his game before making the jump to the NHL, specifically defensively. He will not be able to only rely on his skating ability to be effective at the game’s highest level. Smith will need until at least 2019–20, if not 2020–21, to play in the NHL.

Projection
Smith has the tools needed to be an effective second-pairing defenseman with some nice offensive upside. He likely will not have the ability to be a go-to shutdown defender in the NHL because of his lack of size, which will likely prevent him from being a top-pairing defenseman. Still, Smith should be a nice piece who can run a team’s power play for years to come.

What others are saying
“The dynamic two-way defender continues to display his full arsenal of weapons with Spokane this season. The former first overall pick in the 2015 WHL bantam draft, Smith is an excellent skater who demonstrates poise and patience with the puck. His outlets are crisp and his head is always up. He’s a player you fall in love with because he always makes the right play.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

“There are a lot of things to like about Smith’s game. The first overall selection in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, he joined the league full-time in 2016-17 and was solid if unspectacular as a freshman. He showed occasional flashes of excellence that season, and those flashes have become more the rule than the exception during an exceptional 2017-18 campaign for Smith. He more than doubled his points from his rookie season and nearly tripled his goals output – he finished second in the WHL in scoring by a defender, behind only Medicine Hat’s David Quenneville (who’s two years older). He even had a seven-point game against Prince George in February. The difference in Smith’s game from last season to this one boils down to a couple intermingled factors: experience and confidence. He was able to figure out what did and didn’t work on both sides of the puck as a rookie, and he’s adapted his game to compensate. As a result, he has a lot more confidence in terms of judging risk offensively and is much better at anticipating trouble defensively. He still occasionally over-commits with the puck and has to scramble back to cover odd-man rushes, but those are fewer and much more far between than last season’s Smith saw.”
— Ryan Pike/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Ty Smith appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 14th-ranked prospect, left wing Joel Farabee.

Joel Farabee
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: February 25, 2000
Place of Birth: Syracuse, NY
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 164 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 12
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 11

NHL Comparable: Jake Guentzel

Joel Farabee is among the best all-around players available in this year’s draft. Farabee is a high-end offensive talent who can fill the net. He is responsible in his own end and possesses excellent leadership abilities, serving as his team’s captain this season.

Farabee is a very well-rounded player offensively. He is a strong skater, stick handles well, makes good passes, has a good shot and thinks the game well. There is not much to dislike about his game.

Skating is one of Farabee’s biggest strengths. He has high-end speed, which he reaches quickly with his elite acceleration. In fact, Farabee’s acceleration is among the best in the draft. He also uses his edges well, and in combination with his acceleration, can weave across the ice with ease and dart into open ice quickly. Farabee is a threat for stretch passes because of his ability to use his skating to get past defenders. Farabee is rarely spotted standing still on the ice; he is a player who always wants to be in or around the play and moves his feet to do so. Considering Farabee has a very small frame, his balance and stability are pretty good. Obviously, these could be improved with added strength.

While not the best in the draft, Farabee has very good hands and knows how to use them. He is able to move his hands very quickly, which allows him to score on rebounds frequently. His hands are also good enough to remain dangerous at his top speed, giving him an added weapon on the attack, especially in one-on-one situations. Because of his top-notch speed, defenders typically give Farabee some space to prevent being beaten to the net, which allows Farabee to either shoot or pass if he desires.

As mentioned, Farabee uses his speed to create space for himself. While he sometimes elects to use the room to shoot, Farabee is a good setup man and is able to complete a tape-to-tape pass to a streaking teammate to finish off a scoring play. Farabee’s vision allows him to identify passing lanes well, which he takes advantage of, as is evidenced by his 43 assists this season.

Shooting is another strong suit for Farabee. While he does not overwhelm goaltenders with power, his shot is very quick and accurate. His release is high-end, particularly on his snapshot. Farabee regularly displays this ability on the breakaway, putting pucks past goalies before they have time to react.

Farabee is very sound defensively. He was relied upon to play penalty kill this season and did a good job doing so. Farabee uses his great anticipation skills to read and break up plays. Because of Farabee’s acceleration and speed, his is able to transition from defense to offense very quickly.

The main hole in Farabee’s game is his lack of strength. He is a pretty frail player, relatively speaking. He needs to add muscle to handle the physicality of the NHL. By adding strength, Farabee will improve his shooting, balance and stability in his skating and will be able to fight through pressure, both in open ice and along the boards.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Although Farabee has the skill needed to be picked in the top 10, his size will keep him from being picked earlier than that. Barring a trade a miracle, Farabee will not be available when the Hawks pick at 27, so unless the Blackhawks trade back from the eighth pick or up from the 27th pick into the early teens, Farabee will not be headed for Chicago.

Timeline
Farabee needs time to grow. He will be attending Boston University beginning in the fall, where he will likely spend at least a couple of years. Do not expect Farabee to hit NHL ice until 2020–21 at the absolute earliest.

Projection
Farabee has the skill needed to be a top-six winger in the NHL. It is possible Farabee could start out in a third line role if his team wants to keep him away from the opposition’s best defenders, but Farabee will likely slot in a more prominent role rather quickly once establishing himself and proving he can hold his own at the game’s highest level. Farabee has the high-end skating needed to be a very effective all-around threat for many years to come.

What others are saying
“The captain of the U18 USNTDP, Farabee is a dangerous and prolific scorer amongst his age group. Blessed with top level skating ability and a mind for creating offense, the New York native can also be trusted in his own zone which facilitates further opportunities from the coaching staff. His level of play seems to rise when surrounded with high-level talent as indicated with the recent boon of production next to fellow draft-eligible prospect, Oliver Wahlstrom and top 2019 pick, Jack Hughes. While Farabee lacks ideal size, his ability to use his edges to slash in and out of lanes keeps opposing teams on their heels and keeps him off of the IR.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

“Farabee is a very high-energy, big-effort player with skill…he never stops moving his feet or finding ways to try to be a factor on the ice…has jersey-flapping speed…his ability to change pace is impressive and allows him to stay elusive…possesses good puck control, and has a dogged willingness to take the puck to the net…has creative hands and can pull a skilled one-on-one move to gain space…moves the puck around the ice extremely well, connecting with good strong passes that lead his linemates effectively…not scared to shoot the puck when presented the opportunity…has a quick release but lacks velocity on his shot at this stage…keeps moving in the offensive zone, and that creates a lot of space and time for he and his teammates, and in doing so he generates a lot of offensive opportunities…he excels in all zones, providing his team with a tireless work ethic, strong defensive play, and some offensive flair…has the low-end potential of a strong third liner with speed who can help a penalty kill, or a high-end upside as a top-six scorer who can contribute on special teams.”
— Aaron Vickers/Future Considerations

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Joel Farabee appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 15th-ranked prospect, left wing Grigori Denisenko.

Grigori Denisenko
2017–18 Team: Yaroslavl 2 (Russia)
Date of Birth: June 24, 2000
Place of Birth: Novosibirsk, Russia
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: LW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 7 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 4 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Patrick Kane

With high-end offensive skills and the elusivity of former superstar Pavel Datsyuk, Grigori Denisenko is one of the most electrifying players in the draft. As a result, Denisenko is among the most exciting players to watch in the draft class.

The most noticeable aspect of Denisenko’s game is his elite skating ability. His top speed is phenomenal. He accelerates very well, reaching his top speed in just a few steps. Denisenko uses his edges and agility to weave in and out of defenders. His ability to elude the opposition’s pressure is remarkable. Even when it seems like he is lined up by a defender and about to be hit, Denisenko regularly uses his Houdini-esque disappearing ability to vanish from the contact, as can be seen in the highlight video below. Denisenko uses his top-notch skating to be among the most slippery players in the draft, which he is then able to turn into high-quality scoring chances for himself and his teammates. The one knock on his skating is that he needs to improve his strength to become more solid, as he can easily be pushed off the puck when he has nowhere to go or is flat-footed.

Denisenko is a wizard with the puck on his stick. He combines excellent hands with his amazing skating ability to generate offensive opportunities seemingly out of nowhere. Denisenko is at his best with the puck on his stick. He regularly puts the puck through and around defenders with ease. He has the patience to wait out the opposition and make plays. However, Denisenko can sometimes be considered a “puck hog” and sometimes gets himself into trouble by holding onto the puck too long, but this will likely decrease as he transitions into playing in the KHL next season.

Denisenko’s vision and patience allows him to determine the best offensive play available, whether that be in the form of waiting for a play to develop and feeding an open teammate or creating and opportunity for himself. Denisenko is a very good passer. He regularly puts the puck exactly where it needs to be for a teammate to make a play. Denisenko is also good at drawing attention to himself to open ice for his teammates.

Denisenko possesses a high-end shot as well. His wrist shot and snapshot are both very accurate and gets them off very quickly. Denisenko could certainly improve his shot if his is able to get stronger, as he has a relatively small frame. Added strength would also help improve his slap shot as well.

He very much plays a perimeter-style of hockey, which he excels at. But, this could also be reason for concern, as he may not be willing to get down and dirty to be effective in crunch time. He does not enjoy finding himself in front of the net for too long, rather being a player who will dart in and out of the middle when needed for a high-quality scoring chance. His style is very reminiscent of a young Patrick Kane before Kane was able to round out his offensive game more to become an all-around threat.

Defensively, Denisenko has a long way to go. He is almost purely an offensively minded player, meaning he can be a liability in his own end. He does not backcheck well, as he likes to stay behind the play in the event of a turnover. His lack of defensive ability can also lead to ill-advised penalties, which will definitely need to be cleaned up before becoming an NHL player.

Overall, Denisenko is an electrifying offensive player with loads of raw talent. He needs to work significantly on some important aspects of his game, but has the tools to be a star for a long time.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Despite being ranked as a mid-first round pick, Denisenko could easily find himself sliding to the end of the first round if teams are scared off by his one-sided game and lack of size and discipline. The “Russian factor” could also easily come into play if teams fear he will not come over to North America for a while. That said, it is probably likely he will be gone in the 15–25 range because of his offensive upside. However, if he is miraculously available when the Hawks are on the clock with the 27th pick, he could prove to be one of the steals of the draft. If Denisenko can translate his offensive ability to the NHL and round out his game, he could be the perfect replacement for the second line left wing role opposite Patrick Kane. A duo of Kane and Denisenko could wreak havoc on NHL defenses, similar to how Kane did with Artemi Panarin. However, head coach Joel Quenneville typically does not like purely offensive players, so that could steer the Blackhawks away from Denisenko if he is still available at 27. He would be a high-risk, high-reward pick, but were he to pan out, he would become the Hawks’ next game-changer.

Timeline
Denisenko will need a few years to round out his game and get stronger. He is expected to play in the KHL this season. If Denisenko is really wanting to play in the NHL and he drastically improves his strength and defensive ability, he could come over as soon as 2019–20 or 2020–21, but he could very easily take much longer to develop and not be NHL-ready until 2021–22 or later.

Projection
Denisenko has all of the tools needed to be an elite offensive player at the game’s highest level. If he is able to become better defensively and gain some strength, there is no reason Denisenko cannot become a top-six winger, potentially even a top-line winger. But, as stated earlier, his lack of defensive ability is a big concern, which could put a damper on his sky-high offensive potential.

What others are saying
“Denisenko has a lot of talent, and it means that naturally many NHL teams will be behind him. He’s definitely got top-10 talent, but the Russian Factor and his size will most likely push him down. A pick in the second round is not out of question, even if he will be probably one of the first 31 players called. Many NHL teams may also be concerned by his maturity. He likes to (over)play the puck and is prone to ‘bad discipline’ penalties. As he will keep on playing in the KHL, though, it is most likely that these kind of issues will be ironed out.”
— Alessandro Seren Rosso/The Hockey Writers

“Flashy winger with a ton of upside who can make a variety of moves to get within striking distance of the goal. Denisenko dealt with consistency issues throughout the season, but he’s an unstoppable force when engaged.”
— Steve Kournianos/Sporting News

“Denisenko is one of the most skilled players in his draft class. On a pure talent level, he’s one of, it not the top Russian in this draft class (and no I didn’t forget about Andrei Svechnikov). Denisenko manipulates the puck so well and does so at high speeds.”
— Corey Pronman/The Athletic

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Grigori Denisenko appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 16th-ranked prospect, right wing Vitali Kravtsov.

Vitali Kravtsov
2017–18 Team: Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Date of Birth: December 23, 1999
Place of Birth: Vladivostok, Russia
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 170 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 3 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 10 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Nathan MacKinnon

Kravtsov skyrocketed up draft boards with a phenomenal showing in the KHL playoffs this season, registering six goals and five assists in 16 games. After tallying just four goals and three assists in 35 regular season games, the postseason rampage came as a pleasant eye-opening surprise.

Kravtsov is a high-end skater with great speed and acceleration, often times creating space between himself and opponents. He has the ability to burn around defenders to drive to the goal or weave around the ice by using his good edge work. Kravtsov has a pretty strong base, giving him good stability and power.

Stickhandling is perhaps the most dangerous weapon Kravtsov possesses. His elite hands are among the best in the draft class. Kravtsov is able to use his stickhandling ability to make defenders look silly. He thrives in one-on-one situations because of his hands and skating. Kravtsov excels at making skilled plays at top speeds, which often creates high-quality scoring opportunities for his team and significant problems for the opposition. Kravtsov also uses his top-notch hands to set up his teammates, though he generally has a shoot-first mentality on the ice.

Kravtsov possesses a nice variety of shots. His wrist shot and snapshot are his best shooting weapons because they feature good power and accuracy and he is able to get both off very quickly. Kravtsov fits the mold of a sniper, but also has the ability to set up his teammates for opportunities as well. His high-end stickhandling also allows Kravtsov to be a big-time threat when he finds himself close to the net, as he is able to fake out the goaltender seemingly with ease.

While Kravtsov is very much an offensively minded player, he is not a huge liability in his defensive end. He does still have a long way to come in this area, but has shown signs of improvement. His top-notch skating allows him to transition play from defense to offense quickly. His skating also allows for him to be a good backchecker, when he chooses to.

Overall, Kravtsov is a very intriguing prospect because of his high-end offensive skills. Consistency and his defensive play are certainly concerns, and the “Russian factor” could come into play for him as well, as he is still under contract to play in Russia, which could see his draft stock fall a bit. But, the top-end skating, stickhandling and shooting are too much to ignore.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Although performing exceptionally in the playoffs, Kravtsov does not quite come to the level of the other top prospects who will be available when the Hawks are on the clock with the 8th pick. Some experts feel Kravtsov is likely to be taken in the middle of the first round, whereas some others have him toward the end of the first round or even into the second round. So, it is entirely possible Kravtsov could still be available when the Blackhawks make the 27th pick. He could be a really good addition to the organization’s prospect pool, especially if the Hawks select a defenseman with the 8th pick.

Timeline
Kravtsov is still under contract to play in Russia, so he will not be coming to North America right away. He still has some important aspects of his game to improve as well. Although the contract situation is a bit difficult to predict, do not expect to see Kravtsov in the NHL until at least 2020–21 or 2021–22, perhaps along the lines of Evgeny Kuznetsov’s journey to the NHL.

Projection
Kravtsov has the offensive tools needed to be a high-end scoring threat in the NHL. If he is able to reach his potential, there is no reason he cannot be a top-six winger. But, Kravtsov could also prove to be a bust if he does not develop more consistency and round out his game or if he opts to stay in Russia for a while and then is unable to transition his game to North America. Time will tell.

What others are saying
“An incredibly talented player, Kravtsov has the potential to become an elite playmaker in the NHL. He is the player that many teams will regret not taking – passing on the young Russian will come back to haunt them. Although we will not be seeing him in the NHL for a few years, he will have a true impact when he arrives. After he develops his complete game in the KHL, he will be one of the most dangerous Russian forwards in the NHL. He will be the steal of the 2018 NHL Draft.”
— Tim McKinnon/The Hockey Writers

“Kravtsov is a skilled offensive player. He pairs his great skating ability with outstanding hands. He can stickhandle in a phone booth. This makes him absolutely deadly in one-on-one situations. The best part of his game is that he can make all these moves and handle the puck while moving at top speed. If defenders back off to respect his speed and stickhandling, he has a deadly arsenal of shots that he can put on net. Kravtsov has a very good wrist shot and snapshot. Both shots feature a quick release. With the hands to also score in tight, he’s a natural sniper.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Vitali Kravtsov appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 17th-ranked prospect, right wing Serron Noel.

Serron Noel
2017–18 Team: Oshawa (OHL)
Date of Birth: August 8, 2000
Place of Birth: Ottawa, ON
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 10
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 9

NHL Comparable: Blake Wheeler

Serron Noel is one of the premier power forwards of this year’s draft class. Despite coming into this season as a projected second round pick, Noel made big strides this season, solidifying himself as a high-end prospect worthy of a first round selection.

The biggest concern with young, big players is almost always their skating ability. Noel’s skating was questioned coming into the season, explaining why he was not seen as a first round prospect coming into the year. But, Noel focused on improving his skating, which paid big dividends this season, drastically improving his offensive output. While he still needs to work on improving his skating, he does have decent speed, especially considering his size. His agility and acceleration need improvement.

Perhaps Noel’s most lethal weapon is his wrist shot. It is one of, if not the most, powerful wrist shots in the draft. Noel is able to get off his wrist shot very quickly as well, making it nearly impossible to stop when placed correctly. Noel also possesses pretty good hands, allowing him to be effective close to the net as well, both with deflections and rebounds. As a result, Noel saw a big uptick in his production this season in an expanded role with Oshawa, tallying 28 goals and 53 points in 62 games, a huge improvement from his 2016–17 totals of eight goals and 21 points in 63 games.

Another of Noel’s strengths is his ability to create havoc on the forecheck. Although being a big guy, Noel is surprisingly not overly physical. Instead, Noel uses his imposing frame to force defenders into poor decisions. Additionally, Noel enjoys using his size to be effective in front of the net, though with more of a production mindset rather than a physical one. If Noel is able to increase his level of physicality, he could become an even more effective player offensively.

Noel is also a very reliable player in the defensive end. He uses his hockey sense to position himself well. His size allows him to cover a lot of ice, both with his body and his stick. Noel effectively combines his hockey sense and size to anticipate plays, step into passing or shooting lanes and cause turnovers. Again, despite his size, Noel is not a very physical player. He does not look to make big hits, whether along the boards or in open ice. He does use his size well along the boards in puck battles, which he often wins.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Though a player like Noel would be a nice addition to the Hawks’ forward group, he would likely not be a very wise pick at number eight. He will likely not be available when the Blackhawks are on the clock again with the 27th pick, so unless the Hawks trade down from eight or up from 27, Noel will likely be headed elsewhere.

Timeline
Noel definitely needs more time to work on his game. His skating, although being vastly better this year, still needs work to be at an NHL level. Despite having decent hands, Noel needs to improve his stickhandling ability to be able to generate offensive opportunities for himself to maintain his production. Noel is two or three years away from the NHL, so do not expect to see him on the ice until 2020–21.

Projection
If Noel improves his skating and is able to generate offense consistently, he could become a high-end power forward in the NHL. He has the raw ability, keyword being raw. He still has a long way to come, but the improvements he made this season are highly encouraging and show how high of a ceiling he could have. While he will likely not become as high-end of an offensive threat as Blake Wheeler, he plays a similar game in the sense his focus is strictly on his skill and ability to produce rather than to be simply a physical presence with his size. Still, if he is able to round out his game and reach his potential, he could be a top-six winger with the ability to be a game-changer.

What others are saying
“Coming into the season Noel was heavily criticized for his skating. He struggled during his rookie season in 2016-17, as he seemed to be a step behind the play. While the skating is still a work in progress, it has vastly improved this season. Noel generates very good speed for a big man and has really improved his first few steps and acceleration. While his stride looks awkward, it gets him where he needs to go. If he gets a step on his man, he can really bear down and pull away on the rush. He has a powerful lower-body, giving him excellent balance. Noel can fight through checks and get to the front of the net. He is also extremely strong on the puck and controls down low on the cycle. Noel rarely loses board battles. However, Noel has issues with his agility and edgework. He could work on being more fluid in his turns and quick stops and changes of direction.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Noel finished the season with a line of 28-25-53 in 62 games and added an assist in five playoff games against the Niagara IceDogs. On top of his improved skating, he demonstrated his lethal shot. Of note, he has a great release for a big man. There’s a lot to like here. With that said, there are questions. Noel scored his 28 goals on just 105 shots. He averaged less than two shots/game. For someone who has the skills and build he has, it’s somewhat concerning he only generated 105 shots. He’s got much more to give on the offensive end. In my live viewing of him, there were pockets of the game I didn’t even notice him. It’s kind of a tale of two extremes. When he’s noticeable, he brings people to their feet. Otherwise, I barely knew he was on the ice.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Serron Noel appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 18th-ranked prospect, defenseman Rasmus Sandin.

Rasmus Sandin
2017–18 Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Date of Birth: March 7, 2000
Place of Birth: Uppsala, Sweden
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 184 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 11
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 15

NHL Comparable: Jake Muzzin

Rasmus Sandin is a Swedish-born defenseman playing in the Ontario Hockey League. Sandin has elite decision making and hockey sense, the crown jewels of his game, making him a very enticing prospect.

Sandin is regularly described as being a smooth skater, albeit not the fastest. He has a stable base, which he uses well to maintain balance and generate seemingly effortless power. Sandin uses his feet well, often times making up for mistakes or positioning with his skating and play recognition. He effectively uses his skating to shut down the opposition and excels with keeping opponents to the outside because of his good footwork.

The best aspect of Sandin’s offensive game is his vision and passing ability. Sandin sees the ice very well and is able to predict plays before they take place, allowing him to make impressive passes which set up his teammates well. Sandin frequently makes the best decision with the puck, in part due to his ability to remain patient under pressure. He is able to make difficult passes look easy and very rarely makes an ill-advised pass thanks to his top-notch decision making and play recognition abilities.

While Sandin is not known as a scorer, he did manage to tally 12 goals this season. He tends to use his wrist shot more than a slapshot and has been very effective getting pucks on net. Sandin’s ability to keep shots low generates scoring opportunities for teammates via deflections or rebounds. Sandin has an above average release and is able to generate decent power on his shots, though not overpowering by any means.

Defensively, Sandin is a very sound player. His skating ability allows him to effectively close out players as they enter the zone. He positions himself very well, which gives him an edges on attacking players. His hockey sense and play recognition aids him in breaking up plays, often times using a very active stick to disrupt the offensive flow. When he picks off passes, Sandin is able to quickly transition the puck to his teammates. Sandin enjoys using his body to check opponents and win board and net-front battles, and does so very effectively because of his smarts.

Sandin needs to bulk up a bit in order to maintain his physical defensive style and withstand the grind of NHL hockey. Added strength should also help his shot to become more powerful, which will increase his offensive ability. Sandin also needs to improve his speed and acceleration to maintain his skating edge when jumping to the NHL.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Sandin’s draft stock is intriguing because it seems many feel he is worthy of a mid-first round selection, whereas others feel he should be toward the bottom of the first round or maybe even the second round because of a lack of high-end offensive ability. A team will likely take a shot on him because of his elite hockey sense and decision making, meaning he will probably not be available when the Hawks pick at 27. However, if he is available, he could be a nice addition to the Blackhawks’ defensive prospects, especially if the team either selects a forward or a more offensively minded defenseman with the eighth pick in the draft.

Timeline
Sandin definitely needs more time to get stronger and faster, whether by staying in the OHL or going home to Sweden to play for Rogle in the SHL, as they own his Swedish rights. Do not expect Sandin to turn pro until at least 2020–21.

Projection
Upon development, Sandin should become a mainstay as a top-four defenseman at the NHL level. He is able to play big minutes and is capable of generating offensive opportunities and playing sound defense. Because of his hockey sense, Sandin is widely considered as a safe pick who will achieve his potential.

What others are saying
“Sandin is an extremely intelligent player. He is poised with the puck on his stick and makes smart plays. Sandin has great vision and the ability to thread the needle to the open man with good passing skills. He can make the long stretch pass to create a breakaway or odd-man rush when it is available. When the home-run type play is not there, he does not try to force it, instead finding a quicker, shorter pass to start the transition game. Sandin also has the vision and skills to set up plays on the power play. … Sandin’s strong positioning and understanding of the game extends to the defensive zone as well. He is a physical player, willing to throw hits on the rush, battle in the corners, and clear the front of the net. However, he picks his spots well, not getting himself out of position to chase the physical play. Sandin maintains good gap control and funnels attackers to the outside. He anticipates plays well and cuts down passing and shooting lanes.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“In terms of puck poise, Sandin’s one of the calmest teenage defensemen you’ll see get drafted this year. He played alongside Adam Boqvist at the Hlinka and I thought he was just as good. He’s a very good skater but his puck distributing and one-on-one play is what should make him an NHL mainstay for at least a decade.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Smart is an adjective you will hear a lot about Sandin. Any disadvantage he has, he overcomes because of it. In the defensive zone he possesses excellent gap control with near flawless positioning with his body or very active stick. He is very adept at angling players out and keeping them to the outside, although he can sometimes be beaten on the outside by a speedy forward.”
— Dominic Tiano/OHL Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Rasmus Sandin appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 19th-ranked prospect, right wing Martin Kaut.

Martin Kaut
2017–18 Team: Pardubice (Czech Republic)
Date of Birth: October 2, 1999
Place of Birth: Brno, Czech Republic
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 4 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 11 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Marian Hossa

Coming into the season, Martin Kaut was not expected to be high draft pick, instead being projected as a mid-round selection. However, thanks in large part to a very strong showing at the World Junior Championships, Kaut’s draft stock skyrocketed.

Kaut has played a depth role for his team in the Czech league, meaning his offensive totals did not jump off the page, tallying nine goals and seven assists this season. However, given the opportunity to play on the first line at the World Juniors with former first rounder Martin Necas and top prospect Filip Zadina, Kaut displayed his high-end offensive abilities, posting two goals and five assists in seven games.

While he does not have amazing acceleration, Kaut does possess good speed. He has strong legs, giving Kaut a powerful stride and very good balance, which he uses well to protect the puck and stay upright when challenged physically. If Kaut can improve his acceleration, he should be able to win more loose pucks and be able to create better separation from opponents.

Kaut has a pretty good shot, specifically his wrist shot. He has pinpoint accuracy and has a good amount of power despite not being a big player. He has a very quick release, which can fool goaltenders and allow him to sneak by shots when a goalie is not prepared for a shot. Kaut has good hands, which he can use to finish plays close to the net in the form of deflections, rebounds and net-front dekes. Kaut also has a good snapshot and a decent slapshot.

Perhaps the aspect most impressive about his performance at the World Juniors was Kaut’s passing ability. Kaut has a keen sense for setting up his teammates at the right time in the right place. Kaut put the puck on a platter for Necas and Zadina on multiple occasions, making a goal look easy. Kaut excels in the cycle game and enjoys being a setup man on the power play, where he can display his dazzling playmaking ability thanks to his excellent vision and recognition.

Kaut is a very sound two-way player, as he has excelled in a defensive role for his team in the Czech Republic. He has very good positioning and is good at breaking up passes because of his awareness. Kaut is willing to block shots. The one area of his defensive game that could be improved is his ability to win board battles, which could be addressed by getting stronger.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Kaut is an intriguing prospect because of the glimpses shown of what he can do. It is entirely possible a team likes him enough to take him in the middle of the first round. He is not good enough to crack the top 10, so the Hawks will certainly not reach for him at eight. But, he could be available at 27 if teams are unsure of his offensive consistency. He could be a nice addition that head coach Joel Quenneville would likely enjoy having thanks to his sound defensive game and ability to produce offense. He has drawn comparisons to Marian Hossa, which Blackhawk fans can appreciate, though do not expect him to have as prolific a career as Hossa.

Timeline
Kaut needs to bulk up and work on his acceleration, which will likely take at least a year to do so. Do not expect him in North America until 2019–20.

Projection
Kaut is a bit of a question mark because it remains to be seen what type of a player he will really be. He has shown glimpses of excellence, but has not done that over an extended period of time, which could simply be because of a lack of opportunity to do so with his Czech league team. If he is able to play a high-end offensive game consistently, he could develop into a top-line winger. In reality, he would likely be a better second or third line winger with the ability to play an effective two-way game.

What others are saying
“One thing I love about the WJC is being able to see a teenage player with a checking role on an adult team play top-line minutes against his peers. Kaut, an energy player for Pardubice, had an outstanding world juniors debut by picking up three assists — all primary — while playing the wing with Zadina and Necas. All three of his passes were right on the tape or in a perfect spot to unload from, as the tallies from both Necas and Kral were one-timers off dishes from Kaut, who was the 24th pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft but chose to stay with Pardubice for another season. Keep in mind, Kaut isn’t just some sort of flashy playmaker — he’s a highly-responsible 200-foot player who plays in all situations.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“With so many players trying to make a name for themselves, it can be anywhere from difficult to almost impossible to stand out in a crowd, especially after a disappointing start to a season. That’s where Czech winger Martin Kaut found himself after a poor showing at the Five Nations tournament. That didn’t stop Kaut from making the World Junior Championship a personal showcase of how talented he is. He finished the tournament with seven points in seven games. He played on a line with Martin Necas and Filip Zadina and looked comfortable playing the playmaking role. Whether he was distributing the puck with precision, as evidenced by his three primary assist game, or burying his chances, Kaut was one of the best players of the entire tournament. How much attention has Kaut received since? He beat out his fellow countryman Zadina for a spot on the World (Championship) roster for the Czech Republic. This says something about Kaut and the kind of player he is.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Martin Kaut appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 20th-ranked prospect, center Isac Lundestrom.

Isac Lundestrom
2017–18 Team: Lulea (Sweden)
Date of Birth: November 6, 1999
Place of Birth: Gallivare, Sweden
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 8 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 3 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Mikko Koivu

Isac Lundestrom is a Swedish center playing for Lulea in the SHL, Sweden’s top men’s league. Despite being just 18 years old, Lundestrom has already spent two seasons in the SHL, a rare feat for someone his age. This speaks to Lundestrom’s game, as he has already played a man’s game for a couple of years. Lundestrom is capable of playing on the wing as well.

One of the first things one notices when watching Lundestrom is his skating. While he is not an elite speedster, he uses his acceleration and balance well, cutting and weaving all over the ice with ease. Although not the largest player, Lundestrom has strong legs, making it difficult for opponents to knock him off the puck and skate through attempted checks along the boards.

Lundestrom excels offensively because of his elite hockey sense. He is exceedingly patient for players of his age. His patience and awareness allows for him to hold on to the puck long enough to make the right decision, which he does almost exclusively. Lundestrom has no issues waiting out a defender for a play to develop or a goalie to put the puck in the net.

His high-end vision allows Lundestrom to be a really good passer, which in combination with his patience and awareness makes him a highly effective playmaker.

Lundestrom possesses a good shot, which he can use to beat goalies from the outside. His above average hands also allow him to be effective close to the net, in both deke and rebound situations. If there is one downside to his shooting, it is that he probably does not do it enough. He is generally a pass-first player, which he is good at, but he would be more dangerous if he chose to shoot more frequently. This would also help keep defenders and the goalie more honest, which would give him better opportunities to pass by opening up more space for his teammates.

Lundestrom is pretty good in the defensive zone, as his hockey sense and awareness allow him to recognize threats and shut them down. His hockey sense and awareness also allow him to generate pressure and cause turnovers, which he is then able to transition to offense quickly.

Though not overly big, Lundestrom is not afraid to use his body on the forecheck and to fight for loose pucks. He will need to improve his strength to reach his potential in the NHL, especially if he is going to be a center. The only other area of his game he really needs to improve on is at the faceoff dot. Additional time in the SHL should help with gaining more experience taking faceoffs against men.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Lundestrom would be a reach with the eighth pick and will not be available when the Hawks pick again at 27. The minimal deficiencies in his game will not see him drop far enough to be available at the end of the first round. The only likely way he could be headed to Chicago would be if the Blackhawks trade down from eight or up from 27, which does not appear will be the case.

Timeline
Lundestrom signed a contract extension with Lulea for next season, so the earliest he could come to North America would be 2019–20. If the team selecting him deems he needs time to adjust to North American hockey, he could spend a year in the American Hockey League as well.

Projection
Lundestrom does not have the elite offensive game required of being a top-line center. He could reach the level of a good second line center with enough development. However, he likely better fits as a middle-six winger or third line center with enough upside to create a long and successful career for himself.

What others are saying
“Playing smart, two-way hockey at high speeds is something you rarely see from any teenager, let alone one that receives top-six minutes in Sweden’s top league. Lundestrom was far too advanced a prospect to play junior hockey, and he succeeded with an altered role for Lulea. He’s fast, aggressive and loves to cause havoc on the forecheck. But don’t think for one second that his speed is what makes him a tantalizing prospect – Lundestrom is very creative with the puck and can bury chances from in close.
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Skilled puck-distributor has shown very well as a draft-eligible player in the SHL and didn’t look out of place as a draft-minus one player in the top league either. His skill set may not jump off the page, but the nuances to his game are terrific. He’s the type of player you like the more you watch him. In a centre-lite draft, his stock will continue to rise. Soft hands and plus-rated hockey sense allows him to flourish in all situations. Saw his role expand in the WJC and thrived with more ice.”
— Cam Robinson/Dobber Prospects

And a bonus video, a short documentary produced by Trans World Sport.

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Isac Lundestrom appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 21st-ranked prospect, defenseman Bode Wilde.

Bode Wilde
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: January 24, 2000
Place of Birth: Montreal, QC
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 17
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 22

NHL Comparable: P.K. Subban

Bode Wilde is this draft’s class “wild pony.” The smooth-skating, two-way defenseman possesses loads of confidence, which gives him a high risk, high reward feel. He has all of the tools needed to be a high-end defenseman in the NHL, but will need to reel in his play to realize that potential.

Wilde’s skating ability is among his biggest strengths. He is very strong on his skates, giving him excellent balance and power. This allows Wilde to clear the front of the net well in addition to leading the offensive rush. He has very good acceleration and footwork, which allows him to keep opponents in front of him and shut down their attack. Wilde uses his edges well, giving him a strong ability to transition in the play. Wilde also enjoys driving to the net on offense, which he is able to do because of his speed.

Wilde possesses a booming shot from the point, which allows him to be a dangerous threat on the power play. While he enjoys using his slap shot, his wrist shots and snapshots are also highly effective because of his accuracy and ability to get them off in a hurry. He is regularly able to get pucks through to the net, making him highly effective in the offensive zone.

Passing is another strength of Wilde’s due to his high-end vision and recognition. This, in combination with the arsenal of shots he owns, allows Wilde to be very comfortable quarterbacking the power play.

Defensively, Wilde is an effective shutdown defenseman because of his ability to use his size and strength to keep the opposition to the outside. Wilde enjoys being physical, though his “wild pony” style can sometimes get him into trouble, sometimes leading to defensive breakdowns or taking a penalty. With this, he needs to learn to recognize appropriate times to make a big hit and when to stay in a sound defensive position and live to fight another day. Wilde can be a liability in the defensive zone because of his inconsistent positioning, which is something he needs to improve on before making the jump to the NHL.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Wilde does not have quite the same level of potential as some of the other top defensemen available in the draft, so taking him at pick eight would be a big reach. Chances are very good he would be off the board when the Hawks pick again at 27, as many expect him to go in the early or mid-teens because of his potential, but if he slides that far because of his aggressiveness, he would be a great pick, especially if the Blackhawks select a “safe” defenseman with the eighth selection. Though still a few years away, Wilde would be a nice addition to the Hawks’ defensive prospect cupboard with a playing style the team’s other prospects do not really have.

Timeline
Wilde has a few areas of his game to work on. He will be attending the University of Michigan beginning in the fall, where he will likely spend at least two or three years. Do not expect to see Wilde on NHL ice until 2020–21 at the earliest.

Projection
He has the tools needed to be a top-pairing defenseman. However, if he is not able to tone down his risk-taking, teams may want to slot him on the second pair. His skill set should see him serve both on the power play and penalty kill at the next level. He needs to clean up his game in the defensive end, but with proper coaching at Michigan and at the beginning of his professional career, Wilde should develop into a good two-way defenseman.

What others are saying
“Big, thick defensemen that look graceful while carrying the puck simply don’t grow on trees, and you’d probably hear more about him if his draft year wasn’t loaded with cornerstone-type defenders. Wilde is one confident teenager, maybe sometimes to a fault, as doing “too much” with the puck is something he’ll have to limit. Especially considering how talented the NTDP forwards are. Still, he is perfectly capable of playing a variety of roles with aplomb — power play quarterback, crease-clearer on the penalty kill, and even neutralizing top opponents. Wilde loves to hammer the disc thanks to a heavy shot, and he has the ability to either create his own shot from up high or finish in a speed rush to the net. Once he crosses center, he is as close to the complete package as they come, and his size and right-handed shot make him an extremely tantalizing prospect with star potential. Wilde’s risk taking can put his mates in jeopardy, so you’d like to see him go through stretches when he puts a premium on sound positioning, and is willing to refrain from deep attacks every single shift.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“Wilde has an absolute bomb of a point shot and understands how to keep it low and on the net to give teammates an opportunity for a deflection or rebound. Wilde can really fire the puck. He can also get it done in a variety of ways with an excellent wrist shot, and strong snapshot. His shots all feature a quick release as well. This makes him a real threat from the point. Wilde is able to get his shot off, and on net despite traffic. He is also a very good passer, starting breakouts and making plays at the point as well. Wilde can start the transition game with his passing skill. He also has the skating and stickhandling skill to rush the puck up the ice. At the blue line, he shows poise with the puck and the patience to set up teammates. He also has the vision and passing ability to run the powerplay.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Bode Wilde appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 22nd-ranked prospect, defenseman Jared McIsaac.

Jared McIsaac
2017–18 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: March 27, 2000
Place of Birth: Truro, NS
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 196 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 13
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 12

NHL Comparable: Drew Doughty

Jared McIsaac is among the more intriguing prospects of this year’s draft class. Coming into the season, he was anticipated to be among the top defensive prospects and a lock to be in the top 10 and potentially a top-five pick. However, he did not post the gaudy offensive numbers expected, causing him to slide down the draft board a bit.

McIsaac is a prototypical all-around defenseman who can do it all and munch big minutes each and every night. There really is not much McIsaac is not good at.

McIsaac’s biggest strength is his ability to defend. He is one of, if not the best shut-down defenders in the draft. His high-end skating ability, active stick and awareness allow him to effectively break up the opposition’s opportunities. He is very difficult to beat, especially one-on-one. When a turnover is created, McIsaac is able to quickly transition the puck from defense to offense thanks to his skating.

Offensively, McIsaac enjoys leading the rush. His skating ability allows him to carry the puck well, and his good hands and vision allow him to be a threat with the option to distribute the puck or keep it himself. His shots for the point are pretty effective largely because of his ability to get pucks through to the net and keep them low to the ice, often opening opportunities for deflections and rebounds. He is comfortable quarterbacking a power play, which is where his puck distribution skills really shine.

McIsaac has a big-game motor and plays full-steam-ahead hockey, which has its time and place, but can also get him into trouble with penalties at times. Still, his style shows his drive and willingness to work hard, which are good traits to have in a young defenseman.

The only knocks on McIsaac’s game are the questions about his offensive production and a need for increased strength to continue playing his style in the NHL. More was expected of him offensively this year, which has many wondering if McIsaac has reached his offensive peak. McIsaac managed to put up 47 points in 65 games this season, but being in the QMJHL, which is widely considered to be the most offensive league in the Canadian Hockey League, and being on a team with fellow top prospects Filip Zadina and Benoit-Olivier Groulx led many to feel a bit underwhelmed by McIsaac’s totals.

Implications for the Blackhawks
McIsaac would definitely be a reach with the eighth pick, especially with the other quality defensemen likely to be available at pick eight, and odds are good he will be off the board when the Hawks are on the clock with the 27th pick. But, if he is still available, he would be a pretty good pickup. His style of play is one head coach Joel Quenneville appreciates, being sound defensively first, but with the ability to generate offense as well. If teams really doubt his offensive ability, he could be among the bigger sliders in the first round, potentially enough to drop to 27.

Timeline
McIsaac will need time to continue working on his game in the offensive end and needs to add some strength to be able to play his style professionally. These improvements will take at least one, if not two years. The earliest McIsaac would see time in the NHL would be 2019–20, though it is more likely to be 2020–21 if a team really wants him better developed before making the jump to the NHL.

Projection
McIsaac has the tools needed to become at least a top-four NHL defenseman. If he is able to develop his offensive game more, he has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman who can truly do it all at the game’s highest level for a long time.

What others are saying
“The thing you cannot question about McIsaac is how good a defender he is. He is widely considered one of the best shutdown defenders available. He has no issues meeting you at the line and shutting a rush down. He also will race into a corner and play a strong physical game. When his team has the puck, he quarterbacked the power play and demonstrated how good a playmaker he can be with his passing. He had many options to choose from. He more often than not made the correct decision on who to pass to. On tape, McIsaac shows bursts of what kind of player he could become. He’s not afraid to drive the net when given the chance. He plays one way. That’s super aggressive no matter what goes on around him. It sometimes gets him in trouble as demonstrated by his 86 PIM’s. The thing teams must figure out is if he has the upside of a top-five player who will continue to add offense or if we’ve seen his best now.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

“McIsaac is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman…he focuses on keeping his end clean first and foremost before adding to the offensive play…effortless skater with agility and balance…a long flawless stride…his cuts and transitions are fluid…incredible hockey sense…thinks the game at a very high level, and makes great decisions with the puck on his stick…keeps things simple, but can add a bit of flair where he sees an opportunity…pin-point breakout passes he delivers crisply and accurately…he really controls the puck well at high speeds and will skate it end-to-end when he gets room to rush the puck up ice…possesses a real cannon of a shot from the point…plays opposing puck carriers aggressively and stands up attackers at the blue line…keeps a close gap pushing opponents to the outside and applies good pressure to force mistakes…plays with a mean streak in the corners and around his own crease…doesn’t shy away from working hard…confident and mature…he’s a calming, safe, reliable two-way defender that has top-pairing NHL upside.”
— Aaron Vickers/Future Considerations

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Jared McIsaac appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 23rd-ranked prospect, center Akil Thomas.

Akil Thomas
2017–18 Team: Niagara (OHL)
Date of Birth: January 2, 2000
Place of Birth: Toronto, ON
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 171 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Center

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 15
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 10

NHL Comparable: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Akil Thomas is a well-rounded forward playing for Niagara in the Ontario Hockey League. While primarily a center, Thomas is also capable of playing the wing and has no issue doing so. He is a go-to player in all types of game scenarios, regularly relied upon during power plays, penalty kills and important defensive zone situations.

Thomas shines in all aspects of the game offensively. He possesses great speed and agility, which allows him to buzz around the ice. He also has very good hands, which he uses to create offensive opportunities, both for himself and his teammates. He enjoys beating defenders in one-on-one situations, but also loves distributing the puck, which is his tendency.

Thomas’s vision and hockey sense allow for him to be a dangerous player because he can identify weak points in a defense and attack them, whether in the form of himself taking the puck to the net or finding an open man to break down the defense.

While Thomas generally serves as a pass-first player, he is not afraid to shoot the puck, as he tallied 22 goals this season. His shot is dangerous because of his accuracy and surprising strength behind it, despite being relatively weak overall, which is his glaring deficiency.

Defensively, Thomas’s vision helps him to identify potential threats and position himself well. While he lacks strength, he can often times make up for it with his work ethic. With added strength, Thomas will become a more consistent and solid defender, which will help round out his already well-polished game.

Despite all of Thomas’s top-notch offensive capabilities, perhaps his greatest attributes are his leadership and work ethic. Thomas is a player who has a seemingly endless motor. He does give up on plays. He is not afraid to enter a puck battle despite usually being undersized. Thomas served as an alternate captain this season in Niagara and was relied upon by his coaches as a do-it-all player, which speaks volumes of a player of his age.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Thomas could be an option if he is still available when the Hawks pick at 27. He could be a nice addition to other middle-six players in the organization like Dylan Sikura. While he is a bit small, the Blackhawks have historically not paid much attention to size, drafting players like Alex DeBrincat, Vincent Hinostroza, Anthony Louis and Tim Soderlund. Were Thomas available at 27, it would likely depend on who the Hawks took with the eighth pick if they were interested in Thomas. If they grab a defenseman with the eighth pick, they may want a forward, and Thomas’s versatility and work ethic is certainly something head coach Joel Quenneville would appreciate. And, not that is matters, but Thomas is already used to wearing Blackhawks-style uniforms and looks good doing so.

Timeline
Thomas will need time to add muscle to his frame. He will likely need at least two years before jumping to the team drafting him, so do not expect him on NHL ice until 2020–21.

Projection
Thomas has a high ceiling because of his versatility and work ethic in combination with his high-end offensive skills. The biggest thing for him is gaining strength. If he can bulk up, he could become a second line center. Or, if the team selecting him may rather have him on the wing because of his size. Either way, he should be a safe bet for a middle-six role down the road.

What others are saying
“A thick two-way center with a deadly shot and high compete level who also can play the wing, Thomas led all OHL draft-eligible forwards in scoring with 80 points in 68 games. He is used in all situations, but he is most dangerous on the power play thanks to his keen vision and ability to pump shots through traffic. There a few players in his draft class who offer coaches the kind of versatility Thomas provides — he is used to take big draws, kill off an important penalty or run the offense from inside the zone during late/close situations.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

“What stands out about Thomas is his leadership and work ethic. He is a tireless worker who is always striving to get better at both ends of the ice. In live viewings of him, he was out in all situations, including power play, penalty kill and end of game. He can effectively play both as a center and on the wing. He also handles everything like he’s 2-3 years older. He’s just 18, but you’d think he’s 20 or 21 based on his play and the way he handles himself. Not many players wear a letter in their draft season. That tells you everything you need to know about Thomas as a person.”
— Mark Scheig/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Akil Thomas appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 24th-ranked prospect, center Rasmus Kupari.

Rasmus Kupari
2017–18 Team: Karpat (Finland)
Date of Birth: March 15, 2000
Place of Birth: Kotka, Finland
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 11 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 6 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Sebastian Aho

Rasmus Kupari is a highly touted Finnish center who has the raw skill to develop into a star in the NHL. However, questions surround him since he is very raw physically and did not see much playing time this year.

Offense is Kupari’s game. He thrives with the puck on his stick because of his high-end stickhandling ability. He has outstanding vision, which paired with his good hands, allows him to be an elite passer. Kupari has great play recognition and anticipation, which he quickly turns into offensive opportunities for himself and teammates. He knows where his teammates will be and often gets the puck to them at the perfect time.

Additionally, Kupari is an excellent skater. He has top-end speed and acceleration. He is able to change speed quickly, which causes problems for opponents trying to defend him. He has the speed and agility to burn around defenders while also being able to stop on a dime or cut across the ice. However, since he is not fully developed physically, he does not have the strongest legs, and therefore does not have the greatest balance.

This lack of physical development also hurts him in terms of net front battles, both offensively and defensively. He needs to bulk up to win more board battles and loose pucks as well. Added strength could also aid in winning faceoffs, which he is fine at now, but not great. Bulking up his upper body will greatly improve his shot as well, which is arguably his only offensive deficiency because of a lack of power.

Defensively, he needs to continue improving his positioning and being able to defend the front of the net. He has made good strides in regard to his defensive positioning, but still needs some work. He back checks well thanks to his elite skating. Again, added strength will work wonders for his ability to defend the front of the net and win loose pucks and board battles.

Overall, Kupari is a nice prospect with a lot of upside, but will require some patience in order for him to achieve his potential.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Kupari would be a reach at the 8th pick and it is unlikely Kupari is available when the Blackhawks pick at 27th. However, if Kupari is still on the board at 27, the Hawks would be very smart to snag him. He has too much upside to pass up at that point in the draft. It would take a few years for him to get into the lineup, but if he develops properly, he would pay huge dividends, either as a really good third line center or potentially as an option on the wing for the top two lines.

Timeline
Kupari spent much of this season playing for the Karpat men’s team, which greatly helped him begin to round out his game. However, he still needs to bulk up and improve defensively, which will probably take a couple of years. Do not expect to see Kupari in the NHL until at least 2020–21.

Projection
Kupari is an intriguing player. He has the raw offensive ability to be a star, but he will need to gain enough strength to take physical punishment in the NHL. He has the tools needed to be in the top six, likely as a center, but potentially as a winger if he is not able to develop his defensive game enough.

What others are saying
“Slick, dual-threat center with size who took to his role as a depth player on a contender in Finland’s elite league. The Finns have become quite popular in terms of the recent NHL drafts, and Kupari arguably is the best they have to offer in 2018.”
— Steve Kournianos/Sporting News

“Kupari is a highly skilled, playmaking center. He is undersized, but is a strong skater with a high hockey IQ and hockey sense that makes him a dangerous offensive player and a reliable defensive player. Kupari started his draft year with a solid showing for Finland at the Ivan Hlinka scoring two goals and seven points in four games. He started the season playing at the pro level in Liiga despite being drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at the CHL Import Draft, but after struggling somewhat with 12 points in 35 games was subsequently loaned to Hermes in the Mestis. Don’t be discouraged by this apparent set back as an undersized 17-year-old, undersized player it simply means Kupari needs more development time before he is pro ready. Kupari was also included on the Finnish World Junior team as an underage player, but was held pointless despite displaying his high skill set. Kupari has a high ceiling, and drawing comparisons to countryman Sebastian Aho gives you an indication of his upside, but he is a long term investment.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Rasmus Kupari appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 25th-ranked prospect, center Ryan McLeod.

Ryan McLeod
2017–18 Team: Mississauga (OHL)
Date of Birth: September 21, 1999
Place of Birth: Mississauga, ON
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 203 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 16
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 16

NHL Comparables: Kevin Hayes/Nick Schmaltz

On the outside, Ryan McLeod appears to be a top-end prospect. He has nice size, great speed and elite vision and hockey sense. He put up good numbers this season in Mississauga, where he has continued to grow in each of his three seasons. He has improved from 20 points as a rookie to 42 points last season to 70 this season (26 goals, 44 assists). His development and increased offensive production is very encouraging.

McLeod’s skating allows him to be an effective two-way player. He owns elite acceleration and speed, giving him the ability to create space and separation for himself offensively and recover quickly defensively. He also possesses elite agility, which is even more impressive given his size. He is able to change directions with ease at top speed. McLeod is strong on his skates as well, which allows him to come out on top in board battles and in front of the net.

McLeod loves distributing the puck to his teammates. His vision and hockey sense are among the best in the draft class. McLeod is very much a pass-first player, though owns a very accurate wrist shot that he gets off relatively quickly, though not as quickly as some of the class’s elite shooters. His shot is not overly powerful, but his accuracy makes up for it.

Defensively, McLeod is responsible and effective. He uses his speed to close gaps. His vision allows for him to read plays and break up passes, which he then quickly turns into a break going the other way thanks to his speed.

However, McLeod has two glaring problems. He does not use his big frame as effectively as he should and he often times appears to lack drive and motivation.

McLeod has all the tools needed to be a future NHL star. He is big, has speed to burn and is a fantastic passer. It is simply a matter of if he can overcome his lack of physicality and intensity that stands between him and NHL stardom.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Odds are probably decent another team will have taken a chance on him by the time the Hawks are at the podium for the 27th pick because of the massive amount of offensive upside he has. But, if he is still available at 27, the Blackhawks may be willing to roll the dice on him, since they will have already selected a high-end prospect with the eighth pick. If there is an organization that could straighten out a player’s lack of drive, Chicago and head coach Joel Quenneville is probably it. They would likely need to be pretty patient with him, but if they are, he could provide much-needed depth at the center position in the near future.

Timeline
He already has the speed, skill and size to be an NHL player. However, he will need time to become comfortable with contact and needs to figure out a way to find his motivation and channel that into results. He will need another year in juniors before turning pro.

Projection
If—that is a big if—McLeod can overcome his glaring deficiencies, he has the potential to be a low-end first line center. However, he would likely slot in better as a decent second line pivot. If he does not overcome these issues, he may not receive much a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. He is a big risk, but if he pays off, the team selecting him will reap huge rewards in the long run.

What others are saying
“Big-bodied power forward with speed and playmaking abilities who was one of the top OHL scorers among first-year draft eligibles. McLeod’s versatility is one of several things that stand out about him — he can play center or wing, shoot the puck with authority and is a mainstay on both the power play and penalty kill.”
— Steve Kournianos/Sporting News

“While McLeod has a decent finishing touch, his playmaking is what sets him apart from other players in this draft class. He has a very good shot and knows how to use it but when push comes to shove, McLeod’s ability to find an open player and feed them the puck is something he excels at. Part of that playmaking ability is what makes him such a good center prospect.”
— Brandon Share-Cohen/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Ryan McLeod appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 26th-ranked prospect, right wing Dominik Bokk.

Dominik Bokk
2017–18 Team: Vaxjo (Sweden)
Date of Birth: February 3, 2000
Place of Birth: Schweinfurt, Germany
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: RW