Ben JONES – McKeen's Hockey

Vegas Golden Knights 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 13:27:39 +0000

If you have been looking at this section throughout this guidebook, you may have noticed that most teams still have a number of players that they have been nurturing for upwards of six or seven years. Gus drafted in 2012 or 2013 and have not made it yet, but look to still retain some of the promise that had them noticed in the first place.

The Golden Knights obviously do not share that distinction. The top 20 below does have one player each who had been drafted in the 2012 and 2013 drafts, respectively, but of course neither of the two were originally drafted by Vegas. 2012 draft pick Jake Bischoff came over from the New York Islanders as part of an expansion draft trade that funneled both the player and a first round pick to Vegas in exchange for giving the Islanders a say in who the expansion team would draft off their roster. 2013 pick Valentin Zykov has had a journeyman existence in the NHL, playing in 40 games spread over three seasons and three teams (Carolina, Edmonton, and Vegas, after he never played an NHL team for the LA Kings, who had originally drafted him in the second round).

Yet even without an abundance of mature prospects in the system, we still rank the Golden Knights among the top ten prospect pipelines in the sport. Even without any additional context, that is a remarkable distinction for this still nascent organization. But it gets better. As Vegas’ NHL team has been historically strong in its first two campaigns, the team had shockingly found itself as a deadline buyer, putting it in the unexpected position of needing to trade from the future to buttress the present. And so in the last year, they traded two thirds of its first first round draft haul to beef up the roster with in-their-prime talents. Nick Suzuki, who would have been third on the list below, was traded to Montreal, along with Tomas Tatar and a 2019 second round pick, for Max Pacioretty. That second round pick, by the way, would have ranked fourth on this list.

Then we have the case of Erik Brannstrom. Another 2017 first rounder who had been destroying the AHL as a teenager and was named to the 2019 WJC All Star Team, was traded at the 2019 deadline to Ottawa for two-way powerhouse winger Mark Stone. Brannstrom would have been jockeying with Peyton Krebs for the second slot on the Vegas list.

Finally, former GM George McPhee traded the team’s 2018 first round pick to Detroit, along with another 2019 second rounder and a third round pick in 2021, for the aforementioned Tatar. That trade did not work out for the Golden Knights, and the player Detroit drafted, Joe Veleno, would be right there in Brannstrom territory on this list.

Despite missing four players who would have ranked very high on this – or any – team list, we still have the Vegas system as the sixth strongest in the NHL. What is their secret? It isn’t a liberal daily regimen of Oil of Olay. They make draft selections based on skill instead of size. They still have a few players, Bischoff included, from their expansion draft maneuverings. They are a prime destination for high end NCAA free agents, two of whom are included below. In other words, it isn’t one thing, but many things. The Golden Knights will be bringing in their second wave of talent before the first wave peters out.

-Ryan Wagman

Vegas Golden Knights forward Valentin Zykov. (Photo by Scott Grau/Icon Sportswire)

1 Cody Glass, C (6^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 1) The Golden Knights first ever draft pick is a highly touted prospect and should be an elite talent when ready. Glass, who should have had a dominant year, seemed to have a disappointing season as he was hampered with injuries and misfortune. The Winterhawks’ captain skated with the team for 38 games during which he compiled 69 points, before missing the majority of the second half with a leg injury. Glass also put up six points in five games for Canada at the WJC. He returned for one playoff game for Portland before being promoted to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves where he played in their last six regular season games, before he scored seven goals and 15 points in 22 playoff games adjusting seamlessly to the heightened pace and physicality of the pros, looking dynamic in the process. He should challenge for a position with Vegas this season. - KO

2 Peyton Krebs, C (17^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A player with Krebs’ combination of sublime skating ability and puck skills should not last all the way to pick 17 in the draft, but he may have been held back by one or both of his numbers suffering due to playing for one of the worst teams in the CHL and/or an Achilles injury which required surgery after his season ended. In addition to his offensive tools, Krebs can play a structured two-way game and plays stronger along the boards than his size might indicate. He is also an experienced leader, having worn the “C” as a 17 year-old with Kootenay and again at the WU18 for Team Canada. He is not necessarily small, but his physical game is not expected to be a factor at the next level. He may miss the first couple of months of this season as he continues to recover, but it should not impact his continued, long-term development. He is a clear top-six forward for the Golden Knights second wave of talent. - RW

3 Pavel Dorofeyev, LW (79^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A dynamic player with a great set of hands, Dorofeyev plays an exciting East-West game and exhibits sound technique and excellent vision of the ice. The forward had a strong 2018-19 campaign, including scoring his first KHL goal. This year, he will be called to reach new heights as he clearly outgrew the Russian junior league (31 points in 19 games), but it won’t be easy for him to find a spot on one of the top KHL teams. He is a very dangerous player one-on-one and in the open ice, but he is not a strong defensive player, both stereotypical Russian traits. His very smooth hands make him a highlight-reel player, but he will be a top-six-or-bust player only. He is still very young – a later 2000 born – and this plays to his favor. He is currently entering the last year of his contract, and barring a breakout season, he should be cautious about leaving that early. - ASR

4 Nicolas Hague, D (34^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 4) During Hague’s first full pro season last year, we found out exactly what his ceiling is. He is not the Victor Hedman-lite his junior stats suggested he could be, but instead the 2017 second-rounder has can’t-miss shutdown potential in a two-way package. His lanky, 6-6” frame makes him nearly unbeatable at the blueline, as his length and mobility give him a package that can compete with any AHL forward for space in the defensive zone. In transition, he can be a lethal passer and a capable puck-carrier who draws attention to himself without sacrificing defensive position. He has potential to lead the special teams units on both sides, and his shot has impressive carry to it and could be a difference-maker on the power play. After the trade deadline, Hague become AHL Chicago’s number-one D-man and handled the tough minutes well. Though his skating will always be a sore spot, he could be a middle-pairing shutdown blueliner with Vegas, with potential to be a top-pair guy later on. - TD

5 Ivan Morozov, C (61^st overall, 2018. Last Year: 7) The young center had a busy season, lining up for four different teams within the same year and skating at the WJC as an underaged player. Morozov – only a namesake of the former Penguins star – is a capable player with a very strong offensive game. He is a solid passer and has a crackling shot that he likes to snipe high as a true scorer. He is a candidate for a top spot in the Team Russia lineup at the upcoming WJC, and it will be interesting to check how he fares against more serious competition. He needs to pick up some pro games this year to further hone his skills and gather experience. Morozov also needs to bulk up to become a more appealing player for the North American game. - ASR

6 Zach Whitecloud, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 8, 2018. Last Year: 12) Whitecloud is not the most talented prospect in the system, but he is arguably the most complete and well-rounded, and as a strong defensive defenseman, that notion goes a long way. In his first professional season, he was able to step into a fast-paced, high-intensity role alongside Hague and not only hold his own, but excel on both sides of the ice (74-6-22-28). He has a solid frame and skates extremely well, has a blazing shot from the point, and plays one of the most hard-nosed defensive games among prospects in the sport, never hesitating to engage physically. He is an underrated puck mover and someone that can -- and often does -- control a power play unit. There are no flaws to his game that will completely hinder his chances at an NHL spot, but his ultimate role is yet to be determined. - TD

7 Valentin Zykov, C (37^th overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Last Year: 11 [Carolina]) A former 40-goal scorer in the QMJHL, Zykov has had a hard and long time in the North American pro system, but after being claimed off waivers last season spent the remainder of the regular season in the NHL, auditioning for a full time role this year. The rugged, shot-heavy winger has spent time in four farm systems and with three NHL teams, but has yet to establish a home in the best league in the world. He bounced around for all of 2018-19, but netted 33 goals in 63 games with AHL Charlotte in 2017-18. While his skating has never been there, his hands are mighty fast and his shot, though heavily overused, is one of the best among AHL and ”Quad-A” players. He will have to have a very impressive season to make a splash in the NHL, but the raw skill and the potential to be a bottom-six scoring winger are there. - TD

8 Jake Bischoff, D (185^th overall, 2012 [New York Islanders]. Last Year: 5) A 2012 seventh-round pick, Bischoff has developed rather slowly, although steadily enough for the Golden Knights to award him with a new three year contract this offseason. His talent has long been there, but his hockey sense and versatility on the ice have shown the most improvement. For a bigger guy, the 25-year-old is a terrific skater, with the pure speed and technical mobility to beat his opponents to the puck. His strength allows his defensive game to blossom, as he ties up opposing players in front of the net and can lay out big hits at times. He is patient and observant with the puck, but generally likes to shoot rather than pass to better offensive options, which can be an issue at times. The 25-year-old is far down the defensive depth chart, with Whitecloud, Hague, and a slew of young NHLers in front of him, but he should earn some NHL action at long last this year. - TD

9 Isaiah Saville, G (135^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Although undersized by modern goaltending ideals, Saville has done nothing but stop pucks at a high rate for the past two seasons, first with Minnesota in the NAHL and more recently with Tri-City of the USHL. In the latter stop, he was named the Goaltender of the Year for the league. The native of Anchorage, Alaska is a plus athlete, and plays the net with extreme poise. He also sticks out for his ability to make the first save cleanly, minimizing second chances. He missed a fair chunk of time in the second half last year, leading to questions about his durability. He is also technically sound, although there is room for refinement. Heading to Nebraska-Omaha, he will be in position to seize the starting role from day one as the incumbent has since graduated. Development is never linear for any player, especially so for netminders, but he has the look of a 1B type, or a high-end backup at the NHL level. - RW

10 Kaedan Korczak, D (41^st overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Korczak was expected by many to be a first round pick, but saw his stock drop to the second round. A lot of it had to do with teammate Lassi Thomson overtaking him on the Rockets. Korczak has good size, is solid, has a nice physical element to his game and plays with an edge. He had some struggles earlier in the season, but really put his game together near the end, as his confidence rose and his play grew more consistent. He has top four billing and is a defender who can play and eat a lot of minutes, providing some secondary scoring along the way. This should be a much more defining season for him, as he will have to step up in a larger role for the Rockets, and with Kelowna hosting the Memorial Cup, he will get his chance to show off his skills with a stronger lineup. - KO

11 Jack Dugan, LW (142^nd overall, 2017. Last Year: 11) One of the top skaters in Hockey East as a freshman, albeit as a 20 year-old, Dugan manages to put up gaudy point totals in spite of a skill set that doesn’t extend far beyond average. A few times per game, he will flash solid skating chops, including four way mobility that adds a layer of unpredictability to his offensive attack. He has good size and enough strength not to be overwhelmed in puck battles, but he is not an overly aggressive player. While he was more of a playmaker as a freshman, his type of game is actually stronger when he tries to put the puck in the net on his own. After finishing second in scoring for Friars last season, the other players in the top six all turned pro, leaving Dugan as the likely primary offensive source for Providence this year. He will need to spearhead the attack, although he projects as a middle six winger at the highest level. - RW

12 Benjamin Jones, C (189^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 9) It is easy to see Jones being able to carve out a lengthy NHL career because of how well rounded his game is. In Niagara, he played every situation possible and also served as the team captain. He is an ultra-aggressive player who relishes the opportunity to play a pest-like role. While not overtly physical, he is very effective working through traffic, attacking the net, tracking down loose pucks, and working the wall. He likely does not possess enough innate skill with the puck to be a top six forward for Vegas in the future. Thankfully, he projects well as a steady third line option who can kill penalties and slide up the lineup if needed. - BO

13 Jake Leschyshyn, C (62^nd overall, 2017. Last Year: 18) Leschyshyn finally took an offensive step is his draft plus two season. Never being a point per game player before, he improved his production to 1.19 per game, nearly double his production from the previous season. While doing so, he did not stray from the style of game that made him a second round pick in 2017. He is a very fundamentally sound hockey player in that he is always on the right side of his man, plays physical, gets to the dirty areas of the ice, blocks shots, is very solid in his own zone, a good forechecker, and is excellent in the faceoff circle. Adding a level of secondary offensive will only enhance his chances of securing a third line center role one day in the NHL. - VG

14 Ryder Donovan, C (110^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Sushi-raw, Donovan has power forward size and plays a power forward style to match. Although he spent most of his draft year playing in the Minnesota high school system, a late season stint with Dubuque in the USHL gave a better glimpse of how he stacks up against better competition. Even in very limited minutes, his game popped on the ice. He skates very well for his size, is tough to play against in the corners, and goes hard to the net. Even when he doesn’t have the puck, he has a knack for creating trouble for defenses, with a heavy stick and an agitating persona. Of course the question remains about his offensive upside as his high school production was only so-so. At his best, his shot and puck skills can look like top six weapons, but his best doesn’t show up often enough to expect more than bottom six production. Then again, he wouldn’t be the first power forward to blossom late. - RW

15 Jimmy Schuldt, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Apr. 3, 2019. Last Year: IE) A highly sought after college free agent after his junior season with St. Cloud State, Schuldt returned to school for his senior season, in which the Huskies ran the table from the beginning of the season until the first round of the NCAA tournament, falling once again to a minnow from the Atlantic Hockey conference. Too soon? In fairness to the player, there is good reason why he was so seriously pursued out of college. He plays a high IQ, two-way game, with plus reads, good feet and a quick stick. He lacks the offensive tools to man a first power play unit in the NHL, but has the size, strength, and puck moving ability to be a decent fit as a number 4/5 role, depending on team need. - RW

16 Marcus Kallionkieli, LW (139^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A rangy power forward type, Kallionkieli parlayed a solid first North American season in the USHL with Sioux City, to a late round pick by Vegas and an assignment next year with the Golden Knight’s unofficial WHL team, the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Finnish Brazilian winger has a nice blend of skating ability and hockey IQ, allowing him to play a two-way game. He has a powerful shot and is more of a goal scorer than a playmaker, but his future prospects likely depend more on him refining his off-the-puck game, in addition to improving his consistency. That latter point probably kept him from being drafted higher, as he slumped in the second half last year after a blistering start. He most likely projects in a bottom six role at his peak. - RW

17 Lucas Elvenes, C/RW (127^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 8) Elvenes is a smooth skater with soft hands. He has struggled to put together two good seasons in a row. He looked exciting the year before his draft year, but had a good but not great in his draft year which caused him to drop in the fifth round. In his draft plus one season he scored a point per game in Allsvenskan and 16 points in 28 SHL games. Last season he had 20 points in 43 SHL games scoring only three goals. He has skill, and his inconsistent scoring is a product of him being more of a perimeter player, as he likes to create from the outside and that play isn’t always there and his creativity isn’t enough in those instances. Next season, he will go to North America and will probably play in the AHL with Chicago. - JH

18 Nicolas Roy, C (96^th overall, 2015 [Carolina]. Last Year: 17 [Carolina]) If Roy were a better skater, not only would he be ranked much higher on this list, but there is no way the Hurricanes would have packaged him along with a fifth round pick for Erik Haula. Even as a below average skater, he can be an impactful player thanks to a high end hockey brain and very good hands. He also has great size, but he does not play a physical game. He reads the game very well, putting himself into the right place at the right time to make a difference. He is a trusted penalty killer, puts a lot of pressure on the opposing team when defending. Despite his pedigree (was the first overall pick in the QMJHL Entry Draft in 2013, and played for Team Canada at the 2017 WJC), he will never be an offensive force, but should produce enough to play fourth line minutes. - RW

19 Keegan Kolesar, D (69^th overall, 2015 [Columbus]. Last Year: 15) In a lot of systems around the NHL, Kolesar would be a top-ten prospect. His position at #19 is not a knock on him, but more an indication of the great depth of the Vegas farm system. With nifty, elusive hands and a bruising power-forward game, his raw talent is as entertaining as it is intriguing. He has fought with consistency issues and the inability to take on tougher minutes, but his overall package is a fascinating one. He is a magnificent skater with tight cuts and great straight-line speed, as well as the balance and momentum to compliment his size and powerful one-on-one repertoire. The 2015 third-round pick is not the most certain NHLer, but one of the most tantalizing in the system, and could eventually be an energy-line player in the vein of Ryan Reaves or a poor man’s Tom Wilson. - TD

20 Dylan Coghlan, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Sep. 20, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) Since signing as a free agent to an entry-level contract, Coghlan has ramped up his game to a level that gives him an NHL-caliber ceiling. The former Tri-City star has become an impactful offensive-defenseman by virtue of his skating, his atomic bomb of a slapshot, and his vision and playmaking, which allow him to quarterback a power play unit. He is a very fast skater, though what he has in straight-line speed, he sorely lacks in momentum and edgework. His slapshot is a goal scoring weapon, but his wrist shot, which he likes to use as a trailer on the rush, is less impactful. His defensive decision-making is also heavily flawed, but that may be teachable. His ceiling is as a middle-pair puck-rusher, but we will have to see how he does with an increase in tougher minutes on a depleted AHL Chicago this season. - TD

OHL Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference – Trade deadline talent arms race makes for a wide open battle

Brock Otten — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:22:01 +0000

This week the 2019 OHL playoffs will kick off with first round action getting under way on Thursday. More so than any year that I can remember, the field is wide open. There are favorites to take home the J.Ross Robertson Cup, sure, but the sheer number of candidates to make it to the end is greater than previous years because of how many teams loaded up with talent at this year’s trade deadline. As difficult as it is, I will make my predictions. Just do not place any large bets or wagers based upon it.

Eastern Conference First Round

Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67s. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

#1. Ottawa 67’s vs. #8. Hamilton Bulldogs

Season Series: 5-0 for Ottawa

Analysis: A rematch of last year’s 1 versus 8 match-up in the Eastern Conference, only this time the roles are reversed. The rebuilding Bulldogs match up against the top team in the OHL in Ottawa. Hamilton has done exceptionally well as the only team from last year’s Memorial Cup to make the playoffs in their respective leagues (with nearly as many wins as Regina, Swift Current, and Acadie-Bathurst combined). Arthur Kaliyev has emerged as a star in his NHL draft year, hitting the 50 goal mark and the team did a great job of trading away valuable assets but also keeping some veteran leaders around like Matthew Strome to keep order. All that said, they do not stand much of a chance against Ottawa. The 67’s are three lines deep that can score at any time. They have a physically imposing defense that can also move the puck. And either Michael Dipietro or Cedrick Andree will likely provide top notch goaltending, even if Dipietro’s health is a question mark after being forced to leave a game recently after a high shot stung him. I do have some question marks as to how they hold up later in the playoffs, but this first round victory should be a relatively easy one, no offense meant to Hamilton.

Prediction: Ottawa in 4

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Sasha Chmelevski (SJ): While he may not lead the 67’s in scoring, I feel that he is the most integral part of Ottawa’s offensive attack. When he is on, the 67’s are firing on all cylinders. He may not have had the year that I expected of him prior to the start of the year, but he remains one of the OHL’s elite offensive players because of his individual puck skill and shot generation. If Ottawa wants to take home the Eastern Conference crown, he will need to be a consistent leader.

Marco Rossi (2020): A late 2001 birthday, Rossi missed being eligible for this year’s draft by just over a week. The slick Austrian forward has been an absolute revelation as a first year Import and has met or exceeded all the expectations placed on him. His skill level is very high, but most impressive to me is his tenaciousness away from the puck. This youngster is a real puck hound who makes his presence felt in many different ways on the ice. His game is built for success in the playoffs, even if he is young. A strong performance could help solidify him as a potential top 10 selection heading into 2020 Draft season.

Jan Jenik (ARI): I could have easily mentioned Kaliyev here for Hamilton. But Jenik has been extremely noticeable since arriving at midseason. He is another player whose game is built for success in the playoffs. He plays an ‘in your face’ kind of style and is way more aggressive physically than I would have imagined. Pair that with terrific hands and a natural ability to gain the blueline with his speed and puck control and you’ve got a fierce offensive competitor who is fun to watch.

Forward #17 Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

#2. Niagara IceDogs vs. #7. North Bay Battalion

Season Series: 4-2 for Niagara

Analysis: No offense meant to North Bay. I have a great respect for legendary head coach Stan Butler. But I see this as being one of the most one-sided first round matchups. North Bay relies heavily on their first line of Justin Brazeau, Matthew Struthers, and Brad Chenier, but just do not have the depth to keep up with Niagara’s firepower up front. And while North Bay can often surprise teams in the postseason with their team commitment to defense, Niagara’s forward group may be one of the better two-way groups in the league themselves with guys like Jack Studnicka and Ben Jones anchoring the middle. In net, overager Stephen Dhillon gives Niagara an advantage too, especially with how good he was in last year’s playoffs and the experience he can take from that. The IceDogs and Battalion played a pretty lopsided final game of the regular season this past weekend and unfortunately I could see most of the games looking like that one did.

Prediction: Niagara in 4

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Jason Robertson (DAL): The winner of the Eddie Powers Trophy this year as the OHL’s top scorer, Robertson has been an unstoppable force since arriving in Niagara. With the IceDogs he has averaged over two points per game. While Robertson will never be a speedster, he is so good at controlling the puck in the offensive zone and slowing down the pace to open up lanes for his linemates. This makes him such an efficient player on the powerplay because he often requires two defenders to separate him from the puck. After last year’s disappointingly abrupt run with Kingston in the playoffs, Robertson will look to take that next step with Niagara and help them reach the Eastern finals.

Jack Studnicka (BOS): Another player brought in by Niagara who has had a remarkable impact, up near the two point per game mark. Studnicka is so valuable because he excels in all situations. He is on the ice when you are a goal down or a goal up late in the third period. He is going to need to be a huge part of Niagara’s penalty killing unit, which struggled at times during the regular season. A potential OHL playoffs MVP candidate.

Justin Brazeau (UFA): Sure, he has some warts. His stride is not the prettiest. He needs work on his play away from the puck and in his own end. But you cannot ignore the fact that he is a 6-6”, 60 goal scorer in the OHL, a feat that does not occur very often. With a strong first round performance (likely to be his only chance as North Bay does not have a good chance of advancing) in a playoff atmosphere with tighter checking, perhaps he can prove to NHL scouts that he deserves an NHL contract (if he has not done enough already).

Brandon Saigeon of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#3. Oshawa Generals vs. #6. Peterborough Petes

Season Series: 6-2 for Oshawa

Analysis: The Generals have owned the Petes in the season series, especially in the four games post trade deadline. In those four games, Oshawa has scored 30 goals. While Peterborough has played better of late, I just do not believe that they have the defensive chops to hang with the Generals. Oshawa rolls three very competitive scoring lines. They bring speed. They bring grit. They play in all three zones. There are some inexperienced players in their core group, but veterans like Brandon Saigeon and Nic Mattinen are battled tested after last year’s Championship victory. For as well as Hunter Jones has played this year (save for a dry spell post deadline), Kyle Keyser has been even better and should be able to turn aside the majority of Peterborough’s chances. I think Peterborough is still a year away from being a truly competitive playoff team.

Prediction: Oshawa in 5

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Brandon Saigeon (COL): 18 goals in 21 playoff games for the Hamilton Bulldogs last year in helping them win an OHL Championship. What does Saigeon have in store for us this year? One of the most lethal powerplay players in the OHL because of his shot and ability to get in scoring position. Saigeon will need to be a leader on and off the ice for a younger Oshawa team that, at its core, does not have a ton of playoff experience.

Serron Noel (FLA): Really struggled in the OHL playoffs last year during his draft year, but no question that Noel is a different player now. There are not many players in the league like him with his size, speed, and skill combination. He is just so strong on the puck, especially along the wall. In the playoffs, establishing the cycle game to tire out the opposition's best defenders is such a key component and Noel can do that in his sleep. This could be a real breakout opportunity for him to hit the mainstream spotlight.

Ryan Merkley (SJ): Without question, Merkley is one of the most individually skilled players in the OHL. His ability to create offensive scoring chances from the back-end because of his skating ability and vision are nearly unrivaled. The issue is nearly everything else. A midseason trade to Peterborough and a fresh start has not done much to squash concerns as he has found himself in the doghouse with his new club on a few occasions already. If Peterborough wants to progress past the first round, they will need a motivated Merkley at both ends of the ice.

Quinton Byfield on the Sudbury Wolves. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

#4. Sudbury Wolves vs. #5. Mississauga Steelheads

Season Series: 4-2 for Sudbury

Analysis: These division rivals have not met in the playoffs since 2011; the year that Mississauga captured the Eastern Conference and hosted the Memorial Cup. That was a second round sweep for the Majors (yes, it was before they were renamed the Steelheads). This time around, I expect Sudbury to come out on top, but it could be a close one. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been sensational this year and should hypothetically give the Wolves an advantage in net, but you just never know when Jacob Ingham is going to turn in a remarkable performance. Defensively, I think these teams are fairly similar in ability. Mississauga generates more offense from their back-end. Sudbury’s defense is better in their own end. On the other hand, I do worry about Mississauga’s speed giving Sudbury’s defense some issues. That brings us to the offensive side of things. I ultimately think Sudbury has more game breakers in their line-up with the likes of Quinton Byfield and Adam Ruzicka. This could be closer than people are going to predict. Sudbury’s powerplay will need to be way better than it was in the regular season (a league worst), as teams do not go far in the playoffs without scoring on the man advantage.

Prediction: Sudbury in 6

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF): Hands down the Goaltender of the Year this year in the OHL. No offense meant to Kyle Keyser or Michael Dipietro, but this is an easy decision. Luukkonen might even be the most valuable player in the league, if such an award existed (the Red Tilson is for Most Outstanding Player, not Valuable). I have been so impressed with Luukkonen’s composure in the crease. His ability to read the play is outstanding and because of his size and athleticism, he always seems to get himself in the right position to make key saves. He is a prime time goaltending prospect.

Quinton Byfield (2020): I have been completely captivated by Byfield when I have seen him play this year. Such a fantastic and explosive skater for a big guy. I truly feel that if his game continues to progress, he could challenge for first overall in 2020. For now, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first playoffs in the OHL. Regardless of the outcome, the experience it provides him will only make him better in the long run, which will make the Wolves better too (at least for next year anyway).

Thomas Harley (2019): All eyes will be on this potential first round pick in the first round to see how he handles the physicality of the playoffs. As skilled as he is as an offensive defenseman, a lack of defensive intensity has been one of the most discussed weak spots. Scouts will be looking to see how he defends in the corners and in front of his net, and his overall response to being up against a more powerful offensive squad and having to play more in his own end.

Continued Eastern Conference Predictions

Conference Semi Finals

#1. Ottawa vs. #4. Sudbury

#2. Niagara vs. #3. Oshawa

I am taking Ottawa and Niagara here. While I do have some concerns over Ottawa’s special teams play and their defense’s ability to handle the forecheck and move the puck, I think Sudbury is the best matchup for them. Niagara and Oshawa is a toss-up. Kyle Keyser could shut the door, especially with a big defense in front of him. But, like Guelph, I just really like the make-up of Niagara’s team. Their team speed. Their powerplay. Their core veteran group, especially up front. And Stephen Dhillon is not chopped liver.

Eastern Conference Final

#1. Ottawa vs. #2. Niagara

Like Guelph, I am all in on Niagara in the Eastern Conference. Jason Robertson, Jack Studnicka, and Akil Thomas are all nearly unstoppable right now. Plus their blueline does such a good job skating the puck out of trouble, it is difficult to pin them in their own zone, which means that you are always playing on the defensive against them.

SEE OHL PREVIEW: WESTERN CONFERENCE- LINK HERE

OHL Championship Series

Niagara IceDogs vs. Guelph Storm

Another toss up for me. Ask me tomorrow and I may just choose someone different. Both of their regular season matchups were decided by a single goal. Honestly, this comes down to goaltending. I give Niagara the advantage at forward. I give Guelph the advantage on defense. But in net, I think you have to tip your hat in Stephen Dhillon’s direction. Especially considering that there is no guarantee that Anthony Popovich finishes the postseason as Guelph’s starter. So...I am selecting the Niagara IceDogs as this year’s OHL Champions!

OHL 2018-19 Season Preview

Brock Otten — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 18:24:24 +0000

The 2018/19 OHL season is underway but it is still early enough to preview the league and converse about some potential season highlights. Who are the contenders? Who are the pretenders? Who are some of the top NHL prospects to keep an eye on? And who are the top NHL draft prospects for 2019?

The Contenders

London Knights

Liam Foudy

Currently the top ranked team in the OHL in the weekly CHL rankings, the Knights also happen to be the top preseason favorite of most in the media. This team has it all; top end scoring talent; a strong defense; quality goaltending. After getting Adam Boqvist (Chicago) from Blackhawks camp, London is still waiting on a few other stars to be assigned; Evan Bouchard (Edmonton), Alex Formenton (Ottawa), and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa). All three seem likely to start the year in the NHL and late October is probably a more likely arrival date, if it happens at all. A safe assumption would be that London gets at least one of the above. Until then, stars like Liam Foudy (Columbus), Alec Regula (Detroit), and Boqvist will need to pace the offense. In net, overager veteran Joseph Raaymakers and Jordan Kooy (Vegas) should combine to provide quality goaltending. As with any London team, depth is a serious strength. Once the situation surrounding their top players has been given closure, look for the Knights to use their depth to acquire a few big fish to put them over the top.

Oshawa Generals

This is a veteran squad that should be considered among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Team defense and goaltending are major strengths. At 6-1”, Nico Gross (NY Rangers) is the smallest defender who sees regular playing time, and Kyle Keyser (Boston) is a top contender for goaltender of the year. Up front, Jack Studnicka (Boston) is a serious candidate for the Red Tilson and the scoring title now that he has returned from a long stay at Bruins camp. Swiss import Nando Eggenberger (2019) is another player everyone has their eye on. Overager Matt Brassard (Vancouver) returned this past weekend too, and he should be one of the top defenseman in the OHL this season. The Generals are just a well balanced squad.

Niagara IceDogs

Along with Oshawa, the IceDogs are a preseason favorite to take home the Eastern title. Niagara has a very strong nucleus at forward with Akil Thomas (Los Angeles), Kirill Maksimov (Edmonton), Ben Jones (Vegas), and Ivan Lodnia (Minnesota), which should help them score a ton of goals. They also have a very mobile blueline, which may lack size, but makes up for it with speed, puck skill, and heart. Billy Constantinou (2019) is a player to watch here as one of the most dynamic young defenders in the OHL.

Saginaw Spirit

The Spirit received a bevy of media attention this off-season due to their recruiting efforts. The team brought in Bode Wilde (NY Islanders), Ivan Prosvetov (Arizona), and Cole Perfetti (2020). This was after they were able to bring Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders) into the fold last year. This team has a lot of depth and fans should be excited about the fact that this team is the favorite to take home the West Division. Cole Coskey (2019) is a player to watch as one of the most underrated players in the OHL. Perfetti is an electrifying offensive player and one of the top players in his age group in Ontario, as well as a potential lottery pick in 2020.

Ottawa 67’s

Sasha Chmelevski of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Maybe a year early to talk about the 67’s as a potential Memorial Cup contender, but make no mistake, this team is insanely talented. Not only do they have five NHL draft picks already, but they have several top prospects for the 2019 and 2020 drafts as well. Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose) is a top contender for the Red Tilson this year after a breakout last season. The progression he has shown as a prospect has been extremely encouraging. Austrian Import Marco Rossi (2020) is another name to watch. The recent import selection is currently touted as a potential top 5 pick in 2020 and he could have a Nico Hischier type impact for the 67’s. The only thing that this team is missing is a top flight goaltender. Look for them to go out and find one at some point. Worth noting that the 67’s currently have 12 second round picks over the next four OHL priority selections. That is some serious trade ammunition.

The Pretenders

Kingston Frontenacs

The Frontenacs loaded up last year to make a run at an OHL title that ultimately fell short. The cyclical nature of the CHL means that this team could struggle this year due to numerous high end graduations. Star Jason Robertson (Dallas) is still around, but he will be a top trade target at some point. The future of injured playmaker Gabe Vilardi (Los Angeles) also hangs in the balance as Kingston waits to see if they will get him back once he is healthy. But depth is an issue, as is goaltending. Kingston has to capitalize on a few solid trade assets to recoup what was lost previously.

Erie Otters

After an impressive four year run that saw the Otters compete for and win an OHL Championship, the time has come for this team to rebuild. There are still some solid veteran pieces in place that could keep the team afloat, like star overager Kyle Maksimovich. But this team does not have a single NHL affiliated player and that hurts. Hayden Fowler (2020), and Petr Cajka (2019) do give this team hope for the future.

Mississauga Steelheads

Another team that now lacks serious depth after some serious runs the previous years. Graduations and failed draft picks (like Jack Hughes) have left this team pretty sparse in a lot of areas heading into the year. They do have Owen Tippett (Florida) and Ryan McLeod (Edmonton) back in the fold and they should both be among the best players in the league this year. However, just how long they remain Steelheads remains to be seen.

North Bay Battalion

Like Erie, North Bay does not have a single NHL affiliated player. There is some solid firepower up front with overager Justin Brazeau, Brandon Coe (2020), and Matthew Struthers (2019), but depth is an issue. This is especially true on the back-end. The lack of experience on the blueline could mean that this North Bay team gives up a ton of goals. No Stan Butler coached Battalion team has ever given up 280+ goals against, but this year’s edition may be the first. And speaking of Butler, he is currently taking a leave of absence from behind the bench and that may be bad news for Battalion fans.

Flint Firebirds

Disastrous start to the year for the Firebirds. As of the creation of this article, Flint has yet to win and has given up an ugly 24 goals in 4 games. This team has talent, like Ty Dellandrea (Dallas), Fedor Gordeev (Toronto), and Dennis Busby (Arizona). But missing on the 6th overall Import selection this year (Jan Jenik) is a big black mark and the team just cannot seem to separate itself from the drama of their ownership under Rolf Nilsen.

Five Candidates for the Red Tilson

Nick Suzuki

Fresh off being the centerpiece of the Max Pacioretty deal, the new Montreal Canadiens prospect returns to the OHL and will look to the hit the 100 point plateau for the second year in a row. He is bound to miss some time for the WJC, but Suzuki only needs 92 points to pass Bobby Ryan as the Attack franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

Morgan Frost

Highest returning scorer from last year, the Flyers’ prospect should be a shoe-in for a spot in the top 5 in scoring. There were some who felt that Frost should have been the Red Tilson winner last year so maybe this is the year he takes it home. The Hounds offense has lost some talent to graduation, but there is enough remaining to give Frost the supporting pieces he needs.

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Michael DiPietro

Reigning OHL Goaltender of the year, the Canucks prospect returns to Windsor to help a young team improve. DiPietro will likely be Canada’s starter at this year’s WJC. He is also a likely trade candidate, unless Windsor is pushing for the division. The talented netminder is one of the few gamebreakers at the position in the league.

Jack Studnicka

Nearly earned the 3rd line center spot in Boston with a strong training camp performance, but the Generals captain returns for a final OHL season and should be one of the league’s elite offensive catalysts. If the Generals are as good as many think they will be, he will be a top candidate for player of the year. His strong two-way play allows him to impact the game on so many different levels.

Sasha Chmelevski

It seems like so long ago that Chmelevski fell at the draft after a very poor draft year showing. He bounced back in a big way last year, re-inventing his game under new head coach Andre Tourigny. Now a committed player away from the puck, Chmelevski will look to lead a young Ottawa team to a championship, perhaps a year ahead of schedule.

Five Draft Eligibles to Monitor

Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts)

After a strong Hlinka performance, Suzuki is off to a blazing hot start as one of the early leaders in OHL scoring. Suzuki, brother of Nick, is an exceptionally talented playmaker whose vision and puck skill are game breaking qualities. As of right now, Ryan looks like the lone potential candidate for the top 10 from the OHL.

Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Another of the early scoring leaders is also a draft eligible forward. Kaliyev had one of the best 16 year old seasons in recent memory after scoring 30+ goals last year. He looks to round out the rest of his game in Hamilton, improving his playmaking ability and play away from the puck to match his strength on the puck and NHL quality shot.

Matvey Guskov (London Knights)

An import selection by the Knights this year, Guskov has matched the high expectations thus far, averaging over a point per game. Guskov was one of only three OHL players mentioned on Bob McKenzie’s preseason draft ranking and the playmaking Russian forward looks like a serious first round candidate come June.

Blake Murray (Sudbury Wolves)

A big, power center who is being overshadowed a bit due to the arrival of top 2020 prospect Quinton Byfield. Murray possesses all the qualities that NHL teams look for in centers these days, with size, skating, and finishing ability. Murray has the potential to be that complete package.

Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)

Vukojevic may not be the sexiest of defenders at this point. He is not yet a truly dynamic player, but he is as steady as they come and plays the game with the composure of a five year OHL veteran. His defensive acumen projects him to be, at the very least, a terrific stay at home top four defender at the NHL level. The question is, just how much offensive ability does he possess?

Vegas Golden Knights Prospect System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:35:05 +0000

Building an NHL organization from the ground up is hard. As my father used to say, “Rome wasn’t built in one day.” Of course, Vegas GM George McPhee turned that way of thinking on its head last year, taking a first year team not just to the playoffs, but to the Stanley Cup Finals.

None of this is a surprise to anyone reading these pages. But as the Golden Knights built a surprisingly competitive team at the NHL level, they knew that the overall strength and depth of the organization would take some time to build up.

While selecting the bulk of the NHL roster in the Expansion Draft and beginning to build for the long-term future through the Entry Draft, the Golden Knights were forced to neglect the AHL level. In fact, knowing in advance that this would be a problem, they shared their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, with the St. Louis Blues. When the NHL team’s early season goalie curse arose, and all expected AHL goalies were hurt or in the NHL, they borrowed another netminder from the Toronto system, who had a decent one to spare.

And when we examine Vegas’ inaugural season with a more critical eye, we can see that they almost never had to call to the farm for temporary replacements, outside of the aforementioned goalie matter. In the first few weeks of the season they called up defenseman Shea Theodore and big winger Alex Tuch, both of whom were already NHLers, but who were forced to start the season in the AHL due to a contractual crunch.

Other than those two, who Vegas had intended to have in the NHL for the season, and a few other minor incidents of shuffling in the first month as the team roster congealed, the only other calls to the AHL the team made all season were for goalies, and brief opportunities for Jason Garrison, Stefan Matteau, and Tomas Hyka. Those three players played a combined 26 games.

If anyone needed a reason to expect the Vegas Golden Knights to regress next year (hint: you shouldn’t need a reason. Any team that performs this well is likely to regress, expansion club or not) this is it. No team can have so little use of its AHL reinforcements in a given season two years in a row. We should have no doubts but that Vegas will deal with a “normal” share of injuries next season and need to call up replacement players from the farm. As replacements, by definition, they are not as good as the player the NHL would rather have suiting up.

The Golden Knights, now more than one year old, have had a chance to add some pieces to their farm system. Not only to account for the scenario described in the last paragraph, but because they will no longer be sharing the staffing of the Wolves, as St. Louis has now moved to San Antonio as part of an AHL shuffle to get the league back up to one team for every NHL club.

Whether it is the signing of NCAA free agent Zach Whitecloud, or the WHL graduation of Dylan Coughlin, or a few other young players signed to AHL contracts, Vegas should have more to choose from on the farm this year. But with the bulk of their prospects of note still in their teens and playing in the CHL or Europe, don’t expect the Golden Knights to be too eager to rely on the farm yet. They will need at least another two season to have a truly deep farm system.

Cody Glass

1 Cody Glass, C (6^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 1^st) The first ever draft pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, Cody Glass was one of the top scorers in the WHL in his first post draft season, and yet the year could still fairly be labelled a minor disappointment. Such is the base of talent which he has to work with. A high end skater with near elite puck skills, the disappointment is all relative, as the lanky center was not selected to represent Canada at the WJC and his Portland Winterhawks were not able to get past the second round of the WHL playoffs. No matter, he still grew a fair bit as a player and the top six projections he had on draft day are starting to look more like a first line regular. He still needs to add strength, which would both make him tougher to play against as well as add more zip to his shot. His hockey IQ is another selling point, a factor that helps everything else play up. With the signing of Paul Stastny, the Golden Knights will not be tempted to bring him to the NHL prematurely, but it would be a shock if he is not on Canada’s WJC squad this year.

2 Nick Suzuki, C (13^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 2^nd) Like Cody Glass above, Nick Suzuki, Vegas’ second every draft pick, had a post draft year that was simultaneously fantastic, and disappointing. And for the very same reasons. Production amongst the best in the OHL, but without any international exposure and with team success that did not meet expectations. A smaller player with great straight ahead speed and a plethora of offensive tools, he is as dangerous shorthanded as he is at even strength, scoring five shorthanded goals for the second year in a row. Like Glass, he has first line potential, but in this case, his defensive versatility could make him a fit in a traditional concept of a middle six as well. His game is almost as well-rounded as the player above, although Suzuki has an extra layer of excitement to his style. Thanks to Vegas’ depth, Suzuki is also likely to go back to Owen Sound and should be a prime candidate to represent Canada at the 2019 WJC.

3 Erik Brannstrom, D (15^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 3^rd) Were it not for the presence of Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Brannstrom would have been the most interesting, talented teenaged defenseman in the SHL last year. A fantastic skater, with both great acceleration and top speed, as well as the ability to juke and jive out of coverage when rushing the puck up ice. His hands are as quick and skilled as his feet. He is small and always will be, but plays without fear. He is comfortable taking the body such as when trying to slow down a zone entry against. Unlike most blueliners with his offensive gifts, Brannstrom is also exceptionally responsible in his own zone. While no more ready for the North American pro game than are Glass or Suzuki, the fact that he was drafted out of Sweden instead of the CHL means he is fairly likely to spend the upcoming season in the AHL.

4 Nicolas Hague, D (34^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 5^th) At 6-6”, easily the tallest player in the organization, Hague took a few big steps forward (he knows no other kind) last year with Mississauga, coming close to doubling his offensive output on a team that was not as strong as the year before. He is not exactly a mobile defender, but he skates well enough for his extra large size. He is a classic point man with a gigantic slap shot which allowed him to score 10 more goals than the next most prolific defenseman in the OHL. He is a fine puckhandler, although he should not be expected to lead a rush, or skate the puck through the neutral zone on the regular as a professional. Hague’s defensive game is growing steadily as well, and he is getting more comfortable maintaining his positioning. Although not a mean player, he puts his frame to good use, too. He will have ample time starting next year in the AHL to work on striking a balance between being imposing and staying within the rules. He still projects as a future second pairing blueliner and power play weapon.

Jake Bischoff

5 Jake Bischoff, D (Trade: Jun. 21, 2017 [New York Islanders]. Last Year: 9^th) In order to convince Vegas to select the injured and expensive Mikhail Grabovski in the Expansion Draft, the Islanders offered them a 2018 first round pick (Brannstrom) and 2019 second rounder, and Bischoff. After four full seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Bischoff fit in immediately on the AHL blueline, one of the steadier defensive presences for the Wolves on the season. He has plus foot speed, and a very quick release on a half-wound up snapshot that has been known to trick a goalie or two. His defensive game is mature, although he likes to take risks once he gets the puck back. He has average size and is willing to take a hit to make a pass, but does not often engage aggressively. If he can learn to play with more assertiveness, he could find himself among the first blueliners recalled to Vegas.

6 Tomas Hyka, RW (UFA: Jun. 1, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) Long ago a sixth round pick of the LA Kings, Hyka never signed after two years in the QMJHL and returned to Europe, spending one year in Sweden and the next three back home in the Czech Republic, growing progressively more dominant offensively. Finally moving back to North America in the Vegas system, at first it seemed as if he had reverted back to his earlier ways of struggling in his first year in a new league. He looked sluggish and confused all too often. But as the AHL season continued, Hyka gradually grew to become a dominant offensive weapon. His quick hands and fast feet made him dangerous when hunting pucks. He excels in the dirty areas, poaching loose pucks near the crease and putting them in the net. The amount of grit he brings to the game will enable him to fit in a bottom six role in the NHL, adding energy and depth scoring as soon as this season.

7 Ivan Morozov, C (61^st overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Vegas’ first selection at the 2018 draft, Morozov turned heads with big performances for his native Russia at the World Junior A Challenge as well as a star turn at the WU18s. He also made his KHL debut last year, but spent the vast majority of his season in Russia’s junior leagues with Mamonty Yugry. A very good skater with both speed and agility he has a goal scorer’s instincts and some magic on his stick, he prefers to do his work in short bursts, letting teammates carry the puck up ice or control the cycle. He can play on both the wing and at center, and has good strength for his size. The fact that Mamonty traded him to the SKA St. Petersburg organization, one of the titans of Russian hockey, suggests that his game is appreciated in his homeland as well and he will see some pressure to stay longer than Vegas would want.

8 Lucas Elvenes, C/RW (127^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 17^th) Elevenes and the next player up on this list are the two Golden Knights’ prospects who have moved their stock upwards the most this season. Elvenes was an impressive offensive weapon in the Swedish junior leagues before Vegas made hi a fifth round pick, but the ease with which he adapted to senior hockey last year was stunning. For around half of the year, he played in Sweden’s second league, the Allsvenskan, and contributed nearly one point per game. The second half of his season was in the SHL and while he could not produce at such a rate, his 16 points in 28 games made him the second most prolific U19 scorer in the league behind only Rasmus Dahlin and the leader in that age cohort in points per game. All those accolades aside, the reason why he lasted 127 picks in 2017 is still true. Elvenes is still only average as a skater and most of his production comes in the form of assists as his shot is OK. But his offensive vision and playmaking are both plus-plus and he has turned himself into a prospect of note because of those abilities.

9 Benjamin Jones, C (187^th overall, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) An afterthought taken in the seventh round in 2017, Jones was one of the few prospect eligible players in the Vegas system not to rank in their inaugural top 20. The former top ten pick in the OHL Priority Draft, he went back to Niagara and was one of their clear-cut leadership group, wearing a “A” on his chest and being among their offensive drivers. With the possible exception of his shooting ability, which is just OK, he does everything else at an above average level. He is a very good skater who can play add a disruptive physical presence in his own zone, along with commitment and proper positioning. He is a very skilled playmaker who is not awed by clutch situations. He is still a bit of a sleeper, but he shouldn’t be for much longer.

Stanislav Demin

10 Stanislav Demin, D (99^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) On the long list for last year’s USNTDP cohort, the Californian Demin ignored the lure of the WHL (Portland) and the USHL (Des Moines) and spent the bulk of the last two seasons in British Columbia with the Wenatchee Wild who he helped lead to the BCHL Championship and a spot in the RBC Cup last year. He has an average frame and skates well, but the highlights of his game are his hard and accurate point shot and his ability to put his size and strength to good use. His defensive game in the BCHL was promising, with the caveat that the lack of experience against a more uniformly high level of competition leaves us with a mystery about how he would hold up under greater pressure. We will find out more next year as he heads to the University of Denver and the ultra-competitive NCHC Conference.

11 Jack Dugan, LW (142^nd overall, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) A bit of a mystery, drafted in the fifth round in his second year of eligibility out of a New York State prep school, Dugan is now looking like a scouting success story. Moving to the higher profile and strong competition of the USHL, he was immediately a top scorer, finishing third on the season, for a so-so Chicago squad. He was able to show quickness, good acceleration, a finisher’s instincts as well as fine playmaking abilities. His defensive game was less refines, but improved as the year went on. Although prone to penalties, he is not an overly physical player, more someone who needs hep keeping his game in check. There is some risk in getting too enamored with a player who dominated any junior league as a 20 year-old, but there are more than enough signs that the production comes from a place of real skill and can be repeated at a higher level. The truth of that sentiment will be felt next year with Providence College.

12 Zach Whitecloud, D (UDFA: Mar. 8, 2018. Last Year: IE) One of the jewels of the 2018 NCAA free agent class, Whitecloud was also the first collegiate signing made by the Vegas organization. So his place in trivia history is assured. The big Bemidji State blueliner skates very well considering his bulk. He has a big shot, but his defensive game is arguably stronger at this point in his development. He has not yet made a point of using his size to intimidate or otherwise impose himself upon the opposition, but he is certainly a roadblock that needs to be surmounted. He is an accomplished puck mover, making up in surety what he lacks in dynamism. Although he was given a one game NHL cameo after signing, he is expected to spend the bulk of the 2018-19 season (at minimum) in the AHL.

13 Maxim Zhukov, G (96^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 11^th) And incredibly talented, yet maddeningly inconsistent puckstopper, Zhukov can look like the best netminder of his age class in one game, and like someone who could struggle in Tier 3 in another. Thankfully, he more often resembles the former than the latter. He plays in a classic butterfly, and retains calmness and composure from his knees. One of the most noteworthy facets of his game from his good nights is the absolute dearth of second chances he allows. He understands his angles and covers the net well, even when forced back in his crease. Even at his best though, he is an adventure when he has to handle the puck. After two years in the USHL, Zhukov may end his junior eligibility in the OHL with Barrie, which drafted him in the CHL Import Draft this summer.

14 Oscar Dansk, G (UFA: Jul. 3, 2017. Last Year: 16^th) Recalled early in the season after Vegas starter Marc-Andre Fleury was hurt, Dansk got into four straight games. First he came off the bench. He started the next two games, allowing two total goals. Mid-way through his fourth game, he, too, went down with injury. When he was finally healthy, so was Fleury, and so Dansk went back to the AHL. And he did well. He moves very well laterally, with quick push-offs. He is an aggressive goaltender who enjoys getting his stick in the way of opponents who stray too close and enjoys playing the puck. If he can stay healthy for a full season, something the former second rounder has struggled to do over the years, he could yet find his way into an NHL backup role.

Keegan Kolesar

15 Keegan Kolesar, RW (Trade: Jun. 24, 2017 [Columbus]. Last Year: 13^th) A big bruising power forward, Vegas traded a second round pick to Columbus for the chance to gain an AHL ready forward with upside who would not have been available to them in the Expansion Draft. As impressive as Kolesar was in his final two WHL seasons with Seattle, he came to Vegas raw and ended up spending roughly one third of his rookie pro season in the ECHL. For all his bulk, he is a decent skater who can get to a decent top speed, but needs work on his technique to improve his balance and ability to change direction without lunging. He can flash some dexterity in his hands. He plays with great energy and brings a tremendous physical presence to his shifts. By the end of the season, he was dropping hints that there may be much more in store, if we are patient enough to wait for it.

16 Griffin Reinhart, D (Expansion Draft, Edmonton. Last Year: 14^th) Six years removed from being selected by the New York Islanders with the fourth pick of the NHL entry draft, Griffin Reinhart has played a grand total of 37 NHL games and it is not too early to deem him a bust. That does not mean that he does not have any redeeming qualities that could one day land him an NHL job. He can play the puck from out of his own zone. His hands are soft and he can sense when it is best to carry the puck out or to pass it off to a teammate. When facing a rush, he keeps a solid, tight gap. He is smart and mature enough to play within his limitations. What are those limitations, you ask? He is a big, big boy, and he is not fast for his size. His feet are simply heavy, so he has to cheat for defense and he can be beaten to the outside with a modicum of speed. In a game skewing faster, he is in danger of being left behind.

17 Jonas Rondbjerg, RW (65^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 18^th) With a solid first year spent mostly in senior hockey in Sweden under his belt, Rondbjerg is still trending in the direction of a competent bottom six winger down the line in the NHL. He had previously spent two seasons playing senior hockey in Denmark prior to his draft year, but the gap between Sweden and Denmark in hockey is bigger than the body of water that separates the two Scandinavian countries. He plays a mature game, with some occasional flashes of skill in his hands as well. He is an average or so skater, but he can accelerate well with a nice change of pace to get past the first line of defense. There are questions about Rondbjerg’s ultimate offensive upside, but Vegas has to like what it has seen so far from him.

18 Jake Leschyshyn, C (62^nd overall, 2017. Last Year: 12^th) A defense-first forward, when the Golden Knights drafted Leschyshyn at the tail end of the second round of their inaugural draft, they had hoped that his nascent offensive skills would gradually evolve to the point that he could project as a two-way center. The fact that he missed a large chunk of his draft year to injury and still approached one point per game gave them added hope. Unfortunately, last season did not go according to plan. Leschyshyn was healthy, playing 17 more games than he had the year prior, but despite the added ice time, he was still limited to the same 40 point total, output more in line with a potential sixth rounder than a second rounder. He is a decent skater without any offensive tools that look to be any more than average. He can play a somewhat physical game, but he has not shown anything that could be described as dynamic.

19 Dylan Ferguson, G (Trade: Jun. 26, 2017 [Dallas]. Last Year: not ranked) Having run out of both NHL and AHL netminders last year, Vegas made a rare emergency recall, bringing Dylan Ferguson, a 19 year-old drafted in the seventh round by Dallas, up from the WHL. He spent 18 days on the NHL roster, getting a touch over nine minutes of ice time and stopping one of two shots he faced. Although his return to Kamloops was deflating, he still was able to demonstrate some of the qualities that convinced Vegas to target him when they dealt Marc Methot to Dallas. He is on the small side for a modern goalie, but makes up for it with plus athleticism, good vision, and a high compete level. He is a few years away from a return trip to the NHL, if he ever gets there, but he is part of the reason why the net is currently Vegas’ deepest position.

20 Paul Cotter, C (115^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) At his best, Paul Cotter can flash high end offensive abilities. Equal parts hustle and skill. He has very quick wheels and wants that puck on his stick. He will fight for it all over the ice. He even has a bit of grit, as he finishes his checks with whatever he has. At his worst, he is none of those things, reliant on teammates to get things started while he leans back in a supporting role. He has come a long way in the past 24 months. He was a decent young player in the Michigan U16 scene. Then he was the NAHL rookie of the year. Last year he made the USHL All Rookie team. Next year, grades permitting, he will play in the NCHC for Western Michigan. He is a clever player with enough offensive instincts, even if it is inconsistent brought to the fore, that he bears watching as he develops, even is he is not someone to build around.

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Vegas Golden Knights

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:18:18 +0000

Shortly after 1:00pm CST, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins selected William Reilly, a defenseman from RPI as the 217^th player selected, bringing the 2017 Entry Draft to an end. With a few days of hindsight between me and the bowels of the United Center, the urge to spew out hot takes flushed away, it is time to analyze the strategies and selections employed by the league’s 31 teams.

The analysis will focus on the first five rounds, as it is clear to most long-time observers that the final two rounds are often taken up with long-shots, favours to regional scouts , among other reasons. I will, of course, call out some astute late picks, but will not judge a team for the names called in the final hour. The apocryphal story of Pekka Rinne, drafted as an eighth round after-thought in 2004 based mostly on his play in game warm-ups. Few other scouts would have seen him at all, and he has had a very good career, which is not yet over. For the most part, though, those picks have little statistical likelihood of having NHL careers and teams should not be judged there.

Each draft class will be graded using the 20-80 scale that we use in our player specific scouting reports throughout the site. In this context, a 50 is essentially an average grade in light of the picks the team had on draft day. A 20 would mean the draft is an unmitigated disaster while an 80 would be the best draft class of all time. As those things can only be truly seen in retrospect, most classes will trend towards 50 at this point, so pay attention to those we see as outliers.

Finally, all grades are incomplete. Actual winners and losers in this draft class will not be known until 2023 at the earliest, after those who will have “made it” will have played out their entry-level contracts. What I am looking at here is whether, knowing what we know now, the drafting team got good value.

RD	#	CS	MCK	PLAYER	P	AGE	HT/WT	TEAM
1	6	6-N	8	Cody GLASS	C	18	6-2/180	Portland (WHL)
1	13	10-N	16	Nick SUZUKI	C	18	5-11/185	Owen Sound (OHL)
1	15	9-E	19	Erik BRANNSTROM	D	18	5-10/175	HV 71 (Swe)
2	34	20-N	27	Nicolas HAGUE	D	18	6-6/215	Mississauga (OHL)
2	62	42-N	72	Jake LESCHYSHYN	C	18	5-11/185	Regina (WHL)
3	65	19-E	95	Jonas RONDBJERG	RW	18	6-0/175	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)
4	96	9-NG	64	Maxim ZHUKOV	G	18	6-3/190	Green Bay (USHL)
5	127	18-E	88	Lucas ELVENES	C	18	6-0/175	Rogle (Swe Jr)
5	142	108-N	hm	Jack DUGAN	C	19	6-2/185	Northwood (USHS-NY)
6	158	73-N	120	Nick CAMPOLI	C	18	5-11/190	North York (OJHL)
6	161	4-EG	hm	Jiri PATERA	G	18	6-2/210	Ceske Budejovice (Cze Jr)
7	189	170-N	hm	Ben JONES	C	18	6-0/185	Niagara (OHL)

RD	#	PLAYER	P	TEAM	GP (W)	G (L)	A (T)	PTS (GA)	PIM (Sv%)
1	6	Cody GLASS	C	Portland (WHL)	69	32	62	94	36
1	13	Nick SUZUKI	C	Owen Sound (OHL)	65	45	51	96	10
1	15	Erik BRANNSTROM	D	HV 71 (Swe)	35	1	5	6	2
1	15			HV 71 (Swe Jr)	19	9	14	23	18
2	34	Nicolas HAGUE	D	Mississauga (OHL)	65	18	28	46	107
2	62	Jake LESCHYSHYN	C	Regina (WHL)	47	17	23	40	22
3	65	Jonas RONDBJERG	RW	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)	42	9	22	31	4
3	65			Vaxjo Lakers (Swe)	5	0	0	0	0
4	96	Maxim ZHUKOV	G	Green Bay (USHL)	19	8	2	2.25	0.913
5	127	Lucas ELVENES	C	Rogle (Swe Jr)	41	15	30	45	22
5	127			Rogle (Swe)	12	0	0	0	0
5	127			Rogle (Swe Jr 18)	1	0	0	0	0
5	142	Jack DUGAN	C	Northwood (USHS-NY)	47	32	61	93
6	158	Nick CAMPOLI	C	North York (OJHL)	20	9	23	32	18
6	161	Jiri PATERA	G	Ceske Budejovice (Cze Jr)	24	14		2.61	0.933
7	189	Ben JONES	C	Niagara (OHL)	63	13	37	50	56

Vegas Golden Knights – Draft Grade: 60

Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks

The Expansion Golden Knights had a plan and they executed it to the last detail. Not worried about contending right away, they swung side deal after side deal before and after last week’s Expansion Draft and ended up with 12 picks across the seven rounds of the Entry Draft, including three first rounders. And what a set of first rounders.

Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Between Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki, they picked up two of the smartest centers in the draft class, both of whom have abundant offensive skills and either of whom could reasonably grow into legit first line centers. Both also show strong commitment to the defensive side of the puck.

Erik Brannstrom (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Then, in Erik Brannstrom, they drafted the most offensively captivating blueliner in the class. None of these three will be ready soon, but there is little to suggest that Vegas did not draft their top two centers of their first contending team as well as a top four defenseman who will quarterback their power play. They just need to make sure that there will be enough pucks to go around.

Early in the second round, they took advantage of gargantuan Nicolas Hague falling into their laps. Expected to go in the first, Hague needs to clean up his game in his own zone, but has a cannon from the point and knows how to use his plus-plus size to intimidate. He would actually make for a nice defensive partner for Brannstrom sooner than later. Vegas could not keep up with picks of that caliber, but used the rest of Day Two to fill their system with depth, particularly among forwards. In fact, I was surprised to note that after Hague, they did not pick any more defensemen in the draft. Also notable was that they only drafted one overager, Jack Dugan, a New York State prep-schooler who destroyed local competition.

Best value: Ben Jones, C, Niagara (7/189): The final pick in Vegas’ first draft class, Jones was once thought highly enough of to be selected seventh overall in the OHL Entry draft. He is a 200 ft player who plays with plus energy, and has average speed and puck skills.

Biggest head-scratcher: Jonas Rondbjerg, RW, Vaxjo J20 (3/65): Not that Rondbjerg was a bad pick as the Danish winger plays a mature two-way game with understated puck skills. He simply may have been available in the next round, as he has not been able to put it all together and produce high end offense at the junior levels since tearing up Denmark’s U17 league in 2014-15.