While there is no clear-cut favorite to be the top pick in the NHL Draft June 27, there is no doubt this is a forward-heavy class.
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While there is no clear-cut favorite to be the top pick in the NHL Draft June 27 — though Erie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is gaining coast-to-coast steam — there is no doubt this is a forward-heavy class.
An abundance of centers and wingers are at the top of Central Scouting Bureau’s North American and international skater rankings. Barring a blockbuster trade, the Bruins should be able to scoop a scorer for the future with the seventh overall selection.
Here is a look at some of the top offensive players available:
Michael Misa, Saginaw, Ontario Hockey League
Scouts have raved about the 6-foot-1-inch, 182-pound Misa’s complete game. He plays with physicality and creativity, allowing him to separate from defenders and open opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Misa is a strong skater with a quick release and his production this season was ridiculous as he collected 62 goals and 134 points in just 65 games. Gaudy junior numbers don’t guarantee NHL success, of course, but it would be a surprise if Misa didn’t make an impact as early as next season.
James Hagens, Boston College, Hockey East
Hagens seamlessly stepped right into a talented and veteran Eagles lineup and showed he belonged on the top line, collecting 11 goals and 37 points in 37 games. He added another five goals and 9 points in seven games for the United States at the World Junior Championship.
A deceptively powerful skater, the 5-11, 185-pounder has worked to put on muscle since the season ended.
Hagens has excellent vision and passing skills, and will snap off accurate shots in the blink of an eye.
Hagens, a Long Island native, is an option for the hometown Islanders, who own the No. 1 pick. He hasn’t made his plans for next season public and a return to Chestnut Hill is an option.
Jake O’Brien, Brantford, OHL
Perhaps the best vision in the class, the 6-2, 177-pounder (he’ll be in some franchise’s weight room tout suite) often appears to see the game a stride or two ahead of others.
In 66 games, he solidified his rep as a scorer (32 goals) and a facilitator (66 assists). Ran the power play for Brantford and could develop into that same role in the NHL.
Porter Martone, Brampton, OHL
After putting up 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games, Martone got the call from Team Canada to play in the IIHF World Championship alongside many NHL stars, giving him somewhat of a head start on what life in the big leagues will be like.
Martone (6-3, 210) has the requisite size and snarl to become an impactful power forward at the next level. He’s not shy about crashing the net and/or camping out in the blue ice. Yes, he’ll take some punishment, but he’ll give as good as he gets.
Anton Frondell, Djurgarden, Swedish Hockey League
The No. 1-ranked international skater by CSB, Frondell has solid size (6-1, 203) and hockey sense. He gets up and down the ice with purpose and will not shirk his defensive responsibilities.
Frondell, who battled injuries over the first part of last season, has a quick, heavy, and accurate shot. Bruins director of scouting Brad Nadeau said of Frondell: “He plays a mature game. He can shoot the puck; he’ll go to the net.”
Victor Eklund, Djurgarden, SHL
Frondell’s teammate (and late-season linemate) was ranked No. 2 by CSB. He has a high-end motor, a high hockey IQ, and great bloodlines (his brother William is a Sharks standout).
Like a lot of teens, Eklund will need to add some bulk to his 5-11, 169-pound frame to withstand the rigors of the NHL.
Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League
Desnoyers is a crafty playmaker with excellent vision and gifted passing skills. He leads his teammates well, delivering crisp passes right on the tape.
Desnoyers (35 goals, 84 points in 56 games) has room to grow physically (6-1, 170), is sound in all three zones, and has drawn comparisons to Patrice Bergeron.
Roger McQueen, Brandon, Western Hockey League
The strapping McQueen (6-5, 198) likely would be ranked higher if not for a spine fracture that limited him to 17 games (10 goals, 20 points). McQueen declared himself 100 percent at the recent NHL Scouting Combine.
A powerful skater, McQueen has excellent instincts and physicality. He will go to the hard areas (puck digging in the corner and parking himself in the blue) and will win his share of battles.
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Lulea, SHL
Ihs-Wozniak has desirable size (6-2, 184) and a wicked shot. A strong skater, Ihs-Wozniak, ranked No. 8 on CSB’s international list, will flash physicality, though scouts would like to see that part of his game on a more consistent basis.
Malcolm Spence, Erie, OHL
A speedy and strong player with a sizzling shot, the 6-1, 203-pound Spence put up nice numbers, collecting 32 goals and 73 points in 65 games. Similar to Ihs-Wozniak, Spence needs to develop consistency in order to be counted on at the high levels.
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