Jiricek now is #3 in Athletic (Wheelers) ranking ….
3. David Jiricek, RHD, 18 (Columbus Blue Jackets — No. 6, 2022)
July 2022 rank: No. 18 (change: +15)
Jiricek has some
extremely desirable attributes, marked by a booming point shot (it’s a bomb, and he does a really good job keeping it on target and a couple of feet off the ice), a strong, athletic 6-foot-3 frame, and a commanding on-ice presence. He’s a staunch man-to-man in-zone defender, he moves his feet well for his size (though I do worry about his stilted backwards skating/pivots and how often he gets caught flatfooted), and thrives in transition with his ability to both close out on gaps (less so than maintain them) with his length and aggression
and lead a ton of rushes as an eager puck transporter (he’s a much better skater going forward).
Offensively, he’s also a capable handler and distributor whose point shot is complemented by an aggressive approach. There are also some subtleties to his game (first passes that are almost never off-target, a sneaky-silky first touch, etc.). But his modus operandi is that he’s a confident, active, engaged three-zone player who has
almost all of the tools you look for in a top defender.
When his timing is on and he’s stepping up early to take the ice in the neutral zone, he can really dominate a game on both sides of the puck. He can be a little overzealous at times (offensively and defensively), but that eagerness to make something happen also defines his game and he’s a lot to handle when he builds a head of steam through his tall crossovers and starts circling the offensive game. He wants to dictate and influence the game on his terms, rather than wait for it to come to him (which can also come with waiting a little too long to make his decisions at the time, but is more often apparent in quick, aggressive choices
Mateychuk is up to #14…
14. Denton Mateychuk, LHD, 18 (Columbus Blue Jackets — No. 12, 2022)
July 2022 rank: No. 28 (change: +14)
Mateychuk has built quite a reputation for himself in hockey circles for his ability to direct play and drive results when he’s on the ice. That style helped him work his way onto Team Canada’s U18 worlds team as an underager and has made him one of the top defensemen in junior hockey in the last two seasons. Those are among the many reasons he was named Moose Jaw’s captain this year and will make him a big part of the 2024 Canadian world junior team in Gothenburg.
He’s already a plus-level skater, which helps him escape pressure with his feet, push up ice in control, trail in transition, walk the line, and steer opposing players into tough spots despite not being the biggest guy. He’s the definition — or close — of the modern defenseman.
Mateychuk pushes when he can and everything he does is done with poise and command. He plays a reliable and calculating game built around his mobility and sound decision-making. He defends at a high level and is strong over his 5-foot-11 frame. Plus he’s a July birthday so he’s got plenty of time to build on his strong foundation and develop his distinguishing qualities (namely his movement and control of the game).
He just always seems to be involved in all three zones. I see a clear top-four upside and there’s nothing in his game that gives me pause in saying that
Biggest surprise is Jordan Dumahas moved all the way up to #24….
24. Jordan Dumais, RW, 18 (Calumbus Blue Jackets — No. 64, 2022)
July 2022 rank: Not ranked
One of my favourite prospects in the sport and the most productive player in major junior hockey not named Connor Bedard over the course of the last two seasons, I will be more surprised if Dumais doesn’t make it as a playmaking top-nine winger at this point than I will if he does. That, in and of itself, is no small thing to be saying about a 5-foot-9, 18-year-old third-round pick. But that’s what he’s owed because of one simple fact: Players who’ve produced like he has historically
almost never miss. He should win QMJHL MVP. He should be one of the top-six right wings for Canada at next year’s world juniors. I’m confident he’s going to produce in the AHL like he did in his first Traverse City Prospects Tournament (and everywhere else). And then he’s going to figure it out at
NHL pace, despite questions about his size and skating, because he’s too good and too intelligent on the ice not to.
Dumais’ extensions through his stride need some cleaning up (they can look stunted and drag at the toe caps), but he has become a tremendously hardworking player with a wide-ranging offensive game that allows him to create offence in a variety of ways. He’ll beat you with a quick give-and-go on one shift, a standstill pass or shot on the next, a dance to the high slot on the next, and quick hands and determination around the net on the next. He brings it every night. He tracks back and makes hustle plays. His shot is pinpoint accurate and gets off of his blade effortlessly in catch-and-release sequences. He’s really good along the wall and the back check on retrievals and steals. Though he’s not physical, he hunts pucks without fear and willingly engages in puck battles. He’s got A-level vision, hands, and anticipation. He’s crafty as anything. He routinely elevates his linemates
and does things himself (as evidenced by the uptick in their production and the gap that he still maintains well above and beyond his peers). I’m willing to stick my neck out for him to become a top-six NHL winger if the Blue Jackets handle his development appropriately (which I’m confident they will)
