The Rink’s top-ranked Blackhawks unsigned prospect is defenseman Ian Mitchell of the University of Denver.

Ian Mitchell
2017–18 Team: Denver (NCAA)
Date of Birth: January 18, 1999
Place of Birth: Calahoo, AB
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 174 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D
Acquired: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 2nd round, 57th overall

Although not a highly sought-after player heading into the 2017 draft, the Blackhawks grabbed Mitchell with the 57th pick, which many felt was a bit of a reach given most felt he would be a third round pick. However, Mitchell has done nothing but prove the Hawks right since being drafted. After an impressive freshman year at Denver, Mitchell appears to be shaping into a steal.

Mitchell plays a polished two-way game. He has shown good offensive ability and sound defensive coverage in Denver, an impressive feat for a freshman playing big minutes for one of the best programs in the nation. His growth has even sparked the interest of Hockey Canada, who recently invited Mitchell to participate in their World Junior Summer Showcase, a tournament and mini training camp of sorts for the 2019 World Junior Championships. Mitchell is expected to compete for a spot on Canada’s blue line for the World Juniors, alongside fellow Blackhawks prospect Nicolas Beaudin.

Mitchell’s skating ability is one of his best assets. He has outstanding speed and acceleration, allowing him to cover a ton of ice, seemingly with ease. Mitchell’s speed allows him to be a threat on the rush, especially given he enjoys leading the rush. Mitchell also has good agility, allowing him to avoid pressure from the opposition.

Mitchell possesses high-end vision and play making ability, allowing him to be a great power play quarterback. Mitchell thrived in that role at Denver this season, helping the Pioneers to have a highly effective power play. Mitchell is able to spot soft spots in defensive coverage and exploit them with quick, accurate passes to his teammates. Mitchell is also able to create space for his teammates by using his skating ability to draw defenders to him and then distribute the puck.

While not overly powerful, Mitchell has an effective shot because of his release, accuracy and ability to get it through traffic and on net. He scored only two goals last season, but registered 28 assists, many of which came on deflection goals or rebound goals by his teammates. Mitchell’s shot will improve with added strength, a focus of his development while at Denver.

Defensively, Mitchell is surprisingly effective despite his lack of size. He uses his high-end skating ability to cover the ice well and close gaps quickly. Mitchell is not afraid to get physical to clear the front of the net, though again, he will need to add more strength to play that style at the NHL level. Mitchell is a smart defender who takes advantage of his awareness to shut down the opposition.

Overall, Mitchell has all the tools needed to be an effective two-way defenseman at the game’s highest level. He will need to continue improving in his own end, which will mostly come from bulking up, but should be able to do so in the near future. Arguably the best thing about Mitchell is he really does not have any deficiencies other than his size, and even that is not a red flag. Mitchell is among Chicago’s brightest prospects and should be a long-term contributor to the future success of the franchise.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Mitchell is one of the Hawks’ best high-end right-handed defensive prospects. With Mitchell, Henri Jokiharju and Adam Boqvist, the right side of the Blackhawks’ defense should be set for a long time once they make the jump to the NHL. While Mitchell is projected to be a top-four defenseman, he could play on the third pairing in Chicago long-term, as Boqvist would likely occupy the right side on the top pair and Jokiharju would likely slot in on the second pairing. While Mitchell may not be able to develop into a high-end NHL defenseman as a result of the limited role, having three young, high-end, right-handed defensemen will be an excellent “problem” for the Blackhawks moving forward. Mitchell models his game after Duncan Keith, so if Mitchell can come anywhere near what Keith has been for the Blackhawks, he will be a home run for Chicago.

Timeline
Mitchell will return to Denver for this season, but if the Blackhawks like his development enough throughout the year, Mitchell could earn a contract and even finish the season in Chicago, similar to Blake Hillman, Mitchell’s defensive partner in Denver last season. While it is theoretically possible Mitchell could return to Denver for his junior year in 2019–20, this is not likely. Expect Mitchell to join the Blackhawks either late in 2018–19 or in the 2019–20 season.

Projection
Mitchell has the ability to be a good two-way defenseman on the second pairing at the NHL level, especially once he adds more muscle. He has nice upside and should be a solid, well-rounded defenseman capable of having a long and successful career.

What others are saying
“Mitchell is very good at starting the transition game. He can skate the puck out of dangerous areas and avoid the forecheck, before making a crisp pass to a teammate. He is especially effective at going for the long home-run pass to a streaking forward behind the defence. Mitchell is also effective at leading the rush himself. He can quarterback the play from the blue line, with the poise to control the puck, and the vision to make strong passes. He can also walk the line to open up shooting and passing lanes.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Sports

“Just a solid all-round poised defenseman in the making…is a mobile skater who makes strong decisions and can get up ice quickly when joining or leading the rush…makes great reads and heads up plays…shows impressive vision skating with his head up…makes accurate passes to his forwards at all ranges and velocity levels…owns a decent point shot that gets to its target regularly…plays physical despite his lack of size…can play a shutdown role effectively despite his lack of ideal size and strength…uses his smarts and instinctive play to defend…uses his body position well to box out players…cuts off angles to the net and gets his frame or stick into lanes to close them off…plays a mature defensive game and has the upside of a top four two-way guy.”
— Aaron Vickers/Future Considerations

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Ian Mitchell appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 2nd is right wing Andrei Altybarmakyan of SKA St. Petersburg.

Andrei Altybarmakyan
2017–18 Team: SKA St. Petersburg (Russia)
Date of Birth: August 4, 1998
Place of Birth: St. Petersburg, Russia
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW
Acquired: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 3rd round, 70th overall

Perhaps the best of the Blackhawks’ Russian prospects is winger Andrei Altybarmakyan. Though his name is a mouthful and he was a widely unknown prospect at the time of the 2017 draft, Altybarmakyan has shown why the Hawks felt he was worth taking a shot on.

Altybarmakyan has spent the majority of his career thus far playing in the junior and second-tier leagues in Russia, though he did get a brief stint in the KHL last season. Altybarmakyan is expected to compete for a full-time spot on SKA St. Petersburg’s KHL roster this season.

Although not setting the world on fire last season while in Russia, Altybarmakyan looked good playing for Russia in the 2018 World Junior Championships. Though recording one goal and two assists in the tournament, he was one of Russia’s more dangerous players throughout the tournament.

Altybarmakyan possesses elite offensive ability. He has excellent stick handling ability and a top-notch shot. He has good power on his highly accurate wrist shot, which he is able to get off very quickly. Altybarmakyan is also a gifted passer, as he has excellent vision and awareness on the ice.

Skating is another big strength for Altybarmakyan. He is a relentless skater who loves being in the play. Despite not being overly big, he is not afraid to use his skating to get to the front of the net. Altybarmakyan has the speed to beat defenders to the outside and the good edgework to make his way back to the middle of the ice for a scoring chance.

Altybarmkyan has good leadership ability as well, as he has been a captain or alternate captain for his team at various stages throughout his career. His persistence is a good example to his teammates.

Though not necessarily a liability, Altybarmakyan needs to improve his defensive game, as he is currently considered to be an offensive type of player. He would also benefit from adding some strength to help round out his game and withstand regular contact.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Altybarmakyan gives the Hawks high-end offensive skill in their prospect pool, something largely lacking in recent years. If he can put the pieces together once in the NHL, he could be an excellent addition to the Blackhawks with sky-high offensive upside. Who knows, maybe he could even have some magic with Patrick Kane down the road, similar to Artemi Panarin. If Altybarmakyan can be anything remotely close to Panarin, he will be a huge win for the Hawks.

Timeline
While Altybarmakyan has one year remaining on his contract with SKA St. Petersburg, he will likely stay in Russia for longer than that to continue his development. He needs to continue adding strength and needs to improve his defensive game before being ready for the NHL. Altybarmakyan likely will not be ready for NHL action until at least 2021–22.

Projection
Altybarmakyan has the high-end offensive ability needed to be a top-six winger capable of putting up points. He will need to round out his game to get an opportunity to prove himself, though.

What others are saying
“He’s a real electrifying-type player. His skill set is, he’s got great speed, offensive skill, he’s a competitive guy too, he’s not afraid to throw some body checks. He plays an up-tempo style. He’s maybe a little bit off the radar for some people, but we were very impressed with him. I think he’s got a chance to be a real special player.”
— Stan Bowman/Chicago Blackhawks General Manager

“Projects as a top six, offensive forward. If he can shore things up on the defensive side, the sky’s the limit as his offensive skills are already elite for his peer group. … Tenacious around the puck, Altybarmakyan will be a great addition to the Blackhawks as he brings the ability to make plays at full speed and looks good both shooting the puck as well as dishing it off.”
— Tony Carr/Dobber Prospects

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Andrei Altybarmakyan appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 3rd is left wing Tim Soderlund of Skelleftea.

Tim Soderlund
2017–18 Team: Skelleftea (Sweden)
Date of Birth: January 23, 1998
Place of Birth: Skelleftea, Sweden
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 163 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Acquired: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 4th round, 112th overall

Tim Soderlund is looking more and more like an outstanding selection for the Blackhawks. Originally passed over in his first-year eligible draft year, the Hawks moved up in the fourth round to pick Soderlund as an over-ager. Since being drafted, all Soderlund has done is make the Blackhawks scouting staff and management look brilliant. He has continued to develop playing in the SHL, looking at home against the high-level men’s competition. Soderlund also starred for Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Championships.

Soderlund is a relentless skater. He possesses high-end top speed, which makes him very difficult to contain. He is light on his feet and can dance in and out of traffic. Soderlund uses his skating to be a constant threat, whether on the rush or once established in the offensive zone. His speed also allows him to be highly effective on the forecheck.

Shooting is probably Soderlund’s best offensive skill. His wrist shot is accurate and has a great release and good power. His snapshot is also very effective, as he can get the shot off in a hurry and surprise goaltenders with how quickly it gets to the net.

While not deemed to be a playmaker, Soderlund has good vision and hands, allowing him to be a good passer. He is patient with the puck and is capable of waiting out defenders for lanes to open up. Soderlund is smart with the puck and makes good choices, especially in the offensive zone, usually leading to high-quality scoring chances.

Soderlund is very responsible defensively and is a go-to player on the penalty kill thanks to his tireless work ethic. His excellent skating allows him to cover a lot of ice and get into shooting and passing lanes.

Overall, Soderlund appears to be a consummate depth forward who can do it all. He has enough offensive ability to be a constant threat in the offensive end, is incredibly reliable defensively and can skate seemingly forever. Soderlund has made big strides in his development over the last few seasons and looks to be a budding two-way player. Soderlund has all the tools needed to be an effective NHL player for a long time.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Soderlund seems like a big win given the Hawks grabbed him in the 4th round. He should be a safe bet to be a third line player for the team for a long time once making his debut. Soderlund brings a solid all-around speed game the Blackhawks are lacking. His addition to the lineup, whenever that may be, will be welcomed.

Timeline
Soderlund signed a one-year contract with Frolunda, so the soonest he could come to North America would be 2019–20. He would likely benefit from at least one year in Rockford as well to adjust to the North American game and to continue developing physically, as his size is his one big knock. Do not expect to see Soderlund in a Blackhawks sweater until 2020–21.

Projection
Soderlund looks like he will become an excellent third line player at the NHL level. His toolbox has everything an ideal third liner would have: speed, sound defensively, contributes offensively, reliable, consistent. While he likely will not be as productive as Viktor Arvidsson, who many compare Soderlund to, he should still be a nice piece to the Blackhawks’ forward group in the future.

What others are saying
“Very speedy skater with excellent work ethic. Söderlund is rather shifty and plays with plenty of intensity. Has a decent scoring touch, but can also be used as a role player with his speed and forechecking skills. A great character and team player.”
— Elite Prospects

“Soderlund was outstanding for team Sweden throughout the WJHC tournament but especially in the final game against Canada. With the world watching, he showed off his tremendous speed time and again, using it as a weapon especially while killing penalties. Soderlund scored Sweden’s only goal of the game while shorthanded, prompting TSN analyst, Ray Ferraro to comment about how it is inevitable that he will play in the NHL for the Blackhawks, even if all he does is kill penalties. Named the Swedish player of the game, Soderlund’s stock is definitely trending upward.”
— Tony Carr/Dobber Prospects

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Tim Soderlund appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 4th is center Maxim Shalunov of CSKA.

Maxim Shalunov
2017–18 Team: CSKA (Russia)
Date of Birth: January 31, 1993
Place of Birth: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 216 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Acquired: 2011 NHL Entry Draft, 4th round, 109th overall

Maxim Shalunov’s NHL future has been a long time coming. After time in Russia’s junior league, he gave North America a shot in 2013–14, splitting time with Rockford and Toledo in the ECHL. He saw more success in Toledo, tallying 18 goals and 16 assists in 43 games, compared to just four assists in 20 AHL games. Despite the mixed results, Shalunov returned home to Russia for 2015–16, where he has been ever since. He has developed into a big-time player in the KHL and looks to have all the tools needed to be a skilled offensive contributor in the NHL.

Shalunov is a good skater for being a big guy. His leg strength gives him a powerful stride. Shalunov is very good at changing directions quickly. He can stop on a time and cut to the middle of the ice to increase his angles. Shalunov is able to beat defenders to the outside with his speed and cut to the goal with his edgework.

Shalunov possesses a high-end shot with an excellent release and great accuracy. He can beat goaltenders with his shot from the outside as well, as he has pretty good power on his shot. Shalunov’s go-to shot is definitely his wrist shot. His shooting ability allows him to be dangerous on the power play.

Despite being a high-end offensive talent, Shalunov is also very reliable in his own end. He has been regularly relied upon to kill penalties in the KHL and has even been able to produce offense while short-handed as well.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Shalunov would be a big add for the Hawks if he comes to North America. He would finally give the team much-needed size up front, especially at the center position. It would be interesting to see how he would fit into the lineup, as he is a top-six type of player. But, with Jonathan Toews and Nick Schmaltz seemingly holding down the top two center spots for the foreseeable future, Shalunov may need to move to the wing or play on the third line. Shalunov has also been a winger at times in his career, so he could instead slot in on the wing for a top-six opportunity. Another thing to consider is the fact Shalunov would be required to be signed to a one-year entry level contract given his age, so, if things do not go well for him in Chicago, he could be gone after one season in the NHL.

Timeline
As reported by Scott Powers of The Athletic, Shalunov hopes to come to the NHL after his current KHL contract is up. The contract, a three-year deal signed prior to the 2017–18 season, will expire after the 2019–20 season, meaning Shalunov would join the Blackhawks for the 2020–21 season.

Projection
Determining Shalunov’s NHL potential is a bit tricky. On one hand, he has shown he can be a high-end offensive player in the KHL, to the point where he could be a legitimate top-six option in the NHL. On the flip side, Shalunov’s production was more or less non-existent during his time in Rockford. Obviously with the NHL being a better league than the AHL, some concerns could be had with his lack of production with Rockford. Another factor is Shalunov’s age. He will be 27 years old entering the 2020–21 season. He likely would need some time to get acclimated to the North American game, which may limit his production at the beginning of his NHL career. Considering all of the factors, Shalunov should be able to be a middle-six forward in the NHL when he comes over.

What others are saying
“Shalunov has a combination of skills and size and plays a direct style that fits the North American game. He likes to play the off-wing and likes going to the net. He is pretty effective in doing this and has the skills to protect the puck with the goal scoring ability to beat opposition goalies.”
— Hockey’s Future

“He brings a lot to the table. He’s a big kid. (He has a) great skillset and his skating has come along over the last couple of years.”
— Stan Bowman/Chicago Blackhawks General Manager

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Maxim Shalunov appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 5th is defenseman Chad Krys of Boston University.

Chad Krys
2017–18 Team: Boston University (NCAA)
Date of Birth: April 10, 1998
Place of Birth: Ridgefield, CT
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Acquired: 2016 NHL Entry Draft, 2nd round, 45th overall

Chad Krys is among the most skilled defensemen in the Blackhawks’ system. He is a high-end skater and puck-mover who excels in the offensive end. Krys has had his fair share of ups and downs during his career, but has been making strides in his development while at Boston University.

As a sophomore in 2017–18, Krys played on BU’s top pairing. He was relied on in many roles, including time on the penalty kill and a go-to power play quarterback on a loaded Terrier squad. Given his high-end offensive ability, Krys thrived with an expanded role, registering seven goals and 20 assists in 36 games last season after posting just five goals and six assists in 39 games as a freshman.

Skating is an obvious strength for Krys. He enjoys jumping into the rush and does not mind carrying the puck himself. His speed and agility allow him to be a threat in transition. Krys is seemingly always moving his feet, making him an even larger threat in the offensive zone, as he can jump into open spaces on the ice to become an option for his teammates.

While not overly powerful, Krys’s shot is pretty effective because of his accuracy. He is very good at getting pucks through traffic and on net, often generating rebound opportunities for his teammates. Krys generally relies on his wrist shot the most since he can get it off much quicker than his other shots.

Krys also possesses excellent vision and good passing ability. These traits make him an outstanding power play quarterback, as he can read the defense and break it down with smart passes. Krys is generally a pass-first type of player in the offensive zone.

Leadership is another strength for Krys, as he has served as a team captain at various levels, including being named as one of BU’s alternate captains for the upcoming 2018–19 season.

Krys’s defensive game is a work in progress. He needs to become more reliable in his own end to take the next step in his development. Krys can sometimes look lost in his own end, which can lead to defensive breakdowns.

Another thing Krys needs to do to continue his development is add muscle. While he is not necessarily tiny, he could benefit from bulking up more to withstand NHL contact. Added strength would also help him be more effective defensively, especially in terms of clearing the front of the net.

Implications for the Blackhawks
With the Hawks loading up on right-handed defensemen the last couple of years in the draft, Krys may be able to balance things out on the left side. Krys plays the type of game the Blackhawks are seeming to want in their defensive prospects: skilled, offensively minded and puck-moving. Krys has his flaws, but he looks to be a prospect capable of being a part of the team in the future. He would likely fit in on the second or third pairing down the road, as he will likely have at least 2018 draftee Nicolas Beaudin ahead of him on the depth chart in the future.

Timeline
Krys will be returning to Boston University in the fall for his junior season. If the Blackhawks deem he is ready to make the transition to pro hockey after that, he may be signed at the conclusion of his college season or next summer. Or, he and the Hawks may opt to have him spend all four years in college first prior to signing his entry level contract. Either way, Krys will likely need some time in Rockford as well to get used to being a pro defenseman. Do not expect Krys to wear a Blackhawks sweater until at least 2021–22.

Projection
If Krys is able to round out his game and be a consistently reliable defender, he has the upside to be a second-pairing defenseman in the NHL, likely also serving as a regular on the power play.

What others are saying
“He’s always been a really good, gifted player and had the puck an awful lot. But most kids as they climb the hockey ladder, they haven’t had to defend a lot because they’ve had the puck a lot. At the higher level you have to play both ends of the rink. He had better defense, particularly off the rush and he did a better job down low defending. He also did a better job getting involved offensively.”
— David Quinn/Boston University Head Coach

“Krys might be the most intriguing prospect in the organization right now. He’s not at the same level as Henri Jokiharju or Ian Mitchell on the ladder, but his raw skills remain so impressive that he’s putting up good numbers at BU and could blossom at any time. Nobody is more high-upside, high-risk in the farm system. The reasons to love Krys are obvious: He can skate and play with the puck as well as any college defenseman. But the problems have been similarly present for the past few years, including a lack of awareness away from the puck and question marks about his ability to defend in his own zone.”
— Satchel Price/Chicago Sun Times

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Chad Krys appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 6th is goaltender Ivan Nalimov of Salavat Yulaev Ufa.

Ivan Nalimov
2017–18 Team: Salavat Yulaev Ufa (Russia)
Date of Birth: August 12, 1994
Place of Birth: Novokuznetsk, Russia
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 209 lbs
Catches: Left
Position: G
Acquired: 2014 NHL Entry Draft, 6th round, 179th overall

Ivan Nalimov is among the more intriguing prospects in the Blackhawks’ system of late. Earlier this summer, he made his desire to come to North America known, but the Blackhawks have stated they are not ready to bring him over yet. This was an interesting decision for the team, as they clearly have question marks in goal, despite having a slew of goaltenders already under contract in Corey Crawford, Anton Forsberg, Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen. The Blackhawks then signed Cam Ward in free agency, adding to the contingency in the crease. However, many feel the Blackhawks had nothing to lose by bringing over Nalimov and giving him a shot. If things did not work out, he could return to Russia or be dealt. But instead, Nalimov remains unsigned in Russia with a murky future with the Blackhawks.

Nalimov has a huge frame and uses it to his advantage. He likes coming out of the crease to cut down shooters’ angles. Nalimov enjoys moving in the net, but can sometimes get out of position doing so. He does not mind throwing his big body in the way of shots, using his aggressive style to stop the puck however needed.

Reactions and reflexes are perhaps Nalimov’s biggest strengths. He has come up with some highlight-reel saves thanks to his ability to flash his glove quickly to take away a goal or shoot out his legs to take away tap-in rebounds. Nalimov has robbed even the best of shooters in the KHL, as seen in the highlights below.

Nalimov is a battler in net, as he is very competitive. His competitiveness allows him to never quit on a play. His compete level combined with his reflexes has resulted in some marvelous saves over the years.

Overall, Nalimov has what it takes to be a good NHL goaltender. He undoubtedly has great size and his ability to move his body quickly with lightning-fast reflexes allows him to be very effective. Nalimov had his best season statistically of his pro career last season and is ready to take the next step.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Nalimov is an interesting case for the Hawks. The team brought him over briefly leading up to the 2016–17 season for a shot in training camp, but returned to Russia before the season began and has not returned since. As mentioned, he has expressed a desire to come to North America for a chance to play in the NHL. However, Stan Bowman has made it known the team does not feel it is the right timing yet. Nalimov asked for a trade earlier in the summer, as reported by Scott Powers of The Athletic, but Bowman does not appear to have much interest in that, at least at this time. Nalimov could potentially be an NHL option for the Blackhawks down the road, but it does not appear as though that will take place any time soon. It is difficult to predict what his future will be for Chicago, as there is a log jam of goaltenders already under contract in the system.

Timeline
Nalimov is ready for pro action in North America. He has spent the last four seasons in the KHL, so he already has a lot of high-level hockey under his belt. Nalimov wants to come over to North America, but if he is going to do that, the Blackhawks will need to trade his rights to another team. If Nalimov is not moved and stays in Russia for 2018–19, he could try to come over again for 2019–20.

Projection
Nalimov has proven he can be a solid goaltender in high levels of hockey. Whether or not he could become an NHL starter remains to be seen, but, if given an opportunity, Nalimov should be able to establish himself as an NHL goaltender.

What others are saying
“Nalimov is firmly back on the radar for the Blackhawks after a breakout 2017-18 season where he posted a dominant .938 save percentage in 23 KHL games. He can’t come over to North America for at least another year given he’s under contract in Russia but there’s a good chance the Hawks try to sign him in 2019 to see whether he can make it in the NHL. There’s always been a lot to like about Nalimov in terms of tools, including a 6-4, 209-pound frame, but this was the first season where he really put it together for an extended stretch.”
— Satchel Price/Chicago Sun Times

“There’s a lot we like about him. He’s a big goaltender. He’s very athletic. We think he really wants to come to North America. … We love the upside, and with goaltenders, it’s a lot with maturity, where they are.”
— Mark Kelley/Chicago Blackhawks VP of Amateur Scouting

For those interested in his technique, here is a look at Nalimov during warmups.

And a freebie: Nalimov making a huge save in a preseason game with the Blackhawks.

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Ivan Nalimov appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 7th is left wing Artur Kayumov of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

Artur Kayumov
2017–18 Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (Russia)
Date of Birth: February 14, 1998
Place of Birth: Podgorny, Russia
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
Acquired: 2016 NHL Entry Draft, 2nd round, 50th overall

For a while, it appeared as though Artur Kayumov may have been trending in the direction of being a bust. In the two-plus seasons since being drafted, Kayumov struggled at the professional level in Russia and even sustained a collarbone injury at the beginning of the 2017–18 season. But, Kayumov returned in time to play for Russia in the 2018 World Junior Championships and proved he is still worthy of consideration as a good prospect, as he registered five points in five games.

Kayumov plays a well-rounded game. He is best in the offensive end, particularly as a shooter. He has a quick, accurate shot. Kayumov is also an effective playmaker with good passing ability and vision. Though he has not put up big numbers since being drafted, he is generally a player who is around the play when goals are scored and plays in important moments of the game. During the World Juniors, Kayumov played on the power play and penalty kill and was a regular at the end of games.

Skating is Kayumov’s biggest strength. He has great speed and agility and uses his skating to create offensive opportunities for himself and teammates. This ability was notably on display at the World Juniors, where Kayumov was a difference-maker for the Russians.

Kayumov is also fairly reliable defensively, as he is good at getting in shooting lanes and does not cheat out of the zone for offensive opportunities. He leads by example on the ice and can be a valuable piece to his team in many ways.

2018–19 should be a good test for Kayumov, as he will likely spend the entire season with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s KHL team. Thus far, Kayumov has bounced around in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s system, often playing in the MHL.

Kayumov’s biggest concern is his size. It was already a concern, but now with some injury history, that becomes an even bigger concern. He will need to bulk up to withstand NHL contact. Spending more time playing in the KHL should help him adjust to playing against men.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Kayumov still has time to prove he is worthy of eventually grabbing a spot on the Blackhawks roster. He has the offensive skill needed to play in the NHL and will likely just need to prove he is worthy of the opportunity. Additionally, Kayumov grew up as a Blackhawks fan, so he should have plenty of motivation to earn a chance to play in Chicago.

Timeline
Kayumov is under contract in Russia through the 2019–20 season, so the earliest he could sign with Chicago would be entering the 2020–21 season, where he may spend a year in Rockford to adjust to the North American game. If Kayumov is able to make the jump to the NHL, it would likely not be until 2021–22.

Projection
Kayumov’s offensive game makes him a top-six type of player, though he likely does not contribute enough to be worthy of a top-line spot. More realistically, Kayumov would be a middle-six winger who can chip in and create offense while not being a liability in his own end.

What others are saying
“The development of Kayumov, one of the few Hawks prospects with offensive upside, has been frustrating since he was drafted with the 50th overall pick in 2016. Injuries have limited his playing time in Russia, where he’s bounced between three different leagues. When he’s gotten on the ice, he hasn’t put up big numbers. But even with those hiccups in his progress, Kayumov remains one of the Blackhawks’ top prospects because of his abilities. The 20-year-old is one of the best skaters in the farm system and can use that to create playmaking opportunities.”
— Satchel Price/Chicago Sun Times

“Kayumov has excelled whenever he’s played against his peers whether in Russia or internationally. He’s usually among the best skaters on the ice. He likes to hold onto the puck and find openings in the offensive zone. He can put up points by scoring or distributing.”
— Scott Powers/The Athletic

Kayumov’s draft-day interview can be viewed below:
https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/draft-day-artur-kayumov/t-277437096/c-44288203

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Artur Kayumov appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 8th is center Evan Barratt of Penn State University.

Evan Barratt
2017–18 Team: Penn State (NCAA)
Date of Birth: February 18, 1999
Place of Birth: Bristol, PA
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C
Acquired: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 3rd round, 90th overall

Evan Barratt is an intriguing prospect because of the skills he possesses. Barratt is considered as a two-way player with decent offensive ability who is responsible defensively. The Blackhawks drafted him out of the US National Team Development Program, a team they enjoy frequenting. Barratt is one of eight players the Hawks have drafted from the team since 2010.

Barratt’s best offensive trait is his play making ability. He has great vision and hockey sense, allowing him to be an excellent passer. Barratt excels at finding teammates in prime scoring areas. He also has a very good wrist shot with an excellent release.

Barratt is a good skater who does not mind throwing his body around to cause havoc offensively. While not a player who focuses on his physical game, other teams are certainly aware when he is on the ice. He is a difficult player to play against and finds ways to get under the opposition’s skin.

Barratt showed off these abilities in a game against the University of Minnesota last season. Barratt and Ryan Lindgren, a prospect for the Boston Bruins, got into an altercation and received matching minor penalties. While the players were in the penalty box, Lindgren gave Barratt a piece of his mind. The majority of the time Lindgren was yelling at Barratt, Barratt mimicked a crying baby in response. When the two came out of the penalty box, Barratt leveled Lindgren with a huge, clean hit. Later in the shift, Barratt showcased his high-end shot with a perfectly placed wrist shot that hit the crossbar before going in the goal. Needless to say, it was quite the shift for Barratt.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Barratt could be a nice option for the Hawks down the road if he pans out. While he will likely not be a high-end scorer at the NHL level, he has the potential to be a reliable player who can chip in offensively in a depth role for the Blackhawks. He will need some time, but might be a nice option for the team in the future.

Timeline
Barratt needs to add more muscle to his frame to be ready for the NHL. He will continue his development at Penn State, where he will likely spend at least two more years before turning pro. Barratt would likely benefit from a year in Rockford as well before stepping into the Blackhawks’ lineup. With this trajectory, Barratt would not be in the NHL until at least 2021–22.

Projection
Barratt projects as a middle-six center at the NHL level, most likely in a third line type of role. Barratt’s sound two-way game and ability to play in all situations makes him an ideal third line pivot option.

What others are saying
“He gets things done. If he has to break down the front door to do it, he does that. He’s a great teammate, not so great to play against.”
— Mark Kelley/Chicago Blackhawks VP of Amateur Scouting

“One of the better two-way forwards in the (2017) draft in terms of having a complete understanding of duties and responsibilities in the defensive zone. A Keystone Stater from Bristol, he’s a very good playmaker who produces at both even strength and on the power play. Barratt is a hard-nosed, 200-foot center with excellent vision, but he can also throw his weight around and be relentless on the forecheck. Barratt was one of Team USA’s top point producers at even strength, but his elusiveness and soft touch during the man advantage enabled him to create plays against static zone defenses. He owns a ridiculous wrist shot, and he’s quick enough to escape from a board battle and fire a quality shot on net — one that goalies have a tough time handling from any angle. Finishing around the net could be an area he needs to work on, but he can wear a defender down to the point where he will get multiple opportunities all on the same shift.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Evan Barratt appeared first on The Rink.

Next on the list at 9th is defenseman Jakub Galvas of Olomouc in the Czech Republic.

Jakub Galvas
2017–18 Team: Olomouc (Czech Republic)
Date of Birth: June 15, 1999
Place of Birth: Ostrava, Czech Republic
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 168 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D
Acquired: 2017 NHL Entry Draft, 5th round, 150th overall

Jakub Galvas is a smooth-skating defensemen from the Czech Republic. The Blackhawks grabbed him in the 5th round in 2017, which was good value given he likely would have gone higher if he had a bigger frame, as he was ranked as the 26th-best European Skater by Central Scouting.

Galvas is best described as a smart, puck-moving defenseman. He excels in many areas of the game. Though a puck-mover, he is not overly productive offensively, as he registered just two goals and 11 assists this season.

Galvas has been a mainstay for the Czech Republic at international tournaments over the years, typically playing a large role for his team. He performed well at the 2018 World Junior Championships, tallying two assists in seven games. Perhaps the highlight of his on-ice career thus far has been his overtime game-winning goal in the Ivan Hlinka semifinals to send the Czech Republic to the gold medal game, where they would defeat the United States. Galvas assisted on the game-winning goal in the gold medal game.

During the 2016–17 season, Galvas became the first player to ever suit up against his father in a Czech Extraliga game. His father, Lukas, has spent over two decades playing in the Extraliga. The two were teammates this season, as Lukas joined Jakub on Olomouc.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Galvas gives the Blackhawks an intriguing project on the left side of the blueline. He has the ability to become a serviceable NHL defenseman, though would need to beat out the glut of other left-handed defensemen in the Hawks’ system for regular playing time.

Timeline
Galvas still needs to put on a lot of muscle before being considered a legitimate option at the NHL level in the future. Galvas will likely spend at least one or two more years in the Czech Republic before coming over to North America, where he would need at least a couple of years in the minors before making the jump to the NHL. If he joins the Blackhawks’ roster in the future, it likely would not be before 2021–22 or 2022–23 at the earliest.

Projection
Galvas is likely a hit-or-miss prospect. He has the upside of being a top-four defenseman but could also be kept from reaching that potential because of his lack of size. He does not necessarily stand out, but that really is not a big problem since he is effective, the most important trait for developing defensemen.

What others are saying
“Galvas does everything well on the ice but will need to pack on some weight to his undersized frame. Despite his lack of size, he does not shy away from the physical side of the game. … Don’t expect big offensive numbers but Galvas has the talent to be a top-four defender in the NHL.”
— Tony Carr/Dobber Prospects

“Jakub Galvas is very smart, fleet-footed two-way defenseman, who distinguishes with high productivity and dependable defending. He was also one of the best defenders in 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial cup, where he got 4 points. Elegant skater with lots of energy to burn. Not afraid to lay the body, or take a hit to make the play; can and will stand up for teammates. A decent powerplay guy too.”
— Joel Bergmann/DraftSite

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Jakub Galvas appeared first on The Rink.

Starting the list at 10th is goaltender Wouter Peeters of the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League.

Wouter Peeters
2017–18 Team: Youngstown (USHL)
Date of Birth: July 31, 1998
Place of Birth: Turnhout, Belgium
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 205 lbs
Catches: Left
Position: G
Acquired: 2016 NHL Entry Draft, 3rd round, 83rd overall

Peeters is among the most intriguing prospects in the entire Blackhawks organization. His raw size and ability is remarkable, especially at the goaltender position, which got the attention of the Hawks and their scouting staff when they drafted Peeters in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

While many at the time felt taking Peeters in the third round was a stretch, his potential is incredibly high and could make what was considered to be a reach look more like a steal.

Peeters, the second-ever Belgian-born NHL draftee, spent three seasons playing in Austria for the Red Bull Academy, a U-21 travel team. Because of the team’s limited exposure not being a part of a league, Peeters was a bit of an unknown heading into the draft, especially in comparison to many of the other goaltender prospects.

Leading up to the draft, Peeters signed a two-year contract to play in Finland for Jokerit’s U-20 team to play at a higher level with better opportunity and quality coaching. After the first season of the contract, Peeters opted out of the deal to pursue playing in North America. Peeters’ USHL rights were owned by the Youngstown Phantoms, so he joined them for the 2017–18 season, posting a 14–11–3 regular season record in a 1B role.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Peeters could be the long-term solution for the Hawks in the future. He is still very raw, though, and will need a ton of time to reach his potential. But, given where the Blackhawks chose him in the draft, they are high on him and are expecting him to achieve that potential. Though he has high potential and the organization thinks highly of him, Peeters will not make an impact at the NHL level anytime soon. But, his potential and development will give Hawks fans something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Timeline
Though it has not been formally announced, Peeters will likely spend another season playing in Youngstown. Peeters is still considered to be a long-term project. If he can become an NHL goaltender, it likely would not be for a while. Unless Peeters makes massive progress in the next year or two, he likely will not reach the NHL until at least 2021–22 or 2022–23, though that could be the fast track. Hawks fans should keep in mind it took Corey Crawford eight years after being drafted to finally earn a full-time spot on the roster. Eight years after Peeters’ draft year would be 2023–24.

Projection
Peeters appears to have very good potential, but it remains to be seen if he will ever truly reach that potential. His size alone gives him an ideal modern-day NHL goaltender frame. He still has a lot of work to do, but it seems like the Blackhawks’ management has high hopes for Peeters. He could become an NHL starter or could toil in the minors his whole career. Only time will tell.

What others are saying
“(Wouter’s) strengths are his big size and passion to get better every day. He is very interested in his own development and he moves pretty well on his feet for a big guy. He has (developed) mentally during his stay in Finland and had to learn competing in practice every day to earn his playing time. It has been a big culture change for him compared to previous years but challenges will make him better. The potential is huge for Wouter and we have to remember that he started playing hockey at a pretty old age. Compared to Finnish goalies at the same age, he has less quality practice reps so as a goalie he is still really young. The sky is the limit for Wouter, but he has to be patient and work hard.”
— Mikko Tolvanen/Jokerit U-20 Goaltender Coach

“The obvious reason for hope with Peeters is the same as it was in 2016: He’s a massive presence in the blue paint. Peeters measures at 6-4, 224 pounds, and he’s built with a wide frame that’s prototypical of modern NHL goalies. The best netminders are also incredibly mobile and athletic in goal, however, and that’s where the Hawks prospect has had to put in the most work to improve his game. Peeters is still highly intriguing given he doesn’t turn 20 until July 31, but the past year hasn’t led to any grand revelation that he’s zooming to the big leagues. He remains a high-upside, high-risk goaltender prospect, just as he was 12 months ago.”
— Satchel Price/Chicago Sun Times

Highlights
Wouter Peeters Interview and Blackhawks Combine Highlights

The post Top 10 Unsigned Blackhawks Prospects: Wouter Peeters 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 12 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 8 (European Skaters)

NHL Comparable: Nikolaj Ehlers

Dominik Bokk is a skilled German forward playing in Sweden. Bokk is easily the best German available in the draft. NHL Central Scouting has him as the 12th-ranked international skater, with the next German ranked 95th. Bokk is touted as Germany’s next up-and-coming star.

Bokk’s biggest strength is his stickhandling. He possesses some of the best stickhandling in this year’s draft class, which allows him to be a dangerous offensive player. In combination with his elite hands is high high-end vision and hockey sense. This combination allows him to be a highly effective playmaker.

Bokk also owns a wide arrange of dangerous shots. His wrist shot and snapshot are among the better shots in the draft, as he is able to get them off quickly and with power and accuracy. Bokk is not afraid to tee up a slap shot either. Additionally, his high-end hands allow him to be effective close to the net with rebounds and deflections as well.

Bokk’s defensive game is a work in progress. Being among the most skilled players around during his upbringing in Germany, Bokk did not need to focus much on defense. However, as he has transitioned into playing in Sweden with better competition, Bokk has now been exposed to the need to improve defensively. At times, Bokk can get out of position and miss a backcheck because of a lack of recognition.

While Bokk is not one of the draft’s best skaters, he is able to hold his own thanks to his acceleration, which allows him to beat opponents in short races to loose pucks and then create separation. Bokk moves well laterally, which in conjunction with his good hands, allows him to create space for himself and generate offensive opportunities.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Bokk may or may not be available by the time the Hawks pick at 27th. If a team likes his offensive ability enough, he will likely be gone. However, he could be an option if teams are hesitant because of his defensive deficiencies. He would definitely need time in Rockford getting used to North American hockey before making the jump to the NHL, but could be a nice addition to the third line, or potentially second line with enough development, down the road.

Timeline
Bokk needs a few years to develop his game into a more well-rounded style. He needs to get stronger to be able to withstand NHL contact and needs to improve his speed. His defensive ability will need work, which will take some time as well. He is likely at least three years away from being an NHL player.

Projection
If Bokk is able to develop his game on the defensive side of the puck and get faster and stronger, he may be able to be a serviceable second liner in the NHL, though is more likely to be a god third line option for the team selecting him.

What others are saying
“Bokk has outstanding stickhandling ability. He has incredible hands and can make plays in a phone booth. He pairs this with very good vision and passing skill.  Bokk has high-end hockey IQ, he always seems to make smart plays with the puck and knows how to get open without it. Bokk is strong on his skates, and protects the puck well in the cycle game. He has decent balance. This should improve even more as he continues to add muscle to his frame.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Bokk’s pure puck skill is up there with the very best in the draft class. He dances with the puck on his stick and can make flashy dekes seem routine. His hands also translate to making him one of the best pick pockets (of pucks) I’ve seen at his age. He’s a good playmaker who looks to makes plays to his teammates and has the patience and skill to hold the puck and let an option develop.”
— Corey Pronman/The Athletic

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Dominik Bokk appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 27th-ranked prospect, defenseman K’Andre Miller.

K’Andre Miller
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: January 21, 2000
Place of Birth: St. Paul, MN
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 206 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 23
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 31

NHL Comparable: Morgan Rielly

K’Andre Miller is among the more intriguing prospects of this year’s draft class. This season was just Miller’s third season playing defense after being a forward for the majority of his life. While the initial transition was rough for Miller, he has made huge strides since joining the NTDP.

Due to his upbringing as a forward, Miller excels offensively. He has good puck skills and offensive awareness. Passing is one of his biggest strengths, as he sees the ice very well. Miller has a good wrist shot with a quick release, but does not have a heavy enough slap shot to be a legitimate point threat. These attributes allow him to be very effective as a power play quarterback.

Miller is an excellent skater who is very strong on his feet. He uses his edges well and is agile as a result. Miller has top-notch acceleration, allowing him to get to his top speed quickly, often times allowing him to cause separation between him and an opponent. His balance and leg strength allow him to win board battles and establish good defensive positioning.

Defensively, Miller does not hesitate to use his size and strength to disrupt the opposition. He enjoys throwing his body around when appropriate. His lack of experience shows in his positioning at times, though he can sometimes make up for that with his skating ability. His defensive awareness still needs work, but has come a long way in his time with the NTDP because of his desire to learn and grow, which is encouraging.

Ultimately, Miller is a very athletic player with all the necessary tools to be successful at the next level if he can continue to develop defensively.

Implications for the Blackhawks
As a player projected to go late in the first round, it is very possible Miller could still be available when the Hawks pick at 27th. He needs a lot of work learning how to be an effective defender, but that will come with time and good coaching, which Joel Quenneville and his staff can certainly provide. Miller is the type of defenseman the Blackhawks generally like because of his good skating and ability to push the offense. While he may be a bit of a risk because of his current defensive deficiencies, he could prove to pay off and be a solid contributor for the Hawks in time.

Timeline
Because of his late start to playing defense, Miller will need time to continue learning the position. He will be attending the University of Wisconsin beginning in the fall, where he will likely need at least a couple of years before making the jump to professional hockey, with a year in the American Hockey League a possibility as well. Do not expect to see Miller on NHL ice until at least 2021–22.

Projection
All of the tools are there to be a solid two-way NHL defenseman in the future with the ability to be a power play quarterback. Coaching will be key in his development in order to reach his potential, which could be very high. He will take a relatively large amount of investment from the team selecting him to get him to where he needs to be defensively. He is a relatively risky pick as a result, but one that could reap huge dividends. It is difficult to pinpoint a projection due to his limited experience playing defense, though the learning curve he is on is increasing his ceiling and giving added hope he will be a special player.

What others are saying
“Miller’s skating ability is combined with good puck handling skills. It is easy to see why he was a forward for so long. He can skate the puck out of danger, and start the transition game by leading the rush. He also makes a good first pass to start the transition game. If there is a criticism it is that Miller plays a game that is almost too conservative at this point. He picks his spots for when to get involved in the offense but seems to wait for a near perfect opportunity. There are times he could push the play more and does not. However, this is an area that has really improved.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

“Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward.”
— Steve Kournianos/The Draft Analyst

The post Draft Prospect Profile: K’Andre Miller appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 28th-ranked prospect, defenseman Jett Woo.

Jett Woo
2017–18 Team: Moose Jaw (WHL)
Date of Birth: July 27, 2000
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, MB
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 28
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 20

NHL Comparable: Travis Hamonic

Predictability can often be a bad thing in hockey. However, when it comes to a prototypical all-around defenseman, predictability is exactly what you are looking for. What you see is what you get with Jett Woo. He does not blow anyone away in any specific area, but does a lot of things well, which adds up to being an effective defenseman.

Perhaps Woo’s biggest strength is his assessment and judgement of what is happening around him. More times than not, he makes the right decision, whether that be pinching in from the blueline to make a hit or chip a puck in the corner or to retreat to the neutral zone instead of pinching. Woo possesses enough speed to recover from a pinch when needed.

Woo’s size and strength allow him to be an effective player physically. He is not afraid to battle for pucks in the corner, and more times than not, he comes away with them. His physical play is his forte, yet he uses it wisely, having the discipline to avoid taking penalties.

While Woo quarterbacks the first power play unit for Moose Jaw, he is not an offensively minded defenseman. Woo owns enough puck skill combined with his strong hockey sense to contribute offensively. While generally a pass-first player, Woo has a good enough shot to be a threat from the point.

A looming concern for Woo is the question of durability. Woo misses 28 games this season with upper-body injuries, which may scare teams away from taking a shot on him in the first round.

Implications for the Blackhawks
It is entirely possible Woo could be snatched up before the Hawks pick at 27th if a team is willing to look past his injury concerns. However, if Woo is available at 27th, he would be a safe pick because of his style of play. He would also provide the Blackhawks with a bit of a different type of defensive prospect than they have in Gustav Forsling, Henri Jokiharju and Chad Krys, who all have a more offensive style to their game. However, depending on what the Hawks do with the 8th overall pick, the team may want to go in another direction, especially if they question his durability.

Timeline
Despite having decent speed, Woo will need time to adjust to the pace of professional hockey. He has the frame needed to be a steady NHL defenseman, but will likely need to add a bit more strength to withstand NHL contact, especially with his injury concerns. He will likely need at least one more year of juniors before making the jump to professional hockey, with maybe one year in the American Hockey League to follow. Do not expect to see Woo in an NHL sweater until at least 2020–21.

Projection
Though he will never become a top-pairing defenseman, Woo has all of the necessary tools to become a sound NHL defenseman. His reliability and consistency will bode well for his long-term development into what will likely be a bottom-pairing role at the NHL level, with the potential of landing a number four defenseman role if he can improve offensively.

What others are saying
“Woo isn’t a perfect defenseman and he was injured for a good chunk of his draft year, but there are a lot of things to like about his game. He’s physical and loves to hit, but picks his spots well and generally doesn’t take a lot of penalties. He’s defensively oriented, but has a good eye for puck distribution. He’s a passer primarily, but has a very effective shot from the point. Most appealingly, he plays a pro-style game already and probably won’t need to change a whole lot to succeed at higher levels – though he’ll probably have to rein in his love of big hits when he’s playing against grown men. He’s one of many appealing secondary defensive prospects in the 2018 class.”
— Ryan Pike/The Hockey Writers

“Woo not only owns one of the best names in hockey, he is a really good hockey player too. A physically strong and intimidating presence on the blue line which is surprising for a kid so young to have that type of confidence so early. Will hit opponents with clean, brushing body checks at any given opportunity and loves that aspect of the game. Almost always comes away with the puck coming out of the corners. Gets good looks in the passing lanes and moves the puck effectively out of the D zone. Power play QB and is intelligent and patient in the offensive zone. Strong skater who has a very active stick and can break up plays in the neutral zone and quickly transition to offence. Tough to beat and waits for the offensive player to make a move and he adjusts his coverage well on the fly.”
— Marshall MacKinder/Hockey Now

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Jett Woo appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 29th-ranked prospect, center Benoit-Olivier Groulx.

Benoit-Olivier Groulx
2017–18 Team: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: February 6, 2000
Place of Birth: Gatineau, QC
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 20
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 18

NHL Comparable: Phillip Danault

Benoit-Olivier Groulx is one of the best two-way centers in this year’s draft class. The former first overall selection in the QMJHL Entry Draft has spent the last two seasons playing for the Halifax Mooseheads, a program known for churning out high-end NHL talent in recent years, including Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Nico Hischier and Filip Zadina, one of this year’s top prospects.

Defense is the cornerstone of Groulx’s game. Groulx uses his hockey sense and sound positioning to read plays and break up the opposition’s offense. He thinks the game well and is able to predict the opponent’s next step, often causing turnovers. Groulx is also strong at the faceoff dot.

Offensively, Groulx is able to get to the areas he needs to because of his work ethic. He is not the largest player on the ice, but he regularly uses his toughness to gain the positioning he desires. Groulx is not afraid to throw his body around to generate offensive opportunities for his team.

Groulx possesses one of the best wrist shots in the draft class and has the ability to score close to the net thanks to his good hands. He has a heavy slap shot, but rarely chooses to deploy it.

While offense is not the focus of his game, Groulx managed to record 28 goals and 27 assists this season in 68 games for the Mooseheads, a respectable total for a two-way center.

Overall, Groulx plays a very smart, safe and consistent game. His defensive ability, intelligence and attention to detail are easily his most desirable traits, with his offensive ability an added bonus.

Implications for the Blackhawks
This is the Hawks’ chance to recoup “the one that got away” in Phillip Danault. Danault, the 26th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, never set the world on fire offensively, but has developed into a solid middle-six center for the Montreal Canadiens since departing Chicago in the infamous Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann trade in 2016. Groulx appears to be the second coming of Danault, and would be a solid pick to lock down the third line center position for the foreseeable future upon developing. With the Blackhawks currently lacking a long-term solution for the third line center role, Groulx could prove to be an excellent pick if he is still available when the Hawks pick at 27th.

Timeline
Groulx will likely require at least two or three more years before making the jump to the NHL. He will need to quicken his first step and get faster before donning an NHL sweater. If he plays one more season in Halifax and one year in the American Hockey League, Groulx would not see NHL action until 2020–21 at the earliest.

Projection
Like Danault, Groulx should slot in as a third line center in the NHL, with the ability to play second line minutes if he can improve his speed to better generate offense. He also draws comparisons to Ryan Kesler, though Groulx does not play as heavy a style as Kesler and will never reach the offensive level Kesler achieved at his prime. Groulx will never compete for a scoring title, but will be a valuable player for whoever selects him come June. He appears to be an ideal third line center who shuts down the opposition with enough offensive pop to become a staple on an NHL roster for years to come.

What others are saying
“The first pick in the 2016 QMJHL draft is a big solid wing (who is) not afraid to get gritty. Tall and fundamentally solid in all areas. Strong skater with a nice stride with strength, but truly lacks a quick first step. Understands team play and plays well no matter what line he is on, and can get the job done. Scores mostly from inside the dots and in front. He likes to bull his way there and take the shot. Isn’t a high end attacker at this juncture or speedster. Plays mostly in a defensive role. Longer term developmental guy who teams will hope builds a stronger offensive game to go along with his defensive presence.”
— Bill Placzek/DraftSite

“Groulx is a pure sniper. He has the soft hands to finish plays in tight to the net. He can get the puck up quickly on both his forehand and backhand. His slap shot is an absolute bomb, but he does not use it that often. The wrist shot is so strong and has such a quick release that it has become Groulx’s weapon of choice. It is legitimately one of the best wrist shots in the draft. Groulx gets to the tough areas of the ice, and battles for position when there. He can also score with deflections. … One area where Groulx excels is on the defensive side of the game. His positioning is outstanding, and this helps to hide his skating flaws in the defensive end. He is also extremely smart, as he often seems to be a step ahead of the opponent, anticipating and breaking up plays. Groulx is not afraid to support the defence in the cycle and uses his size to contain opponents.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Benoit-Olivier Groulx appeared first on The Rink.

Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 30th-ranked prospect, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson.

Mattias Samuelsson
2017–18 Team: USA U-18 National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Date of Birth: March 14, 2000
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 217 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 21
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 17

NHL Comparable: Niklas Hjalmarsson

Hockey runs in Mattias Samuelsson’s blood. His father, Kjell, was a 14-year NHL veteran defenseman who played for the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 1992 and 1993.

Mattias is a prototypical defensive defenseman who uses his size and physicality to deter the opposition. He is regarded as one of the most difficult defenders to play against in this year’s draft class. He uses his hockey sense and footwork to close gaps and transition the puck to his forwards.

Samuelsson’s physicality is perhaps his greatest asset, as he regularly uses his large frame to separate opposing players from the puck. Despite racking up 107 penalty minutes this season, Samuelsson does not go out of his way to make a big hit, often times relying on his strong positioning instead. This discipline allows his team to effectively transition from defense to offense instead of needing to cover for him in the case of an ill-advised hit.

While not known as an offensive defenseman, Samuelsson recorded nine goals and 19 assists this season, including three power play tallies, which was an uptick from his 2016–17 totals of six goals and 10 assists with the USA U-17 team. His lack of offense does not make him stand out nearly as much as the other top-end defensemen in this year’s draft class, which will likely keep him from being picked in the first half of the first round.

Samuelsson also possesses strong leadership characteristics, serving as his team’s captain this season.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Samuelsson’s style resembles that of former fan favorite Niklas Hjalmarsson in some ways. You generally know what you are going to get with this type of defenseman: sound defense, physicality and the ability to munch valuable minutes in the most important games of the season, albeit with very limited offensive contributions. Samuelsson’s leadership also provides another enticing attribute. Additionally, the Blackhawks have frequented the NTDP in recent drafts, so seeing them target Samuelsson at 27th overall is not difficult to envision at all, especially if they draft either a more offensive-minded defenseman or a forward with the eighth overall pick. Samuelsson is the type of reliable defender head coach Joel Quenneville does not mind having around. Samuelsson would be a nice addition to the defensive prospects the Hawks already have in Gustav Forsling, Henri Jokiharju, Ian Mitchell, Chad Krys and Blake Hillman.

Timeline
Samuelsson will be attending Western Michigan beginning in the fall, where he will likely play for at least three years alongside his brother, Lukas. Do not expect to see him in an NHL arena near you until 2021–22 at the earliest.

Projection
As his game is currently focused heavily on defense, Samuelsson should slot in as a long-term number four defender with the ability to log around 20 minutes per night for whoever selects him. If he is able to improve his offensive game, he could develop into a number three defenseman, perhaps in the mold of Adam Larsson or even long-time Blackhawk Brent Seabrook during the Hawks’ glory years.

What others are saying
“Mattias Samuelsson is going to be a top-three defenceman on some NHL team for the next 15-plus years. He’s going to eat minutes, he’s going to help you win and he’s going to be miserable to play against.”
— Seth Appert/U.S. National Team Development Program

“There’s lots of room in the game for someone who is adept on the defensive side of the puck, with leadership capabilities and unearthed offensive upside.”
— Sam Cosentino/Sportsnet

“He skates well considering how big he is – at nearly 220 pounds – and doesn’t take a shift off from defending his own end. He’s able to use his strength in puck battles and does a good job blocking out opposing players in one-on-one battles. … While he might not be the top defenceman in the draft, (his) ability in the defensive end could be an asset that a number of teams target as the first round comes to an end. That said, if he does slip to the early part of the second round, one team could get very lucky with Samuelsson.”
— Andrew Forbes/The Hockey Writers

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Mattias Samuelsson appeared first on The Rink.

To begin the series of prospect profiles, the number 31 prospect is defenseman Ryan Merkley.

Ryan Merkley
2017–18 Team: Guelph (OHL)
Date of Birth: August 14, 2000
Place of Birth: Oakville, ON
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D

NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 45
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 21

NHL Comparable: Samuel Girard

Merkley is perhaps the most intriguing prospect of the 2018 draft class for a number of reasons. He owns elite offensive ability from the back end, as is evidenced by gaudy numbers in the OHL. The first overall pick in the 2016 OHL Draft has recorded an astounding 122 points in two seasons for Guelph, in 125 regular season games, including 67 points (13 goals, 54 assists) in 63 games this season. Merkley tallied six points (one goal, five assists) in six playoff games this season as well.

However, Merkley has two significant knocks on his draft stock: his defensive play and questions about his character.

In his time playing for the Storm, Merkley has posted an abysmal -70 plus/minus rating in two seasons with Guelph. The trend continued in this year’s playoffs, registering a -6 rating in six games. While any team could certainly benefit from an elite offensive defenseman, his glaring lack of defensive ability may scare teams away from selecting him in the first round.

Additionally, questionable character could also scare teams away from investing a high pick in Merkley. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is the three-game suspension handed down by the OHL for violently slashing an opponent earlier this season.

Where Merkley will end up is truly anyone’s guess, as it will require a team taking a chance the he will overcome his deficiencies to reap the rewards of his elite offensive talent. His skill would likely land him in the top 10 if not for the big concerns surrounding the rest of his game.

Implications for the Blackhawks
Merkley could be a target for the 27th pick in the first round (acquired from Nashville in the Ryan Hartman trade) if they deem he can grow his defensive game. His questionable character would likely be addressed by the likes of head coach Joel Quenneville, captain Jonathan Toews and alternate captains Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were the Hawks to take a shot on the ultimate high risk, high reward player of the 2018 draft class. If the team feels they can fix his problems, Merkley could be a worthwhile risk if the organization is able to select another elite defender with the eighth pick. Merkley could also provide the Blackhawks with another high-end right-handed defensive prospect in addition to 2017 draftee Henri Jokiharju.

Timeline
Merkley needs time to develop his defensive game before having a spot on an NHL blueline. He also needs to add muscle to his frame to withstand pressure from NHL competition. I would not expect to see him wearing an NHL sweater until 2020–21 at the earliest.

Projection
If Merkley can overcome his defensive and character deficiencies, he could develop into a top-pairing defender. Or, he could become the next Anthony DeAngelo. Only time will tell.

What others are saying
“Merkley is an exceptional skater with an explosive first step acceleration, high end top gear and shifty lateral agility. Merkley sees the ice offensively very well, is an exceptional puck distributor and generates offensive transition as good as any defenseman in his draft class. The concerns with Merkley are he is undersized and struggles with physical battles against bigger stronger opposition. But the main concern is his inability to defend effectively, his reads in the defensive zone are weak, and he chases the play out of position. When he has the puck on his stick, he is an elite player, but when the other team has possession he becomes a liability.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects

“In the offensive zone is where Merkley is the most potent, as his impeccable skating abilities and creativity with the puck allows him to generate high-quality scoring chances with relative ease. Further, Merkley owns a deceptive shot which he can float on-goal with regularity — an ability which creates havoc for opposing defenders due to the number of rebounds Merkley can create for his teammates. With this being said, it should come as no surprise to learn that Merkley recorded 54 assists and 67 total points in 63 games played with the Guelph Storm this season.”
— Brett Slawson/The Hockey Writers

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