Things to consider before reading:
I am following EliteProspect’s Consolidated Draft Ranking, which allows me to focus on my personal impressions rather than spend time determining player order
This is by no means the best or the most comprehensive pre-draft write-up, just a quick list of some of my thoughts based on video viewings
I’m general pessimistic in my NHL player comparables, as relatively few non-lottery picks develop into star players
1. Matthew Schaefer (LHD)
I like: Ability to control play & activate in all three zones - a true modern defenseman
I’m worried about: Unremarkable production in his Draft-1 season, coupled with small sample size this year
Optimistic NHL comparable: Miro Heiskanen (does-everything #1D)
Pessimistic NHL comparable: Bowen Byram (injury history + stagnated development after excellent junior and early pro career)
2. Michael Misa (LHC)
I like: Thinks the game well on and off the puck, extremely strong point production in Draft-1 and Draft Year
I’m worried about: Took advantage of opportunity alongside skilled teammates on a possession-based team, more of a complementary player than the focal point, defends more like a future winger than a top center
NHL comparable: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (very good running mate for an elite forward)
3. Porter Martone (RHW)
I like: Noteworthy size & scoring ability, a surprisingly good playmaker despite his casting as a power forward
I’m worried about: Frequently ahead of the play & struggles to get involved, easy to jam up along the boards, may not maintain his physical advantage as he graduates to pro hockey
Optimistic NHL comparable: Mikko Rantanen (big guy who can thread passes and shoot it into the net at will)
Pessimistic NHL comparable: Jesse Puljujarvi (big guy who’s disappointed every NHL organization he’s played for)
4. James Hagens (LHC)
I like: Similar on- and off-puck abilities as Misa, except more inclined to help his Ds low in the defensive zone
I’m worried about: Lack of size & shooting threat, dip in league-adjusted production from NTDP→NCAA D1 raises red flags regarding his speed of adaptation to pro hockey
NHL comparable: Matt Duchene (consistent top-six contributor who can play either C or W)
5. Caleb Desnoyers (LHC)
I like: Projectable physique, skillset and habits as a future NHL center
I’m worried about: Lack of deception, which may lead to a lower offensive ceiling vs. pro defenders
NHL comparable: Brayden Schenn (needs to go into traffic to produce points)
6. Anton Frondell (LHC)
I like: Excellent production playing vs. men in Allsvenskan, habitually gets off the wall and attacks the net
I’m worried about: Not the best at changing speed & direction with the puck on his stick, which makes him dependant on linemate quality to get to the high-danger area
NHL comparable: Sean Monahan (quality triggerman for puck-dominant wingers)
7. Victor Eklund (RHW)
I like: A smart player who is especially good at sensing pressure and initiating contact
I’m worried about: May lack size, speed and finishing ability to thrive against NHLers
Optimistic NHL comparable: Artemi Panarin (genius)
Pessimistic NHL comparable: Calle Jarnkrok (hard-working, well-rounded but essentially fungible)
8. Jake O’Brien (RHC)
I like: Excellent at presenting a dual threat off the catch, height+handedness+position combo that commands a premium at the NHL level
I’m worried about: Pace of play - prefers to slow the game down rather than accelerate on first touch, which may lead to struggles in transition vs. NHLers
Optimistic NHL comparable: Mark Scheifele (prototypical #1 center with some play-driving deficiencies)
Pessimistic NHL comparable: Ryan Johansen (lower ceiling and less staying power)
9. Roger McQueen (RHC)
I like: Quick hands in-tight and knows exactly what he wants to do as he catches the puck, changes direction well for a tall player
I’m worried about: Small Draft-Year sample size due to injury, may be miscast by his NHL team as a power forward rather than a finesse-first player, will need time to grow into his frame
Optimistic NHL comparable: Tage Thompson (struggled mightily due to lack of physical development & playing wing early in his career)
Pessimistic NHL comparable: Nick Bjugstad (toolsy player who didn’t think the game well enough to stick in the top six)
10. Jackson Smith (LHD)
I like: Efficient mover and looks to get involved offensively
I’m worried about: Carries the puck into dead ends in transition, lacks defined strengths in his game to justify a top-10 selection
NHL comparable: Juuso Valimaki (talented first-round pick who was lost on waivers due to a glut of defensemen in CGY’s system)