ISS Hockey 2022 Draft Rankings (11-20)
Nov 24, 2017 7:42:49 GMT -5
bjernagris (PHI), Travis (DET), and 1 more like this
Post by brentdog on Nov 24, 2017 7:42:49 GMT -5
11) Michael La Starza (C) – Val-d'Or Foreurs– QMJHL
A hard-hitting forward who lives to put the puck in the net, La Starza was the 4th overall pick in the 2020 QMJHL draft and has rewarded Val-d’Or Foreurs with 80 points in 68 games. Loves to stand in front of the net and has the quick, soft hands necessary to score on rebounds and deflections. Tremendously accurate wrist-shot with a quick release. Frequetly engages in board battles and has the frame to overpower defensemen. Needs to learn when to rein in his competitive instinct; 186 Penalty Minutes show he can be as much of a liability as he an asset at times.
12) Juraj Slavkovsky (C) – Dinamo Riga – KHL
Were it not for the ‘Russia factor’ there’s a fair chance this tremendously talented skater would be higher on our list. Not many rookies score 38 pts in their debut KHL season but with Slavkovsky it’s easy to see why, thanks in large part to his uncanny ability to read the play in the opposition zone. Allied to sound skating and stick skills this makes him an intriguing prospect with a high offensive upside. Somewhat lacklustre on the forecheck at this point but does at least know where to position himself effectively in a defensive sense.
13) Michael Karvelas (LD) – Lethbridge Hurricanes – WHL
California-born Karvelas is an offensive defenceman with excellent vision and puckhandling ability. Fluid skater who pivots extremely well and has first-step quickness. Often takes risks with the in the offensive zone, but his teammates trust him implicitly with the puck, as he has the skills to back up his intentions. Defensive game remains inconsistent although does display good gap control and an active stick.
14) Oskari Hult (C) – SaiPa Lappeenranta– Liiga
A big-bodied forward with skill, the 6’2”, 210 lbs Hult made his Liiga debut this season and didn’t look out of place, putting up 16 points with limited minutes on the ice. Strong in the corners and strong on the puck, Hult loves to hit hard and create chaos around the opposition net. Has a strong, accurate shot which he can fire off the rush, although does seem to favor shooting the puck far more than stopping and creating.
15) Jack Devine (RW) – Oshawa Generals – OHL
A first round pick for Oshawa in the 2019 OHL Prioirty selection, Devine is an electrifying puckhandler who can pull off the type of outrageous moves that leave defenders looking foolish. Not the speediest of skaters but makes up for it with good balance and edgework, outfoxing his opponents with quick turns and pivots rather straight-line speed. Good passer although sometimes struggles with seeing the open lane. Needs to work on his hockey sense and two-way game.
16) Charlie Gollob (C) – Flint Firebirds – OHL
The Firebirds have been a lacklustre franchise for years – it’s now been almost a decade since they finished in a Top 2 spot in their OHL division. Fortunately in Gollob they have exactly the kind of responsible ‘all-situations’ center who can transform a franchise. Produced inconsistent offensive results this season, but did show a few highlight-reel worthy offensive plays. Difficult to separate from the puck thanks to his combination of strength and skill. Plays hard and fast on the forecheck, forcing the opposition to panic and make bad decisions. Could improve his reading of the game but more big minutes in the OHL should help in that respect.
17) David Matis (RD) – Missisauga Steelheads – OHL
Unlike last years 1st round German defensive pick Arvid Meyn, Matis took the decision to come over to North America after he was drafted 3rd overall by Mississauga in the 2021 CHL import draft. It’s a decision that has paid off in spades for both Matis and the Steelheads, with the talented blueliner improving upon his offensive production while also ironing out some wrinkles in his own zone. A two-way defenseman with excellent positioning who gets good acceleration from a long, powerful stride. Good on-ice agility and puckhandling skills mean he is adept at leading the rush and creating offensive opportunities.
18) Patrick Thomas (RW) – Windsor Spitfires – OHL
The 5’11”, 211 lbs Thomas is a smart, mature winger who showcases good decision-making alongside an exceptional understanding of the game. A true three-zone player who is defensively responsible. Very dangerous on the forecheck due to his ability to read the developing play and cut off breakout passes with an active stick. If anything his offensive awareness is even better: Thomas keeps the game simple, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and plays a very calm game overall. Not a flashy puckhandler, but can carry it up ice and distribute it well.
19) William Yee (RD) – Portland Winterhawks – WHL
Formerly pegged as a potential Top-10 pick, Yee’s slide here represents the surprisingly poor season experienced by the Winterhawks. You’d expect a blueline featuring former 4th overall pick Carson Lambos and Alberta-born standout Grayson Gotaas to be one of the best in the WHL, but thanks to injuries and chemistry issues they shipped 272 goals for the 6th worst defensive record in the league. Yee was a major part of the problem, scoring just 25 points in 72 regular season games, but scouts still rate his skating ability and solid two-way potential. Excellent acceleration and slick hands mean he is a threat whenever his team is on the breakout. Has all the tools to be a Top-4 staple but does he have the temperament to put it all together?
20) Sam Särnblad (LD) – Frölunda HC– SWE J20
A smart, multi-situational defender, Särnblad scored more than a point per game in the Swedish J20 league for his second season in a row and it’s surely only a matter of time before he graduates to the full Frölunda roster. Possesses a smooth and fleet-footed stride that generates a good amount of speed. Relatively aggressive for a Swedish blueliner and can often be seen rubbing his opponent out along the boards. Doesn’t panic with the puck on his stick but tends to go for the simple, safe play rather than try anything creative; will need to improve his vision and offensive IQ to be a full-spectrum threat at the iNHL level.
A hard-hitting forward who lives to put the puck in the net, La Starza was the 4th overall pick in the 2020 QMJHL draft and has rewarded Val-d’Or Foreurs with 80 points in 68 games. Loves to stand in front of the net and has the quick, soft hands necessary to score on rebounds and deflections. Tremendously accurate wrist-shot with a quick release. Frequetly engages in board battles and has the frame to overpower defensemen. Needs to learn when to rein in his competitive instinct; 186 Penalty Minutes show he can be as much of a liability as he an asset at times.
12) Juraj Slavkovsky (C) – Dinamo Riga – KHL
Were it not for the ‘Russia factor’ there’s a fair chance this tremendously talented skater would be higher on our list. Not many rookies score 38 pts in their debut KHL season but with Slavkovsky it’s easy to see why, thanks in large part to his uncanny ability to read the play in the opposition zone. Allied to sound skating and stick skills this makes him an intriguing prospect with a high offensive upside. Somewhat lacklustre on the forecheck at this point but does at least know where to position himself effectively in a defensive sense.
13) Michael Karvelas (LD) – Lethbridge Hurricanes – WHL
California-born Karvelas is an offensive defenceman with excellent vision and puckhandling ability. Fluid skater who pivots extremely well and has first-step quickness. Often takes risks with the in the offensive zone, but his teammates trust him implicitly with the puck, as he has the skills to back up his intentions. Defensive game remains inconsistent although does display good gap control and an active stick.
14) Oskari Hult (C) – SaiPa Lappeenranta– Liiga
A big-bodied forward with skill, the 6’2”, 210 lbs Hult made his Liiga debut this season and didn’t look out of place, putting up 16 points with limited minutes on the ice. Strong in the corners and strong on the puck, Hult loves to hit hard and create chaos around the opposition net. Has a strong, accurate shot which he can fire off the rush, although does seem to favor shooting the puck far more than stopping and creating.
15) Jack Devine (RW) – Oshawa Generals – OHL
A first round pick for Oshawa in the 2019 OHL Prioirty selection, Devine is an electrifying puckhandler who can pull off the type of outrageous moves that leave defenders looking foolish. Not the speediest of skaters but makes up for it with good balance and edgework, outfoxing his opponents with quick turns and pivots rather straight-line speed. Good passer although sometimes struggles with seeing the open lane. Needs to work on his hockey sense and two-way game.
16) Charlie Gollob (C) – Flint Firebirds – OHL
The Firebirds have been a lacklustre franchise for years – it’s now been almost a decade since they finished in a Top 2 spot in their OHL division. Fortunately in Gollob they have exactly the kind of responsible ‘all-situations’ center who can transform a franchise. Produced inconsistent offensive results this season, but did show a few highlight-reel worthy offensive plays. Difficult to separate from the puck thanks to his combination of strength and skill. Plays hard and fast on the forecheck, forcing the opposition to panic and make bad decisions. Could improve his reading of the game but more big minutes in the OHL should help in that respect.
17) David Matis (RD) – Missisauga Steelheads – OHL
Unlike last years 1st round German defensive pick Arvid Meyn, Matis took the decision to come over to North America after he was drafted 3rd overall by Mississauga in the 2021 CHL import draft. It’s a decision that has paid off in spades for both Matis and the Steelheads, with the talented blueliner improving upon his offensive production while also ironing out some wrinkles in his own zone. A two-way defenseman with excellent positioning who gets good acceleration from a long, powerful stride. Good on-ice agility and puckhandling skills mean he is adept at leading the rush and creating offensive opportunities.
18) Patrick Thomas (RW) – Windsor Spitfires – OHL
The 5’11”, 211 lbs Thomas is a smart, mature winger who showcases good decision-making alongside an exceptional understanding of the game. A true three-zone player who is defensively responsible. Very dangerous on the forecheck due to his ability to read the developing play and cut off breakout passes with an active stick. If anything his offensive awareness is even better: Thomas keeps the game simple, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and plays a very calm game overall. Not a flashy puckhandler, but can carry it up ice and distribute it well.
19) William Yee (RD) – Portland Winterhawks – WHL
Formerly pegged as a potential Top-10 pick, Yee’s slide here represents the surprisingly poor season experienced by the Winterhawks. You’d expect a blueline featuring former 4th overall pick Carson Lambos and Alberta-born standout Grayson Gotaas to be one of the best in the WHL, but thanks to injuries and chemistry issues they shipped 272 goals for the 6th worst defensive record in the league. Yee was a major part of the problem, scoring just 25 points in 72 regular season games, but scouts still rate his skating ability and solid two-way potential. Excellent acceleration and slick hands mean he is a threat whenever his team is on the breakout. Has all the tools to be a Top-4 staple but does he have the temperament to put it all together?
20) Sam Särnblad (LD) – Frölunda HC– SWE J20
A smart, multi-situational defender, Särnblad scored more than a point per game in the Swedish J20 league for his second season in a row and it’s surely only a matter of time before he graduates to the full Frölunda roster. Possesses a smooth and fleet-footed stride that generates a good amount of speed. Relatively aggressive for a Swedish blueliner and can often be seen rubbing his opponent out along the boards. Doesn’t panic with the puck on his stick but tends to go for the simple, safe play rather than try anything creative; will need to improve his vision and offensive IQ to be a full-spectrum threat at the iNHL level.