Prospect Info: Caps Top Prospects General Discussion Thread Vol. 2 - 2021-22

[Langway]

Nazar leaned on Kesler to navigate draft-year adversity - TSN.ca

Frank Nazar feels underrated among this year's National Hockey League draft class and he thinks he knows why. Nazar came in No. 15 on the final list of prospects compiled by TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie after playing through injuries this season.

www.tsn.ca

 

[Langway]

FWIW with Minnesota jumping into the 19th spot via the Fiala trade you'd figure that's one less team with a LD need. They took two LD in the first two rounds last year and also have Hunt & O'Rourke in the system. So an ever so more slight chance Mateychuk or Bichsel could be available. MIN also has two second rounders so you wonder if they won't look to move up at 19 or 24. The next three years with between $12.7-14.7M in dead cap means they really need cheap impact talent. Have to think quality beats quantity for them. You'd also think a shorter ETA would be preferable for them so maybe someone like Ohgren fits best.

 

[Cush]

Mock 2022 NHL Draft: Cooley could go to Coyotes, Flyers | NHL.com

Intrigue after Canadiens take Wright at No. 1, Devils select Slafkovsky next

www.nhl.com

19. Minnesota Wild (from Los Angeles Kings)​

Kimelman -- Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP): Snuggerud (6-1, 188) was called the most improved player during his two seasons at the NTDP by his coach. He improved his skating, which allows him to get into more dangerous areas to use his shot, which is considered by scouts to be one of the best in this draft class. He's a straight-line player with a power forward game that should translate well to the pro level.

Morreale -- Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (SVK): The Wild could use greater depth on wing and Mesar, who scouts have compared to Carolina Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen, is a strong skater with a good understanding of the game. The right-hand shot (5-9, 174) has great vision, plays with intensity and has good offensive instincts. He had 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 37 games in the top professional league in Slovakia.

20. Washington Capitals ​

Kimelman -- Frank Nazar, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): Nazar (5-10, 180) is an explosive skater, and his speed allows him to pull away from defensemen or to use as a weapon to push defenders back to create space for himself. With Nicklas Backstrom's future uncertain, adding depth at center could be a direction the Capitals look.

Morreale -- Danila Yurov: Yurov is a smart, hard-working, two-way forward with good vision and a high compete level in all three zones. He's under contract in the KHL for at least one more season but taking a chance on him here could be a smart value move.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Pronman full 7 round results.

Washington Capitals
20. Jiri Kulich, C, Karlovy Vary (CZREP)
46. Rieger Lorenz, LW, Okotoks (AJHL)
85. Daniil Ivanov, LHD, Spartak 2 (RUSSIA-JR.)
149. Ty Young, G, Prince George (WHL)
181. Stephen Halliday, C, Dubuque (USHL)
213. Jackson Edward, LHD, London (OHL)

 

[Random schmoe]

Was coming here to link the Pronman piece.

Minnesota now at 19 had me wondering about them picking one of the top Russians if available, based in part on having Kaprizov. But I don't know their pipeline needs.

 

[Langway]

Gaucher trending higher is interesting, as is Lambert sliding toward the end of the first. There are definite flashes of offensive upside w/ Gaucher. He tries cute, fancy plays with behind-the-back stuff and at times it's even effective. He's not just a meat and potatoes guy. And he can rip it. He does show some deft touches to where you think 'Maybe....'. His first few strides and overall consistency/intensity seem to be where the tools don't add up to production. It's kind of baffling, particularly in a later birthday. It's not hard to see why teams would covet a big right shot center that at least flashes upside. I don't think he's Fredrik Gauthier. But I'm not exactly sure what he is. Maybe not even a center. Maybe more of a power winger.

Ostlund also trending higher introduces even more uncertainty re: who may slide to 20. Nazar, Kulich, Miro, McGroarty, Mateychuk or Lambert seem to be the prime candidates you'd think. But both of those center risers could fit when it comes to more defensively sound centers with upside. Ostlund needs to put on a lot of weight but the positional instincts are there. I don't get why Mateychuk is sliding. Sure, Tampa's blueline was big. If Mateychuk winds up being more defensively limited maybe he's more of a depth specialist but that hasn't been a problem in the WHL. If he pops what can he be? Probably a better Josh Morrissey or Weegar, if not more. He needs to further improve his skating to be as effective a supporting attacker in the NHL to get into that tier and refine some of his defensive technique at times but it's all fairly normal for a defender at his age. I don't think he needs to improve that much to be a capable minute-eating second-pair guy at least. That sort of upside at the position presents a lot of value in the 20-25 range, particularly in light of just how high Korchinski has risen when he very likely has even more to refine when it comes to defensive positioning.

Lorenz is on my short list at 46 but Warren likely tops it. Very rare throwback arsenal there. Or Beck or Odelius. Goyette & Hutson seemingly trending toward the end of the second also presents a lot of upside value for teams.

 

[Langway]

2022 NHL Mock Draft: Shane Wright tops final version

Chris Peters gives his final projection of how the picks will play out in Montreal for Rounds 1 and 2.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

20. Washington Capitals: Denton Mateychuk, D

The Caps pick a lot of WHL ‘D,’ but this one just worked out that one of the players who I think is among the best defensemen in this draft slipped down the mock board. Mateychuk is an incredibly gifted puck mover who is poised and can skate. He’d help the Caps get better in transition a few years down the line as he makes great decisions with the puck on his stick.

46. Washington Capitals (via Winnipeg): Alexander Perevalov, LW

 

[Langway]

Noah Warren could fit alongside an offensive-minded defenceman for the Canadiens

Noah Warren isn't Cale Makar, or a generational talent, but he's being moulded into a defenceman who can play alongside those players.

theathletic.com

Growing up in Montreal as a multi-sport athlete in soccer and basketball and swimming, Warren was drawn to hockey as it was the most fun sport to play as well as the sport he could develop himself the furthest. He liked watching the Canadiens, but he also enjoyed watching Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. He still has an Ovechkin jersey that he outgrew when he became a teenager.

Also coached by former Cap/Bear Louie Robitaille.

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/topdownhockey/viz/ProspectProjections-2022/ProspectProjections?publish=yes

Howard & Nazar stand out here. Mateychuk also rather unsurprisingly offers some of the best ceiling/floor value.

 

[usiel]

Please no whl dman with the first pick.

 

[Random schmoe]

Scott Wheeler Memorial Cup wrapup piece where he highlighted prospects that were in the tournament. Said the following about Martin Has:

I think this might be the end of the road for Has with the Capitals. The 21-year-old is comfortable leading exits with his feet and using his first pass. He’s strong defensively, he’s a top penalty killer, and he’s got the size and strength, but I don’t see NHL upside. A career in Europe awaits, I’d guess. Or maybe he becomes a depth AHL guy.

Wheeler: Memorial Cup notebook, mock CHL awards ballot, and more

Here's Scott Wheeler's Memorial Cup notebook on the 25 NHL prospects, several draft-eligibles and free agents of note, and much more.

theathletic.com

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Scott Wheeler Memorial Cup wrapup piece where he highlighted prospects that were in the tournament. Said the following about Martin Has:

Wheeler: Memorial Cup notebook, mock CHL awards ballot, and more

Here's Scott Wheeler's Memorial Cup notebook on the 25 NHL prospects, several draft-eligibles and free agents of note, and much more.

theathletic.com

That’s a bummer….

 

[Langway]

Please no whl dman with the first pick.

I'd make an exception with Mateychuk (or certainly Korchinski but that won't happen). They need multi-phase impact players and he's probably the easiest projection after Yurov in that regard. Maybe Ostlund or Gaucher have enough of a two-way foundation to down the line be that level of player if it all comes together. Certainly the majority of others in that range are more of the offensive variety between Nazar, Lambert, Geekie, Miro, Kulich and Ohgren. They'd all be fine and likely provide strong ELC offensive production. But in terms of team success they're going to need more cerebral, multi-faceted impact talents that can drive possession compared to just opting for raw finesse ala Vrana/Bura (esp. considering the games of CMM/Lapierre). Of that more offensive group I'd guess Miro & Ohgren may have the best possession attributes. Their off puck play isn't amazing but they do have the more robust physical games to be less perimeter.

They don't absolutely need to get that sort of talent at 20. They can go for the highest upside first and foremost. They can target two-way play in other acquisitions to better replace 19/43 in the near-term. But they probably need to aim more generally for high IQ over pure skill, esp., if the later is more of the perimeter variety.

 

[Cush]

FCHockey's full first round mock up of the 2022 NHL Draft

The 2022 NHL Draft is just one week away, and we've gone ahead and mocked up how the first round could play out next Thursday.

nhlentrydraft.com

20. WASHINGTON CAPITALS: IVAN MIROSHNICHENKO, LW, OMSKIE KRYLIA (VHL)​

 

[Langway]

2022 NHL DRAFT: RUSSIA - Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omskie Krylia, VHL

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, profiles 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko

www.mckeenshockey.com

 

[Random schmoe]

2022 NHL DRAFT: RUSSIA - Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omskie Krylia, VHL

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, profiles 2022 NHL Draft Prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko

www.mckeenshockey.com

This was a great read, thanks Langway.

Re: the Visa issues he's previously had: do you, or anyone else, know if NHL teams would be able to find out what the cause of the previous denials was? Can they be assured, to whatever extent possible, that he'd be granted a Visa moving forward?

I'd think that goes above and beyond the stereotypical "Russian factor" which has traditionally been more concern with desire to play in the US versus legal ability to do so.

 

[Langway]

Russian NHL stars traveled home; will they all be back? 'It's a big unknown'

Work visa complications, war in Ukraine create anxiety among some who worry high-profile stars will face obstacles when trying to return.

theathletic.com

A little more on that side of things there. For now it's status quo and presumably fine. Pronman tweeted recently that Miroshnichenko will be at the draft in Montreal. Teams may schedule last minute interviews since he wasn't at the combine. He was available IINM at the U18s a few months ago to speak with teams and give updates. I don't think he'll be limited by previous issues but it's something his reps would be able to clarify. It was resolved in time for him to play at the prior U18s. He already has been drafted into the CHL by Acadie-Bathurst and I think that still stands as a valid option. With no transfer agreement in place he also could join the AHL, though one year of the Q is probably best. A year of a lot of TOI, good health, solid training and smaller ice play then maybe a transition to the pro game should all go well.

The 20th pick should be viewed primarily as an asset. As such, if they're keeping it it should be used for a player they aren't just lukewarm about. They should ideally get not just a player with a lot of skill but also a top notch person and competitor. I'm partial to primarily the two Russians and Mateychuk where the upside is substantial. Failing that Kulich & Ohgren probably come closest with the least amount of work and risk. Assuming Nazar & Geekie join the top 12 group shortly thereafter the Caps at 20 just need one other player outside that group to go before then for at least one to be available. That seems highly likely. It still shouldn't stop them from trading the pick but the list of players I'd move it for realistically is pretty short. Miller, though it's hard to say if that's what VAN wants in a return. Gibson? Probably not.

 

[pman25]

Seeing so much variance with Nazar. From top 10 to 25. I haven’t paid as much attention to Kukich or Ohgren either. I’m sufficiently hyped for Yurov and Mateychuk. I really think Mateychuk could have a Makar/Hughes type impact in terms of being able to contribute within a year of his draft. I’m not sure he needs that much time

I think If they keep #46, seems like a good spot to get a falling Russian. Miro might get there but also Trikozov would be a good one there.

 

[AlexModvechkin8]

Seeing so much variance with Nazar. From top 10 to 25. I haven’t paid as much attention to Kukich or Ohgren either. I’m sufficiently hyped for Yurov and Mateychuk. I really think Mateychuk could have a Makar/Hughes type impact in terms of being able to contribute within a year of his draft. I’m not sure he needs that much time

I think If they keep #46, seems like a good spot to get a falling Russian. Miro might get there but also Trikozov would be a good one there.

Miro at 46 would be terrific but I can’t see him falling out of the top 35.

 

[pman25]

Miro at 46 would be terrific but I can’t see him falling out of the top 35.

Considering teams might remove any Russians all together from their board, I can see it. Especially after reading the athletic piece where GMs are worried about their current NHL players returning from Russia and realizing there’s a non zero chance that Ovechkin and Kaprisov won’t be able to play in the NHL next season

 

[Langway]

Miro at 46 would be terrific but I can’t see him falling out of the top 35.

Probably not out of the first round either between Toronto or Tampa. Too much upside when healthy. Plus, Arizona has a zillion picks to throw away on a lottery ticket.

Kulich dominated the U18s as a pure goal-scorer. Ohgren did much the same in the Swedish J20 league. I'd tend to put anyone in that group on par or better compared to CMM/Lapierre. There are others beyond them that are fairly solid upside prospects like Lambert, McGroarty, Howard, Snuggerud, Bichsel, Ostlund & Gaucher but, as said, they're less of a finished product. Lambert could intrigue based on tools but he'll need to get so much stronger and you wonder if the toolbox quite catches up. Whereas if they maybe want someone capable of being as soon as a year away as a 3W those two stand out more than the rest of the secondary field. They also have tended to put some stock in U18 performance and both were strong (Ohgren played hurt and still managed to make an impact). After the two Russians and Mateychuk I think I'd opt for either with a slight edge to Kulich because he may have even more deadly pure goal-scoring potential.

Trikozov/Perevalov at 46 seems feasible enough. Not sure I'd necessarily do that but in terms of offensive upside they should be on the radar.

 

[Langway]

Developing and timely thread.

 

[blindsideheadshot]

Wonder if we start seeing an age of "defections" like the USSR era.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Wonder if we start seeing an age of "defections" like the USSR era.

certainly if they start restricting more freedoms like being able to leave, live, work where you want…

 

[Random schmoe]

Quick message on mobile while waiting for lunch so pardon the lack of full thought depth...

I would think there's a difference between a teams concern over an established player expected to contribute in Oct 2022 and an 18 year old they hope to be a core contributor in 2-3 years.

 

[trick9]

Yeah... don't see any Russians drafted in the first-round.