Mitch nylander
One of the biggest fans from a bipolar fanbase
- Jun 2, 2016
- 4,817
- 6,550
De Luca is a good pick. I like his style of game, definitely someone who could be a riser.
Prospect Info: 2023 NHL Draft - Potential Selection Discussion
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SeaOfBlue
The Passion That Unites Us All
- Aug 1, 2013
- 35,591
- 16,777
I think that is purely based on shock factor.
He has moved into late-first round conversations, but he doesn't have that dynamic top pairing ability. He looks like a smooth-skating 2nd pairing guy who probably tops out as a good #4 but could be a #3 if his offense develops enough.
He's an excellent skater, I could see a team falling in love with him, but yeah I pretty much agree.
supermann_98
Registered User
- May 8, 2002
- 9,713
- 8,229
Agree we should have taken Schneider but Miller was taken ahead of our pick so theoretically never had a chance at him without trading up
I don't know if I'd consider him "toolsy". He's smart and responsible on both sides of the puck though, that's for sure.
Lukas Dragicevic is a high-risk, high-reward prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft
He’s skilled and the numbers don’t lie, but can he figure out the defensive issues?
www.dailyfaceoff.com
April 24, 2023
BASEL, Switzerland – You definitely can’t call Lukas Dragicevic boring.
Just check out his numbers. For a defenseman, 15 goals and 75 points is quite something – he had a 25-point gap over Vancouver’s Mazden Leslie for the U-18 WHL defenseman scoring lead. Tri-City wasn’t a great team by any means, but Dragicevic was absolutely dominant with the puck.
The best term to describe Dragecevic is “dynamic.” The way he drives offense is something very few defenders have managed to do in recent years. Dragicevic was Tri-City’s main play driver, kind of like Erik Karlsson in San Jose or Lane Hutson at Boston University. He’s flashy, skilled and is always moving and looking to send the puck down the ice.
Dragicevic is a fourth forward out there. He plays an exciting game. And he’s going to have no problem generating 50 points a year in the NHL.
“He’s shown a bit of everything this year,” a scout said. “Watching him with Canada, he’s one of the team’s most important play drivers. You don’t see defensemen come around like that every year.”
But that’s the thing: he’s a defenseman. You know, the position where you’re trying to help keep the puck out of your own net. Sometimes, that feels like a lost art with the influx of quality two-way talent. And with Dragicevic, that’s where things get wonky. I don’t want to say he’s “bad” defensively, but there’s a reason why we’re not talking about him being a top 10 pick in a down year for defensemen. We have him ranked 27th at Daily Faceoff, good for sixth among blueliners. A lot of outlets even have him outside the first round.
Dragicevic is a bit flat-footed, allowing decently quick players to blow past him and take advantage. His positioning can be disastrous too, especially if he rushed the puck up the ice earlier in the shift. You have to hand it to him: you have to be quite good to have the confidence to jump in on the play, knowing one mistake will put your team in a bad spot. Given his success frequency, he can get away with it often. But as a translatable skill, his skating will knock him down a few pegs at the NHL level.
Dragicevic is a good skater, but it seems like he never uses it to his advantage in the own zone like he does on the attack. He’ll often be too passive coming back, or just stride in too slowly. He’s very mobile, but it’s like he doesn’t see everything going on around his own net half the time.
But it’s his flaws that could make him one of the steals of the draft, if that makes any sense. If the team that drafts him can utilize him effectively – as a power-play quarterback or paired with a smart, stay-at-home defender – Dragicevic can be extremely useful.
And we’re also talking about an 18-year-old here – there’s so much time to go in his development. He’ll play another two years in the WHL and then we’ll see where he goes from there. We see a ton of prospects play a more relaxed game a year after getting drafted because the pressure of always having to be the best is lost. Truly, it’s early days.
“He’s like a wild roller coaster,” a scout said. “The highs with him can be thrilling. But then other times, it’s like his game drops off a cliff and it’s terrifying. It’s all about maximizing the highs with him.”
Last edited by a moderator:
StuckOutHere
Registered User
- Feb 10, 2010
- 5,101
- 661
Maple Leafs draft board: 10 names to consider with the No. 28 pick
Leafs director of amateur scouting Wes Clark is at the wheel for this draft. Who could he take in the first round?
theathletic.com
If we consider Wes Clark’s work at the 2022 draft — his first as Leafs director of amateur scouting — it’s fair to say Clark values intelligence and competitiveness in his picks and isn’t afraid to deviate from the norm when drafting.
Riley Heidt, C | Prince George Cougars-WHL | 5-foot-10, 178 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 23 | Pronman’s ranking: 59
Mikhail Gulyayev, LHD | Omsk Jr.-MHL | 5-foot-10, 172 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 21 | Pronman’s ranking: 30
Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C | HV71-Sweden | 6-foot-0, 163 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 39 | Pronman’s ranking: 37
Otto Stenberg, C | Frolunda Jr-Sweden Jr. | 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 29 | Pronman’s ranking: 28
Etienne Morin, LHD | Moncton Wildcats-QMJHL | 6-foot-0, 180 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 32 | Pronman’s ranking: 40
Lukas Dragicevic, RHD | Tri-City Americans-WHL | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 35 | Pronman’s ranking: 31
Bradley Nadeau, LW | Penticton-BCHL | 5-foot-10, 161 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 22 | Pronman’s ranking: 36
Jayden Perron, RW | Chicago Steel-USHL | 5-foot-9, 163 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 28 | Pronman’s ranking: 107
Gavin Brindley, C | Michigan Wolverines-NCAA | 5-foot-9, 165 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 24 | Pronman’s ranking: 29
Quentin Musty, LW | Sudbury Wolves-OHL | 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Wheeler’s ranking: 18 | Pronman’s ranking: 21
Other names to watch
• Tom Willander
• Kasper Halttunen
• Calum Ritchie
• Oliver Bonk
Last edited:
HarrisonFord
President of the Drew Doughty Fan Club
Lukas Dragicevic is a high-risk, high-reward prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft
He’s skilled and the numbers don’t lie, but can he figure out the defensive issues?
April 24, 2023
BASEL, Switzerland – You definitely can’t call Lukas Dragicevic boring.
Just check out his numbers. For a defenseman, 15 goals and 75 points is quite something – he had a 25-point gap over Vancouver’s Mazden Leslie for the U-18 WHL defenseman scoring lead. Tri-City wasn’t a great team by any means, but Dragicevic was absolutely dominant with the puck.
The best term to describe Dragecevic is “dynamic.” The way he drives offense is something very few defenders have managed to do in recent years. Dragicevic was Tri-City’s main play driver, kind of like Erik Karlsson in San Jose or Lane Hutson at Boston University. He’s flashy, skilled and is always moving and looking to send the puck down the ice.
Dragicevic is a fourth forward out there. He plays an exciting game. And he’s going to have no problem generating 50 points a year in the NHL.
“He’s shown a bit of everything this year,” a scout said. “Watching him with Canada, he’s one of the team’s most important play drivers. You don’t see defensemen come around like that every year.”
But that’s the thing: he’s a defenseman. You know, the position where you’re trying to help keep the puck out of your own net. Sometimes, that feels like a lost art with the influx of quality two-way talent. And with Dragicevic, that’s where things get wonky. I don’t want to say he’s “bad” defensively, but there’s a reason why we’re not talking about him being a top 10 pick in a down year for defensemen. We have him ranked 27th at Daily Faceoff, good for sixth among blueliners. A lot of outlets even have him outside the first round.
Dragicevic is a bit flat-footed, allowing decently quick players to blow past him and take advantage. His positioning can be disastrous too, especially if he rushed the puck up the ice earlier in the shift. You have to hand it to him: you have to be quite good to have the confidence to jump in on the play, knowing one mistake will put your team in a bad spot. Given his success frequency, he can get away with it often. But as a translatable skill, his skating will knock him down a few pegs at the NHL level.
Dragicevic is a good skater, but it seems like he never uses it to his advantage in the own zone like he does on the attack. He’ll often be too passive coming back, or just stride in too slowly. He’s very mobile, but it’s like he doesn’t see everything going on around his own net half the time.
But it’s his flaws that could make him one of the steals of the draft, if that makes any sense. If the team that drafts him can utilize him effectively – as a power-play quarterback or paired with a smart, stay-at-home defender – Dragicevic can be extremely useful.
And we’re also talking about an 18-year-old here – there’s so much time to go in his development. He’ll play another two years in the WHL and then we’ll see where he goes from there. We see a ton of prospects play a more relaxed game a year after getting drafted because the pressure of always having to be the best is lost. Truly, it’s early days.
“He’s like a wild roller coaster,” a scout said. “The highs with him can be thrilling. But then other times, it’s like his game drops off a cliff and it’s terrifying. It’s all about maximizing the highs with him.”
If he could be bothered to play in his own end he would be a slam dunk pick. I’d prefer Gulyayev if we go D, but if he commits to putting a ton of work into his skating and below his own icing line he could be the steal of the draft.
Willander is an excellent skating defenceman who is very responsible defensively. Similar to a Hanifin type player. Would be a solid pickup.
cupcrazyman2
Registered User
- Jul 13, 2022
- 451
- 294
Calling No. 28: A glance at some players Maple Leafs could pick in first round
The Maple Leafs, as of now, have the 28th pick in the 2023 NHL draft. We take a look at some players who could hear their called by Toronto.
torontosun.com
Tom Willander, D, 6-1, 180, Rogle Jr., Sweden
A right-handed shot, the smooth-skating Willander is confident and reliable at both ends of the ice. He’s smart and doesn’t get into trouble.
Otto Stenberg, C/W, 5-11, 181, Frolunda Jr., Sweden
There’s no quibble with Stenberg’s talent, as he has plenty of it, but there have been challenges with playing consistently. Overall, he plays a well-rounded game.
Quentin Musty, LW, 6-2, 200, Sudbury, OHL
The first pick in the 2021 OHL draft, Musty blossomed this past season, recording 78 points in 53 games. Has the tools to be an effective power forward.
Lukas Dragicevic, D, 6-1, 190, Tri-City, WHL
The top-ranked defenceman by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters (18th overall), Dragicevic is smart in transition. Offensively talented.
Oliver Bonk, D, 6-2, 180, London, OHL
The son of former NHLer Radek Bonk is a right-handed shot, bringing an impact in a shutdown role. Making smart decisions among his assets.
Etienne Morin, D, 6, 180, Moncton, QMJHL
Responsible and hard-working D-man is a strong skater who is making strides on the defensive side. Should become stronger as he matures.
Riley Heidt, C, 5-11, 178, Prince George, WHL
Offensive talents have served him well in junior; defensive side will need improvement to go to next level. Passing skill is next-level.
Eternal Leaf
Registered User
Dubas was a free agent while Treliving's contract runs up to June 30th.
Can't place restrictions on a free agent.
Calling No. 28: A glance at some players Maple Leafs could pick in first round
The Maple Leafs, as of now, have the 28th pick in the 2023 NHL draft. We take a look at some players who could hear their called by Toronto.
Tom Willander, D, 6-1, 180, Rogle Jr., Sweden
A right-handed shot, the smooth-skating Willander is confident and reliable at both ends of the ice. He’s smart and doesn’t get into trouble.
Otto Stenberg, C/W, 5-11, 181, Frolunda Jr., Sweden
There’s no quibble with Stenberg’s talent, as he has plenty of it, but there have been challenges with playing consistently. Overall, he plays a well-rounded game.
Quentin Musty, LW, 6-2, 200, Sudbury, OHL
The first pick in the 2021 OHL draft, Musty blossomed this past season, recording 78 points in 53 games. Has the tools to be an effective power forward.
Lukas Dragicevic, D, 6-1, 190, Tri-City, WHL
The top-ranked defenceman by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters (18th overall), Dragicevic is smart in transition. Offensively talented.
Oliver Bonk, D, 6-2, 180, London, OHL
The son of former NHLer Radek Bonk is a right-handed shot, bringing an impact in a shutdown role. Making smart decisions among his assets.
Etienne Morin, D, 6, 180, Moncton, QMJHL
Responsible and hard-working D-man is a strong skater who is making strides on the defensive side. Should become stronger as he matures.
Riley Heidt, C, 5-11, 178, Prince George, WHL
Offensive talents have served him well in junior; defensive side will need improvement to go to next level. Passing skill is next-level.
Out of that group I see Willander, Musty and Heidt as being a notch above the rest. If any one of those 3 are available at 28 the leafs shouldn't hesitate.
Dragicevic is a wild card as his playmaking is exceptional. However his skating and defense are average at best so he could wind up being a Larry Murphy type PP specialist. That's ok if you're desperate for offense from the back end but he's probably not a true #1 D who can be trusted in all situations.
Bonk is the "safe" pick. If you're looking for a future #4 D man who won't hurt you.
Menzinger
Kessel4LadyByng
Very interesting stuff - if you click through to the quoted tweet it discusses some of how the Leafs IQ test the prospects.
Dion TheFluff
Registered User
- Jun 22, 2015
- 4,176
- 3,693
justashadowof
Registered User
- Aug 15, 2020
- 4,025
- 4,230
It's a little unclear whether they are asking them to physically react or just comment after the fact. There's a big difference there. In personal experience, the younger me's ability to recall and map out some high alert situation was pretty good so I'd give good answers I'd imagine but in the moment of competition my decisions and reactions would be less than ideal. Also I'd like to see what perspective they're giving them to test their abilities. First person perspective on the ice is nothing like an isolation tracking shot from the stands. It's almost like tunnel vision. You have to have a sense of individuals who are out of your field of vision. Surely many have experienced this even just through video games.
Namikaze Minato
Registered User
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Fonzieleaf
Registered User
Barlow, Perrault, and maybe even Yager are far crys to drop to the leafs pick. Musty we could get.
Namikaze Minato
Registered User
Interviews are for more than just where you pick though. They could move picks or players and all of a sudden be in that range so you may as well have done your homework. Plus these prospects could very well be available in a few years in a trade, why not have extra info on them starting now?
Namikaze Minato
Registered User
Leaf Rocket
Leaf Fan Till I Die
BPA please for the love of god no more Biggs or Freddy the Goat (great guy I still maintain)
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