I keep wanting to describe Brady Martin as a pre-concussion Todd Harvey. It must have been early in my hockey fandom but I remember watching an ESPN game and Harvey obliterated some defenseman with a clean hit that forever left an impression.
Prospect Info: 2024 25 Devils DRAFT Thread
- Thread starter StevenToddIves
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I keep wanting to describe Brady Martin as a pre-concussion Todd Harvey. It must have been early in my hockey fandom but I remember watching an ESPN game and Harvey obliterated some defenseman with a clean hit that forever left an impression.
Monsieur Verdoux
Registered User
Pronman and Wheeler predicted all 64 picks of the first two rounds. The Devils' picks were:
#50 Alexander Zharovsky, RW
Commentary
The Devils add Zharovsky, a highly skilled winger who was one of the top young forwards in the MHL this season. With the right patience, his talent could deliver value in the late second. — Wheeler
#64 Theo Stockselius, C
Commentary
The Devils add Stockselius, a good-sized forward who was very productive on a talented J20 team playing with good players, and also showed he could play with good players in more of a support role with the Swedish national team this year. — Wheeler
Does someone have any information about these players?
www.nytimes.com
#50 Alexander Zharovsky, RW
Commentary
The Devils add Zharovsky, a highly skilled winger who was one of the top young forwards in the MHL this season. With the right patience, his talent could deliver value in the late second. — Wheeler
#64 Theo Stockselius, C
Commentary
The Devils add Stockselius, a good-sized forward who was very productive on a talented J20 team playing with good players, and also showed he could play with good players in more of a support role with the Swedish national team this year. — Wheeler
Does someone have any information about these players?
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting all 64 picks of the first two rounds with Pronman and Wheeler
How will the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft shake out? Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler alternate picks in this mock.
www.nytimes.com
Stödet - efter cancern: "Alltid vetat vad han kan göra"
2022 drabbades Theo Stockselius av cancer. Nu spelar 17-åringen U18-VM med Småkronorna, intill vännerna från Täby-tiden.
hockeysverige.se
I didn't know that Stockselius had a cancer scare a few years back on top of some other notable injuries. He didn't stand out against USA in the U18 semis that I attended, but Stockselius got pushed down the lineup after Anton Frondell joined the team.
evnted
Registered User
- Apr 14, 2016
- 641
- 3,148
still hammering out my own rankings so i dont quite have the ability to compare placements yet but at first glance these picks seem ok. not really tom picks but lolPronman and Wheeler predicted all 64 picks of the first two rounds. The Devils' picks were:
#50 Alexander Zharovsky, RW
Commentary
The Devils add Zharovsky, a highly skilled winger who was one of the top young forwards in the MHL this season. With the right patience, his talent could deliver value in the late second. — Wheeler
#64 Theo Stockselius, C
Commentary
The Devils add Stockselius, a good-sized forward who was very productive on a talented J20 team playing with good players, and also showed he could play with good players in more of a support role with the Swedish national team this year. — Wheeler
Does someone have any information about these players?
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting all 64 picks of the first two rounds with Pronman and Wheeler
How will the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft shake out? Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler alternate picks in this mock.
so with zharovsky, if we're talking just raw skill and talent level, thats pretty tremendous value to land at pick 50. if you start digging into the full picture, though, then it does feel a bit more fair for him to go in that range. elite, elite handling ability. very evasive. deceptive. slick. hes a pretty imaginative player on the puck. now he can be reckless with it, too, but some of that is just experimentation because he flashes some pretty impressive vision and playmaking ideas at times. where we run into issue is...well, theres really no actual foundation here, just talent right now. the pace isnt particularly great, his skating in general has warts, the decision making is all over the place, the defensive contributions fringe on nonexistent, hes an opportunistic forechecker at best, i mean theres a tremendous amount of work that needs to be put into this player. ultimate talent project
some reason for optimisim would be that he still kinda torched the MHL in spite of all this, and it was his first year in the league as well (graduating from RUS U17) so he might just be very far back on the development curve at this point. to me, i wouldnt complain about this big of a talent swing on a stash and forget prospect (even if he isnt a center lol) because ive been begging for tom to make that type of pick. and, lets be real, our russian prospect trajectories consistently smash what we pull out of NA, so thats another positive. in this particular mock,, i wouldve been disappointed to see some of my favorites like nestrasil and lee go right before, and while i think some of the defenders who went after (amico, limatov, rombach) might be better overall prospects, if the goal was to land top forward talent, its fine
flipping over to stockselius, pretty different prospect. in his case, we're talking more of a play facilitator. he has some tremendous positional sense and anticipation. this is a player who is always where he needs to be to make a play, be it offensively or defensively. he sees lanes develop quite well and can make quick decisions with the puck. contrary to zharovksy, there really isnt anything remarkable about his playmaking per se, but its super efficient and hes good with getting pucks through triangles. his timing and defensive stick both stand out as well. he can be very disruptive off the puck and hes great at turning pokes/strips into opportunities for his linemates
on the more problematic side, well, its hard to say what you're betting on with the player. hes not particularly skilled, a lot of his play with the puck is just quick connections (as opposed to longer carries) so its not like a lot of his points are off beating defenders or finding high danger chances, its opportunistic positioning and jump starting sequences for his linemates to do most of the work. for a player like him, i like to say his size is cosmetic in a way. outside of using his reach to keep position, there really is next to no benefit to him being 6'3" right now. his skating/pace isnt too great, his intensity/compete isnt too great. not problematic, just not a strength. so youre betting on basically just reads and instincts and quick decisions with the hope that the rest of the toolkit will fill out (which, hey, we did that before on a pretty solid prospect playing in the worlds right now). fortunately, stockselius is fairly lanky and young for the class, so youd expect some growth potential down the road
Monsieur Verdoux
Registered User
Thanks for the answer. I look forward to your final rankings and who the Devils' potential 2nd round picks are.
I hope whoever they pick can skate well. The league is getting faster every year. I’m not sure Fitz realizes that’s an issue since he seems focused too much on size/strength
Guadana
Registered User
Pronman and Wheeler predicted all 64 picks of the first two rounds. The Devils' picks were:
#50 Alexander Zharovsky, RW
Commentary
The Devils add Zharovsky, a highly skilled winger who was one of the top young forwards in the MHL this season. With the right patience, his talent could deliver value in the late second. — Wheeler
#64 Theo Stockselius, C
Commentary
The Devils add Stockselius, a good-sized forward who was very productive on a talented J20 team playing with good players, and also showed he could play with good players in more of a support role with the Swedish national team this year. — Wheeler
Does someone have any information about these players?
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting all 64 picks of the first two rounds with Pronman and Wheeler
How will the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft shake out? Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler alternate picks in this mock.
Zharovsky is an interesting case. Is Hameenaho worth to be drafted in second round?
Zharovsky is thinking the offensive game pretty well. Making fast decisions on the ice with the puck, find open space, he can create space for himself and for partners, his stickhandling is really good.He has starting speed btw, quite good. He is left handed winger, playing on the both sides of the ice and create opportunities around the O zone. He isnt north south player.
The problem is his skating, especially with the puck. Its below average. He isnt slow but his skating isnt looking good. He is smart, protect the puck well and pass well, so in the tranches in O zone he is doing right things and skating doesnt hurt him. His iq helping him to make a right pass to escape the zone. The problem is driving - he could be quite good driver but with his skating with the puck he may not be on NHL level. Anyway he is creating dangerous chances.
It is effecting his 200 foot game. He is skating around often, finding opportunities in d zone or to take away the puck, he is quite good positionally but he cant really make a pressure because with his skating he can be outplayed. I think he is making right decisions more often, doesnt create some bad things on the ice, but because of his some kind of mobile limitation he isnt helping in some situations.
So for now he is very intriguing offensive player, creative, smart and skilled, he has nice starting speed that help him to compensate some mobility issues, he is working with the puck on boards quite well. But he isnt defensive forward, or two way forward or active forechecker. I think he will be more usefull in forecheck with the time, because many of his tools will help. And I dont think he will be zone driver in NHL, at least he needs to develop skating with the puck and different aspects of this skill.
IQ/decision making with the puck with the puck - very good or even better.
Passing - very good.
Escaping from the d zone with the puck - through pass - quite good
Puck protection - good to very good for his age.
Starting Speed - good. Above average
Skating with the puck - below average. On the level with Hameenaho or may be little worser
Finding open space - very good
Defensive game - passive
Forechecking game - he is 4th-5th forechecker on the ice. He is good on boards, will take the puck away from the traffic, but he will not be the player who will make a pressure.
Late second round worthy? Yes. He could be the best forward prospect after Gritsyuk and Hameenaho right after the draft. Of course we should know who will be and who will not be available in the moment.
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devilsblood
Quiet, my GF is reading.
- Mar 10, 2010
- 29,846
- 14,091
I see Zharovsky has a team mate that is listed at 116 lb's on Hockey DB.Pronman and Wheeler predicted all 64 picks of the first two rounds. The Devils' picks were:
#50 Alexander Zharovsky, RW
Commentary
The Devils add Zharovsky, a highly skilled winger who was one of the top young forwards in the MHL this season. With the right patience, his talent could deliver value in the late second. — Wheeler
#64 Theo Stockselius, C
Commentary
The Devils add Stockselius, a good-sized forward who was very productive on a talented J20 team playing with good players, and also showed he could play with good players in more of a support role with the Swedish national team this year. — Wheeler
Does someone have any information about these players?
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Predicting all 64 picks of the first two rounds with Pronman and Wheeler
How will the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft shake out? Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler alternate picks in this mock.
That's probably not what you were looking for, but it's still interesting.
Edit: After playing all regular season in the MHL, it looks like Zharovsky did play playoff games in the KHL. That's something.
Edit #2. Stockselius played with a 16 year old, Viggo Bjorck who put up some impressive numbers. Probably a guy on next years draft radar. Although again, not what you were looking for.
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I want a center(s) drafted in Round 2. It will be continued gross negligence if Fitzgerald and company don’t start to stock the cupboard to adddess our biggest organizational weakness.
Guadana
Registered User
You still should try to target talent in the second round. This is how Devils drafted Casey and Hameenaho. Between similar talent Devils should draft center of course, but if they see something better available - they should draft more talented player in their view.
I believe every Devils fan will prefer center. But more often its harder to find better center in the late second round.
I understand the mentality but with our first pick being at #50, teams ought to toss organizational need out the window and take the best asset. When we took Lenni Hameenaho at #58 a couple years back, the team had him in our top 30 so it made more sense to take him than to deviate from the list for a position of need.
One cautionary tale I point to is LA in 2006. They had just hired Dean Lombardi who inherited a team with a bunch of young forwards but not much on the blue line. Lombardi let the scouts take Jonathan Bernier and Trevor Lewis in the first round, but apparently he stepped in when the scouts wanted to take Milan Lucic at #48. He wanted them to take a defenseman to address the organizational need and they took a D named Joe Ryan who didn't pan out.
The amusing thing is that Lombardi was later laser focused on a Lucic-esque prospect Kyle Clifford in 2009 which allegedly cost them a chance at trading up for Ryan O'Reilly. Then in 2015 Lombardi traded for Lucic which cost them a 1st that they would have used on Matt Barzal.
Oh, I 100% agree with you. If all things are considered relatively equal, I want us taking centers. However, BPA is the way I’d always go otherwise.
2025 Draft Profile:
LD Jackson Smith, Tri-City WHL
Every draft one is sure to find multiple potential high-level defensemen who are overlooked or underrated by multiple draft evaluators simply because they play a responsible game conscious of defensive responsibility and, as such, do not put up the video game numbers some like to see in high-ranking draft eligibles. Jackson Smith is absolutely the prototype of this player in 2025.
Jackson Smith has every high-level aspect a top-of-the-roster NHL defenseman could possibly need. He's an extremely big kid at 6'3-190 who also plays big -- he's physical, competitive and fearless. Jackson is an outstanding skater, I'd say just shy of elite. The obvious benefit of a kid mixing this type of high-end size, strength and athleticism makes him a pretty surefire bet to be an NHL player -- there is not a lot of risk and a very high floor here.
Jackson is a defense-first defender, and one of the best rush defenders I've seen in the past decade. His gaps and positioning are excellent, and his defensive IQ is quite high. He does not lose one-on-one puck battles, and he takes any high-danger scoring chance by the opposition very personally. He's a beast in the crease and stands up for teammates. There is legitimate potential for Jackson to develop into one of the better shut-down defensemen at the professional level.
His offense is very good, though his development curve is far steeper in this respect. He's a good shooter and good passer, but we shouldn't be confusing him with Cale Maker in these respects. He's a surprisingly deft puckhandler and can pull out some eye-opening moves on occasion. His hands and feet work very well in tandem and he's not afraid to try to beat players one-on-one in the offensive zone. He likes to use his range and quick hands to zip across the blue line searching for seams to pass, shoot, or just take the puck to high danger areas himself. There is a lot more upside on the offensive side of the puck than his 11g-43a-54p in 68 games might indicate.
Jackson Smith is a high-compete, high-IQ, high-talent player who might not be elite at everything, but he lacks nothing. His learning curve has been monumental, especially on the offensive end, and especially when one considers he a fairly recent convert from forward to defense. This is a character player with no bust potential, he's as high-floor as you'll see. At the very worst, you'll draft a very big/fast shut-down type defender who also contributes a bit of offense. And if his offense continuous it's recent precipitous climb? Well, the sky is the limit. After the first few players are off the board in the 2025 draft, there's really no spot too early to draft Jackson Smith.
LD Jackson Smith, Tri-City WHL
Every draft one is sure to find multiple potential high-level defensemen who are overlooked or underrated by multiple draft evaluators simply because they play a responsible game conscious of defensive responsibility and, as such, do not put up the video game numbers some like to see in high-ranking draft eligibles. Jackson Smith is absolutely the prototype of this player in 2025.
Jackson Smith has every high-level aspect a top-of-the-roster NHL defenseman could possibly need. He's an extremely big kid at 6'3-190 who also plays big -- he's physical, competitive and fearless. Jackson is an outstanding skater, I'd say just shy of elite. The obvious benefit of a kid mixing this type of high-end size, strength and athleticism makes him a pretty surefire bet to be an NHL player -- there is not a lot of risk and a very high floor here.
Jackson is a defense-first defender, and one of the best rush defenders I've seen in the past decade. His gaps and positioning are excellent, and his defensive IQ is quite high. He does not lose one-on-one puck battles, and he takes any high-danger scoring chance by the opposition very personally. He's a beast in the crease and stands up for teammates. There is legitimate potential for Jackson to develop into one of the better shut-down defensemen at the professional level.
His offense is very good, though his development curve is far steeper in this respect. He's a good shooter and good passer, but we shouldn't be confusing him with Cale Maker in these respects. He's a surprisingly deft puckhandler and can pull out some eye-opening moves on occasion. His hands and feet work very well in tandem and he's not afraid to try to beat players one-on-one in the offensive zone. He likes to use his range and quick hands to zip across the blue line searching for seams to pass, shoot, or just take the puck to high danger areas himself. There is a lot more upside on the offensive side of the puck than his 11g-43a-54p in 68 games might indicate.
Jackson Smith is a high-compete, high-IQ, high-talent player who might not be elite at everything, but he lacks nothing. His learning curve has been monumental, especially on the offensive end, and especially when one considers he a fairly recent convert from forward to defense. This is a character player with no bust potential, he's as high-floor as you'll see. At the very worst, you'll draft a very big/fast shut-down type defender who also contributes a bit of offense. And if his offense continuous it's recent precipitous climb? Well, the sky is the limit. After the first few players are off the board in the 2025 draft, there's really no spot too early to draft Jackson Smith.
Guadana
Registered User
Futile Mock Draft 2.0
I listed THN's top 5 prospects for each team just to show some organizational need/depth. I also couldn't help but make some fantasy trades to spice things up:
Vancouver: C Trevor Zegras (1x5.75)
Anaheim: 15th overall
Ducks nearly dealt Zegras at last year's draft for pick #21+ so perhaps it's something they revisit. Canucks have seemingly been shopping this pick for immediate help as they have a two year window to show improvement before Quinn Hughes' contract expires. After dealing J.T. Miller, Vancouver had a hole in its top six plus Brock Boeser is unlikely to return. As a bonus, Zegras is a Hughes family friend.
Chicago: LW Isaac Howard
Tampa Bay: RD Zac Whitecloud (3x2.75), 58th overall
Vegas: 25th overall
Howard and Tampa are at an impasse and it appears that a trade will be happening soon. Here Chicago can get some immediate help and possibly reunite Howard with his USNTDP linemate Frank Nazar.
Tampa is focused on the now so they possibly don't want futures and they try to squeeze another Cup out of the current core. Tampa might not be able to fit an extension on Nick Perbix so Whitecloud would fill that void.
Vegas opens up a spot for Kaedan Korczak who has been relegated to #7D but has shown he's a capable 3rd pairing D.
Utah: RW Jack Quinn (RFA)
Buffalo: RD Michael Kesselring (1x1.4)
With their playoff drought, I'd expect the Sabres to do something rather than return with the same group. They've been lacking a boring stay at home RHD and Kessseling could slot in well. Buffalo's top prospects are forwards so they could replace Quinn internally.
Kesselring did decently for Utah while Marino/Durzi were out with injury, but they could sell high while opening a spot for Simashev/Lamoureux. They could take a chance on Quinn having untapped potential. Coincidentally Quinn's played in the OHL for current Utah coach Andre Tourigny.
==============
1. NY Islanders - LD Matthew Schaefer - Erie (OHL)
[C C.Ritchie | LW C.Eiserman | C D.Nelson | G M.Gidlof | LD J.Pulkkinen]
Still TBD who the new Islanders GM will be, but he'll inherit a prospect pool that could use a little bit of everything. Here they can take Schaefer and probably have the luxury of not forcing him immediately into NHL action.
Lazy comparison: Zach Werenski
2. San Jose - C/LW Michael Misa - Saginaw (OHL)
[LD S.Dickinson | LW Q.Musty | LD S.Mukhamadullin | LW I.Chernyshov | C F.Bystedt]
Maybe an argument that Porter Martone would be the better long term fit, but San Jose can add a goal scorer to either flank Macklin Celebrini or play behind him. Essentially Celebrini/Smith/Misa could be this decade's version of Thornton/Pavelski/Couture.
Misa is rumored to be joining Boston University next season pending feedback from the team that drafts him. I could only imagine Sharks GM and BU alum Mike Grier would endorse a year of college + WJC experience.
Lazy comparison: Matt Duchene
3. Chicago - RW Porter Martone - Brampton (OHL)
[RD A.Levshunov | LD K.Korchinski | RD S.Rinzel | C O.Moore | C S.Boisvert]
Some rumblings that Anton Frondell could be the pick here as Martone doesn't quite fit the up tempo style that Chicago has been coveting recently. Also some 4D chess as the Blackhawks will be in a spot to back up the Brinks truck to somebody like Mitch Marner this summer or Kirill Kaprizov in 2026.
But I'd have to think they've seen Florida's success with Matthew Tkachuk and think Martone could add some of that element.
Lazy comparison: Less a-hole version of Corey Perry
4. Utah - C Caleb Desnoyers - Moncton (QMJHL)
[C/LW T.Iginla | LD D.Simashev | LW D.But | RD M.Lamoureux | C C.Beaudoin]
Utah is well-stocked from a treasure trove of draft picks during the Coyotes lean years. They seem likely to take a center after their unlikely lottery win. Desnoyers has been dominating the QMJHL playoffs and Utah happened to draft one of his teammates (Gabe Smith) last year.
Lazy comparison: Matt Beniers
5. Nashville - C James Hagens - Boston College (NCAA)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Nashville has been looking for a top line center for practically its entire existence. Barry Trotz unsuccessfully attempted to move up in 2023 for Fantilli/Carlsson/Smith. Hagens stock has been waning a bit after a good but not dominant freshman year.
Lazy comparison: Logan Cooley
6. Philadelphia - C Anton Frondell - Djurgardens (Allsvensken)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
After surprising some with the Jett Luchanko pick last year, the Flyers seem poised to take another center. Frondell had a productive season playing against older competition as he helped Djurgardens earn promotion to the SEL. Albeit he was seeing reduced ice time in the playoffs. Frondell might have left a bad final impression with an unimpressive U18s against his own age group.
Lazy comparison: Pavel Zacha
7. Boston - C Brady Martin - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
[RW F.Lysell | C D.Letourneau | C G.Merkulov | G B.Bussi | LD E.Groenewold]
Bruins find themselves in the top 10 for the first time since 2011 as they find themselves in a retool. Originally had them taking Jake O'Brien but I could see them liking the the sandpaper that Brady Martin brings. The U18s have boosted Martin's stock as he was among Canada's leading scorers.
Lazy comparison: Young Todd Harvey.......or Sam Bennett
--- Seattle trades #8 to Pittsburgh for #11 and a 2026 2nd. Pens have three 2026 2nds, so they could be aggressive. Comparable trade (2024): Buffalo traded #11 to San Jose for #14 and #42.
8. Pittsburgh - C Jake O'Brien - Brantford (OHL)
[RD H.Brunicke | LW R.McGroarty | LD E.Pieniniemi | LW T.Howe | LW V.Koivunen]
Maybe some disappointment if Martin were off the board as Kyle Dubas has ties to Sault Ste. Marie. O'Brien would give them a potential top 6 center as they'll eventually have to face reality without Crosby/Malkin.
Lazy comparison: Dylan Strome
9. Buffalo - RD Radim Mrtka - Seattle (WHL)
[C K.Helenius | C N.Ostlund | C A.Wahlberg | RD A.Kleber | RW I.Rosen]
It wouldn't be shocking if Buffalo dealt this pick for immediate help but here they can add a long term RHD to go with Dahlin/Power. Mrtka showed more offense than expected after joining the WHL midseason.
Lazy comparison: Tyler Myers
10. Anaheim - LW/RW Victor Eklund - Djurgardens (Allsvensken)
[RW B.Sennecke | RD T.Luneau | LD S.Solberg | RW S.Colangelo | RW Y.Sidorov]
Arguably Eklund had a better season than teammate Anton Frondell. Eklund is a bit undersized but plays bigger than his size. Maybe a long term linemate for Leo Carlsson?
Lazy comparison: Seth Jarvis
11. Seattle - LD Jackson Smith - Tri-City (WHL)
[C/LW B.Catton | LW J.Nyman | C O.Fiske Molgaard | G N.Kokko | LW E.Sale]
The Kraken have used its initial four first rounders on forwards (Beniers/Wright/Sale/Catton), so perhaps former GM Ron Francis borrowed the "no 1st round D" mentality from his previous stop as GM in Carolina. Jason Botterill was recently named Seattle GM and could look to fill a need as the don't have any LHD signed beyond 2027.
Seattle could stay in state for a second straight year with Smith. He appears to be a jack of all trades / master of none type defenseman who can eat minutes and play secondary special teams. Some were worried about his decisions with the puck at the U18s.
Lazy comparison: Brady Skjei
12. NY Rangers* - C Roger McQueen - Brandon (WHL)
[LW G.Perreault | LW B.Othmann | RD E.Emery | LD D.Fortescue | LW A.Sykora]
A center to eventually replace 2011 classmates Zibanejad/Miller/Trocheck seems logical. On skill alone McQueen could crack the top 5 but it sounds like some teams have already red flagged his medical report.
Lazy comparison: Gabe Vilardi
13. Detroit - LW/C Carter Bear - Everett (WHL)
[RD A.Sandin-Pellikka | C N.Danielson | G T.Augustine | RW M.Brandsegg-Nygard | G S.Cossa]
Bear's season was trending up but then he tore his Achilles; Peyton Krebs had the same thing happen in 2019 that caused him to slide a little bit. Bear plays bigger than his size and could add a needed left shot winger to replace Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko in the near future.
Lazy comparison: Brandon Hagel
14. Columbus - RW Justin Carbonneau - Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
[LD D.Mateychuk | C/LW C.Lindstrom | C L. Del Bel Belluz | RW G.Brindley | RD C.Elick]
...maybe just do I didn't have Carbonneau going to Montreal. Columbus has pick #20 as well, so I wonder if they choose to F+D between the two picks.
Lazy comparison: Kyle Palmieri
15. Anaheim - C Braeden Cootes - Seattle (WHL)
[RW B.Sennecke | RD T.Luneau | LD S.Solberg | RW S.Colangelo | RW Y.Sidorov]
Cootes captained Canada to Gold at the U18's. Might not have tremendous offensive upside but could slot in perfectly behind Carlsson/McTavish.
Lazy comparison: J.T. Compher
16. Montreal (via CGY) - RD Logan Hensler - Wisconsin (NCAA)
[RW I.Demidov | RD D.Reinbacher | C M.Hage | RD L.Mailloux | G J.Fowler]
Montreal could look at Hensler as a possible long term D partner for Lane Hutson. Hensler is known for his steady defensive play but some think there's some untapped offense.
Lazy comparison: John Marino
17. Montreal - LW.C Bill Zonnon - Royun-Noranda (QMJHL)
[RW I.Demidov | RD D.Reinbacher | C M.Hage | RD L.Mailloux | G J.Fowler]
....I couldn't help myself. Montreal takes a hometown kid in Zonnon who is an energetic forward who could fit all around the lineup.
Lazy comparison: Yegor Sharangovich
18. Calgary (via NJD) - C Cole Reschny - Victoria (WHL)
Reschny was another guy whose stock rose after the U18s. The undersized center was one of Canada's more consistent threats offensively. But we're at the juncture of the first round where a lot of forwards kinda profile as top six or bust.
Lazy comparison: Kent Johnson
--- St. Louis trades #19 to Philadelphia for #22 and #68. Blues forked over their 2nd+3rd to poach Broberg/Holloway so here they get a pick back. Meanwhile Philly has a gajillion picks, so they can afford to give one up. Comparable trade (2020): Calgary traded #19 to the Rangers for #22 and #71.
19. Philadelphia - LD Kashawn Aitcheson - Barrie (OHL)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
After passing on Zeev Buium last year (possible agent issues), the Flyers pick up a throwback D in Aitcheson who's known for his goal scoring and big hits. But some wonder if he's a little too chaotic defensively.
Lazy comparison: Bryan McCabe
20. Columbus (via MIN) - LD Sascha Boumedienne - Boston University (NCAA)
[LD D.Mateychuk | C/LW C.Lindstrom | C L. Del Bel Belluz | RW G.Brindley | RD C.Elick]
After trading David Jiricek for this pick, perhaps ideally they'd replace him with a RHD. But perhaps the PR would be too convenient as Boumedienne spent his teenage years in Columbus since his dad was a scout/coach for the team. Boumedienne had a decent season against older competition in the NCAA. At the U18s he broke the tournament record for assists by a defenseman although the quality of competition this year was below average.
Lazy comparison: Olli Maatta
21. Ottawa - LW Malcolm Spence - Erie (OHL)
[RD C.Yakemchuk | G L.Merilainen | C S.Halliday | G M.Sogaard | RW X.Bourgault]
Spence was expected to be a top 15 pick but perhaps his stock wouldn't have dropped had Matthew Schaefer not been injured (and feeding him passes). He has committed to the University of Michigan next season.
Lazy comparison: Brandon Saad
22. St. Louis - G Joshua Ravensbergen - Prince George (WHL)
[RW J.Snuggerud | C/RW D.Dvorsky | RD A.Jiricek | C O.Stenberg | LD T.Lindstein]
The Blues have a stacked prospect pool but they've only drafted one goalie since 2020 (6th rounder Will Cranley). So they could groom Ravensbergen as an heir apparent to Jordan Binnington.
Lazy comparison: insert right hand catching 6'5 goalie here
23. Nashville (via TBL) - LW Lynden Lakovic - Moose Jaw (WHL)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Tale of two seasons for Lakovic as Moose Jaw went all in and won the 2024 WHL title. Then this season they finished dead last. Lakovic has size and a decent shot, but some worry about his compete level.
Lazy comparison: Dustin Penner
24. Los Angeles - LD Cameron Reid - Kitchener (OHL)
[RW L.Greentree | G E.Portillo | G C.George | LW S.Fagemo | G H.Slukynsky]
Draft hosts could use a little bit of everything other than netminders. I had Reid a little higher on my personal list but the usual concerns would be whether he brings enough offense to make up for being an averaged sized D.
Lazy comparison: Rasmus Sandin
25. Vegas - C Ivan Ryabkin - Muskegon (USHL)
[LW T.Connelly | LW/C B.Brisson | C M.Sapovaliv | LD L.Cormier | G P.Moysevich]
Vegas has drained most of its prospect pool and picks in pursuit of a Cup. Here they can take a home run swing on Ryabkin who began the season as a potential top 5 pick. He joined the USHL in the middle of the season to mixed results as he spent time on wing.
Lazy comparison: ???
26. Nashville (via VGK) - RD Blake Fiddler - Edmonton (WHL)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Right side of Nashville's D has gotten pretty weak in recent seasons. Fiddler won't provide much offense but should be a steady stay at home guy.
Lazy comparison: Connor Murphy
27. Washington - C Jack Nesbitt - Windsor (OHL)
[RW R.Leonard | LW I.Miroshnichenko | LD C.Hutson | LW A.Cristall | RW T.Parascak]
I considered Nesbitt as high as Montreal's picks but figured he slots in more as a 3C. Big body, so so skating, decent hands around the net.
Lazy comparison: Nick Paul
28. Winnipeg - LW/C Cullen Pottter - Arizona State (NCAA)
[C B.Yager | C/RW B.Lambert | RW N.Chibrikov | LW C.Barlow | LD E.Salomonsson]
Winnipeg's had some luck with guys born across the border in Minnesota. Here they land Minneapolis native Cullen Potter who had a decent showing after joining ASU early.
Lazy comparison: Connor Sheary
xx. Calgary (via FLO) - C/RW Ben Kindel - Calgary (WHL)
[RD Z.Parekh | LW S.Honzek | RW M.Gridin | LW A.Basha | LW W.Stromgren]
Kindel wouldn't have to pack his bags.
Lazy comparison: Alex Newhook
xx. Philadelphia (via EDM) - LW Jack Murtagh - USNTDP (USHL)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
Okay looking complementary wing is headed to BU.
Lazy comparison: Joel Farabee
xx. Carolina - C Milton Gastrin - Modo (SweJ20)
[LD A.Nikishin | LW B.Nadeau | RD S.Morrow | LW N.Artamonov | C F.Unger Sorum]
Owner Tom Dundon has forbade them from taking a first round D. So let's just give them another European forward.
Lazy comparison: ???
xx. San Jose (via DAL) - RD Henry Brzustewicz - London (OHL)
[LD S.Dickinson | LW Q.Musty | LD S.Mukhamadullin | LW I.Chernyshov | C F.Bystedt]
And to conclude the exercise, the Sharks biggest need is RHD so here they go back to London after they took Sam Dickinson last year.
Lazy comparison: Damon Severson
I listed THN's top 5 prospects for each team just to show some organizational need/depth. I also couldn't help but make some fantasy trades to spice things up:
Vancouver: C Trevor Zegras (1x5.75)
Anaheim: 15th overall
Ducks nearly dealt Zegras at last year's draft for pick #21+ so perhaps it's something they revisit. Canucks have seemingly been shopping this pick for immediate help as they have a two year window to show improvement before Quinn Hughes' contract expires. After dealing J.T. Miller, Vancouver had a hole in its top six plus Brock Boeser is unlikely to return. As a bonus, Zegras is a Hughes family friend.
Chicago: LW Isaac Howard
Tampa Bay: RD Zac Whitecloud (3x2.75), 58th overall
Vegas: 25th overall
Howard and Tampa are at an impasse and it appears that a trade will be happening soon. Here Chicago can get some immediate help and possibly reunite Howard with his USNTDP linemate Frank Nazar.
Tampa is focused on the now so they possibly don't want futures and they try to squeeze another Cup out of the current core. Tampa might not be able to fit an extension on Nick Perbix so Whitecloud would fill that void.
Vegas opens up a spot for Kaedan Korczak who has been relegated to #7D but has shown he's a capable 3rd pairing D.
Utah: RW Jack Quinn (RFA)
Buffalo: RD Michael Kesselring (1x1.4)
With their playoff drought, I'd expect the Sabres to do something rather than return with the same group. They've been lacking a boring stay at home RHD and Kessseling could slot in well. Buffalo's top prospects are forwards so they could replace Quinn internally.
Kesselring did decently for Utah while Marino/Durzi were out with injury, but they could sell high while opening a spot for Simashev/Lamoureux. They could take a chance on Quinn having untapped potential. Coincidentally Quinn's played in the OHL for current Utah coach Andre Tourigny.
==============
1. NY Islanders - LD Matthew Schaefer - Erie (OHL)
[C C.Ritchie | LW C.Eiserman | C D.Nelson | G M.Gidlof | LD J.Pulkkinen]
Still TBD who the new Islanders GM will be, but he'll inherit a prospect pool that could use a little bit of everything. Here they can take Schaefer and probably have the luxury of not forcing him immediately into NHL action.
Lazy comparison: Zach Werenski
2. San Jose - C/LW Michael Misa - Saginaw (OHL)
[LD S.Dickinson | LW Q.Musty | LD S.Mukhamadullin | LW I.Chernyshov | C F.Bystedt]
Maybe an argument that Porter Martone would be the better long term fit, but San Jose can add a goal scorer to either flank Macklin Celebrini or play behind him. Essentially Celebrini/Smith/Misa could be this decade's version of Thornton/Pavelski/Couture.
Misa is rumored to be joining Boston University next season pending feedback from the team that drafts him. I could only imagine Sharks GM and BU alum Mike Grier would endorse a year of college + WJC experience.
Lazy comparison: Matt Duchene
3. Chicago - RW Porter Martone - Brampton (OHL)
[RD A.Levshunov | LD K.Korchinski | RD S.Rinzel | C O.Moore | C S.Boisvert]
Some rumblings that Anton Frondell could be the pick here as Martone doesn't quite fit the up tempo style that Chicago has been coveting recently. Also some 4D chess as the Blackhawks will be in a spot to back up the Brinks truck to somebody like Mitch Marner this summer or Kirill Kaprizov in 2026.
But I'd have to think they've seen Florida's success with Matthew Tkachuk and think Martone could add some of that element.
Lazy comparison: Less a-hole version of Corey Perry
4. Utah - C Caleb Desnoyers - Moncton (QMJHL)
[C/LW T.Iginla | LD D.Simashev | LW D.But | RD M.Lamoureux | C C.Beaudoin]
Utah is well-stocked from a treasure trove of draft picks during the Coyotes lean years. They seem likely to take a center after their unlikely lottery win. Desnoyers has been dominating the QMJHL playoffs and Utah happened to draft one of his teammates (Gabe Smith) last year.
Lazy comparison: Matt Beniers
5. Nashville - C James Hagens - Boston College (NCAA)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Nashville has been looking for a top line center for practically its entire existence. Barry Trotz unsuccessfully attempted to move up in 2023 for Fantilli/Carlsson/Smith. Hagens stock has been waning a bit after a good but not dominant freshman year.
Lazy comparison: Logan Cooley
6. Philadelphia - C Anton Frondell - Djurgardens (Allsvensken)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
After surprising some with the Jett Luchanko pick last year, the Flyers seem poised to take another center. Frondell had a productive season playing against older competition as he helped Djurgardens earn promotion to the SEL. Albeit he was seeing reduced ice time in the playoffs. Frondell might have left a bad final impression with an unimpressive U18s against his own age group.
Lazy comparison: Pavel Zacha
7. Boston - C Brady Martin - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
[RW F.Lysell | C D.Letourneau | C G.Merkulov | G B.Bussi | LD E.Groenewold]
Bruins find themselves in the top 10 for the first time since 2011 as they find themselves in a retool. Originally had them taking Jake O'Brien but I could see them liking the the sandpaper that Brady Martin brings. The U18s have boosted Martin's stock as he was among Canada's leading scorers.
Lazy comparison: Young Todd Harvey.......or Sam Bennett
--- Seattle trades #8 to Pittsburgh for #11 and a 2026 2nd. Pens have three 2026 2nds, so they could be aggressive. Comparable trade (2024): Buffalo traded #11 to San Jose for #14 and #42.
8. Pittsburgh - C Jake O'Brien - Brantford (OHL)
[RD H.Brunicke | LW R.McGroarty | LD E.Pieniniemi | LW T.Howe | LW V.Koivunen]
Maybe some disappointment if Martin were off the board as Kyle Dubas has ties to Sault Ste. Marie. O'Brien would give them a potential top 6 center as they'll eventually have to face reality without Crosby/Malkin.
Lazy comparison: Dylan Strome
9. Buffalo - RD Radim Mrtka - Seattle (WHL)
[C K.Helenius | C N.Ostlund | C A.Wahlberg | RD A.Kleber | RW I.Rosen]
It wouldn't be shocking if Buffalo dealt this pick for immediate help but here they can add a long term RHD to go with Dahlin/Power. Mrtka showed more offense than expected after joining the WHL midseason.
Lazy comparison: Tyler Myers
10. Anaheim - LW/RW Victor Eklund - Djurgardens (Allsvensken)
[RW B.Sennecke | RD T.Luneau | LD S.Solberg | RW S.Colangelo | RW Y.Sidorov]
Arguably Eklund had a better season than teammate Anton Frondell. Eklund is a bit undersized but plays bigger than his size. Maybe a long term linemate for Leo Carlsson?
Lazy comparison: Seth Jarvis
11. Seattle - LD Jackson Smith - Tri-City (WHL)
[C/LW B.Catton | LW J.Nyman | C O.Fiske Molgaard | G N.Kokko | LW E.Sale]
The Kraken have used its initial four first rounders on forwards (Beniers/Wright/Sale/Catton), so perhaps former GM Ron Francis borrowed the "no 1st round D" mentality from his previous stop as GM in Carolina. Jason Botterill was recently named Seattle GM and could look to fill a need as the don't have any LHD signed beyond 2027.
Seattle could stay in state for a second straight year with Smith. He appears to be a jack of all trades / master of none type defenseman who can eat minutes and play secondary special teams. Some were worried about his decisions with the puck at the U18s.
Lazy comparison: Brady Skjei
12. NY Rangers* - C Roger McQueen - Brandon (WHL)
[LW G.Perreault | LW B.Othmann | RD E.Emery | LD D.Fortescue | LW A.Sykora]
A center to eventually replace 2011 classmates Zibanejad/Miller/Trocheck seems logical. On skill alone McQueen could crack the top 5 but it sounds like some teams have already red flagged his medical report.
Lazy comparison: Gabe Vilardi
13. Detroit - LW/C Carter Bear - Everett (WHL)
[RD A.Sandin-Pellikka | C N.Danielson | G T.Augustine | RW M.Brandsegg-Nygard | G S.Cossa]
Bear's season was trending up but then he tore his Achilles; Peyton Krebs had the same thing happen in 2019 that caused him to slide a little bit. Bear plays bigger than his size and could add a needed left shot winger to replace Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko in the near future.
Lazy comparison: Brandon Hagel
14. Columbus - RW Justin Carbonneau - Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
[LD D.Mateychuk | C/LW C.Lindstrom | C L. Del Bel Belluz | RW G.Brindley | RD C.Elick]
...maybe just do I didn't have Carbonneau going to Montreal. Columbus has pick #20 as well, so I wonder if they choose to F+D between the two picks.
Lazy comparison: Kyle Palmieri
15. Anaheim - C Braeden Cootes - Seattle (WHL)
[RW B.Sennecke | RD T.Luneau | LD S.Solberg | RW S.Colangelo | RW Y.Sidorov]
Cootes captained Canada to Gold at the U18's. Might not have tremendous offensive upside but could slot in perfectly behind Carlsson/McTavish.
Lazy comparison: J.T. Compher
16. Montreal (via CGY) - RD Logan Hensler - Wisconsin (NCAA)
[RW I.Demidov | RD D.Reinbacher | C M.Hage | RD L.Mailloux | G J.Fowler]
Montreal could look at Hensler as a possible long term D partner for Lane Hutson. Hensler is known for his steady defensive play but some think there's some untapped offense.
Lazy comparison: John Marino
17. Montreal - LW.C Bill Zonnon - Royun-Noranda (QMJHL)
[RW I.Demidov | RD D.Reinbacher | C M.Hage | RD L.Mailloux | G J.Fowler]
....I couldn't help myself. Montreal takes a hometown kid in Zonnon who is an energetic forward who could fit all around the lineup.
Lazy comparison: Yegor Sharangovich
18. Calgary (via NJD) - C Cole Reschny - Victoria (WHL)
Reschny was another guy whose stock rose after the U18s. The undersized center was one of Canada's more consistent threats offensively. But we're at the juncture of the first round where a lot of forwards kinda profile as top six or bust.
Lazy comparison: Kent Johnson
--- St. Louis trades #19 to Philadelphia for #22 and #68. Blues forked over their 2nd+3rd to poach Broberg/Holloway so here they get a pick back. Meanwhile Philly has a gajillion picks, so they can afford to give one up. Comparable trade (2020): Calgary traded #19 to the Rangers for #22 and #71.
19. Philadelphia - LD Kashawn Aitcheson - Barrie (OHL)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
After passing on Zeev Buium last year (possible agent issues), the Flyers pick up a throwback D in Aitcheson who's known for his goal scoring and big hits. But some wonder if he's a little too chaotic defensively.
Lazy comparison: Bryan McCabe
20. Columbus (via MIN) - LD Sascha Boumedienne - Boston University (NCAA)
[LD D.Mateychuk | C/LW C.Lindstrom | C L. Del Bel Belluz | RW G.Brindley | RD C.Elick]
After trading David Jiricek for this pick, perhaps ideally they'd replace him with a RHD. But perhaps the PR would be too convenient as Boumedienne spent his teenage years in Columbus since his dad was a scout/coach for the team. Boumedienne had a decent season against older competition in the NCAA. At the U18s he broke the tournament record for assists by a defenseman although the quality of competition this year was below average.
Lazy comparison: Olli Maatta
21. Ottawa - LW Malcolm Spence - Erie (OHL)
[RD C.Yakemchuk | G L.Merilainen | C S.Halliday | G M.Sogaard | RW X.Bourgault]
Spence was expected to be a top 15 pick but perhaps his stock wouldn't have dropped had Matthew Schaefer not been injured (and feeding him passes). He has committed to the University of Michigan next season.
Lazy comparison: Brandon Saad
22. St. Louis - G Joshua Ravensbergen - Prince George (WHL)
[RW J.Snuggerud | C/RW D.Dvorsky | RD A.Jiricek | C O.Stenberg | LD T.Lindstein]
The Blues have a stacked prospect pool but they've only drafted one goalie since 2020 (6th rounder Will Cranley). So they could groom Ravensbergen as an heir apparent to Jordan Binnington.
Lazy comparison: insert right hand catching 6'5 goalie here
23. Nashville (via TBL) - LW Lynden Lakovic - Moose Jaw (WHL)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Tale of two seasons for Lakovic as Moose Jaw went all in and won the 2024 WHL title. Then this season they finished dead last. Lakovic has size and a decent shot, but some worry about his compete level.
Lazy comparison: Dustin Penner
24. Los Angeles - LD Cameron Reid - Kitchener (OHL)
[RW L.Greentree | G E.Portillo | G C.George | LW S.Fagemo | G H.Slukynsky]
Draft hosts could use a little bit of everything other than netminders. I had Reid a little higher on my personal list but the usual concerns would be whether he brings enough offense to make up for being an averaged sized D.
Lazy comparison: Rasmus Sandin
25. Vegas - C Ivan Ryabkin - Muskegon (USHL)
[LW T.Connelly | LW/C B.Brisson | C M.Sapovaliv | LD L.Cormier | G P.Moysevich]
Vegas has drained most of its prospect pool and picks in pursuit of a Cup. Here they can take a home run swing on Ryabkin who began the season as a potential top 5 pick. He joined the USHL in the middle of the season to mixed results as he spent time on wing.
Lazy comparison: ???
26. Nashville (via VGK) - RD Blake Fiddler - Edmonton (WHL)
[LD T.Molendyk | C D.Edstrom | C F.Svechkov | RW J.Kemell | C Y.Surin]
Right side of Nashville's D has gotten pretty weak in recent seasons. Fiddler won't provide much offense but should be a steady stay at home guy.
Lazy comparison: Connor Murphy
27. Washington - C Jack Nesbitt - Windsor (OHL)
[RW R.Leonard | LW I.Miroshnichenko | LD C.Hutson | LW A.Cristall | RW T.Parascak]
I considered Nesbitt as high as Montreal's picks but figured he slots in more as a 3C. Big body, so so skating, decent hands around the net.
Lazy comparison: Nick Paul
28. Winnipeg - LW/C Cullen Pottter - Arizona State (NCAA)
[C B.Yager | C/RW B.Lambert | RW N.Chibrikov | LW C.Barlow | LD E.Salomonsson]
Winnipeg's had some luck with guys born across the border in Minnesota. Here they land Minneapolis native Cullen Potter who had a decent showing after joining ASU early.
Lazy comparison: Connor Sheary
xx. Calgary (via FLO) - C/RW Ben Kindel - Calgary (WHL)
[RD Z.Parekh | LW S.Honzek | RW M.Gridin | LW A.Basha | LW W.Stromgren]
Kindel wouldn't have to pack his bags.
Lazy comparison: Alex Newhook
xx. Philadelphia (via EDM) - LW Jack Murtagh - USNTDP (USHL)
[C J.Luchanko | RD O.Bonk | G E.Zavragin | LD E.Andrae | LW A.Bump]
Okay looking complementary wing is headed to BU.
Lazy comparison: Joel Farabee
xx. Carolina - C Milton Gastrin - Modo (SweJ20)
[LD A.Nikishin | LW B.Nadeau | RD S.Morrow | LW N.Artamonov | C F.Unger Sorum]
Owner Tom Dundon has forbade them from taking a first round D. So let's just give them another European forward.
Lazy comparison: ???
xx. San Jose (via DAL) - RD Henry Brzustewicz - London (OHL)
[LD S.Dickinson | LW Q.Musty | LD S.Mukhamadullin | LW I.Chernyshov | C F.Bystedt]
And to conclude the exercise, the Sharks biggest need is RHD so here they go back to London after they took Sam Dickinson last year.
Lazy comparison: Damon Severson
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I was definitely running out of steam towards the end. Maybe a pet peeve of mine is knowing that more than half of first rounders usually won't pan out so it's always funny seeing publications compare draft eligibles to current and former All-Stars.
2025 Draft Profile:
LW Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw WHL
If there is a Beckett Sennecke in the 2025 class who can surprise with a top 7 selection due to perceived upside, it's probably Lakovic. If you had never heard of him and bought tickets to a Moose Jaw game, he'd immediately captivate you with his eye-opening package of skills. He's huge at 6'4-190 and skates extremely well. He might have the most high-end passing vision in the draft and uses deception and misdirection better than any player in the class. He's a pretty dazzling puck handler and can score himself with an accurate and quick release on a deceptive and strong shot. He is deadly running a PP and he is an ace at the transition game.
So, now we need to ask a couple questions. First, why is he not routinely mentioned as a top 5 pick? And second, why were his stats a very-good-but-not-dazzling 58 points in 47 games? Well, quite simply, there are a lot of warts in Lakovic's overall game which need to be addressed and improved.
Lakovic may be 6'4, but he plays almost alarmingly small. He does not like being hit, he does not like going to the dirty areas of the net, he does not like contact. One hit by a Jackson Smith-type WHL defender is enough to keep Lakovic on the perimeter for the rest of the game. You'd have to look hard to find a draft-eligible this big who plays this soft in the past 20 drafts. He does not like playing defense and is pretty lackadaisical on the forecheck and backcheck.
Lakovic is the rare player who has such a wide separation between an elite hockey IQ and a stunningly low compete level. Which is not to say he does not care -- he absolutely does, just exclusively when it comes to the offensive side of the game. But again, this can be conditional to that part of the game being the part where flashy plays are made, not the rough-and-tumble part.
Still, it's foolish to write this kid off. In terms of pure scoring potential, he might trail only Hagens and Misa in this entire draft, and skill-wise, he's probably on par with them while size-wise, he's technically bigger. If he matures physically and mentally, there is just tremendous upside in this player. Personally however, I'd have trouble justifying a top 20 pick on him because I weigh my rankings so heavily on compete.
LW Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw WHL
If there is a Beckett Sennecke in the 2025 class who can surprise with a top 7 selection due to perceived upside, it's probably Lakovic. If you had never heard of him and bought tickets to a Moose Jaw game, he'd immediately captivate you with his eye-opening package of skills. He's huge at 6'4-190 and skates extremely well. He might have the most high-end passing vision in the draft and uses deception and misdirection better than any player in the class. He's a pretty dazzling puck handler and can score himself with an accurate and quick release on a deceptive and strong shot. He is deadly running a PP and he is an ace at the transition game.
So, now we need to ask a couple questions. First, why is he not routinely mentioned as a top 5 pick? And second, why were his stats a very-good-but-not-dazzling 58 points in 47 games? Well, quite simply, there are a lot of warts in Lakovic's overall game which need to be addressed and improved.
Lakovic may be 6'4, but he plays almost alarmingly small. He does not like being hit, he does not like going to the dirty areas of the net, he does not like contact. One hit by a Jackson Smith-type WHL defender is enough to keep Lakovic on the perimeter for the rest of the game. You'd have to look hard to find a draft-eligible this big who plays this soft in the past 20 drafts. He does not like playing defense and is pretty lackadaisical on the forecheck and backcheck.
Lakovic is the rare player who has such a wide separation between an elite hockey IQ and a stunningly low compete level. Which is not to say he does not care -- he absolutely does, just exclusively when it comes to the offensive side of the game. But again, this can be conditional to that part of the game being the part where flashy plays are made, not the rough-and-tumble part.
Still, it's foolish to write this kid off. In terms of pure scoring potential, he might trail only Hagens and Misa in this entire draft, and skill-wise, he's probably on par with them while size-wise, he's technically bigger. If he matures physically and mentally, there is just tremendous upside in this player. Personally however, I'd have trouble justifying a top 20 pick on him because I weigh my rankings so heavily on compete.
You need a Rocky-type 80's workout montage before you write the next one to build up your stamina.
Many years ago, my friend invited me last second with free tickets for something at the orchestra. We showed up a little late and I had no idea who was performing. It ended up being Bill Conti who did the Rocky theme. After I got home I read up on him and learned he also wrote the American Gladiators theme song. Then it made me really bummed if we had missed that by being late.
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