Prospect Info: The 2023 NHL Entry Draft Thread

[jgimp]

Dragicevic is a riverboat gambler. A very high end offensive D man. Right hand shot as well. I think his upside is very high but even at the low end he likely ends up as a top 4 guy who runs your PP.

The Jets have a lot of Oliver Bonks in their system. Safe 2 way guys that are very smart and intelligent. Trying to think of a high end offensive D man that we drafted early and come up with no one. Shoot for the stars I think if you are drafting a D at this spot.

I think at this point if you draft a safe pick you might miss out.

I remember watching Ryan Merkely quite a bit. He’s not just a riverboat gambler, he’s driving the god damn boat. He was a lot of the times the first guy breaking out of the zone, often while they were still trying to defend. I just don’t think those guys pan out well in the long run. Exciting to watch in Junior, but rarely adapt to the pro game because they lack even the most defensive IQ to try and build upon.

 

[Joe Hallenback]

I remember watching Ryan Merkely quite a bit. He’s not just a riverboat gambler, he’s driving the god damn boat. He was a lot of the times the first guy breaking out of the zone, often while they were still trying to defend. I just don’t think those guys pan out well in the long run. Exciting to watch in Junior, but rarely adapt to the pro game because they lack even the most defensive IQ to try and build upon.

Its a possibility but while it would be nice if Bonk turns out to be a Morrissey I don't see it. Its more likey Dragicevic turns out to be a Tyson Barrie type.

I think you have to talk to these kids and see how intelligent and teachable they are. You can teach a kid to play defense. You can't teach them to score though

 

[JetsFan815]

Dragicevic also has one thing that separates him from guys like Merkeley -- NHL D man size. I have never seen him play but the combination of his stats and size does intrigue me.

 

[jgimp]

Its a possibility but while it would be nice if Bonk turns out to be a Morrissey I don't see it. Its more likey Dragicevic turns out to be a Tyson Barrie type.

I think you have to talk to these kids and see how intelligent and teachable they are. You can teach a kid to play defense. You can't teach them to score though

Dragicevic also has one thing that separates him from guys like Merkeley -- NHL D man size. I have never seen him play but the combination of his stats and size does intrigue me.

I think this should be the year Chevy sells everything that he doesn’t see as part of the Jets future to garner as many picks as possible. Guys like Stanley, Harkins, Gus, Gawanke, Chisholm Heinola whoever. Even roster guys. If the brass aren’t going to play them or if they aren’t going to get a chance, let’s recoup some picks and get more darts for the board. Clean up the pipeline a bit. It would be nice to get some extra 2nds and 3rds to restock some fresh blood.

 

[Whileee]

Dragicevic is a riverboat gambler. A very high end offensive D man. Right hand shot as well. I think his upside is very high but even at the low end he likely ends up as a top 4 guy who runs your PP.

The Jets have a lot of Oliver Bonks in their system. Safe 2 way guys that are very smart and intelligent. Trying to think of a high end offensive D man that we drafted early and come up with no one. Shoot for the stars I think if you are drafting a D at this spot.

I think at this point if you draft a safe pick you might miss out.

I don't know anything about this prospect other than his stars, but I do like the concept of swinging for the fences. Might be a better option if the Jets get another 1st later on. At #18 I think you could take a swing at one of the big forwards like Barlow, Musty or Honzek. Jets' prospect pool would get well-complemented by a big forward that has high-end offensive potential.

I also think Salomonsson might turn out to be fairly dynamic. His production at the SHL level wasn't high, but it's really unusual for an 18-year old to play regularly at that level. When he's played at closer to his age cohorts he's produced a lot. Great skater with a big shot and with an aggressive approach.

 

[gojetsgo]

I think this should be the year Chevy sells everything that he doesn’t see as part of the Jets future to garner as many picks as possible. Guys like Stanley, Harkins, Gus, Gawanke, Chisholm Heinola whoever. Even roster guys. If the brass aren’t going to play them or if they aren’t going to get a chance, let’s recoup some picks and get more darts for the board. Clean up the pipeline a bit. It would be nice to get some extra 2nds and 3rds to restock some fresh blood.

harkins and gawnke won't return anything, gus and chisholm are probably more throw in for a bigger type deal only heinola/stanley would have value to teams

 

[surixon]

harkins and gawnke won't return anything, gus and chisholm are probably more throw in for a bigger type deal only heinola/stanley would have value to teams

I'm curious what the org elects to do next year on d. Do they keep Chisholm up as he's almost assuredly not passing through waivers. It gives him one year as the injury guy before getting a full time role in a year when Dillion is gone.

Or do they move Dillion and let Heinola/Chisholm Duke it out for the spot.

 

[snowkiddin]

I'm curious what the org elects to do next year on d. Do they keep Chisholm up as he's almost assuredly not passing through waivers. It gives him one year as the injury guy before getting a full time role in a year when Dillion is gone.

Or do they move Dillion and let Heinola/Chisholm Duke it out for the spot.

I read from Murat in The Athletic recently, and he hypothesized the Jets could approach it this way:

“Maybe the Jets run Morrissey, DeMelo, Samberg, Dillon, Pionk and Schmidt next season. Maybe they don't mind putting Heinola in the AHL again - it's certainly their right. Maybe they're afraid of losing Chisholm to waivers and afraid to lose Stanley in any form so the Jets rotate those two players in from the press box, keeping eight defencemen on the roster in the most risk-averse offseason approach possible. If that happens then Capobianco seems like the most likely player out.”

And while I would be a bit bored by this, I am greatly interested in hearing (reading) your thoughts on this. And, of course, hearing (reading) the thoughts of the others who want to chime in.

 

[surixon]

I read from Murat in The Athletic recently, and he hypothesized the Jets could approach it this way:

“Maybe the Jets run Morrissey, DeMelo, Samberg, Dillon, Pionk and Schmidt next season. Maybe they don't mind putting Heinola in the AHL again - it's certainly their right. Maybe they're afraid of losing Chisholm to waivers and afraid to lose Stanley in any form so the Jets rotate those two players in from the press box, keeping eight defencemen on the roster in the most risk-averse offseason approach possible. If that happens then Capobianco seems like the most likely player out.”

And while I would be a bit bored by this, I am greatly interested in hearing (reading) your thoughts on this. And, of course, hearing (reading) the thoughts of the others who want to chime in.

Yeah I could see them doing that. I have no idea why they still insist on keeping a depreciating asset in Stanley especially as he's made it known he wants out if he's not a regular in the lineup. Something he wouldn't be in this situation barring numerous injuries.

I'd rather make a spot for a young guy myself but I can see this org being auger conservative and pissing off some more prospects.

I don't see Heinola here next year if he's not on the Jets. He gets to a point where his value starts to go the other way. The Jets are better off using him in a trade to fill some other roster holes then depressing his value further in a year he doesn't need in the AHL.

 

[Whileee]

I read from Murat in The Athletic recently, and he hypothesized the Jets could approach it this way:

“Maybe the Jets run Morrissey, DeMelo, Samberg, Dillon, Pionk and Schmidt next season. Maybe they don't mind putting Heinola in the AHL again - it's certainly their right. Maybe they're afraid of losing Chisholm to waivers and afraid to lose Stanley in any form so the Jets rotate those two players in from the press box, keeping eight defencemen on the roster in the most risk-averse offseason approach possible. If that happens then Capobianco seems like the most likely player out.”

And while I would be a bit bored by this, I am greatly interested in hearing (reading) your thoughts on this. And, of course, hearing (reading) the thoughts of the others who want to chime in.

Unless the Jets trade a vet like Schmidt or Dillon, I think they'll trade Stanley and either Heinola or Chisholm. I'd be surprised if Heinola is with the Moose again next season.

 

[LowLefty]

Yeah I could see them doing that. I have no idea why they still insist on keeping a depreciating asset in Stanley especially as he's made it known he wants out if he's not a regular in the lineup. Something he wouldn't be in this situation barring numerous injuries.

I'd rather make a spot for a young guy myself but I can see this org being auger conservative and pissing off some more prospects.

I don't see Heinola here next year if he's not on the Jets. He gets to a point where his value starts to go the other way. The Jets are better off using him in a trade to fill some other roster holes then depressing his value further in a year he doesn't need in the AHL.

I can see Ville in the lineup if he works on the things he himself, called out recently - speed and strength.
That was refreshing to hear because he is showing the org that he is self aware - and maybe he's willing to work on those things before making the jump.
If I recall, his agent came out and stated that Ville is ready to play and wants in the lineup - getting tired of the A, or whatever - don't quote me.
And then he comes out and states he needs to work on a few things - and he's pointing at the things that are holding him back.
Maybe the org spoke with him after his agents comments and explained what Ville needed to make the jump - and maybe he listened.
If that's the case, maybe he hangs around and does what he says he needs to do.

 

[surixon]

I can see Ville in the lineup if he works on the things he himself, called out recently - speed and strength.
That was refreshing to hear because he is showing the org that he is self aware - and maybe he's willing to work on those things before making the jump.
If I recall, his agent came out and stated that Ville is ready to play and wants in the lineup - getting tired of the A, or whatever - don't quote me.
And then he comes out and states he needs to work on a few things - and he's pointing at the things that are holding him back.
Maybe the org spoke with him after his agents comments and explained what Ville needed to make the jump - and maybe he listened.
If that's the case, maybe he hangs around and does what he says he needs to do.

My guess is he and the org had a very positive and constructive year end meeting. My thoughts are that he and the org came to some kind of understanding. He puts in the work he needs to and they give him a serious shot at making the team and sticking.

 

[LowLefty]

My guess is he and the org had a very positive and constructive year end meeting. My thoughts are that he and the org came to some kind of understanding. He puts in the work he needs to and they give him a serious shot at making the team and sticking.

Yeah, I agree -
I've been hard on Ville through his tenure up to now - I want our prospects to succeed but I wasn't sure he was going to get there which would be a waste since he has the skill we want / need.
Now I look forward to seeing what he can do - and it's all physical from what I see. If he can get stronger, he'll likely get faster at the same time.
Kill two birds with one stone.

 

[surixon]

Yeah, I agree -
I've been hard on Ville through his tenure up to now - I want our prospects to succeed but I wasn't sure he was going to get there which would be a waste since he has the skill we want / need.
Now I look forward to seeing what he can do - and it's all physical from what I see. If he can get stronger, he'll likely get faster at the same time.
Kill two birds with one stone.

It's confidence as well. He needs to come into camp stronger and play his game from the start. No more of this timid play he's shown the last few seasons.

 

[macmaroon]

Just remember when Mark Scheifele came to his first couple of training camps, he was a lightweight. I believe they told him to bulk up and by the next training camp, he was much bigger. If Ville the Kid works on what he says he's going to work on, then I think he will certainly turn some heads at this season's training camp. Looking forward to it...

 

[LowLefty]

It's confidence as well. He needs to come into camp stronger and play his game from the start. No more of this timid play he's shown the last few seasons.

Yes he does - the thing is, I get the feeling he was timid because he knew he was up against players that dominated him physically.
Maybe that's what you're saying - but wanted to add that.

 

[Buffdog]

My guess is he and the org had a very positive and constructive year end meeting. My thoughts are that he and the org came to some kind of understanding. He puts in the work he needs to and they give him a serious shot at making the team and sticking.

They'll have to move a vet to clear a path for him

 

[Thechozen1]

I read from Murat in The Athletic recently, and he hypothesized the Jets could approach it this way:

“Maybe the Jets run Morrissey, DeMelo, Samberg, Dillon, Pionk and Schmidt next season. Maybe they don't mind putting Heinola in the AHL again - it's certainly their right. Maybe they're afraid of losing Chisholm to waivers and afraid to lose Stanley in any form so the Jets rotate those two players in from the press box, keeping eight defencemen on the roster in the most risk-averse offseason approach possible. If that happens then Capobianco seems like the most likely player out.”

And while I would be a bit bored by this, I am greatly interested in hearing (reading) your thoughts on this. And, of course, hearing (reading) the thoughts of the others who want to chime in.

Stanley should just be traded. That solves one problem.

 

[RabidOne]

I think this should be the year Chevy sells everything that he doesn’t see as part of the Jets future to garner as many picks as possible. Guys like Stanley, Harkins, Gus, Gawanke, Chisholm Heinola whoever. Even roster guys. If the brass aren’t going to play them or if they aren’t going to get a chance, let’s recoup some picks and get more darts for the board. Clean up the pipeline a bit. It would be nice to get some extra 2nds and 3rds to restock some fresh blood.

Trading all those players gets you a 4th, a 2nd and a bag of pucks.
Harkins passed through waivers this year. Every team in the league passed on him.

 

[Thechozen1]

Lukas Dragicevic - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Lukas Dragicevic is one of the top defensive prospects going into the 2023 NHL Draft. Find out more about his game in his profile.

thehockeywriters.com

Dragicevic is by no means a perfect prospect, he does have some flaws to his game, but he is fairly dynamic with what he is good at which is driving offense.

I’m still in the process of researching some of the forwards in the 12 - 20 range, but if the prime candidates I want for the Jets are gone, I wouldn’t have any issues taking a chance on Dragicevic. He only started playing defense 3 years ago and is still learning the position. Wouldn’t surprise me to see his game improve dramatically over the next couple years at which time he’ll be ready to turn pro.

Regardless, whether you believe he can be coached to play defense or not, his puck skills in transition and creating offense both at 5 on 5 and power play are really very good. Not to mention being a 6’2” RH defenseman makes him a valued asset.

I’ve seen others make comparisons of Evan Bouchard, John Klingberg or Tyson Barrie, but I see some Mike Green like instincts in him. I gladly take that at # 18 in the draft.

Ideally Jets land another pick through trade (Buffalo # 13, Pittsburgh # 14 or Detroit # 17) so they can get a forward that drops and still have a pick to use on a defenseman.

Nashville is a bit of a defense factory and I can see them using one of picks #16 or #24 on Dragicevic. Having a divisional rival landing him is probably what happens

 

[surixon]

Lukas Dragicevic - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Lukas Dragicevic is one of the top defensive prospects going into the 2023 NHL Draft. Find out more about his game in his profile.

thehockeywriters.com

Dragicevic is by no means a perfect prospect, he does have some flaws to his game, but he is fairly dynamic with what he is good at which is driving offense.

I’m still in the process of researching some of the forwards in the 12 - 20 range, but if the prime candidates I want for the Jets are gone, I wouldn’t have any issues taking a chance on Dragicevic. He only started playing defense 3 years ago and is still learning the position. Wouldn’t surprise me to see his game improve dramatically over the next couple years at which time he’ll be ready to turn pro.

Regardless, whether you believe he can be coached to play defense or not, his puck skills in transition and creating offense both at 5 on 5 and power play are really very good. Not to mention being a 6’2” RH defenseman makes him a valued asset.

I’ve seen others make comparisons of Evan Bouchard, John Klingberg or Tyson Barrie, but I see some Mike Green like instincts in him. I gladly take that at # 18 in the draft.

Ideally Jets land another pick through trade (Buffalo # 13, Pittsburgh # 14 or Detroit # 17) so they can get a forward that drops and still have a pick to use on a defenseman.

Nashville is a bit of a defense factory and I can see them using one of picks #16 or #24 on Dragicevic. Having a divisional rival landing him is probably what happens

Wouldn't have any issue taking him at 18. The fact that he's so a RD is a plus.

 

[ps241]

Unless the Jets trade a vet like Schmidt or Dillon, I think they'll trade Stanley and either Heinola or Chisholm. I'd be surprised if Heinola is with the Moose again next season.

Yes if they are determined to keep the vets intact then Stanley has been passed by Samberg so he is the odd man out. Stanley is a team player but he wants out for the right reason, IMO he is at a crossroad in his career and he needs to be a full time NHL player somewhere next season. It might come down to what the returns are on both he and Ville.

My hopes are we aren’t running it back so hopefully Schief wants out. If so then I think we can start trading vet D men.

 

[sipowicz]

I'm curious what the org elects to do next year on d. Do they keep Chisholm up as he's almost assuredly not passing through waivers. It gives him one year as the injury guy before getting a full time role in a year when Dillion is gone.

Or do they move Dillion and let Heinola/Chisholm Duke it out for the spot.

Chevy likes giving up potential NHL’rs to waivers, also likes picking up other teams junk on waivers, gave up 2 guys both now playing the NHL and then gets back AHL level talent!

He’s so smart

Im sure Chevy is gonna draft another Finnish bust, Merkan bottom six or anyone else not born in Canada

 

[ps241]

Chevy likes giving up potential NHL’rs to waivers, also likes picking up other teams junk on waivers, gave up 2 guys both now playing the NHL and then gets back AHL level talent!

He’s so smart

Im sure Chevy is gonna draft another Finnish bust, Merkan bottom six or anyone else not born in Canada

We have drafted our fair share of Canadians but the problem is our scouts in Canada aren’t as good as Giese was in the US. Because Max could actually identify talent at a higher rate, the survivorship made it seem like we were drafting more Americans.

He’s going now so we’ll see what happens.

 

[sipowicz]

We have drafted our fair share of Canadians but the problem is our scouts in Canada aren’t as good as Giese was in the US. Because Max could actually identify talent at a higher rate, the survivorship made it seem like we were drafting more Americans.

He’s going now so we’ll see what happens.

Aside from drafting Connor as an obvious pick and lucking out on Samberg and Helly what other US draft pick has really stood out with Chevy’s 12 years of drafting Merikans?

if our US scouting is/was is so good, where are these guys, 12 Chevy drafts now and 3 US born guys he drafted on the roster (well 2 really, waiver wire level talent Appleton isn’t exactly a feather in Chevys cap)