ISS Hockey 2018 Draft Rankings (1 - 10)
Aug 18, 2016 8:54:31 GMT -5
Beans (BOS), bjernagris (PHI), and 2 more like this
Post by brentdog on Aug 18, 2016 8:54:31 GMT -5
1. Andrei Svechnikov (RW) – Hamburg Icemen - DEL
Younger brother to Evgeni Svechnikov, the Red Wings 2015 1st round pick, and widely considered to be the best Russian prospect since the 2004 Ovechkin-Malkin draft class. Has put up 30 points in 52 games playing against seasoned professionals in the DEL. At 6’3” and 215 lbs, Svechnikov possesses imposing size allied to an elite level hockey IQ. Highly dangerous offensive threat with all the tools needed to be an immediate impact player at iNHL level: speed, agility, vision, power, shot and hands. Could improve his play away from the puck but his offensive potential is such that he has to be judged the consensus No.1 pick for this draft.
2. Ryan McLeod (C) – Mississauga Steelheads - OHL
A slick, offensive minded pivot with great feet and explosiveness, Ryan is the younger brother to Michael McLeod, drafted 21st overall in the 2016 draft. Has been the Steelheads ‘go to player’ in all situations this year; was captain of the team and showed excellent understanding on the ice whilst putting up 86 points in 66 OHL games. Plays with purpose and passion in all three zones - 200ft player who works hard every shift. Has the size, skill, speed and smarts to become a first-line centre in the iNHL.
3. Joe Veleno (C) – Saint John Sea Dogs – QMJHL
The 6-foot-2, 207-lbs Veleno is the first player in the history of the QMJHL to land the exceptional player designation, joining an exclusive group comprising John Tavares, Aaron Edblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day in the process. Has justified the decision with a total of 222 points across 197 games in the Q, helping the Sea Dogs win back-to-back championships in the process. With a game based around his superb hockey sense and ability to read the developing play, he distributes the puck exceptionally well and makes those around him that much better.
4. Ryan Merkley (RD) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
Drafted 4th overall in the 2016 OHL Entry Draft, Merkley is a smooth and savvy two-way defender who brings confidence and composure on the puck. Exhibits the type of poise one would expect from a ten-year veteran – excellent at quarter-backing a power play as he rarely panics under pressure. Has the ability to thread a pass that not many others could and also possesses a hard, accurate shot from the point, as shown by 60 points in 60 OHL games so far this season. Not an overly physical defender, but positionally sound and his mobility allows him to defend extremely well in one-on-one situations.
5. Jake Wise (C) – Western US Jr B – Junior B
As a Massachusets native Wise has inevitably drawn comparisons with Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, and Sports Illustrated’s “Can’t Miss Kid” Bobby Carpenter, who scored 320 NHL goals. A complete player who can contribute at both ends of the ice in many ways; he has hockey sense, size, skill, skating and a competitive nature with both playmaking and goal scoring abilities. Always looks dangerous when he is around the play; has the ability to carry the puck and make defenders miss, sees the ice well and his passes are hard and accurate. Plays a full 200-foot game and doesn’t take any short cuts in any zone. Has drawn criticism for remaining in the Tier III NA3HL with the Rochester Ice Hawks, and whilst he has dominated at this level with an average of 2 points per game, the quality of the opposition has inevitably hurt his standing in the draft.
6. Mattias Samuelsson (RD) – USNTDP - USHL
The son of former NHL defenseman Kjell Samuelsson, Mattias is a tall, aggressive defenceman with a heavy shot and immense athletic ability. Standing at 6’5” and 228 lbs, he has a pro-ready frame and looks capable of stepping in immediately at the iNHL level. Very difficult to play against when he is on his game; skates around with ease for such a big man and has shown the ability to simply take over games physically in the USHL. Plays with a real edge to his game and is happy to finish his checks hard, whilst still maintaining good reads and positioning in the D-zone.
7. Bode Wilde (RD) – Saginaw Spirit – OHL
Wilde is a big, mobile, right-hand shot defensemen with an ‘all action’ style. Has showcased his extensive skillset this season in the OHL, from aggressive hits in his own end, to a strong skating game paired with an ability to read the play and strip an opponent of the puck. He does everything very well and at top speed. A long, powerful stride and high-end puck skills allow him to create offense from the back end as well as jumping up to join the rush at the right time. Quick to release his cannon of a shot from the point and does a good job of getting it on net, making him a potent weapon on the powerplay.
8. Grigori Denisenko (RW) – Locomotive Yaroslavl - KHL
Skilled forward who has really turned heads in the KHL this season, putting up 41 points in 52 games at just 17 years of age. Has the skills and skating ability to lift fans out of their seats; equally capable of beating an opponent with a burst of speed or down low with his stick handling. Whilst he doesn’t have the largest frame, good agility and balance allows him to maintain puck control even when under pressure from stronger opponents. Occasionally lazy in the defensive zone, but a positive +/- score this season shows that he can contribute effectively at both ends of the ice and has clear potential to be a top-line offensive winger in the iNHL.
9. Oliver Wahlstrom (C) – US High School - HS
Wahlstrom first shot to prominence as a 9 year-old when a trick shot he performed in a shoot-out went viral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQIAwysyXRY). Has since developed into a talented goalscorer with high-end offensive skills; does things you can’t teach and always seems to want the puck. Slick puckhandler with soft hands, good shot and an excellent release, whilst also possessing the physical tools to play hard when necessary. Knows how to find the 'soft' areas on the ice and score goals. As with others, has curiously chosen to stay in the High School system and thus question marks must remain over his drive and ambition.
10. David Levin (LW) - Sudbury Wolves - OHL
Taken 1st overall in the 2015 OHL draft, Levin is is a highly skilled player who loves to have the puck on his stick. Does a great job of finding open ice in the offensive zone to either create or score, as evidenced by 73 points in 63 OHL games. Has the ability to beat anyone one-on-one; very hard to knock-off the puck due to a strong core and low center of gravity. A compact skater with good agility and quickness who is capable of changing gears in mid-stride. Although not a physical player, he competes hard and never seems to take a shift off.
Younger brother to Evgeni Svechnikov, the Red Wings 2015 1st round pick, and widely considered to be the best Russian prospect since the 2004 Ovechkin-Malkin draft class. Has put up 30 points in 52 games playing against seasoned professionals in the DEL. At 6’3” and 215 lbs, Svechnikov possesses imposing size allied to an elite level hockey IQ. Highly dangerous offensive threat with all the tools needed to be an immediate impact player at iNHL level: speed, agility, vision, power, shot and hands. Could improve his play away from the puck but his offensive potential is such that he has to be judged the consensus No.1 pick for this draft.
2. Ryan McLeod (C) – Mississauga Steelheads - OHL
A slick, offensive minded pivot with great feet and explosiveness, Ryan is the younger brother to Michael McLeod, drafted 21st overall in the 2016 draft. Has been the Steelheads ‘go to player’ in all situations this year; was captain of the team and showed excellent understanding on the ice whilst putting up 86 points in 66 OHL games. Plays with purpose and passion in all three zones - 200ft player who works hard every shift. Has the size, skill, speed and smarts to become a first-line centre in the iNHL.
3. Joe Veleno (C) – Saint John Sea Dogs – QMJHL
The 6-foot-2, 207-lbs Veleno is the first player in the history of the QMJHL to land the exceptional player designation, joining an exclusive group comprising John Tavares, Aaron Edblad, Connor McDavid and Sean Day in the process. Has justified the decision with a total of 222 points across 197 games in the Q, helping the Sea Dogs win back-to-back championships in the process. With a game based around his superb hockey sense and ability to read the developing play, he distributes the puck exceptionally well and makes those around him that much better.
4. Ryan Merkley (RD) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL
Drafted 4th overall in the 2016 OHL Entry Draft, Merkley is a smooth and savvy two-way defender who brings confidence and composure on the puck. Exhibits the type of poise one would expect from a ten-year veteran – excellent at quarter-backing a power play as he rarely panics under pressure. Has the ability to thread a pass that not many others could and also possesses a hard, accurate shot from the point, as shown by 60 points in 60 OHL games so far this season. Not an overly physical defender, but positionally sound and his mobility allows him to defend extremely well in one-on-one situations.
5. Jake Wise (C) – Western US Jr B – Junior B
As a Massachusets native Wise has inevitably drawn comparisons with Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, and Sports Illustrated’s “Can’t Miss Kid” Bobby Carpenter, who scored 320 NHL goals. A complete player who can contribute at both ends of the ice in many ways; he has hockey sense, size, skill, skating and a competitive nature with both playmaking and goal scoring abilities. Always looks dangerous when he is around the play; has the ability to carry the puck and make defenders miss, sees the ice well and his passes are hard and accurate. Plays a full 200-foot game and doesn’t take any short cuts in any zone. Has drawn criticism for remaining in the Tier III NA3HL with the Rochester Ice Hawks, and whilst he has dominated at this level with an average of 2 points per game, the quality of the opposition has inevitably hurt his standing in the draft.
6. Mattias Samuelsson (RD) – USNTDP - USHL
The son of former NHL defenseman Kjell Samuelsson, Mattias is a tall, aggressive defenceman with a heavy shot and immense athletic ability. Standing at 6’5” and 228 lbs, he has a pro-ready frame and looks capable of stepping in immediately at the iNHL level. Very difficult to play against when he is on his game; skates around with ease for such a big man and has shown the ability to simply take over games physically in the USHL. Plays with a real edge to his game and is happy to finish his checks hard, whilst still maintaining good reads and positioning in the D-zone.
7. Bode Wilde (RD) – Saginaw Spirit – OHL
Wilde is a big, mobile, right-hand shot defensemen with an ‘all action’ style. Has showcased his extensive skillset this season in the OHL, from aggressive hits in his own end, to a strong skating game paired with an ability to read the play and strip an opponent of the puck. He does everything very well and at top speed. A long, powerful stride and high-end puck skills allow him to create offense from the back end as well as jumping up to join the rush at the right time. Quick to release his cannon of a shot from the point and does a good job of getting it on net, making him a potent weapon on the powerplay.
8. Grigori Denisenko (RW) – Locomotive Yaroslavl - KHL
Skilled forward who has really turned heads in the KHL this season, putting up 41 points in 52 games at just 17 years of age. Has the skills and skating ability to lift fans out of their seats; equally capable of beating an opponent with a burst of speed or down low with his stick handling. Whilst he doesn’t have the largest frame, good agility and balance allows him to maintain puck control even when under pressure from stronger opponents. Occasionally lazy in the defensive zone, but a positive +/- score this season shows that he can contribute effectively at both ends of the ice and has clear potential to be a top-line offensive winger in the iNHL.
9. Oliver Wahlstrom (C) – US High School - HS
Wahlstrom first shot to prominence as a 9 year-old when a trick shot he performed in a shoot-out went viral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQIAwysyXRY). Has since developed into a talented goalscorer with high-end offensive skills; does things you can’t teach and always seems to want the puck. Slick puckhandler with soft hands, good shot and an excellent release, whilst also possessing the physical tools to play hard when necessary. Knows how to find the 'soft' areas on the ice and score goals. As with others, has curiously chosen to stay in the High School system and thus question marks must remain over his drive and ambition.
10. David Levin (LW) - Sudbury Wolves - OHL
Taken 1st overall in the 2015 OHL draft, Levin is is a highly skilled player who loves to have the puck on his stick. Does a great job of finding open ice in the offensive zone to either create or score, as evidenced by 73 points in 63 OHL games. Has the ability to beat anyone one-on-one; very hard to knock-off the puck due to a strong core and low center of gravity. A compact skater with good agility and quickness who is capable of changing gears in mid-stride. Although not a physical player, he competes hard and never seems to take a shift off.