Post by brentdog on Jul 8, 2017 15:21:06 GMT -5
1) Zack Stringer (LW) – Kelowna Rockets – WHL
Standing 6’2” and weighing 194 lbs, Stringer boasts the strength on and off the puck that you’d expect from a big, physical winger, as well as a potentially elite-level offensive skillset. Close to a complete package with a good combination of size and mobility with great moves and dekes. Has a very good release but is also unselfish and can set up scoring chances for linemates. Excellent puck-handler, very effective in traffic. Able to stand his ground just about every time he gets involved in a corner battle. Huge amount of upside with seemingly little downside.
2) Cameron Whynot (LD) - Chicoutimi Saguenéens – QMJHL
Selected 1st overall in the QMJHL entry draft, the towering Whynot (6’3”, 188lbs) is a cornerstone defender with franchise potential. Excels at taking away the opposition’s time and space, while conversely creating plenty of it for his teammates. Uses his body strength to not only hold opponents to the outside but lay booming body checks when the time is right. Plays with poise and composure through high pressure situations and, with the puck on his stick, can direct the play up-ice. Few – if any – obvious weaknesses in his game.
3) Hunter Strand (C) – USNTDP – USHL
Capable of providing superior play in every situation, Strand was a big reason why Team USA came within a whisker of winning gold at the Ivan Hlinka, playing close to 20 minutes a game and consistently producing highlight-reel plays. He can be one heck of a fancy player if the situation calls for it. A strong skater who can dangle, dazzle and hit, Strand has justifiably drawn comparisons to the Senator’s Ryan Johansen. Processes the play at a high level and has shown the proven ability to take over games.
4) Dovar Tinling (C) – Charlottetown Islanders – QMJHL
With 104 points in 68 games for the Charlottetown Islanders, Tinling has scored points for fun in the QMJHL this year and it’s easy to see why. Displays outstanding hockey sense, particularly in the offensive zone. Seems to always be able to identify the correct time to shift up through the gears and elude coverage. Superior skater with good straight line speed and first-step quickness. No slouch in the defensive end either – can read the incoming plays well and break them up in advance thanks to his active stickwork.
5) Connor Lockhart (C) – Peterborough Petes – OHL
A feisty, quick forward with good puck skills and an excellent shot, Lockhart is a dynamic player with a developing two-way game. Scored at almost a point per game this season (62 pts in 63 games) despite mostly playing 3rd line minutes on a stacked Petes team. Smooth skater with good agility who excels at using his speed and turning ability to gain time and space. Tenacious forechecker who competes hard every shift from start to finish.
6) Carson Lambos (LD) – Portland Winterhawks – WHL
The 4th overall pick in the 2018 WHL bantam draft, Lambos has been one of the few bright sparks for a struggling Winterhawks franchise this year, posting 59 points in 72 WHL games. Sturdy two-way defenseman who seems built for the modern game - strong, explosive and assertive, Lambos is a great skater with excellent balance and superior mobility both up and across the ice. Loves to join the rush and can read a developing play as well as any of his draft-eligible peers. Displays good gap work and knows how to use his stick to break up a play. Capable of playing physically when required.
7) Nikita Chibrikov (C) – MVD Balashikha – MHL
Arguably Europe’s most talented draft-eligible playmaker, Chibrikov is a dynamic offensive player with excellent vision and puckhandling. A dangler, deker and head-faker who can beat you with his vision or his skills. An absolute beast in one-on-one scenarios, Chibrikov is one of those possession wizards who seems to be able to slow the game down and keep the puck until whenever he feels like getting rid of it. Not overly defensive in his instincts but still knows where to position himself when needed. Lacks physicality but his high-end skills are worthy of a Top-10 selection even with the 'Russia factor' taken into account.
8) Jesper Wallstedt (G) - VIK Västerås HK – ALL
Big, athletic and intensely competitive, Wallstedt has enjoyed a standout rookie season playing for Västerås in the Allsvenskan, the Swedish second tier, posting a .910% and garnering 5 shutouts in 46 games. Fantastic at using his size to challenge the shooter but doesn’t rely on it, as his athleticism is also top notch – could conceivably be 5” shorter and still be just as good owing to his reflexes and recovery skills. Best of all is his rebound control, an area where many young goalies suffer, as he consistently swallows up pucks or deflects them away to the corners.
9) Marcus Kjær Almquist (RW) - Frölunda HC J18 – J18 Elit
Compared favourably in his home country to Rangers forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Almquist is usually the most skilled player on the ice at any given time. Like most offensive forwards, his commitment to the defensive zone is a work in progress, but he likes to get involved on the forecheck and hustle for the puck. Defenders are forced to respect his speed and stickhandling, both of which he uses to devastating effect. Very creative in the offensive zone and simply oozes confidence with the puck on his stick.
10) Sasha Pastujov (LW) – Saginaw Spirit – OHL
The youngest and probably the most talented of the Pastujov brothers, Sasha is that rare combination of power and finesse. Only 6’0” tall and 197lbs, but plays like he was 3 inches and 20 pounds heavier. Uses his stocky frame and high-end stick skills to protect the puck as well as anyone in the draft. A thinking man’s power forward, insofar as he doesn’t necessarily rely on brute force to make plays; sees the ice exceptionally well and can draw opponents towards him before hitting the open man. With this said, remains happy to go to the dirty areas and lay on a big hit when required.
Standing 6’2” and weighing 194 lbs, Stringer boasts the strength on and off the puck that you’d expect from a big, physical winger, as well as a potentially elite-level offensive skillset. Close to a complete package with a good combination of size and mobility with great moves and dekes. Has a very good release but is also unselfish and can set up scoring chances for linemates. Excellent puck-handler, very effective in traffic. Able to stand his ground just about every time he gets involved in a corner battle. Huge amount of upside with seemingly little downside.
2) Cameron Whynot (LD) - Chicoutimi Saguenéens – QMJHL
Selected 1st overall in the QMJHL entry draft, the towering Whynot (6’3”, 188lbs) is a cornerstone defender with franchise potential. Excels at taking away the opposition’s time and space, while conversely creating plenty of it for his teammates. Uses his body strength to not only hold opponents to the outside but lay booming body checks when the time is right. Plays with poise and composure through high pressure situations and, with the puck on his stick, can direct the play up-ice. Few – if any – obvious weaknesses in his game.
3) Hunter Strand (C) – USNTDP – USHL
Capable of providing superior play in every situation, Strand was a big reason why Team USA came within a whisker of winning gold at the Ivan Hlinka, playing close to 20 minutes a game and consistently producing highlight-reel plays. He can be one heck of a fancy player if the situation calls for it. A strong skater who can dangle, dazzle and hit, Strand has justifiably drawn comparisons to the Senator’s Ryan Johansen. Processes the play at a high level and has shown the proven ability to take over games.
4) Dovar Tinling (C) – Charlottetown Islanders – QMJHL
With 104 points in 68 games for the Charlottetown Islanders, Tinling has scored points for fun in the QMJHL this year and it’s easy to see why. Displays outstanding hockey sense, particularly in the offensive zone. Seems to always be able to identify the correct time to shift up through the gears and elude coverage. Superior skater with good straight line speed and first-step quickness. No slouch in the defensive end either – can read the incoming plays well and break them up in advance thanks to his active stickwork.
5) Connor Lockhart (C) – Peterborough Petes – OHL
A feisty, quick forward with good puck skills and an excellent shot, Lockhart is a dynamic player with a developing two-way game. Scored at almost a point per game this season (62 pts in 63 games) despite mostly playing 3rd line minutes on a stacked Petes team. Smooth skater with good agility who excels at using his speed and turning ability to gain time and space. Tenacious forechecker who competes hard every shift from start to finish.
6) Carson Lambos (LD) – Portland Winterhawks – WHL
The 4th overall pick in the 2018 WHL bantam draft, Lambos has been one of the few bright sparks for a struggling Winterhawks franchise this year, posting 59 points in 72 WHL games. Sturdy two-way defenseman who seems built for the modern game - strong, explosive and assertive, Lambos is a great skater with excellent balance and superior mobility both up and across the ice. Loves to join the rush and can read a developing play as well as any of his draft-eligible peers. Displays good gap work and knows how to use his stick to break up a play. Capable of playing physically when required.
7) Nikita Chibrikov (C) – MVD Balashikha – MHL
Arguably Europe’s most talented draft-eligible playmaker, Chibrikov is a dynamic offensive player with excellent vision and puckhandling. A dangler, deker and head-faker who can beat you with his vision or his skills. An absolute beast in one-on-one scenarios, Chibrikov is one of those possession wizards who seems to be able to slow the game down and keep the puck until whenever he feels like getting rid of it. Not overly defensive in his instincts but still knows where to position himself when needed. Lacks physicality but his high-end skills are worthy of a Top-10 selection even with the 'Russia factor' taken into account.
8) Jesper Wallstedt (G) - VIK Västerås HK – ALL
Big, athletic and intensely competitive, Wallstedt has enjoyed a standout rookie season playing for Västerås in the Allsvenskan, the Swedish second tier, posting a .910% and garnering 5 shutouts in 46 games. Fantastic at using his size to challenge the shooter but doesn’t rely on it, as his athleticism is also top notch – could conceivably be 5” shorter and still be just as good owing to his reflexes and recovery skills. Best of all is his rebound control, an area where many young goalies suffer, as he consistently swallows up pucks or deflects them away to the corners.
9) Marcus Kjær Almquist (RW) - Frölunda HC J18 – J18 Elit
Compared favourably in his home country to Rangers forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Almquist is usually the most skilled player on the ice at any given time. Like most offensive forwards, his commitment to the defensive zone is a work in progress, but he likes to get involved on the forecheck and hustle for the puck. Defenders are forced to respect his speed and stickhandling, both of which he uses to devastating effect. Very creative in the offensive zone and simply oozes confidence with the puck on his stick.
10) Sasha Pastujov (LW) – Saginaw Spirit – OHL
The youngest and probably the most talented of the Pastujov brothers, Sasha is that rare combination of power and finesse. Only 6’0” tall and 197lbs, but plays like he was 3 inches and 20 pounds heavier. Uses his stocky frame and high-end stick skills to protect the puck as well as anyone in the draft. A thinking man’s power forward, insofar as he doesn’t necessarily rely on brute force to make plays; sees the ice exceptionally well and can draw opponents towards him before hitting the open man. With this said, remains happy to go to the dirty areas and lay on a big hit when required.