2016 NHL Entry Draft Discussion

[Daximus]

Thats the sticking point a lot of people have but I know from being around Brandon for a long time that as long as a team has a player drafted or listed prior to the NHL draft the players only choices IF he signs an NHL deal is CHL or NHL.

Its why most players playing Tier II hockey in Canada or the States rarely play in the AHL when they are under 20.

I'm pretty sure that's not true.
I mean then the CHL just drafts literally any good player world wide to ensure they maintain rights that player would have absolutely no choice in the matter and neither would their NHL team. It gives the CHL way to much power. I'm 99% certain that is not the case. When I get home I will find an example.

 

[Grind]

Thats the sticking point a lot of people have but I know from being around Brandon for a long time that as long as a team has a player drafted or listed prior to the NHL draft the players only choices IF he signs an NHL deal is CHL or NHL.

Its why most players playing Tier II hockey in Canada or the States rarely play in the AHL when they are under 20.

i'm fairly certain this is actually because it's extremely rare for a tier 2 player to be both

A)good enough to play in the AHL
B) Not committed to going to the NCAA for at least 1 or 2 years

There's no benefit for a player who is good enough to be going to the AHL to play Tier 2 first unless they are comitted to going to the NCAA as opposed to playing Junior.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

It means he can't play in the NHL for his 18/19 year old seasons if he is signed by an NHL team. He either has to play in the CHL or in the NHL.

I'm pretty sure that is incorrect Joe. The CHL can draft anybody they like. It carries no weight outside their own organization. Plenty of CHL drafted players go the the NCAA. If drafted out of the NCAA they are immediately eligible for the AHL when they sign a contract.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Thats the sticking point a lot of people have but I know from being around Brandon for a long time that as long as a team has a player drafted or listed prior to the NHL draft the players only choices IF he signs an NHL deal is CHL or NHL.

Its why most players playing Tier II hockey in Canada or the States rarely play in the AHL when they are under 20.

No. That is because they are rarely ready for that level of play yet at 18.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

i'm fairly certain this is actually because it's extremely rare for a tier 2 player to be both

A)good enough to play in the AHL
B) Not committed to going to the NCAA for at least 1 or 2 years

There's no benefit for a player who is good enough to be going to the AHL to play Tier 2 first unless they are comitted to going to the NCAA as opposed to playing Junior.

There was some talk of a couple of this year's drafted players leaving their NCAA teams early in the season. I don't remember their names. As soon as they sign with an NHL team they become ineligible for the NCAA. They could then play NHL, CHL or AHL. If they choose CHL they are still not bound by that agreement because they were not drafted out of there. I'm not certain but they may be required to stay to the end of the season once they start there though.

 

[Daximus]

There was some talk of a couple of this year's drafted players leaving their NCAA teams early in the season. I don't remember their names. As soon as they sign with an NHL team they become ineligible for the NCAA. They could then play NHL, CHL or AHL. If they choose CHL they are still not bound by that agreement because they were not drafted out of there. I'm not certain but they may be required to stay to the end of the season once they start there though.

Also; Is it not up to the team that signed them as well? For instance if we draft Fabbro and the Jets feel he needs time in the CHL yet he wants to play in the AHL, the Jets can send him to the CHL regardless of what he thinks.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Also; Is it not up to the team that signed them as well? For instance if we draft Fabbro and the Jets feel he needs time in the CHL yet he wants to play in the AHL, the Jets can send him to the CHL regardless of what he thinks.

He must have some say in it but if the team strongly recommends it most would go. Whose idea was it for Spacek to play in the CHL this year? Could be his own but I doubt the Jets would have been against it. It gets him adapted to the NA game and smaller ice. If he keeps playing the way he started I wouldn't be surprised to see him with the Moose next year.

 

[Daximus]

He must have some say in it but if the team strongly recommends it most would go. Whose idea was it for Spacek to play in the CHL this year? Could be his own but I doubt the Jets would have been against it. It gets him adapted to the NA game and smaller ice. If he keeps playing the way he started I wouldn't be surprised to see him with the Moose next year.

I think the difference there is the Jets have no control over him until he signs an ELC. Once he signs that ELC the Jets dictate where and when he goes. Until then where he plays is exclusively his choice. That doesn't mean that once he sings that ELC that he can't maybe ask the Jets to send him back to Junior though I'm sure most if not all players will want to play at the highest level possible.

It looks as though he's been drafted in the Import draft twice: http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=199564
once in 2014 by Med Hat and again in 2015 by Red Deer. So I'm guessing that CHL import draft rights don't even carry over to the next year if the player doesn't sign a CHL contract.

 

[Jetabre]

Someone I have my eye on as maybe a more realistic option (Around 10th give or take..) is Olli Juolevi.

Many seem to think he's an Olli Maatta clone, but with better skating at the same age. Would be that LHD we could very much use..

http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/

Here's some nice insight into OHL draft eligible players for this coming draft.

 

[Daximus]

After watching a tonne of video, reading a tonne of scouting reports and going to as many games as I can. I have compiled a 1-14 list of whom I think the Jets should go after if we don't make the playoffs each one has a short writeup and some comparisons if I could think of any.

1. Auston Matthews – C/LW/RW – 6'2 - 192#
An absolutely elite two-way centerman that is versatile enough to play both wings. Elite IQ, skating, speed, and shot. Think a Jonathan Toews+Tyler Seguin hybrid. Not as much offensive upside as McDavid but a better two-way player than Eichel IMO. Should be ready to play a middle six role by next season.

2. Jakob Chychrun – LD – 6'2 - 194#
A very physically strong two-way defencemen. Good skater with elite IQ. Can play the shutdown role but also adept at jumping up into the play. Plays in all situations and can log huge minutes. Plays the body well, good with his stick and has a booming shot from the point. The perfect franchise defencemen.

3. Jesse Puljujarvi – RW – 6'3 - 193#
The fastest player in the draft class IMO. Jersey flapping speed, elite vision, solid shot and great hands. Watch out when this kid adds some weight to his frame, especially if he doesn't lose any speed. Has huge upside but it's hard to say if he ever hits it. Kovalchuk like upside. It's been said he is working on his two-way game this season in preparation for the NHL which could bode well for whomever drafts him.

4. Patrik Laine – RW – 6'4 - 210#
Huge power forward with good skating ability and an elite shot. Smooth hands for a big man too. His game reminds me of Thomas Vanek for some reason. Just a big man that can find the net well. Not as much upside as Puljujarvi IMO that is why I rank him lower but he could very well have the better career if Pulju never reaches his upper limit. If he can be taught to use his body like a wrecking ball he could be a beastly power forward, he already has the edge for it.

5. Matthew Tkachuk – LW – 6'1 – 194#
A gritty playmaker that isn't afraid of the dirty areas. Has good hands and elite vision. Can see the play develop and reacts well to it. His shot is not on an elite level but it's more his positioning that he can capitalize on. He reminds me of a shorter Ladd a future leader though I don't know much about his two-way game. People have drawn JVR comparisons but I don't see it.

6. Mikhail Sergachev – LD – 6'2 - 205#
Big and mobile Russian defender with great hands and a knack for adapting. Made a great transition from Russia to North America and IMO the next best two-way defender outside of Chychrun. Plays in all situations and has #1 potential. Is said to be a great checker, shot blocker and good with his stick a true PK specialist. Though he can run a PP as well.

7. Olli Juolevi – LD – 6'2 – 183#
A highly skilled two-way defender with elite vision. Probably has more offensive upside than Sergachev but I think is not as good defensively which just comes down to personal preference between these two. More of a PP specialist to QB the powerplay. Though he can PK as well.

8. Dante Fabbro – RD – 6'1 – 185#
The best right handed defender in the draft class. Has easily outgrown the BCHL but stayed to commit to Boston University where he will have a chance to grow his game. A puck mover with elite hands and vision. Huge offensive upside for this kid IMO it's just so hard to gauge him playing in the BCHL. He is said to be working on his defensive side but given he spends so much time in the offensive zone I'm not sure how much he can really improve at the BCHL level while playing for at team that has lost 2 games out of 28 on the season and should cruise to a Fred Page Cup win and compete for a RBC Cup in Lloyd next spring. I'm not opposed to taking him even though we have plenty of right handers as he has a longer development track IMO and by the time he makes the Jets there should be some changes on our Right side blueline.

9. Mike McLeod – C - 6'2 – 187#
Scouts can't seem to say enough about this versatile Centerman. A hard working two-way player with speed, hands, vision and playmaking skills. His compete level and drive to succeed are something coaches are going to love. Once he gets to top end speed he is tough to catch, I've seen it and it is something to behold. His stock could rise but for me he ranks slightly lower than Tkachuk but could very easily surpass him in a few years. He is drawing Toews comparisons from many scouts.

10. Pierre-Luc Dubios – C/LW/RW – 6'3 – 201#
The top QMJHL prospect and a very versatile forward. Grew an inch and half and added 20 lbs to his frame over a year span so already NHL size out of the gate. Is said to be more of a goalscorer with decent playmaker vision.

11. Alexander Nylander – RW/LW – 6'0 – 172#
An explosive skating winger that has adapted to NA well. Plays a purely offensive game with high end creativity. I'd liken him more to Ehlers than to his older brother as they both display speed, hands and elite shot. I'd rank him higher but I think we already have a player like this in Ehlers. Will most likely go in the top 10 but for me I'd only take him if the previous guys aren't on the board.

12. Kale Clague – LD – 6'0 – 179#
Smaller left handed defencemen but still a solid pick up. Had the pleasure of watching a lot of him as I'm sure many of you have too. Smooth skater with soft hands and a great shot from the point. A more offensive minded dman but still solid in his own end. Not sure if he has elite #1 potential but would be a very good 1st/2nd pairing dman that gets ample powerplay minutes.

13. Jake Bean – LD – 6'1 – 172#
Another smaller left handed defencemen coming out of the WHL whom I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of as well. Bean is a solid puck mover from the back end. Plays with poise and vision. Leads a solid powerplay but lacks the defensive ability to put him above Clague.

14. Julien Gauthier – RW – 6'4 – 221#
A huge winger with a big shot and obscene strength. Currently almost a goal a game in the QMJHL. Is a good skater and could be a formidable power forward in the NHL.

Other guys to look out for

David Bernhardt – LD – 6'3 – 203#
A big mobile defender in the Swedish Under 20 system. Has consistency issues according to some but has 16 points in 18 games. Probably won't go in the 1st round but one to keep an eye on for our LD depth.

 

[Jetabre]

Nice little write ups. Was going to mention Sergachev as well but was still in the process of learning more about the guy. I haven't been following this draft as close as I did for the 2015 one but I'm starting to learn a bit about some guys.

 

[veganhunter]

After watching a tonne of video, reading a tonne of scouting reports and going to as many games as I can. I have compiled a 1-14 list of whom I think the Jets should go after if we don't make the playoffs each one has a short writeup and some comparisons if I could think of any.

1. Auston Matthews – C/LW/RW – 6'2 - 192#
An absolutely elite two-way centerman that is versatile enough to play both wings. Elite IQ, skating, speed, and shot. Think a Jonathan Toews+Tyler Seguin hybrid. Not as much offensive upside as McDavid but a better two-way player than Eichel IMO. Should be ready to play a middle six role by next season.

2. Jakob Chychrun – LD – 6'2 - 194#
A very physically strong two-way defencemen. Good skater with elite IQ. Can play the shutdown role but also adept at jumping up into the play. Plays in all situations and can log huge minutes. Plays the body well, good with his stick and has a booming shot from the point. The perfect franchise defencemen.

3. Jesse Puljujarvi – RW – 6'3 - 193#
The fastest player in the draft class IMO. Jersey flapping speed, elite vision, solid shot and great hands. Watch out when this kid adds some weight to his frame, especially if he doesn't lose any speed. Has huge upside but it's hard to say if he ever hits it. Kovalchuk like upside. It's been said he is working on his two-way game this season in preparation for the NHL which could bode well for whomever drafts him.

4. Patrik Laine – RW – 6'4 - 210#
Huge power forward with good skating ability and an elite shot. Smooth hands for a big man too. His game reminds me of Thomas Vanek for some reason. Just a big man that can find the net well. Not as much upside as Puljujarvi IMO that is why I rank him lower but he could very well have the better career if Pulju never reaches his upper limit. If he can be taught to use his body like a wrecking ball he could be a beastly power forward, he already has the edge for it.

5. Matthew Tkachuk – LW – 6'1 – 194#
A gritty playmaker that isn't afraid of the dirty areas. Has good hands and elite vision. Can see the play develop and reacts well to it. His shot is not on an elite level but it's more his positioning that he can capitalize on. He reminds me of a shorter Ladd a future leader though I don't know much about his two-way game. People have drawn JVR comparisons but I don't see it.

6. Mikhail Sergachev – LD – 6'2 - 205#
Big and mobile Russian defender with great hands and a knack for adapting. Made a great transition from Russia to North America and IMO the next best two-way defender outside of Chychrun. Plays in all situations and has #1 potential. Is said to be a great checker, shot blocker and good with his stick a true PK specialist. Though he can run a PP as well.

7. Olli Juolevi – LD – 6'2 – 183#
A highly skilled two-way defender with elite vision. Probably has more offensive upside than Sergachev but I think is not as good defensively which just comes down to personal preference between these two. More of a PP specialist to QB the powerplay. Though he can PK as well.

8. Dante Fabbro – RD – 6'1 – 185#
The best right handed defender in the draft class. Has easily outgrown the BCHL but stayed to commit to Boston University where he will have a chance to grow his game. A puck mover with elite hands and vision. Huge offensive upside for this kid IMO it's just so hard to gauge him playing in the BCHL. He is said to be working on his defensive side but given he spends so much time in the offensive zone I'm not sure how much he can really improve at the BCHL level while playing for at team that has lost 2 games out of 28 on the season and should cruise to a Fred Page Cup win and compete for a RBC Cup in Lloyd next spring. I'm not opposed to taking him even though we have plenty of right handers as he has a longer development track IMO and by the time he makes the Jets there should be some changes on our Right side blueline.

9. Mike McLeod – C - 6'2 – 187#
Scouts can't seem to say enough about this versatile Centerman. A hard working two-way player with speed, hands, vision and playmaking skills. His compete level and drive to succeed are something coaches are going to love. Once he gets to top end speed he is tough to catch, I've seen it and it is something to behold. His stock could rise but for me he ranks slightly lower than Tkachuk but could very easily surpass him in a few years. He is drawing Toews comparisons from many scouts.

10. Pierre-Luc Dubios – C/LW/RW – 6'3 – 201#
The top QMJHL prospect and a very versatile forward. Grew an inch and half and added 20 lbs to his frame over a year span so already NHL size out of the gate. Is said to be more of a goalscorer with decent playmaker vision.

11. Alexander Nylander – RW/LW – 6'0 – 172#
An explosive skating winger that has adapted to NA well. Plays a purely offensive game with high end creativity. I'd liken him more to Ehlers than to his older brother as they both display speed, hands and elite shot. I'd rank him higher but I think we already have a player like this in Ehlers. Will most likely go in the top 10 but for me I'd only take him if the previous guys aren't on the board.

12. Kale Clague – LD – 6'0 – 179#
Smaller left handed defencemen but still a solid pick up. Had the pleasure of watching a lot of him as I'm sure many of you have too. Smooth skater with soft hands and a great shot from the point. A more offensive minded dman but still solid in his own end. Not sure if he has elite #1 potential but would be a very good 1st/2nd pairing dman that gets ample powerplay minutes.

13. Jake Bean – LD – 6'1 – 172#
Another smaller left handed defencemen coming out of the WHL whom I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of as well. Bean is a solid puck mover from the back end. Plays with poise and vision. Leads a solid powerplay but lacks the defensive ability to put him above Clague.

14. Julien Gauthier – RW – 6'4 – 221#
A huge winger with a big shot and obscene strength. Currently almost a goal a game in the QMJHL. Is a good skater and could be a formidable power forward in the NHL.

Other guys to look out for

David Bernhardt – LD – 6'3 – 203#
A big mobile defender in the Swedish Under 20 system. Has consistency issues according to some but has 16 points in 18 games. Probably won't go in the 1st round but one to keep an eye on for our LD depth.

I've been doing the same actually and I pretty much agree with all of what you said here. I'd switch Fabbro and Sergachev...I really like Fabbro. I think he's got Karlsson lite/Justin Faulk potential.

Also Puljujarvi reminds me a lot of Ovechkin. Creates and takes shots from basically anywhere that are dangerous and he's crazy fast and powerful. His acceleration for a guy that big and age is incredible. I don't think his ability to finish (no pun intended) is anywhere near Ovechkin's at the same age but he may go down as the greatest goal scorer ever so that's not exactly a knock. I absolutely love the guy.

I also like Benson a lot, he's really smart, has a really good shot, and he's a polar opposite of Evander Kane in terms of finding open areas and finishing.

 

[Daximus]

Someone I have my eye on as maybe a more realistic option (Around 10th give or take..) is Olli Juolevi.

Many seem to think he's an Olli Maatta clone, but with better skating at the same age. Would be that LHD we could very much use..

http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/

Here's some nice insight into OHL draft eligible players for this coming draft.

Nice little write ups. Was going to mention Sergachev as well but was still in the process of learning more about the guy. I haven't been following this draft as close as I did for the 2015 one but I'm starting to learn a bit about some guys.

I like Juolevi a lot but I think given who we have in the system and on the team that Sergachev is worth more to us. He could really tighten up our PK. Would make a great partner for any one of Buff, Trouba or Myers. I think Juolevi really only gels with Trouba stylistically. Though if we lose Buff then Juolevi could be a good snag as a left handed offensive guy though I think Morrissey fits that bill.

 

[Jetabre]

I like Juolevi a lot but I think given who we have in the system and on the team that Sergachev is worth more to us. He could really tighten up our PK. Would make a great partner for any one of Buff, Trouba or Myers. I think Juolevi really only gels with Trouba stylistically. Though if we lose Buff then Juolevi could be a good snag as a left handed offensive guy though I think Morrissey fits that bill.

Who would you liken them to from the 2015 draft? Do you think they'll be close to a Provorov/Werenski or are they more Zboril/Chabot level?

 

[Daximus]

I've been doing the same actually and I pretty much agree with all of what you said here. I'd switch Fabbro and Sergachev...I really like Fabbro I think he's got Karlsson lite/Justin Faulk potential.

Also Puljujarvi reminds me a lot of Ovechkin. Creates and takes shots from basically anywhere that are dangerous and he's crazy fast and powerful. His acceleration for a guy that big and age is incredible. I don't think his ability to finish (no pun intended) is anywhere near Ovechkin's at the same age but he may go down as the greatest goal scorer ever so that's not exactly a knock. I absolutely love the guy.

I agree 100% with Fabbro, he has huge offensive upside but I think given our team makeup that Sergachev is the better guy for us. We don't really have a shutdown guy, let alone one on the left side. Not only that but he can chip in offensively and plays the body well. Enstrom is close but like it or not he is limited by his size.
Also agree with Pulju being close to Ovi level. I think he has huge potential like that but the big question is will he realize it?
I would kill to have Puljujarvi.
Between him Ehlers and Connor we would have the fastest future top 6 in the league I think which is especially nice because that seems to be the way the game is heading. Speed, speed and speeeeed!

 

[Daximus]

Who would you liken them to from the 2015 draft? Do you think they'll be close to a Provorov/Werenski or are they more Zboril/Chabot level?

If I had to rank them I'd go...

Provorov
Sergachev
Juolevi
Werenski
Chabot
A lot of other guys
Zboril - I'm not very high on Zboril. I think many 2nd rounders in the 2015 draft were better.

Though I would note that I think Juolevi is better in the dzone than both Werenski and Chabot but both Werenski and Chabot have great offensive upside as well.

 

[Jetabre]

If I had to rank them I'd go...

Provorov
Sergachev
Juolevi
Werenski
Chabot
A lot of other guys
Zboril - I'm not very high on Zboril. I think many 2nd rounders in the 2015 draft were better.

Though I would note that I think Juolevi is better in the dzone than both Werenski and Chabot but both Werenski and Chabot have great offensive upside as well.

That's pretty impressive then if you would rank them above Werenski whom is an outstanding prospect. Will definitely continue to keep my eye on them.

 

[Daximus]

That's pretty impressive then if you would rank them above Werenski whom is an outstanding prospect. Will definitely continue to keep my eye on them.

I think Werenski is great but got a lot of hype and definitely needs some work in the dzone. I mean at this time he is ahead of this years class in development but if they were all in the same class I'd rank them as such.

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

After watching a tonne of video, reading a tonne of scouting reports and going to as many games as I can. I have compiled a 1-14 list of whom I think the Jets should go after if we don't make the playoffs each one has a short writeup and some comparisons if I could think of any.

1. Auston Matthews – C/LW/RW – 6'2 - 192#
An absolutely elite two-way centerman that is versatile enough to play both wings. Elite IQ, skating, speed, and shot. Think a Jonathan Toews+Tyler Seguin hybrid. Not as much offensive upside as McDavid but a better two-way player than Eichel IMO. Should be ready to play a middle six role by next season.

2. Jakob Chychrun – LD – 6'2 - 194#
A very physically strong two-way defencemen. Good skater with elite IQ. Can play the shutdown role but also adept at jumping up into the play. Plays in all situations and can log huge minutes. Plays the body well, good with his stick and has a booming shot from the point. The perfect franchise defencemen.

3. Jesse Puljujarvi – RW – 6'3 - 193#
The fastest player in the draft class IMO. Jersey flapping speed, elite vision, solid shot and great hands. Watch out when this kid adds some weight to his frame, especially if he doesn't lose any speed. Has huge upside but it's hard to say if he ever hits it. Kovalchuk like upside. It's been said he is working on his two-way game this season in preparation for the NHL which could bode well for whomever drafts him.

4. Patrik Laine – RW – 6'4 - 210#
Huge power forward with good skating ability and an elite shot. Smooth hands for a big man too. His game reminds me of Thomas Vanek for some reason. Just a big man that can find the net well. Not as much upside as Puljujarvi IMO that is why I rank him lower but he could very well have the better career if Pulju never reaches his upper limit. If he can be taught to use his body like a wrecking ball he could be a beastly power forward, he already has the edge for it.

5. Matthew Tkachuk – LW – 6'1 – 194#
A gritty playmaker that isn't afraid of the dirty areas. Has good hands and elite vision. Can see the play develop and reacts well to it. His shot is not on an elite level but it's more his positioning that he can capitalize on. He reminds me of a shorter Ladd a future leader though I don't know much about his two-way game. People have drawn JVR comparisons but I don't see it.

6. Mikhail Sergachev – LD – 6'2 - 205#
Big and mobile Russian defender with great hands and a knack for adapting. Made a great transition from Russia to North America and IMO the next best two-way defender outside of Chychrun. Plays in all situations and has #1 potential. Is said to be a great checker, shot blocker and good with his stick a true PK specialist. Though he can run a PP as well.

7. Olli Juolevi – LD – 6'2 – 183#
A highly skilled two-way defender with elite vision. Probably has more offensive upside than Sergachev but I think is not as good defensively which just comes down to personal preference between these two. More of a PP specialist to QB the powerplay. Though he can PK as well.

8. Dante Fabbro – RD – 6'1 – 185#
The best right handed defender in the draft class. Has easily outgrown the BCHL but stayed to commit to Boston University where he will have a chance to grow his game. A puck mover with elite hands and vision. Huge offensive upside for this kid IMO it's just so hard to gauge him playing in the BCHL. He is said to be working on his defensive side but given he spends so much time in the offensive zone I'm not sure how much he can really improve at the BCHL level while playing for at team that has lost 2 games out of 28 on the season and should cruise to a Fred Page Cup win and compete for a RBC Cup in Lloyd next spring. I'm not opposed to taking him even though we have plenty of right handers as he has a longer development track IMO and by the time he makes the Jets there should be some changes on our Right side blueline.

9. Mike McLeod – C - 6'2 – 187#
Scouts can't seem to say enough about this versatile Centerman. A hard working two-way player with speed, hands, vision and playmaking skills. His compete level and drive to succeed are something coaches are going to love. Once he gets to top end speed he is tough to catch, I've seen it and it is something to behold. His stock could rise but for me he ranks slightly lower than Tkachuk but could very easily surpass him in a few years. He is drawing Toews comparisons from many scouts.

10. Pierre-Luc Dubios – C/LW/RW – 6'3 – 201#
The top QMJHL prospect and a very versatile forward. Grew an inch and half and added 20 lbs to his frame over a year span so already NHL size out of the gate. Is said to be more of a goalscorer with decent playmaker vision.

11. Alexander Nylander – RW/LW – 6'0 – 172#
An explosive skating winger that has adapted to NA well. Plays a purely offensive game with high end creativity. I'd liken him more to Ehlers than to his older brother as they both display speed, hands and elite shot. I'd rank him higher but I think we already have a player like this in Ehlers. Will most likely go in the top 10 but for me I'd only take him if the previous guys aren't on the board.

12. Kale Clague – LD – 6'0 – 179#
Smaller left handed defencemen but still a solid pick up. Had the pleasure of watching a lot of him as I'm sure many of you have too. Smooth skater with soft hands and a great shot from the point. A more offensive minded dman but still solid in his own end. Not sure if he has elite #1 potential but would be a very good 1st/2nd pairing dman that gets ample powerplay minutes.

13. Jake Bean – LD – 6'1 – 172#
Another smaller left handed defencemen coming out of the WHL whom I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of as well. Bean is a solid puck mover from the back end. Plays with poise and vision. Leads a solid powerplay but lacks the defensive ability to put him above Clague.

14. Julien Gauthier – RW – 6'4 – 221#
A huge winger with a big shot and obscene strength. Currently almost a goal a game in the QMJHL. Is a good skater and could be a formidable power forward in the NHL.

Other guys to look out for

David Bernhardt – LD – 6'3 – 203#
A big mobile defender in the Swedish Under 20 system. Has consistency issues according to some but has 16 points in 18 games. Probably won't go in the 1st round but one to keep an eye on for our LD depth.

Very nice write up. What I like about the list is almost every guy here could fill a hole in our organization...lots of left handed shooting d to like here....

 

[veganhunter]

I agree 100% with Fabbro, he has huge offensive upside but I think given our team makeup that Sergachev is the better guy for us. We don't really have a shutdown guy, let alone one on the left side. Not only that but he can chip in offensively and plays the body well. Enstrom is close but like it or not he is limited by his size.
Also agree with Pulju being close to Ovi level. I think he has huge potential like that but the big question is will he realize it?
I would kill to have Puljujarvi.
Between him Ehlers and Connor we would have the fastest future top 6 in the league I think which is especially nice because that seems to be the way the game is heading. Speed, speed and speeeeed!

Makes sense on Fabbro and Sergachev.

I looked at all the drafts from the 2000 on and I did notice that alot of highly ranked Finnish forwards have had trouble translating their offence to the NHL. That may be just a circumstance of not having a tonne of highly ranked players and they perform at the same rate as other countries but it seemed odd to me.

I agree though I'd kill to get him.

 

[Halfy]

Don't know why ya'll are getting so excited about Sergachyov and Juolevi, they don't play in the USHL which makes them ineligible to be picked by us in the first round....

Clayton Keller and Kiefer Bellows are highest rated USHL prospects.

One of those two will be our guy.

 

[KingBogo]

Don't know why ya'll are getting so excited about Sergachyov and Juolevi, they don't play in the USHL which makes them ineligible to be picked by us in the first round....

Clayton Keller and Kiefer Bellows are highest rated USHL prospects.

One of those two will be our guy.

The Jets 2.0 do seem to have got good value picking from USHL. But their #1 picks have been distributed pretty evenly. 3 CHL and one each from the OHL, WHL and the Q. 2 from the USHL.

 

[Halfy]

In seriousness, I really like Juolevi and Sergachyov on defence and I think we should look to take a D. However, I really like P-L Dubois.

 

[Duke749]

I have a couple things when it comes to those LHD from the top half of the 1st round.
-Is their skating at an elite level?
-Is their hockey IQ at high to elite level?
-Do they have good vision offensively?
-Do they use their size and reach to their advantage?
-If they lack some size do they make up for it with positioning and smarts?

If the answer to all these is "yes", that's my guy. JMO on what should be valued most.

 

[Daximus]

In seriousness, I really like Juolevi and Sergachyov on defence and I think we should look to take a D. However, I really like P-L Dubois.

I'm big on McLeod. Kid came out of nowhere and I think could very well be the 2nd best forward out of the draft. He's one if those guys that just makes everyone around him better. Really hard worker. I bet the Jets are really interested in him. He's a Blake Wheeler type but can play center. I'm sure almost every team is interested in him.