Mid-season
forward ranking. No Dmen or goalies, because I'm very, very bad at ranking them...
1: Lafreniere - Obviously.
2: Byfield - Limitless upside. Only concern is how would we develop him -- too good for OHL, too young/green for the NHL?
T3: Stützle - A complete center with top line potential, what's not to like?
T3: Rossi - See Stützle. One of the most underrated players of the draft.
5: Raymond - My only gripe with Raymond is his mentality: sure, it's admirable that he'd focus on playing a safe game on the pro level, but it's gone to the point where it's holding back his development, especially offensively. Almost seems like he's afraid to make mistakes, which is a curious trait in an otherwise highly competitive player.
6: Zary - A fantastic, does-it-all type centerman. Would be T3 if he produced a bit more offensively.
7: Quinn - Has been rocketing up the rankings lately, 39 goals in 45 games (27 in the last 23!!) in the OHL tends to make that happen though. Has a wicked shot and great hand-eye coordination, can beat goalies in so many ways. A high octane goal scorer that doesn't have the supposed "baggage" that Kaliyev had. Currently leads the entire OHL in goal scoring. Could still pot 50 this season.
8: Perfetti - A world-class offensive talent, great playmaker. Needs work on every other area of the game though. Has upside for days, although I could see him ending up at wing at the NHL level.
9: Mercer - Equally good at scoring and passing. Oozes puck-handling talent, plays a very underrated 2-way game.
10: Lundell - Stat-wise his draft season is one for the ages, at least if you put your faith in Corsi. High IQ, sound defensive game. Needs to develop his skating, has some playmaking ability but could use more. Seems like a high floor guy, makes one question how much upside he really has?
11: Holtz - A poor man's Patrik Laine. Has possibly the best shot in this year's draft, but needs to become a better/more explosive skater in order to reach the NHL level. A perfect pick for a team who's not afraid to pick up a project player with upside.
12: Bourque - Smart, hard-working center with a truckload of offensive capability. Needs to become a better skater though.
13: Peterka - Quick shot, great goal scorer insticts, can do a lot of damage from in front of the net. Great skater too, can deliver crushing hits. Works very hard.
14: Holloway - Probably one of the best skating forwards in the draft, impressive 2-way ability, plays a feisty game. I have no idea why he doesn't have more points, he seems to have enough offensive talent...
15: Reichel - Under the radar despite his respectable numbers in the DEL. Plays a mature, pro-ready game, doesn't shy away from physical play. Has no glaring weaknesses, but I don't know how high his NHL upside would be.