NHL Entry Draft Future Draft Watch

[ijif]

I think Jack Nesbitt is the exact type of player we should avoid. That doesn’t mean he cannot be a great player, but taking a sub PPG CHL forward is usually not the best move.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

I think Jack Nesbitt is the exact type of player we should avoid. That doesn’t mean he cannot be a great player, but taking a sub PPG CHL forward is usually not the best move.

Unless all his points came in the 2nd half of the season

 

[Joeyjoejoe]

Jack Nesbitt C/LW fills a number of roles this team could use as some of our vets retire.

1. Ottawa desperately needs another centre, he has a high hockey IQ & is a safe pick who will play in the NHL.
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what? do they? Stuzle, Pinto, Cozens, Greig are all 24 and under.

 

[BondraTime]

what? do they? Stuzle, Pinto, Cozens, Greig are all 24 and under.

Their C prospects are:

Nobody, literally 0 legit NHL prospects at the C position

 

[BigRig4]

Their C prospects are:

Nobody, literally 0 legit NHL prospects at the C position

Halliday?

 

[BondraTime]

Halliday?

Don’t think he’s anything more than a call up.

He’s not a guy that can play bottom 6 minutes in pro, he’s not a guy you can play in the top 6

 

[Hale The Villain]

Given we have one of the deeper young center groups in the league, I don't see the need to specifically prioritize a center at the draft.

We may not any talented centers in the pipeline, but after arguably the worst 4 year stretch of drafting of any team in the NHL we don't have much talent on the wings or on defense either. BPA is the way to go.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Nesbitt is who our scouts opt for at 21. He's really the only guy expected to go in the mid-late 1st that stands out as a prototypical Sens draft pick.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

Given we have one of the deeper young center groups in the league, I don't see the need to specifically prioritize a center at the draft.

We may not any talented centers in the pipeline, but after arguably the worst 4 year stretch of drafting of any team in the NHL we don't have much talent on the wings or on defense either. BPA is the way to go.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Nesbitt is who our scouts opt for at 21. He's really the only guy expected to go in the mid-late 1st that stands out as a prototypical Sens draft pick.

I hope he gets picked earlier lmao, but that could actually mean we reach even further

 

[Hale The Villain]

I hope he gets picked earlier lmao, but that could actually mean we reach even further

Also wouldn't surprise me if he went top 20.

The teams ahead of us all need centers (MTL, CGY) or have stacked pipelines filled with skill and can afford to reach a bit for a big guy who brings something different (MTL, STL, CBJ).

 

[Masked]

Their C prospects are:

Nobody, literally 0 legit NHL prospects at the C position

Doesn't Owen Beckner have an outside chance at the NHL? Led his NCAA team in points this season and he's got decent size.

 

[PlayOn]

Doesn't Owen Beckner have an outside chance at the NHL? Led his NCAA team in points this season and he's got decent size.

He’s technically played mostly LW in college according to this, although seems he can do both. Probably would have to wait until he gets to Belleville and see how well he does before classifying him as a legit NHL prospect anyway.

Speed and IQ: Colorado College's Owen Beckner is a playmaker for Tigers' top line

Owen Beckner's biggest challenge as a freshman college hockey player may be his greatest triumph.

gazette.com

 

[BondraTime]

Doesn't Owen Beckner have an outside chance at the NHL? Led his NCAA team in points this season and he's got decent size.

He had the best season, taking expectations into account, of all our prospects. I’m not sure he’s going to be playing C at pro

 

[aragorn]

what? do they? Stuzle, Pinto, Cozens, Greig are all 24 and under.

Once Giroux & Perron leave that creates two big holes in the top six, one could be filled by Zetterlund if he ever becomes what people on here are hoping for & IMO Cozens would be perfect for the top line RW spot vacated by Giroux. If Cozens moves over they will need a centre, I also think they will keep Pinto & Greig together since they seem to have developed so much chemistry together. And I expect if Cozens gets moved to top line RW Greig & Pinto would be the perfect set to play with Batherson.

Given we have one of the deeper young center groups in the league, I don't see the need to specifically prioritize a center at the draft.

We may not any talented centers in the pipeline, but after arguably the worst 4 year stretch of drafting of any team in the NHL we don't have much talent on the wings or on defense either. BPA is the way to go.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Nesbitt is who our scouts opt for at 21. He's really the only guy expected to go in the mid-late 1st that stands out as a prototypical Sens draft pick.

IMO Nesbitt could be taken earlier that 21st OA given it is a position of need for a lot of teams & he is a safe pick to become an NHL centre. I also think of all the guys around 21st OA he has as much skill as most of them & the potential to grow into a much better player with top six potential. If he is there at 21st I hope they take him they could do worse.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

21. Ottawa Senators: Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton (WHL)​

Fiddler’s size, defensive ability, skating and hardness make him exactly the type of defenseman Ottawa has coveted. Ideally, the Senators would add some skill to their forward group, but a run on forwards before their pick left them without any of the top-tier forward prospects.

Pronman picks Fiddler over Hensler .. Sens have the choice between 2 RD still on the board . Both ranked in the 1st. Fiddler was discussed earlier. In this draft at this range a top 6 forward is somewhat unlikely here. I would not mind Hensler or Fiddler at 21

Hensler played NCAA this year for Wisconsin . He is like Yakemchuk a late Birthday . Oct 6. I think playing in the NCAA is an advantage.
Fiddler played WHL for Edmonston . He is close to a full year younger than Hensler July 9. Much like Dickinson was compared to Yakemchuk.

IMO Fiddler has the makings of a shut down RD and Hensler is more of a 2 way RD ..with skating as as strength.

Although neither are the skilled prospect sought by Fans either of these guys would be solid adds to the prospect pool and this is a valuable position to be rich in assets on.

Neutral Zone on Fiddler
Strengths

Physical Presence and Defensive Play:
Fiddler leverages his 6’4″, 210-pound frame effectively, using his reach to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rush with stick checks and physicality.
He is willing to engage in battles along the boards and clear the net-front with strength and assertiveness.
Strong gap control, particularly in transition, where he uses his size and mobility to contain opponents.

Skating Ability:
Displays a powerful, long stride that allows him to cover the ice efficiently.
Edge work that enables him to pivot smoothly and create space for himself in tight situations.
Despite his size, Fiddler is mobile and capable of joining the rush when the opportunity arises.

Puck Movement and Transition Play:
Reliable puck-mover who can execute hard flat breakout passes when under moderate pressure.
Demonstrates vision and poise, particularly when given time to scan the ice and identify options.
Has shown flashes of offensive potential, particularly when cutting into space at the blue line to open shooting or passing lanes.

Physicality and Engagement:
Can play with an edge, regularly finishing checks and making opponents pay a price in high-traffic areas.
Effective at using his body to protect the puck and box out opponents.

Neutral Zone on Hensler
Strengths:

Skating and Mobility:
Hensler’s skating is one of his strong traits. He moves effortlessly for a defenseman of his size, demonstrating smooth lateral mobility, balance, and an effective / efficient stride.
Although he does not produce consistent points, his ability to extend possession and walk the offensive blue line with poise creates shooting and passing lanes.
His stride and power allow him to close gaps defensively and transition quickly up the ice when exiting the zone.

Two-Way Game:
Hensler is highly effective in transition, using his feet and hockey IQ to generate clean breakouts and line-rushes.
He plays with intelligence in all three zones, showing an understanding of when to join the rush and when to prioritize defensive responsibilities.
His net-front play and board battles are strengthened by his physical presence and reach.

Puck Handling and Offensive Awareness:
Hensler excels at using his feet to open up passing and shooting lanes. His ability to pull pucks off the walls and transition them to offensive transition or scoring opportunities is a reliable offensive asset.
His 89% pass completion rate and ability to generate scoring opportunities (0.76 passes per game leading to shots) show his value as a puck-moving defenseman.
Despite modest shot volume (1.35 shots on goal per game), his shot placement often creates rebounds and secondary opportunities.

Defensive Positioning and Stick Work:
Hensler defends primarily through skating and body positioning, relying on strong gap control, smart defensive routes and an active stick to disrupt plays.
His anticipation and 8 takeaways per game highlight his ability to read plays effectively and win battles through intelligence and timing.

Composure Under Pressure:
Hensler is calm and confident with the puck, showing poise in transition, with the potential to quarterback a second power play unit that relies on shooting.
His willingness to take hits (1.47 hard checks received per game) to make plays underscores his competitive edge, maturity and physical strength.

 

[LiseL]

And yet he wins a significant amount of the puck battles he engages in, despite his listed 5'10 176lb size.

Giroux does the same at 5'11 188lbs and in the same way - using his great stick and high-end IQ.

If Kindel's available at 21 and we pass him on we'll sorely regret it. He should be in top 10 consideration.

Alfie too. Isn't he 5'11" and a similar weight? I remember seeing a Tie Domi interview where he was asked who was the most difficult player to win a puck battle against. He said Alfie. Size isn't everything. Willingness to compete, not afraid of contact, hating to lose.