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D Lukas Dragicevic - Tri-City Americans, WHL (2023, 57th, SEA)

His vision/IQ in the ozone is outstanding, walks the line to open up lanes and can run a powerplay, but I really worry about his skating. He's a pretty good lateral skater, but his first step and top speed could be a major hindrance. I like Dragicevic, but the skating concerns prevent him from being a top 15 pick for me at this point. I could see him being somewhat similar to Evan Bouchard.
 
95snipes said:
His vision/IQ in the ozone is outstanding, walks the line to open up lanes and can run a powerplay, but I really worry about his skating. He's a pretty good lateral skater, but his first step and top speed could be a major hindrance. I like Dragicevic, but the skating concerns prevent him from being a top 15 pick for me at this point. I could see him being somewhat similar to Evan Bouchard.
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Something around top 15-top 20 feels like right spot for him. He is bit of a train wreck defensively and can do some wild stuff when he is pressured in his own zone with puck.

But his raw offensive tools, deception and pace in the offensive zone are just hard to dislike. I have him as power play specialist and second pair minute muncher who needs solid defensive d as his partner so that he can shine. Bit like Mackenzie Weegar maybe in NHL right now? Maybe Matheson too.
 
vildurson said:
Something around top 15-top 20 feels like right spot for him. He is bit of a train wreck defensively and can do some wild stuff when he is pressured in his own zone with puck.

But his raw offensive tools, deception and pace in the offensive zone are just hard to dislike. I have him as power play specialist and second pair minute muncher who needs solid defensive d as his partner so that he can shine. Bit like Mackenzie Weegar maybe in NHL right now? Maybe Matheson too.
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Not a bad comparison, but I think he's much smarter than Weegar.
 
Still racking up pts in an unprecedented way for a draft year defenseman in the WHL.

But like others've said before, his skating and defensive play are question marks.

Evan Bouchard is a good comparison: a PP specialist with good size, but not the kind of defenseman coaches will put against tougher competition.

Later than 15th he's a no brainer, though.
 
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For the people who think his skating or defense are issues I'd love to know if you've actually watched him play...or if you know what number he wears because if you have watched the Ams you were definitely watching the wrong number. Always amusing how these myths get started. Same thing happened to Byram on the Avs forum
 
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I've watched complete games of him.

At the junior level his flaws doesn't stand out as much because of the level of competition.

But there's an awkwardness in his skating strides and defensively, he's very inconsistent.

Anyway, everybody has his own views of the matters.

Skating and defensive play can be improved, offensive hockey IQ and skills less so.

Dragicevic is still a very interesting young player that has a high ceiling.
 
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His straight line skating stride is a bit short and choppy and not particularly explosive. The edgework is very good though and that's how he creates separation - a lot of 10s and 2s. Defensively, his gap control is pretty weak and I don't think that's uncommon for a lot of 17 year old defensemen, but could suggest he doesn't have a ton of confidence in his wheels to challenge attackers consistently. Also plays with an unusually narrow base when defending. May have more success widening out a bit. The hands and puck skills are great though and will be what butters his bread.

Different players, but has a lot of parallels with Brandt Clarke in his draft year.
 
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landy92mack29 said:
For the people who think his skating or defense are issues I'd love to know if you've actually watched him play...or if you know what number he wears because if you have watched the Ams you were definitely watching the wrong number. Always amusing how these myths get started. Same thing happened to Byram on the Avs forum
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What a condescending post. I have two viewings of him this year. Not enough to have 100% conviction, but his skating jumped off to me as a negative both times. Heavy feet, poor acceleration. Skating isn't something that just wildly fluctuates game to game. This is from Corey Pronman at The Athletic in his early 2023 ranking-

'Dragicevic has been off to a great start in the WHL, as the 17-year-old defenseman is scoring at well over a point per game. Dragicevic can make tough plays off the rush and creating from the point with his skill and offensive instincts. His skating is a point of debate. I’ve talked to several scouts who take issue with his skating but personally I’ve rated it as an asset. I see some escapability in his game and ability to transition pucks with his feet. Dragicevic’s defending may never be his biggest asset but I think it’s good enough.'

So clearly there are NHL scouts who agree with me.

That said, I still like the player. He has some Adam Fox to his game in the offensive zone. IQ/vision is exceptional and I tend to value that very high in prospects. Skating is just so important for defenseman at the NHL level and I could see it holding Dragicevic back from being an elite defenseman. Dragicevic might grow on me as I watch him more, but for now the comp I'm using is Evan Bouchard.
 
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