Kevin Musto's 2020 NHL Draft Ranking - Top 62

[Kevin Musto]

No, it's not like Laine at all.
Not in the games I've watched.
He's not as physical as people would like. I don't think he's as direct as people would like.
But he definitely uses his size to overwhelm opponents, protecting the puck with his frame and reach and going where he wants to go.

There are smaller players who protect the puck as well as he does or better. That's my point. He doesn't currently use his size to enhance his game. If Byfield were 5'11", he'd play the same way.

 

[MBH]

There are smaller players who protect the puck as well as he does or better. That's my point. He doesn't currently use his size to enhance his game. If Byfield were 5'11", he'd play the same way.

That's false.
He absolutely uses his size to enhance his game.

 

[BondraTime]

That's false.
He absolutely uses his size to enhance his game.

Yeah, that’s completely, completely off base.

 

[MBH]

Yeah, that’s completely, completely off base.

Wait. Are you agreeing with or disagreeing with me.
I'm confused.

 

[BondraTime]

Wait. Are you agreeing with or disagreeing with me.
I'm confused.

Agreeing

 

[MBH]

Agreeing

[places brass knuckles back in case]

Byfield may not use his size to his advantage as much as people like, or as effectively as as they want, but he clearly plays like someone who knows he's bigger and stronger than everyone.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

Just because a list strays from the consensus doesn't mean it is "yikes" worthy.

I like the list and the effort he put into it. Obviously there's a lot I don't agree with, notably his low rankings of Perfetti, Zary, and Foerster, but we're high on a lot of the same players, especially Russian forwards like Khusnutdinov, Pashin, and Ovchinnikov.

No reason to make a comment like that especially when you didn't give a single piece of actual feedback.

I think Yikes is a perfect word to describe this list overall. Very questionable rankings. how is Perfetti at 13?

 

[Whileee]

I love this list, because if the Jets pick at #12 and #43 and the draft follows these rankings the Jets can end up with Perfetti and Brisson.

 

[57special]

First off, Byfield is very young, and is not a finished item. Beliveau and Lemieux are two C's with similar size who didn't play physically, at least on the surface, but used their length and leverage to great effect.

 

[Kevin Musto]

I think Yikes is a perfect word to describe this list overall. Very questionable rankings. how is Perfetti at 13?

I explained exactly why Perfetti is 13th in my write-up. That's how.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

I explained exactly why Perfetti is 13th in my write-up. That's how.

Yup, I still don't see that happening. no way he's not taken in the top 10 IMO.

 

[Kevin Musto]

Yup, I still don't see that happening. no way he's not taken in the top 10 IMO.

Sir, this isn't a mock draft...

 

[Muffinalt]

I was surprised by Heineman at 21, expected him lower than that.

Absolutely love the way he plays (how can you not) but do you see top 6 potential with him offensively?

I guess as a complimentary winger you can always do it, but I wonder what his upside is there. Could be such a monster package.

Otherwise I really like the player evals (especially Rossi and Byfield's issues), sans Jarvis and Sanderson. Will be interesting if a few years how your ranking shows out.

Am I correct in assuming the trait you value most is IQ/playmaking?

 

[Kevin Musto]

I was surprised by Heineman at 21, expected him lower than that.

Absolutely love the way he plays (how can you not) but do you see top 6 potential with him offensively?

I guess as a complimentary winger you can always do it, but I wonder what his upside is there. Could be such a monster package.

Otherwise I really like the player evals (especially Rossi and Byfield's issues), sans Jarvis and Sanderson. Will be interesting if a few years how your ranking shows out.

Am I correct in assuming the trait you value most is IQ/playmaking?

It's hard to say at this point if Heineman could be a 1st liner. I think middle six is a safe bet, but he's a late bloomer so I feel like we don't really know where his ceiling is at. His blend of tools could make him a real commodity in the NHL. If I'm drafting, I want to bet on that. You could end up with a Tkachuk-lite in Heineman.

I think it's fair to say IQ is the trait I value the most. Skating and two way play are things I look for too. I also really like players who are intelligent with their physical play.

 

[Kevin Musto]

I gave it some thought, and I've decided to remove Mitchell Miller from my board. The skill is certainly there, but due to his personal issues I don't feel comfortable having him there.

Eamon Powell has taken his spot.

 

[rt]

I gave it some thought, and I've decided to remove Mitchell Miller from my board. The skill is certainly there, but due to his personal issues I don't feel comfortable having him there.

Eamon Powell has taken his spot.

Ummm...wut? Whahappen?

 

[Kevin Musto]

Ummm...wut? Whahappen?

I won't get into it too much, but a couple years ago he got himself in trouble at school.

You can read about it here.

I've heard he's been added to some "no-draft" lists which suggests that teams have looked into the matter and didn't come away with good findings.

 

[Kevin Musto]

Giving a bump to my draft board/rankings ahead of the big day tomorrow in case anyone missed it when it was initially posted.

 

[Kevin Musto]

Rossi and Khusnutdinov.

Pack it up, everyone. Minnesota has won the draft.