Prospect Info: 2025 DRAFT Thread

[CannonFire1]

Personally I’m avoiding any Wisconsin guys. If Hensler is the last remaining of the “top” D there then I’d rather just take a forward. That all being said, I know nothing about him. I just know that I don’t trust Wisconsin to develop players.

This is kind of where I am (based only on what I've read). Would rather take a forward than reach for a D-man. Carbonneau, Bear, and Brady Martin all sound like better options than Hensler. Based on his strong 2nd half of the season at BU, I would probably put Boumedienne above Hensler as well.

 

[koteka]

We have 87 left D in the system and maybe 2 right D. So I am hesitant to draft a left D. A wing with some size makes more sense to me. Have people spent much time looking at Lankovic? He is big, but more of a skill guy than a bruiser. People say he uses his size well and skates well. And, something I care about, he can bring the puck into the offensive zone. For years we have drafted the guys that we hope will be centers, but we haven’t really used high picks on guys that are pure wings (Marchenko being an exception). I think we finally have enough center depth that we can look at some intriguing wing prospects.

 

[tunnelvision]

no love in here for aitcheson? there's a chance he's still on the board at 13 (albeit a small one).

he's the kind of defenseman this board has been clamoring for since the rebuild started – a physical force who defends well, skates well and has enough skill to chip in offensively.

pretty easy to see a path to the NHL, too. give him a couple years to develop and then let him get his bearings as the #3 LD.

Do you see any concern in acceleration, meaning can he skate pucks out of the zone and not get beat while defending rush vs NHLers, things like that? That's a big question mark for me. He's got kind of unique physical style and goal-scoring ability for a dman, and I can imagine him improving his first strides enough to be a solid 3LD, but even in a weaker draft year wouldn't you want your 13OA to be someone with a little bit of more upside (or more certainty in hitting the ceiling)?

Have people spent much time looking at Lankovic? He is big, but more of a skill guy than a bruiser. People say he uses his size well and skates well. And, something I care about, he can bring the puck into the offensive zone.

Another description could say that's a guy who doesn't want to use his size. People watching him get frustrated because of the lack of engagement at times and the ultra exterior style of play on offense.

He moves effortlessly up the ice with puck and can reach open space so easily but once he's there he starts thinking like a lightly built playmaker. He can retrieve pucks from the corner and battle there but he doesn't want to go to other dirty areas. He doesn't drive straight to the net after first shot attempt.

And as a playmaker he sees ice well and creates chances, and they're mostly a result of him using his great feet and hands to utilize open space. But in stationary playmaking he's clearly weaker, he can't execute more difficult passes like a lot of forwards projected to go higher than him.

I must say the toolset is tantalizing. But likely he wouldn't be my choice at 13 if the impression at the combine is he's not willing to change his way of playing significantly. Maybe he's had "better" games this year where he's decided to play like a traditional 6'4 powerforward, but I haven't seen them.

 

[koteka]

Another description could say that's a guy who doesn't want to use his size. People watching him get frustrated because of the lack of engagement at times

Sounds like you are describing Marchenko a couple of years ago.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

Do you see any concern in acceleration, meaning can he skate pucks out of the zone and not get beat while defending rush vs NHLers, things like that?

a couple thoughts here from an admitted non-expert:

1. based on everything i've seen and read, the mechanics are on an upward trajectory, the athleticism is high-end, and he's been praised for his work ethic. so, in short, no.
   
   
2. they have other defensemen already who are built to carry the puck out, having a guy like aitcheson who brings other elements but skew towards passing exits vs carry isn't really a concern for me.

That's a big question mark for me. He's got kind of unique physical style and goal-scoring ability for a dman, and I can imagine him improving his first strides enough to be a solid 3LD, but even in a weaker draft year wouldn't you want your 13OA to be someone with a little bit of more upside (or more certainty in hitting the ceiling)?

his long-term projection to me is as a high-end #3 defenseman with rare physicality. similar to what trouba was in his prime, or if the mobility improves, shades of what dylan samberg is now.

i was more saying that his initial NHL role could be as a third pair guy (after another year of junior at least). that way he's still playing his game, and you're not throwing him into huge minutes or tough matchups and having him develop bad habits.

most of those "hard to play against" defensemen tend to give a lot back in the offensive zone + struggle with mobility, but he has enough skill and burst to not have those concerns. at his peak i think he plays big matchup minutes, gets under the other team's skin, and is a key cog on the penalty kill. i'm fine with spending a top-15 pick to get that.

 

[stevo61]

6 points and 26 minutes TOI for Boumedienne against Switzerland in the U18's today

 

[tunnelvision]

6 points and 26 minutes TOI for Boumedienne against Switzerland in the U18's today

How did he look?

I didn't consider this earlier but I wonder if the relationship between CBJ and Boumediennes was damaged when his dad got fired from the org. He could be in their DND list.

 

[stevo61]

How did he look?

I didn't consider this earlier but I wonder if the relationship between CBJ and Boumediennes was damaged when his dad got fired from the org. He could be in their DND list.

I didn't watch, just saw his name in the prospect forum and then went over to the IIHF site to look up some stats

I am confused though because anywhere that tracks stats, even IHF themselves had him at a 6 point night but the game writeup has him at 4.

I didn't even realize the U18s had started, may try to catch some when I have time. Obviously can't make a comment on how he looked without actually seeing the game but if I stole anything from the boxscore and post-game interview its that he's a lot more comfortable against his peers vs older college kids for now. He had 7 shots in those 26 minutes aswell.

His dad was around hockey long enough I'd think. Probably frustrated he lost a longtime job but his playing days should be a good reminder nothing is a given in the sport. Well that paired with the pretty strange route he took to get behind the bench, scout to coach doesn't feel like natural progression.