Draft 2020 Draft & Undrafted Free Agent Thread: Part VII

[True Blue]

On to Perrault then, I guess.

I think that the attitude will keep him from being a Rangers choice. But also feel that way about Bourque & Gunler.

 

[Harbour Dog]

The Draftsim site got updated this morning to allow the use of McKenzie's rankings Did a mock, this is what I got.

I did a small trade and traded 22 to Washington for 25, 79 and 179

1. Lafreienere
25. Greig
71. Powell
79. Neiderbach
90. Biondi
102. Blomqvist
133. Knazko
164. Slukynsky
179. Langenbrunner
195. Tarnstrom
196. Kunz
205. Nordlund

I'll be honest I only took Greig because he was there and he's been discussed a lot the last couple days

Awesome news! I had stopped using it because the ratings were so far off from what I expect is the norm.

Now I know how my evening is going to melt away.

 

[Anzi]

Trading down/up in the draft sim leads to some funky outcomes.

 

[Harbour Dog]

I think Greig is going to get serious consideration for the 22nd pick. Unlike some guys who we hope "fall" to us, or require a move-up trade, Greig is probably going to be on the board at 22.

I have him in the 30s because I question whether he sticks at center, and I am not totally sure about the offensive upside compared to his peers. However, the fact that McKenzie has him at 24 is very interesting to me. That typically means one of, or a combination of, a few things:

1. Multiple teams probably have him higher than most outside observers.

2. One team has him fairly high and it's helping his average.

3. One team specifically told Bob "this is probably our guy if he's there with our pick."

I think you can eliminate the 2nd possibility. Bob eliminates outliers as far as I remember.

 

[gravey9]

I would have no problem with it whatsoever.

Bourque is arguably one of the top offensive talents in this draft. His natural ability and vision ranks up there with pretty much anyone at the top of the draft.

The effort is a bit of a question mark. There are nights you have to check and see if he even dressed. Frankly, with his skill level, that should never be the case. I also wonder if he sticks at center. IMO, his long-term value is significantly higher if he can stick at center.

It seems like at 22 you're either drafting highly skilled players with some other question mark about skating, size, motor, hockey IQ, commitment.

Or you're drafting a kid with lots of physical tools that's still a bit raw.

Or you're drafting a kid with high motor/high intensity but with a middle of the lineup ceiling.

I would hope the Rangers either pick an unfinished kid with tools like Wallinder. Or a high motor kid like Marat K or Grieg.

Someone who can add something to the middle of the lineup on an ELC. I'm less excited about highly skilled guys with motor or dedication/coachability issues. With all the talent we have for our top 6 -- the kid picked at #22 (if a forward) MAY need to transform their game to fit into a middle 6 role on a team entering their contention window. So, that kid will need to be very coachable and adaptable. I am less excited about a top 6 or bust guy. Unless of course, the team is totally convinced they have a diamond in the rough.

 

[Edge]

So. who do you like better, Bourque or Perrault?

I think Bourque is more naturally skilled, and if he puts it together, a more dangerous offensive weapon.

 

[Edge]

I think you can eliminate the 2nd possibility. Bob eliminates outliers as far as I remember.

Depends on who his team is and where the prospect is going. Though in most cases, even an outlier might only be a handful of slots ahead of others.

 

[UnSandvich]

Wheeler put up his preliminary rankings for next years draft. He has 5 Dmen in his Top 10, and no C's out of the CHL until 15

Wheeler: Preseason ranking for the 2021 NHL Draft's top 32 prospects

 

[bl02]

Trading down/up in the draft sim leads to some funky outcomes.

View attachment 367403

In our dreams

 

[Mandar]

What's everyone's assessment of Connor Zary? Been reading a lot of good things about him.....good idea to take him with the Canes pick?

 

[Leetch3]

Wheeler put up his preliminary rankings for next years draft. He has 5 Dmen in his Top 10, and no C's out of the CHL until 15

Wheeler: Preseason ranking for the 2021 NHL Draft's top 32 prospects

can you post just the list for those that don't subscribe?

 

[UnSandvich]

can you post just the list for those that don't subscribe?

Not really sure of board policy on that tbh

 

[Ghost of jas]

What's everyone's assessment of Connor Zary? Been reading a lot of good things about him.....good idea to take him with the Canes pick?

Skating is an issue, and he hasn't been connected to the Rangers lately. Names that have been discussed are Khusnutdinov, Greig, Bourque, Amirov, Holloway, Lapierre and Guhle.

 

[Joey Bones]

not sure they will be around in the 3rd when we pick again since we don't have any 2nds but any thoughts on:

Luke Tuch
Will Cuylle
Dylan Peterson
Daniel Torgersson

Yeah, I gotchu....

Luke Tuch is pretty underrated on the consensus, IMO. Plays a lot like his brother, believe it or not. He displays a even paced, power forward game and is very good on the forecheck and backcheck. His hands are silky and possesses very good puck protection in the corners. He, also, has very good hand/eye coordination perfect for getting in front and disrupting the goalie with deflections. I actually think Luke is more physical than his brother, but doesn't have the ability to become a game changing scorer like Alex is in Vegas. That could change over time, but ATM, I don't see it. The only down side I can see with Luke, which isn't really a fault per say, but his stride is very awkward. He skates almost looking like his making C-cuts, if you know what I mean. Doesn't get low and push with his legs, outside then inside edges like most speedsters usually do. With that said, he isn't necessarily slow. He keeps up as much as the rest of the USNTDP, but I'm not sure how far he could go in the pro games with it. He should work on his power skating in college, think it might help his projection. ATM, I see him as a potentially annoying bottom-6 forward to play against who works hard and doesn't get too into the dramatics. Mid-late 3rd round talent, IMO.

Will Cuylle is my favorite of the four you mentioned. Very good skater who could bulldoze the opposition on forechecks and backchecks while winning puck battles along the boards. Another power forward type, his knack is to bully his way through defenders for a shot on net and clean up rebounds. He's not afraid to get in traffic. The only thing I dislike about him, though, is that he isn't very creative. Again, this isn't a bad trait to have, I think it just limits his potential of what he could be. He tends to make the safe plays that will bring in the aforementioned "grind goals". He won't deke or make a fancy play, what you see is what you get. Hopefully he develops the confidence or creativity down the road, but for what he is, he's a solid option for a bottom 6. Late 2nd/early 3rd round talent, IMO.

Dylan Peterson probably has the most upside out of those you mentioned, but with a bigger risk. He's a good skater once he gets going, but his first few steps are choppy. His turns are quick and sharp and can accelerate to head in the other direction. He possesses a hard shot, both wrist and slap, with very good accuracy to compliment it. He doesn't shoot enough, though. With talent like that, you need to pepper those shots home or at least get it on net for a rebound. Those offensive inconsistencies will, honestly, determine his pro status. He plays a respectable defensive game, forechecks and backchecks to help support his team on breakouts. He's, also, pretty good in the faceoff, IIRC. The possession game is very good, too. I think there could be a steal here, but he's going to need time to work out the warts. Early-mid 3rd round talent, IMO, who could turn into a star if he hones out the inconsistencies.

Daniel Torgersson, like Peterson, has some start-up issues with his stride. Very choppy with the first few steps, but has very good acceleration to continue forward. The difference between the two, though, is the edgework. He seems to have difficulty starting and stopping at a high pace. Lateral movement is a con for him, too. Seems to have trouble trying to have the high pace needed for a two-way/power forward game. Skating needs work, IMO. He definitely possess a strong core, though, using his body to push aside defenders to come in on net for an opportunity. Possession game is solid and is very good with cycling. He isn't overly physical, but will battle along the boards to fight for the puck. He's got a quick snapshot, but not necessarily accurate and strong. He does have very good hand/eye to deflect pucks in front. His best asset is his defensive awareness, though. Super good and finding open men, breaking up plays and helping out teammates. When he's assigned to an opponent, he never let's him out of his sight and stays close on him. I'm not optimistic about the offensive game, but on the defensive he's solid. Skating, again, needs work. Late round talent, IMO (6th/7th range).

 

[Joey Bones]

So. who do you like better, Bourque or Perrault?

I know you didn't ask me, but Perreault.

Goal scoring ability is too good to pass on, even with the minimal defensive effort. Bourque I've seen give up on too many more defensive plays than Perreault. His vision and passing ability is insane, though.

I don't think either are centers in the NHL.

 

[Mac n Gs]

can you post just the list for those that don't subscribe?

I'll post the top-10, but I don't want to do more than that since it is behind a paywall. I highly recommend subscribing to the Athletic, especially since they have a special where it's only something like $1/month for 3 months. It usually ends up being somewhere between $30-50 for the year, and it's easily the best in-depth coverage of all of the major sports available.

Here's the top-10:

1) Brandt Clarke - RHD
2) Simon Edvinsson - LHD
3) Owen Power - LHD
4) Kent Johnson - C
5) Aatu Raty - C
6) Carson Lambos - LHD
7) Chaz Lucius - C/W
8) Dylan Guenther - LW/RW
9) Matthew Beniers - C
10) Luke Hughes - LHD

Matthew Beniers has been my personal favorite for this class over the last two years. I still don't know what to make of this draft because a lot of these kids are good, but not great prospects. The only two that stand out to me right now are Beniers and Raty, with Power and Guenther being next in line. Isak Rosen and William Eklund are also going to solidify themselves in that top-10/15 range as they progress this year.

 

[Joey Bones]

What's everyone's assessment of Connor Zary? Been reading a lot of good things about him.....good idea to take him with the Canes pick?

All around game is solid, except his skating. Very slow first few steps and doesn't gain an extra gear. Stays stagnant. He needs to work on his stride and power skating for him to make a big impact in the NHL.

I wouldn't mind him at No. 22, but I think there would be better options available.

 

[Leetch3]

Yeah, I gotchu....

Luke Tuch is pretty underrated on the consensus, IMO. Plays a lot like his brother, believe it or not. He displays a even paced, power forward game and is very good on the forecheck and backcheck. His hands are silky and possesses very good puck protection in the corners. He, also, has very good hand/eye coordination perfect for getting in front and disrupting the goalie with deflections. I actually think Luke is more physical than his brother, but doesn't have the ability to become a game changing scorer like Alex is in Vegas. That could change over time, but ATM, I don't see it. The only down side I can see with Luke, which isn't really a fault per say, but his stride is very awkward. He skates almost looking like his making C-cuts, if you know what I mean. Doesn't get low and push with his legs, outside then inside edges like most speedsters usually do. With that said, he isn't necessarily slow. He keeps up as much as the rest of the USNTDP, but I'm not sure how far he could go in the pro games with it. He should work on his power skating in college, think it might help his projection. ATM, I see him as a potentially annoying bottom-6 forward to play against who works hard and doesn't get too into the dramatics. Mid-late 3rd round talent, IMO.

Will Cuylle is my favorite of the four you mentioned. Very good skater who could bulldoze the opposition on forechecks and backchecks while winning puck battles along the boards. Another power forward type, his knack is to bully his way through defenders for a shot on net and clean up rebounds. He's not afraid to get in traffic. The only thing I dislike about him, though, is that he isn't very creative. Again, this isn't a bad trait to have, I think it just limits his potential of what he could be. He tends to make the safe plays that will bring in the aforementioned "grind goals". He won't deke or make a fancy play, what you see is what you get. Hopefully he develops the confidence or creativity down the road, but for what he is, he's a solid option for a bottom 6. Late 2nd/early 3rd round talent, IMO.

Dylan Peterson probably has the most upside out of those you mentioned, but with a bigger risk. He's a good skater once he gets going, but his first few steps are choppy. His turns are quick and sharp and can accelerate to head in the other direction. He possesses a hard shot, both wrist and slap, with very good accuracy to compliment it. He doesn't shoot enough, though. With talent like that, you need to pepper those shots home or at least get it on net for a rebound. Those offensive inconsistencies will, honestly, determine his pro status. He plays a respectable defensive game, forechecks and backchecks to help support his team on breakouts. He's, also, pretty good in the faceoff, IIRC. The possession game is very good, too. I think there could be a steal here, but he's going to need time to work out the warts. Early-mid 3rd round talent, IMO, who could turn into a star if he hones out the inconsistencies.

Daniel Torgersson, like Peterson, has some start-up issues with his stride. Very choppy with the first few steps, but has very good acceleration to continue forward. The difference between the two, though, is the edgework. He seems to have difficulty starting and stopping at a high pace. Lateral movement is a con for him, too. Seems to have trouble trying to have the high pace needed for a two-way/power forward game. Skating needs work, IMO. He definitely possess a strong core, though, using his body to push aside defenders to come in on net for an opportunity. Possession game is solid and is very good with cycling. He isn't overly physical, but will battle along the boards to fight for the puck. He's got a quick snapshot, but not necessarily accurate and strong. He does have very good hand/eye to deflect pucks in front. His best asset is his defensive awareness, though. Super good and finding open men, breaking up plays and helping out teammates. When he's assigned to an opponent, he never let's him out of his sight and stays close on him. I'm not optimistic about the offensive game, but on the defensive he's solid. Skating, again, needs work. Late round talent, IMO (6th/7th range).

thanks for the good info...I especially like that you put them all in the 3rd round pick resolving my issue of not having a 2nd LOL

the feedback from you and others kind of re-enforces my initial belief that these guys would be good fits to our bottom 6 to make our team tougher to play against and add depth for mid-round picks

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I'll post the top-10, but I don't want to do more than that since it is behind a paywall. I highly recommend subscribing to the Athletic, especially since they have a special where it's only something like $1/month for 3 months. It usually ends up being somewhere between $30-50 for the year, and it's easily the best in-depth coverage of all of the major sports available.

Here's the top-10:

1) Brandt Clarke - RHD
2) Simon Edvinsson - LHD
3) Owen Power - LHD
4) Kent Johnson - C
5) Aatu Raty - C
6) Carson Lambos - LHD
7) Chaz Lucius - C/W
8) Dylan Guenther - LW/RW
9) Matthew Beniers - C
10) Luke Hughes - LHD

Matthew Beniers has been my personal favorite for this class over the last two years. I still don't know what to make of this draft because a lot of these kids are good, but not great prospects. The only two that stand out to me right now are Beniers and Raty, with Power and Guenther being next in line. Isak Rosen and William Eklund are also going to solidify themselves in that top-10/15 range as they progress this year.

2021 is booty cheeks.

Owen Power is the perfect name for that player though.

 

[Leetch3]

I'll post the top-10, but I don't want to do more than that since it is behind a paywall. I highly recommend subscribing to the Athletic, especially since they have a special where it's only something like $1/month for 3 months. It usually ends up being somewhere between $30-50 for the year, and it's easily the best in-depth coverage of all of the major sports available.

Here's the top-10:

1) Brandt Clarke - RHD
2) Simon Edvinsson - LHD
3) Owen Power - LHD
4) Kent Johnson - C
5) Aatu Raty - C
6) Carson Lambos - LHD
7) Chaz Lucius - C/W
8) Dylan Guenther - LW/RW
9) Matthew Beniers - C
10) Luke Hughes - LHD

Matthew Beniers has been my personal favorite for this class over the last two years. I still don't know what to make of this draft because a lot of these kids are good, but not great prospects. The only two that stand out to me right now are Beniers and Raty, with Power and Guenther being next in line. Isak Rosen and William Eklund are also going to solidify themselves in that top-10/15 range as they progress this year.

thanks I completely misread and thought it was his final list for this draft, not next year.

 

[CaptTennille]

What's everyone's assessment of Connor Zary? Been reading a lot of good things about him.....good idea to take him with the Canes pick?

He has excellent situational awareness, good vision and underrated skill, but the skating is kind of rough and his overall pace needs work.

If he was just a bit more explosive, I think you'd see him ranked closer to 10 than 20 like he is at the moment - the kid is a leader and a tonesetter.

I'm rooting for him, but the skating is just a little too tough for me to overlook at 22.

I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually carved out a role as a 2nd line heart and soul guy, I'll just let someone else take that risk.

 

[Mac n Gs]

thanks I completely misread and thought it was his final list for this draft, not next year.

He released that ranking at the beginning of June, but I'll share where he ranked a few of the guys we've mentioned a lot on here for our first round picks:

1) Quin...Alexis Lafreniere

15-19) Mavrik Bourque, Jarvis, Holloway, Mercer, Sanderson --> He's much lower on Sanderson than the rest of the scouting world leading into this draft.
23) Hendrix Lapierre
30) Jaccob Perrault
46) Justin Sourdif
49) Marat Khusnutdinov

 

[Joey Bones]

I'll post the top-10, but I don't want to do more than that since it is behind a paywall. I highly recommend subscribing to the Athletic, especially since they have a special where it's only something like $1/month for 3 months. It usually ends up being somewhere between $30-50 for the year, and it's easily the best in-depth coverage of all of the major sports available.

Here's the top-10:

1) Brandt Clarke - RHD
2) Simon Edvinsson - LHD
3) Owen Power - LHD
4) Kent Johnson - C
5) Aatu Raty - C
6) Carson Lambos - LHD
7) Chaz Lucius - C/W
8) Dylan Guenther - LW/RW
9) Matthew Beniers - C
10) Luke Hughes - LHD

Matthew Beniers has been my personal favorite for this class over the last two years. I still don't know what to make of this draft because a lot of these kids are good, but not great prospects. The only two that stand out to me right now are Beniers and Raty, with Power and Guenther being next in line. Isak Rosen and William Eklund are also going to solidify themselves in that top-10/15 range as they progress this year.

I don't see how Raty is not No. 1, ATVM. Sure some of the defenders could push for the spot throughout the season, but I don't see what Wheeler says to knock Raty down that far....

 

[Joey Bones]

thanks for the good info...I especially like that you put them all in the 3rd round pick resolving my issue of not having a 2nd LOL

the feedback from you and others kind of re-enforces my initial belief that these guys would be good fits to our bottom 6 to make our team tougher to play against and add depth for mid-round picks

Yeah and it's not that I don't think they'll be something in the pros, just that it seems to be less of a sure thing than others before them.

 

[Leetch3]

Yeah and it's not that I don't think they'll be something in the pros, just that it seems to be less of a sure thing than others before them.

well if they were sure things they would be 1st round picks...pretty much everyone taken in the 2nd - 4th round has flaws and is a risk. but there seems to be upside potential as well.