10 NHL draft prospects who are helping their stock in odd scouting year - Sportsnet.ca
1. Kent Johnson, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): One of the most dynamic players this draft class has to offer, Johnson continues to create content for the highlight reel. There’s no denying his offensive instincts include a measure of risk not normally taken by freshman at the NCAA level. Johnson has put up point per game numbers, which fits with his CJHL Player of the Year honours from last season. Johnson puts up points, but not at the expense of giving them up the other way.
2. Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWE): There are plenty of high-end options at defence in this draft. The projection of the first one of them taken will range, but one of the names who will continually be in the conversation is Edvinsson's. He moves well, makes plays and projects to be a top-pairing, multi-situational defender. There have been some issues finding him a place to play. He’s too good for the Under-20 league, not quite ready for primetime SHL minutes, so the Allsvenskan is a nice go-between.
3. Owen Power, D, U of Michigan (NCAA): Has earned his ice with solid play at both ends of the rink. Not afraid to transport the puck or take calculated risks in the offensive zone. A massive (6-foot-5, 14 pounds), skilled defenceman who is excelling against older competition in his freshman season. Another name in the conversation as either being the first overall pick or the first defenceman off the board.
4. Luke Hughes, D, USNTDP: The third and final instalment of the Hughes brothers, Luke is following brother Quinn as a Michigan commit, while playing out this season with the famed US U18 program. Like his brothers, skating is the foundation for success. Add to that elite hockey sense and size (6-foot-2), and you have the makings of a top-pairing defenceman. While he may not be as dynamic as his brothers, he plays a more simple, safe and effective game. He makes good, accurate passes while being able to handle the puck with poise and confidence in the offensive zone.
5. Matthew Beniers, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): Beautiful blend of will and skill, Beniers was leaned on heavily at the world juniors. His numbers didn’t pop off the page there (three points in seven games), but he was trusted in most every situation. He’s not as dynamic as some others on this list, but he displays an excellent two-way game and some intangibles that will translate well to the NHL.
6. William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden (SHL): Due to COVID-19 protocols, he wasn’t able to participate in the world juniors. Had he been given the chance, he likely would’ve been one of Sweden’s top two centres. A modest 20-game stint in the SHL last season allowed him to feel comfortable starting with Djurgarden this season. Not only is he getting top-six minutes, but he’s producing at a top-six rate. There’s great deception in his shot, either by looking off-target, or through subtle manipulation of the blade angle. A hard worker who skates well and utilizes those assets to create turnovers and offence.
7. Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (SVK): Has been able to transition to the pro game in Slovakia and through 16 games he has four goals. Size, speed and offensive instincts define Clarke’s play. It will be fascinating to watch his game if and when the OHL returns to the ice.
8. Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga): Because of his success at home and internationally over the past couple seasons, Raty was pre-determined as a top-three pick going into this season. A poor start in Liiga play left him off Finland’s world junior team, though. There’s no doubt he possesses plenty of NHL translatable skills, but playing just over 11 minutes per game will be challenging to put up expected numbers. Turning those two disastrous narratives into a positive the rest of the way will be key to getting Raty back into top five contention.
9. Carson Lambos, D, Winnipeg Ice (QMJHL): The perfect example of what many European players face when coming over to North America to play junior hockey. Not only are the expectations high, but managing a new language, new food, new town, different rink size in a new location isn’t easy. Having said that, Lambos will likely look back on the experience as a positive one in furthering his hockey development. A couple games in the Liiga should serve as a great reminder of how fast the pace is at the pro level before re turns to the WHL ice.
10. Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): The numbers don’t dazzle like they did a year ago, but remember Bolduc is playing in different company this season. One thing is for certain: he is extremely talented with magic hands and the ability to release the puck in deceptive fashion. He excels in the small area game and will need to continue his work away from the puck and in the defensive zone. Bolduc is still understanding that many of the same skills used on offence are effective while defending.
Honourable Mentions
Nikita Chibrikov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS): Dynamic playmaker, entertaining
Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): Skater, sniper, confident
Xavier Borgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL): Deceptive shooter
Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL): Well-rounded defenceman
Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL): Gutsy, gritty, skilled
Daniil Chayka, D, Guelph Storm (OHL): Big, mobile defenceman
Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea Jr. (SWE): Temperamental yet dynamic
Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough Petes (OHL): Pure goal scorer
Stanislav Svozil, D, Brno (CZE): Second season playing pro
Matt Coronato, RW, Chicago (USHL): Leads USHL in goals
