My fav players around 2
Buium - I think he's clearly the second best player in the draft talentwise. IQ among the best I've ever seen in a prospect. He can hang onto the puck for as long as he wants with his hands and edges and cutbacks but only uses that skillset when necessary. Knows exactly how to facilitate offence from the blueline in todays NHL. Brings his best on the brightest stage. Highlight reel assist and shutting out Smith/Leonard/Perrualt in the Frozen Four Final. Size and speed aren't optimal, but as we're seeing with Forsling playing 27+ minutes a night against McDavid, sometimes IQ and skill trumps all.
Demidov - Highest offensive ceiling of all forwards. The questions about the MHL are valid and it makes it harder to evaluate him and I do think there is a world where his average-ish skating and smaller frame and hero puck habits hold him back, but I think he's too talented to not flourish and score 100 points one day. I do wonder if his shot will hold him back offensively long term.
Iginla - I think he's the safest bet of all forwards to have a fruitful career as a top 6 guy. Ceiling isn't as high as Demidov and that's why I have him lower, but his tenacity on the forecheck, elite snapshot and soft hands scream that he's going to be a very valuable piece to a playoff team one day. Competitiveness is off the charts. I think at the very least you're getting a Sam Bennett type here with upside for more offense.
Dickinson - Players this big just don't skate this well. Love how determined he is to carry the puck on zone entries. Doesn't shy away from any situation. Also very competitive, poised and contributes in all areas of the ice. IQ and soft skills is a bit of a question mark but I think he has a very good chance to be an all situations 5v5 20+ min dman. Not sure he's a PP1 guy, which is ultimately why I prefer Buium.
Solberg - I know this is a hot take, but sometimes you just gotta go with your gut. He checks every box for a dman for me. First thing that anyone will notice is his physicality. He's always so engaged and doesn't back down from any challenge. Was winning battles against NHLers at the Worlds. Really hard and explosive shot. I love how patient he's become with the puck at the blueline and how he opens up lanes with deception and fakes. Also extends to his breakouts where he's not afraid to pivot to escape pressure and find those small area passes. Rebounds fast after making mistakes and never plays small. I'm not sure I trust his decision making entirely long term and I just don't quite have enough information to go off of, but to me he should be very squarely in the conversation with the other dmen