2023 Draft Discussion

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Bradley Nadeau could be an interesting name for us in the 2nd round.

Wasn't in the top 32 on the recent list put out by Mckenzie. But he has 29 goals and 69 points in 35 games in the BCHL. He is on a pretty powerhouse team, though. Could be one of those guys where you wonder why he wasn't picked higher.

But it’s not Swedish. How interesting can it really be?

 

[Perfect Human]

Interesting write up last Friday on EPrinkside for a few SHL prospects. Glad to see Felix Nilsson get the credit he is due.

He linked this video and mentioned that Nilsson has been in on 30% of Rogle J20's 5 on 5 offense, the highest of any SHL prospect for this upcoming draft. Also, he is only ranked #48, presumably because of his size.



I said early in the season this guy is a potential 1st rounder. If the wings can secure a second 1st, or use a high 2nd on him, they need to.

 

[jfrank21]

CHL Top Prospects game tonight at 10pm on NHL Network! Set those DVR's....sucks that Cristall and Musty are out due to injuries. Should be some good action regardless. Lot's of guys that should be in consideration for the Wings pick (unless it's traded for freaking Horvat...BOOO!)

 

[Frk It]

CHL Top Prospects game tonight at 10pm on NHL Network! Set those DVR's....sucks that Cristall and Musty are out due to injuries. Should be some good action regardless. Lot's of guys that should be in consideration for the Wings pick (unless it's traded for freaking Horvat...BOOO!)

This kid stood out.. so did Pinelli's little brother

 

[Murmansk16A]

This kid stood out.. so did Pinelli's little brother

Yes, Rehkopf looked very fast, too. I also liked Kalan Lind, as a Kirk Maltby-like player.

 

[NickH8]

Cristall is becoming more and more of one of my favorites each time I watch a game he's in. We haven't had a forward that can create like that since Datsyuk.

 

[Frk It]

2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects perform on-ice testing | Canadian Hockey League

Forty of the Canadian Hockey League’s top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft competed in on-ice testing Tuesday ahead of the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday in Langley, B.C. The Sport Testing Combine conducted by the Okanagan Hockey Group offered all players in attendance the...

chl.ca

5 things learned from 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game | NHL.com

Bedard prepares for stretch run, Mann has strong bloodline, more players coming from Arizona

www.nhl.com

 

[jfrank21]

This kid stood out.. so did Pinelli's little brother

Yeah, I watched it last night but my streaming quality was crap with the wifi I was on, so I want to rewatch it to be able to see things a little more clearly. Initial impressions were that none of the top dogs did much to help or hurt themselves. I thought Benson, Ritchie, Yager and Barlow all had their moments, but obviously Sawchyn, Rehkopf, and Pinelli "stood out". I've been wondering about Pinelli, he seemed to be having a really good season but nobody mentions him much in the lists. I reeeaaaally wanted his brother when the Wings drafted Buium, so I guess it would be cool if the Wings snagged him in the 2nd. But it doesnt really seem like their current M.O.

I thought Benson had some really slick plays, he showed off his IQ by putting himself in great spots to make things happen. Unfortunately, I also saw him get rocked a couple of times and you can see how his size might hurt him as he moves up in leagues. Ritchie also had some pretty good moments, aside from the points, he made some good plays setting up his linemates. Riley Hedit would have had himself a game if he wasnt constantly ringing the posts. Barlow continues to intrigue me, his goal was pretty nice and it just seems like his skillset is something that the Wings are missing. Been reading a lot about his intangibles and goal scoring prowess. I guess the main concern there is his "runway" and how much of finished product he is. IMO, I think he's still a fit because the Wings need a finisher and if he just so happens to be ready for the big time sooner rather than later, it's ok, even if he doesnt develop into a "line driver". Plus, I dont see how his nickname doesnt become Colby Bardown if he keeps scoring like he does.

According to the broadcast, it does sound like a lot of these guys will be playing in the u18s because their clubs suck, so we'll have plenty of time to see how they stack up then.

 

[wingerdinger]

Felix Unger Sörum has got a start on Leksands top line. He's like a right handed Berggren would be over the moon to snap him up in the 2nd round.

 

[Frk It]

Felix Unger Sörum has got a start on Leksands top line. He's like a right handed Berggren would be over the moon to snap him up in the 2nd round.

Have been tracking him all year, he is 1 day away from being in next year's draft too.

 

[TheOctopusKid]

I'm still looking for my true pass-first setup man with great character and under-appreciated defensive acumen. Who is it? Someone find me that guy!

 

[Frk It]

I'm still looking for my true pass-first setup man with great character and under-appreciated defensive acumen. Who is it? Someone find me that guy!

Riley Heidt

Or if you don't care about the defensive accumen part, Gabe Perrault.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Riley Heidt

Or if you don't care about the defensive accumen part, Gabe Perrault.

You’re thinking Will Smith. Perrault is a shooter.

Also, here’s a nice article about Ryan Leonard.

Behind Ryan Leonard, the 2023 NHL Draft's 'bulldog' top prospect

 

[Frk It]

You’re thinking Will Smith. Perrault is a shooter.

Also, here’s a nice article about Ryan Leonard.

Behind Ryan Leonard, the 2023 NHL Draft's 'bulldog' top prospect

Don’t tell me what I’m thinking.. Perrault is a great playmaker. He has just as many assists as Smith does.

Gabe Perreault's Player Profile​

Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - Dec. 14th: "Possesses elite vision and playmaking abilities. Has the type of awareness in his game that helps him avoid solid contact."

Corey Pronman - The Athletic - Nov. 15th: "Offense is the calling card of his game. He is a very skilled and intelligent winger. Perreault makes highly creative plays with the puck at a high rate, both off the perimeter and in small areas."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - Nov. 1st: "The son of longtime NHLer Yanic Perreault and brother of Ducks prospect Jacob, Gabe doesn’t have his dad’s defensive acumen or his brother’s build (though he’s up to 170ish pounds now), but he’s an intuitive, intelligent player who sees the play develop offensively at a more advanced level than his two family members did/do."

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

No, don’t tell me what I’m thinking.. Perrault is a great playmaker. He has just as many assists as Smith does.

Gabe Perreault's Player Profile​

Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - Dec. 14th: "Possesses elite vision and playmaking abilities. Has the type of awareness in his game that helps him avoid solid contact."

Corey Pronman - The Athletic - Nov. 15th: "Offense is the calling card of his game. He is a very skilled and intelligent winger. Perreault makes highly creative plays with the puck at a high rate, both off the perimeter and in small areas."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - Nov. 1st: "The son of longtime NHLer Yanic Perreault and brother of Ducks prospect Jacob, Gabe doesn’t have his dad’s defensive acumen or his brother’s build (though he’s up to 170ish pounds now), but he’s an intuitive, intelligent player who sees the play develop offensively at a more advanced level than his two family members did/do."

Perrault is a multi threat winger with a ton of skill but he’s more of a shooter on his line with Leonard and Smith.

Will Smith is a pass first playmaking center.

 

[Frk It]

Perrault is a multi threat winger with a ton of skill but he’s more of a shooter on his line with Leonard and Smith.

Will Smith is a pass first playmaking center.

I think they’re both great playmakers, I don’t think Perrault is a shoot first guy.

Big part of the reason I am hesitant on Leonard is I think he benefits a lot from playing with those 2.

 

[NickH8]

You’re thinking Will Smith. Perrault is a shooter.

Also, here’s a nice article about Ryan Leonard.

Behind Ryan Leonard, the 2023 NHL Draft's 'bulldog' top prospect

I think Ryan Leonard may he my next favorite on the u18s after Moore. He kind of gets pigeon holled as the finisher on that line but when he carries the puck in transition he's so good. One of the better skaters in the draft along with great strength makes him hard to take the puck from. Of course the shot is great too.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I think they’re both great playmakers, I don’t think Perrault is a shoot first guy.

Big part of the reason I am hesitant on Leonard is I think he benefits a lot from playing with those 2.

And they benefit from Leonard putting in the dirty work on the boards. He’s the piano puller when that line needs one. When they lose the puck Leonard wins it back.

I like Leonard as a prospect but think he ends up a power winger and not a center in the NHL. I don’t think his puck skills are high end but his work ethic, physicality, and IQ are pretty good to me.

 

[Frk It]

And they benefit from Leonard putting in the dirty work on the boards. He’s the piano puller when that line needs one. When they lose the puck Leonard wins it back.

I like Leonard as a prospect but think he ends up a power winger and not a center in the NHL. I don’t think his puck skills are high end but his work ethic, physicality, and IQ are pretty good to me.

I appreciate what he brings to the table, but when I see him come in at #10 on Bob's mid-season list that scares me a bit. I think I would be more comfortable taking him in the teens or early 20's.

But I could be selling him short.

Maybe you could make the argument he excels at similar things as Barlow.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I appreciate what he brings to the table, but when I see him come in at #10 on Bob's mid-season list that scares me a bit. I think I would be more comfortable taking him in the teens or early 20's.

But I could be selling him short.

Maybe you could make the argument he excels at similar things as Barlow.

I agree that 10 is too high. Teens? That’s fair. I also think Will Smith is WAY too high as well, for what it’s worth. He might be my least favorite of the guys in the top 10.

Leonard reminds me of a + level Liam Ohgren. They bring a lot of the same elements but I think Leonard is better in all areas except maybe his shot.

 

[NickH8]

I appreciate what he brings to the table, but when I see him come in at #10 on Bob's mid-season list that scares me a bit. I think I would be more comfortable taking him in the teens or early 20's.

But I could be selling him short.

Maybe you could make the argument he excels at similar things as Barlow.

I agree that 10 is too high. Teens? That’s fair. I also think Will Smith is WAY too high as well, for what it’s worth. He might be my least favorite of the guys in the top 10.

Leonard reminds me of a + level Liam Ohgren. They bring a lot of the same elements but I think Leonard is better in all areas except maybe his shot.

Meanwhile I've got him at 8
I think he's got potential as a play driver that he hasn't been able to show in the role he's been placed in. Not often can you find a guy who can be a plus transition player as well as a piano puller and finisher. He's just got a lot of roles I can see him excelling at and translating to the NHL.
You can call him the safe pick but as we've discussed a lot on this board that doesn't necessarily mean low upside. I'm usually a guy that looks for the Hugh risk high reward guys but I also recognize the guys I see as low risk but still high reward.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Meanwhile I've got him at 8
I think he's got potential as a play driver that he hasn't been able to show in the role he's been placed in. Not often can you find a guy who can be a plus transition player as well as a piano puller and finisher. He's just got a lot of roles I can see him excelling at and translating to the NHL.
You can call him the safe pick but as we've discussed a lot on this board that doesn't necessarily mean low upside. I'm usually a guy that looks for the Hugh risk high reward guys but I also recognize the guys I see as low risk but still high reward.

I’m not one of those people that thinks safe means low potential, so that doesn’t scare me off.

What I wonder about Leonard is his play driving. The games I watched I didn’t see him do much of that and he played more give and go. Play driving on that line is definitely Perrault or Smith.

If I’m picking a player in the top 12 I want that guy to be the conductor/driver, unless we already have a lot of those guys (we don’t).

That’s part of why I’m a big Oliver Moore fan. He drives play but ALSO does the dirty work like Leonard. I’d bet he’s a for sure center in the show.

I’m also coming around to the idea of Cristall and Benson because those guys are great transporters and can really find openings in the offensive zone. They remind me a lot of what I liked about Perfetti only with better skating.

 

[NickH8]

I’m not one of those people that thinks safe means low potential, so that doesn’t scare me off.

What I wonder about Leonard is his play driving. The games I watched I didn’t see him do much of that and he played more give and go. Play driving on that line is definitely Perrault or Smith.

If I’m picking a player in the top 12 I want that guy to be the conductor/driver, unless we already have a lot of those guys (we don’t).

That’s part of why I’m a big Oliver Moore fan. He drives play but ALSO does the dirty work like Leonard.

I’m also coming around to the idea of Cristall and Benson because those guys are great transporters and can really find openings in the offensive zone. They remind me a lot of what I liked about Perfetti only with better skating.

No objection at all to Moore, Cristall, and Benson above Leonard from me. After the top 4 I've got Cristall at 5, Benson at 6, Moore at 7, and Leonard at 8. Reason for those guys above Leonard being the play driving I see in Leonard is more of a potential thing. He flashes it and I think his role he's been put in limits his chances to show it, but we can't say with certainty it's there until it's more than flashes. Whereas Moore, Cristall, and Benson do it on a shift by shift basis.
Smith is great, I've got him at 9 right after that group, but I've got some questions about his decision making and skating. He seems to skate the puck into pressure and force plays that aren't there at times. Those are things that can be ironed out though.

 

[NickH8]

Going to the Duel in the D! I won't know who to watch on Michigan, so many prospects. Gonna keep an eye on Brindley though since he's a guy who could be available at our pick. Really intrigued by what I've seen of him on tape.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

No objection at all to Moore, Cristall, and Benson above Leonard from me. After the top 4 I've got Cristall at 5, Benson at 6, Moore at 7, and Leonard at 8. Reason for those guys above Leonard being the play driving I see in Leonard is more of a potential thing. He flashes it and I think his role he's been put in limits his chances to show it, but we can't say with certainty it's there until it's more than flashes. Whereas Moore, Cristall, and Benson do it on a shift by shift basis.
Smith is great, I've got him at 9 right after that group, but I've got some questions about his decision making and skating. He seems to skate the puck into pressure and force plays that aren't there at times. Those are things that can be ironed out though.

My big complaints about Smith are the skating and the low motor.

He’s an OK enough skater but I don’t think it’s the strength some scouting reports say it is. He does a lot of gliding and puck watching when the puck is off his stick as well. I’ve also seen him actively shy away from contact where he could have taken a bump to make the play more than a few times.

Smith reminds me of Tim Connolly; super smooth and an excellent playmaker but if he hustled the guy would have been an 80 point guy.