Prospect Info: NHL Entry Draft Discussion Thread - First Round Tuesday October 6th

[TheKrebsCycle]

I'm happy if we nab one of Jarvis, Askarov, Lundell, Amirov or Guhle with the first and Cormier or O Rourke w the second would be gravy.

 

[Dion TheFluff]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

 

[The Podium]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

Dream
1) Drysdale
2) Askarov

Happy
1) Lundell
2) Amirov
3) Holloway

Disappointed
1) Mercer
2) Schneider

Although I wouldn’t be disappointed with either if we traded back into the 20s, just don’t think they have the upside at 15

 

[Judas Tavares]

I read that Schneider seemed to be Florida's choice when Tallon was there, but now it's anybody's guess.

I can definitely see Winnipeg picking Lapierre if they are satisfied with his past injury.

I wonder, if we assume that one or two of the top 13 will fall to us, whom do you least like to see available at #15? Would it be Quinn? Or Holtz?

Those are the two I'd think. Though I've seen Quinn linked to Ottawa at 5. Holtz I feel like I see/read the least about him out of the top 13.

 

[pylon17]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

Disappointed with Guhle? Get outta town.

 

[Judas Tavares]

Assuming no one falls (this includes Jarvis) I think right now I've narrowed down my picks to (In alpha order):
Amirov
Holloway
Lapierre
Mercer
Zary

That isn't to say I'd be disappointed with anyone else, unless it is a major reach.

 

[supermann_98]

I'm one of the few who'd be happy with Schneider, but like most I don't see Dubas taking him at 15.

I'm also half expecting a guy most often projected to go in the top 10 to fall to us. There's always a faller or two.

 

[HockeyGuruPitka]

Dream
1) Drysdale
2) Askarov

Happy
1) Lundell
2) Amirov
3) Holloway

Disappointed
1) Mercer
2) Schneider

Although I wouldn’t be disappointed with either if we traded back into the 20s, just don’t think they have the upside at 15

I know Schneider was showing up on tsn draft lists connected to Toronto, however he goes against everything the Leafs have been doing over the last 4 years in the draft. i would be extremely shocked if we actually selected him

 

[Morgs]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

what would yours look like?

If we're talking specifically at 15; no trade up, no trade down:

Dream Pick
1) Lucas Raymond
2) Jamie Drysdale

Realistic Pick
1) Seth Jarvis
2) Rodion Amirov

Disappointing Pick
1) Braden Schneider
2) Kaiden Guhle

 

[TheMadHatTrick]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

dream weaver pick)
1) Jake Sanderson
2) Yaraslov Askarov

realistic happy pick)
1) Seth Jarvis
2) Rodion Amirov

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Dylan Holloway

 

[Bloomberg]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

dream weaver pick)
1) Jake Sanderson
2) Alexander Holtz
3) Seth Jarvis

realistic happy pick)
1) Braden Schneider
2) Lucas Reichel
3) Rodion Amirov
4) Jan Mysak

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle
3) Hendrix Lapierre

 

[mydnyte]

I know Schneider was showing up on tsn draft lists connected to Toronto, however he goes against everything the Leafs have been doing over the last 4 years in the draft. i would be extremely shocked if we actually selected him

if he is an above average or even a "good" skater, and has above average hockey IQ, and is Physical, how can anyone NOT be interested. we dont need offense from the defense, we need defense from the defense.

 

[HC7]

if he is an above average or even a "good" skater, and has above average hockey IQ, and is Physical, how can anyone NOT be interested. we dont need offense from the defense, we need defense from the defense.

Because he's not an above average skater, and his hockey IQ seems pretty average to me.

 

[Morgs]

if he is an above average or even a "good" skater, and has above average hockey IQ, and is Physical, how can anyone NOT be interested. we dont need offense from the defense, we need defense from the defense.

Because he's only an average skater at the WHL level, meaning he's behind most pro prospects. He definitely doesn't have above average hockey IQ, and his puck skills are average at best. People read "big, tough, can skate, and has good IQ" when in reality it's pretty much only guys like Button that are saying the last two things and most people know not to trust guys like Button's opinion. People salivate thinking we could add that guy to our top-4 after watching one highlight video.

In reality, he's probably 3 years away best case scenario, and we have no idea what our defense is going to look like in 3 years. He's also one of the oldest players in the draft, and his CEILING is likely Brandon Carlo, a sheltered physical defensive defenseman who at best is a #4 because of his lack of puck skills and skating. More likely he's not even that good.

Personally I'd rather go after guys like Amirov (Ehlers' upside) or Jarvis (Nylander upside) because even if they bust or don't turn out, you can at least say you went for the home run, not a safe single at 15OA.

 

[TimeZone]

saw something similar to this in twitter.
who would be your A) Dream Weaver pick B) Realistic Happy pick C) Disappointing pick?

mine would be

dream weaver pick)
1) Yaroslav Askarov
2)Jamie Drysdale

realistic happy pick)
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Hendrix Lapierre

dissapointing pick)
1) Dawson Mercer
2) Kaiden Guhle

what would yours look like?

Dream :

Holtz
Askarov

Realistic :

Amirov
Mercer/Lapierre

Disappointing :

Schneider
Zary

 

[mydnyte]

Because he's only an average skater at the WHL level, meaning he's behind most pro prospects. He definitely doesn't have above average hockey IQ, and his puck skills are average at best. People read "big, tough, can skate, and has good IQ" when in reality it's pretty much only guys like Button that are saying the last two things and most people know not to trust guys like Button's opinion. People salivate thinking we could add that guy to our top-4 after watching one highlight video.

In reality, he's probably 3 years away best case scenario, and we have no idea what our defense is going to look like in 3 years. He's also one of the oldest players in the draft, and his CEILING is likely Brandon Carlo, a sheltered physical defensive defenseman who at best is a #4 because of his lack of puck skills and skating. More likely he's not even that good.

Personally I'd rather go after guys like Amirov (Ehlers' upside) or Jarvis (Nylander upside) because even if they bust or don't turn out, you can at least say you went for the home run, not a safe single at 15OA.

well, if thats the case, and his skating is just average, i'll find better sources... last thing we need is Schenn redeux

 

[weems]

Dream Pick
1) Seth Jarvis
2) Yaroslav Askarov

Realistic Pick
1) Rodion Amirov
2) Connor Zary

Disappointing Pick
1) Mavrik Bourque
2) Dylan Holloway

Three players in trade down scenario
1) Jacob Perreault
2) Lukas Reichel
3) Kaiden Guhle

Favorite mid round sleeper pick

Donovan Sebrango

 

[Morgs]

well, if thats the case, and his skating is just average, i'll find better sources... last thing we need is Schenn redeux

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Disappointed with Guhle? Get outta town.

the moment we traded for the 15th pick, every Leaf fan became a draft expert to the point they know definitively what would be a bad and disappointing pick and what will definitely be a good pick...but it seems there is nothing resembling consensus on who those players are. Should be funny to see the reactions tomorrow night, a bunch of people will find a way to be mad either way.

 

[ErnieLeafs]

If Zary was a better skater, he probably isn’t available at 15. I like his overall skillset quite a bit, and we do have Barb Underhill, but I’m not sure he ticks all the boxes for our management group

 

[Morgs]

the moment we traded for the 15th pick, every Leaf fan became a draft expert to the point they know definitively what would be a bad and disappointing pick and what will definitely be a good pick...but it seems there is nothing resembling consensus on who those players are. Should be funny to see the reactions tomorrow night, a bunch of people will find a way to be mad either way.

I think even the biggest Dubas "haters" believe in his drafting at this point so I'm sure most of us would at least give the player a chance regardless of their feelings towards the player. It's hard not to believe in him when most of his drafted prospects are looking like steals.

Even if I'd be disappointed in us picking Schneider (which I can't see Dubas doing anyway), I'd still hope for the best and I'd try to see the positives in the selection.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

depending on how the draft plays out, I wouldn't mind moving down from 44 to 50-52ish if we could pick up a 3rd and Donovan Sebrango is still there. He's one player I'm very familiar with and I'd be happy with him in the late 2nd/early 3rd. Good skater, good puck skills, high compete and physical. Not as polished as an O'Rourke, but I don't think the gap between them from a potential standpoint is as great as some do.

 

[Judas Tavares]

the moment we traded for the 15th pick, every Leaf fan became a draft expert to the point they know definitively what would be a bad and disappointing pick and what will definitely be a good pick...but it seems there is nothing resembling consensus on who those players are. Should be funny to see the reactions tomorrow night, a bunch of people will find a way to be mad either way.

Oh it will be a shit show.

Also excited to see posters who post once in a blue moon, go in to the thread for the players taken in the 7th round, look at either their name, stats, or height, or all of the above, then criticize the 18 year old and Dubas. It happens every year.

 

[Fogelhund]

Because he's not an above average skater, and his hockey IQ seems pretty average to me.

Braden Schneider

Schneider is a mobile two-way blueliner that makes good decisions and skates well. He makes a good first pass and understands when to join the rush.

August 2019 – Braden Schneider is one of the top defenders eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft. His game is predicated on effective puck movement and a willingness to use his strong frame to his advantage. Defensively, he stays in a good position and closes the gap on the rush. He engages physically, stepping up on a forward who is attempting to enter the zone with possession. He battles in front of the net, using his size to clear space for his goaltender. He has a penchant for throwing big hits that can sometimes take him out of the play which is one area of his game that could use some cleaning up. The young Brandon Wheat Kings defender makes a good first pass, oftentimes opting for the aggressive play such as a stretch pass. He tries to push the pace from the backend. Schneider does a good job of identifying when to jump into the rush creating an odd-man rush. He does a good job of trailing the play and cleaning up a rebound or finding the loose puck to continue applying the offensive pressure. He has a great shot that he gets off quickly, doing an excellent job of getting down to the circles rather than taking low percentage shots from the blue line. The combination of Schneider’s size, skating and IQ is an intriguing skill set for a modern-day defenseman. –Tony Ferrari

Braden Schneider Scouting Report: 2020 NHL Draft #17
Skating

Schneider is an excellent skater which helps him to play a strong 200-foot game. He has a smooth stride and generates good speed and acceleration in both directions. He also has very good agility and edgework. This allows Schneider to cover a lot of ice. He also has very good pivots that allow Schneider to transition quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. Schneider is strong on his skates and has a well-developed lower-body. This allows him to win battles along the boards and to effectively clear the front of the net. Schneider has good size but can get even stronger. This will help him to be even more effective in these areas.

Mike Morreale - NHL.com - Aug. 25th: "A two-way, right-shot defenseman capable of playing the power play and the penalty kill with great competitiveness and smarts. Schneider scored 42 points (seven goals, 35 assists) in 60 WHL games."

Steve Kourmianos - The Draft Analyst - Aug. 10th: "A hard-hitting blueliner with wheels and length for days, Schneider is a highly-respected prospect in scouting circles who many feel deserves to be placed alongside Jake Sanderson and Jamie Drysdale in the debate for top defenseman in the 2020 draft class."

“Big strong defender who has some nasty sprinkled on top. Will never be mistaken for a new age defenseman, he does make smart decisions as an attacker on both the power play and even strength. This big man is good in his pivots, an excellent puck mover, and a crisp passer in transition. He has no qualms about jumping into the play, but he makes the most impact as a devastating checker and smart defensive zone player who has an active stick that disrupts the passing lanes. Is developing some offensive upside which might dispel the opinion that he is a big mobile stay at home defender and just that.” – Bill Placzek, DraftSite

”He’s solid on his skates and moves the puck like an NHL player, similar to Ryan Pulock (New York Islanders),” Peter Sullivan of Central Scouting said. “Brandon is struggling, but good players stand out on a bad team and he stands out. He’s got very good hockey sense and decision making. He’s tough to play against, and he’s a player, that from a coach’s perspective, you can play him in any situation.”

A promising blueliner like Schneider knows exactly when to switch between defense and offense, and skate up ice with confidence. He uses his sturdy frame, quick thinking and long reach to his advantage, and he is a major problem solver for his coach in situations like the penalty kill, where Schneider can be an unforgiving adversary to challenge for net-front superiority. He also times his releases from the low slot in conjunction with his partner’s positioning. All these aspects make it understandable why Schneider is viewed as a legitimate first-round candidate, but infrequent game-breaking instances places him outside the top tier of first-year eligible defenders.


2020 NHL draft profile: Braden Schneider has quite a high ceiling for a 2-way defenseman
Schneider possesses a high level of maturity when it comes to skill set and mentality that would prove to be a strong addition for any organization. Though his offensive abilities have a lower ceiling in comparison to his limits on the blue line, that shouldn’t faze general managers much — given the amount of potential.
There is a strong instinct to his game that often sets him apart from others on the ice. Whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill or just working on his zone, he’s able to anticipate play projection that gives him a clear advantage.
What’s special is just how solid of a foundation he currently has. From the physical edge to quick feet as a strong skater, being fearless with the puck — when it comes to passing and shooting — and still works on improving such elements, he’s a special kind of motivated.

------------------------------------

The reason NOT to take him at #15, is that his offensive upside, might not be that high. You are looking at a complimentary, hard hitting, defensive guy, not a lead your offense type player. Some may feel, that at #15, you want someone with more offensive upside. I think people are worried about picking another "Schenn".

Note, Schenn had 28 points, in 57 games in his draft year. Schneider had 42 points in 60 games. Rielly had 54 in 60 games.

This isn't the guy you draft, expecting an offensively strong player.. but he can skate well, is intelligent, has a strong defensive game, and hits.... If that's what you want, and rate those skills, then maybe you do draft him at #15.

 

[TimeZone]

If Zary was a better skater, he probably isn’t available at 15. I like his overall skillset quite a bit, and we do have Barb Underhill, but I’m not sure he ticks all the boxes for our management group

His skillset overall just doesn't jump out to me. I don't see the upside with him. Could be a good third liner.

He's skating is awful.