2018 NHL Draft Prospects

[nanzenkills]

Anyone who closely followed the draft would know 2013 doesn't belong and shouldn't be in that group nor was it as hyped as the other 3.

The other 3 are definitely looking like elite drafts that deserve all their hype.

That's actually not true. Scouts were really high on the 2013 draft at the time. Not only did they consider the top 4 to be really strong, they said that there was first round quality all the way through picks 40-45 IIRC. History has shown that they were perhaps overtly optimistic on that draft, but it doesn't change the fact they were really high on it at the time. They certainly considered it to be a deeper draft than what they were saying about the 2015 draft last year, even with 2015's superior top end.

 

[Scratchy]

Jared McIsaac seems elite, see how he does next year because this year he's killing it. Next year, another step up but the kid has what it takes upstairs. Personally, I like defencemen who aren't afraid to attack and score goals yet still are solid on D. So very few of them in hockey really, so if you can draft one, don't hold him back, let him play to his talents.

Far too often good skill players are turned into third liners who can't score 20 by system coaches who hate individual talent. Same thing happens with defencemen, don't use your instincts and skill, stay back and make sure not to get out of position. Sad.

 

[canuck2010]

Jared McIsaac seems elite, see how he does next year because this year he's killing it. Next year, another step up but the kid has what it takes upstairs. Personally, I like defencemen who aren't afraid to attack and score goals yet still are solid on D. So very few of them in hockey really, so if you can draft one, don't hold him back, let him play to his talents.

Far too often good skill players are turned into third liners who can't score 20 by system coaches who hate individual talent. Same thing happens with defencemen, don't use your instincts and skill, stay back and make sure not to get out of position. Sad.

I agree 100%. The idea should be to develop as a player not just to win. What will a defenceman learn if he does nothing but fire the puck off the glass all season long.

Coaches sometimes have a tough time trying to work with the high skill guys. What can a 4th line AHL plumber teach a natural goal scorer about scoring goals.

 

[Plastic Joseph]

Jared McIsaac seems elite, see how he does next year because this year he's killing it. Next year, another step up but the kid has what it takes upstairs. Personally, I like defencemen who aren't afraid to attack and score goals yet still are solid on D. So very few of them in hockey really, so if you can draft one, don't hold him back, let him play to his talents.

Far too often good skill players are turned into third liners who can't score 20 by system coaches who hate individual talent. Same thing happens with defencemen, don't use your instincts and skill, stay back and make sure not to get out of position. Sad.

McIsaac is certainly one of the top 2000 born D in Canada right now.

 

[tony d]

Jake Wise looks like he could be a good 1. Be interesting to see how this draft will play out as we get there over the next yr. or 2.

 

[57special]

I do think Nelson has the potential to be a special player but those stats are a bit inflated with the weaker competition he faces in southern Minnesota.

Can't emphasize that enough. Far weaker than in other parts of the state.

 

[57special]

K'Andre Miller made some of the all state teams as a sophomore and just got a invite to the NTDP eval camp. Some even have him ahead of Brinkman.


It's all a hype train?

Miller has always been good, but went through some awkward periods, probably due to growth. Don't see him being the player Brinkman is, but not far off, either.

 

[Golden Gophers 4649]

I do think Nelson has the potential to be a special player but those stats are a bit inflated with the weaker competition he faces in southern Minnesota.

I agree my son played against him in a Peewee tournament 4 years ago and you could tell he has something special. We were a District 3 team from a strong hockey producing area in Redwood Falls for a weekend tournament and he was by far the best player on the ice.

Our kids beat them 9-8 but he had like 6g, 2a if I recall. He wasn't on my radar yet but a couple of us couldn't help but notice this kid who always had the puck.

If I was advising him I would say go to Ann Arbor to play for Team USA the next 2 years before playing for the Gophers. I'm not normally a fan of players going that way but I would be afraid he's not going to improve as much playing against the weaker competition in that part of the state.

 

[Kshahdoo]

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=339559

Alexander Khovanov, 5'10'', 179 as 15 yo - can't say he's going to be small. Natural center. Of course his statistics is a little bit inflated because of playing with Svechnikov, but as we know, it's a 2-way thing. It's going to be very interesting to see, how Svechnikov - Khovanov duo will work in the MHL next season.

 

[North Country]

Miller has always been good, but went through some awkward periods, probably due to growth. Don't see him being the player Brinkman is, but not far off, either.

Brinkman is definitely a little further along skill wise. Some prefer Miller's frame and think his pro ceiling would be a little higher.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

The DraftBuzz 2018 NHL Draft Watch now lists 110 international players.

 

[The Exiled One]

K'Andre Miller made some of the all state teams as a sophomore and just got a invite to the NTDP eval camp. Some even have him ahead of Brinkman.


It's all a hype train?

Yes, I'm sticking with my prediction.

 

[crump]

My dark horse

Connor Roberts
I know it's not fashionable, but he's a big kid 6'3" 210 at barely 16. Scored 3 goals and an assist in the recent Youth Olympic's for Canada (6 games) big skilled and not afraid of the corners, decent skater too.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=333820

 

[juniorhockeyfan1987]

Dawson Baker of the 00 Quinte Red Devils had a great showing at the OHL cup and could be a prospect to keep your eyes on the next few years

 

[57special]

Brinkman is definitely a little further along skill wise. Some prefer Miller's frame and think his pro ceiling would be a little higher.

Brinkman is built like a truck, and hits like one. Miller might be bigger, but I'd take Brinkman in a collision anyday. Brinkman has all the skills, and zero weaknesses. Miller has always been really good, and his size will intrigue, but Brinkman is over 6' already and hasn't stopped growing.

Time will tell, but Brinkman has stuck out as something special even when playing with other top kids, and he has a balanced, healthy personality. Popular in school, plays AAA baseball, good parents, stable home life. Didn't bounce around much on hockey teams. Edina during the winter, Machine Orange during the summer. Didn't hop around like a lot of other kids, whose parents shop them around like a commodity. I've got to think that counts for something when it comes to character.

 

[Bonin21]

Was that a love letter or a parent's post? Lol "zero weaknesses".

 

[Bonin21]

Filip Zadina has five points in four games at the U18. Haven't watched him play, but he must be good. Top 10 potential?

 

[57special]

Was that a love letter or a parent's post? Lol "zero weaknesses".

Not a parent, or even a friend, just an acquaintance. I've watched the kid grow up. If you want to discount what I have to say, fine.


I Could say less flattering things to say other local kids....one who is in this year's draft...but I'm hyper aware that kids do change, mature, and are sometimes the product of their environment.

If you know Brinkman's game better, tell me what weakness he has?

 

[Bonin21]

I don't know his game better. To say any prospect has zero weaknesses is ridiculous. Jack Eichel has weaknesses.

 

[57special]

I don't know his game better. To say any prospect has zero weaknesses is ridiculous. Jack Eichel has weaknesses.

What are his weaknesses, then? How am I being ridiculous?

 

[Bonin21]

You're saying he's the best hockey prospect on the planet. Done arguing lol

 

[57special]

So you have nothing to add but negativity and absurdity.

 

[USHOCKEYUS]

Not a parent, or even a friend, just an acquaintance. I've watched the kid grow up. If you want to discount what I have to say, fine.


I Could say less flattering things to say other local kids....one who is in this year's draft...but I'm hyper aware that kids do change, mature, and are sometimes the product of their environment.

If you know Brinkman's game better, tell me what weakness he has?

A weakness is Brinkman's game is he is consistently out of position defensively because he goes for the big hit way too much regardless of the situation.

 

[57special]

I can see that. I think it comes from being the best player on the ice a lot...you can get away with a lot.

When he is consistently playing with the best players he will have to correct that.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Filip Zadina has five points in four games at the U18. Haven't watched him play, but he must be good. Top 10 potential?

I haven't had the chance to see him but I think I saw he's leading the tourney in shots on goal too. I think it would be fair to say he's in the convo for top-10 if not better due to those numbers alone.