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Sandman · 03-30-2024, 04:08 AM

Draft Thoughts (Vlieter Edition):

I have to admit, I haven't been paying attention to C/LW Lucas Van Vliet, as he hasn't played in any of the tournaments I usually watch and his stats are quite pedestrian, but the more I read and watch on this kid the more I like him. VV is a member of the NTDP, and he has earned 12 goals and 21 points in 41 games this season. In the most recent 5 Nations, he only managed 1 assist, despite being amongst the top chance-generators on Team USA, and a constant offensive threat. In the 2024 All-American Prospects Game (their version of the CHL Top Prospects Game, which used to be called the BioSteel All-Americans Game), he was one of the better players with a jaw-dropping goal from the faceoff circle, and an assist. From what I've read, he started the season slow due to injuries early on, then had to make his way back up the roster upon his return.

Van Vliet has every tool you could want in a prospect- he's got size (6'1",181lbs), skating, shooting, handling, and intelligence, but his production doesn't come close to matching his talent. VV is a combination of power and finesse, and plays a solid two-way game with physicality. The first pillar of his game is his amazing stickhandling- he's cool and confident with the puck on his blade, and his quick hands are up there with the best in the draft, as he can dangle and deke through layers of traffic, as well as opposing goalies. He simply wows with his small-area game, showing off impressive moves, deception, and footwork. The second pillar of his game is his standout ability as a transition specialist. He can carry the puck from the defensive zone, through the neutral zone for clean entries with control, finding clear lanes to travel in, and gliding in to open space. He can take the puck for a long walk, while barely getting touched, due to his agility and edgework, combined with the aforementioned stickhandling. The third pillar of his game is his fantastic shot, with a deceptive, lightning-quick release. He can pick corners from a distance, and changes the angle of his blade to disguise his intent. He attacks the middle to unleash, but will go to the net to cash in on rebounds.

Vlieter is an excellent skater, who is strong on his edges and able to complete tight turns. He has strong lateral quickness to give him an extra layer of elusiveness, as well. He has high IQ and vision as a playmaker, and is quite skilled- he often looks like an elite forward, and has the guts to try out some high-end complicated plays, even if they don't work out. He's not afraid of the greasy areas, and wins puck battles. He plays a physical game, and is said to be one of the best forecheckers in the NTDP- he's adept at causing turnovers all over the ice with his speed and stickwork, and turning them in to offensive opportunities. He is also said to be one of the hardest workers on the ice- he doesn't cut corners, or cheat the game. He's a responsible, two-way player who displays solid hockey sense and awareness on the backcheck, and knows where to be to disrupt plays, intercept passes, and cause fumbles.

So why the mediocre numbers? For starters, he began the year with 2 points in his first game, then dipped into a 9-game slump where he experienced injury and demotion- then he went on a 17-game heater, with 16 points in that span. While it's true that VV is a remarkably hard-working player, his game is wildly inconsistent- even shift-to-shift. Sometimes, he looks like a world-beater, and other times he's invisible. Throughout the season, he has had a revolving door of different linemates, but has mostly played with some combination of bottom-6 players, so I imagine it's been hard to gain any traction offensively, and it's made harder by the fact that he gets very little powerplay time. The NTDP has many upper-echelon young stars on their roster, so it's easy to see how a player like Van Vliet gets pushed down the lineup. At any rate, Vlieter has first-round tools, and is oozing top-6 NHL potential, but still has a high floor as a bottom-6 defensive player who can chip in some offense, and I'm betting scouts will see that. Can't wait to see how he does at Michigan State next year. Third round steal, in my opinion.

03-30-2024, 04:08 AM	#1552
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (Vlieter Edition): I have to admit, I haven't been paying attention to C/LW Lucas Van Vliet, as he hasn't played in any of the tournaments I usually watch and his stats are quite pedestrian, but the more I read and watch on this kid the more I like him. VV is a member of the NTDP, and he has earned 12 goals and 21 points in 41 games this season. In the most recent 5 Nations, he only managed 1 assist, despite being amongst the top chance-generators on Team USA, and a constant offensive threat. In the 2024 All-American Prospects Game (their version of the CHL Top Prospects Game, which used to be called the BioSteel All-Americans Game), he was one of the better players with a jaw-dropping goal from the faceoff circle, and an assist. From what I've read, he started the season slow due to injuries early on, then had to make his way back up the roster upon his return. Van Vliet has every tool you could want in a prospect- he's got size (6'1",181lbs), skating, shooting, handling, and intelligence, but his production doesn't come close to matching his talent. VV is a combination of power and finesse, and plays a solid two-way game with physicality. The first pillar of his game is his amazing stickhandling- he's cool and confident with the puck on his blade, and his quick hands are up there with the best in the draft, as he can dangle and deke through layers of traffic, as well as opposing goalies. He simply wows with his small-area game, showing off impressive moves, deception, and footwork. The second pillar of his game is his standout ability as a transition specialist. He can carry the puck from the defensive zone, through the neutral zone for clean entries with control, finding clear lanes to travel in, and gliding in to open space. He can take the puck for a long walk, while barely getting touched, due to his agility and edgework, combined with the aforementioned stickhandling. The third pillar of his game is his fantastic shot, with a deceptive, lightning-quick release. He can pick corners from a distance, and changes the angle of his blade to disguise his intent. He attacks the middle to unleash, but will go to the net to cash in on rebounds. Vlieter is an excellent skater, who is strong on his edges and able to complete tight turns. He has strong lateral quickness to give him an extra layer of elusiveness, as well. He has high IQ and vision as a playmaker, and is quite skilled- he often looks like an elite forward, and has the guts to try out some high-end complicated plays, even if they don't work out. He's not afraid of the greasy areas, and wins puck battles. He plays a physical game, and is said to be one of the best forecheckers in the NTDP- he's adept at causing turnovers all over the ice with his speed and stickwork, and turning them in to offensive opportunities. He is also said to be one of the hardest workers on the ice- he doesn't cut corners, or cheat the game. He's a responsible, two-way player who displays solid hockey sense and awareness on the backcheck, and knows where to be to disrupt plays, intercept passes, and cause fumbles. So why the mediocre numbers? For starters, he began the year with 2 points in his first game, then dipped into a 9-game slump where he experienced injury and demotion- then he went on a 17-game heater, with 16 points in that span. While it's true that VV is a remarkably hard-working player, his game is wildly inconsistent- even shift-to-shift. Sometimes, he looks like a world-beater, and other times he's invisible. Throughout the season, he has had a revolving door of different linemates, but has mostly played with some combination of bottom-6 players, so I imagine it's been hard to gain any traction offensively, and it's made harder by the fact that he gets very little powerplay time. The NTDP has many upper-echelon young stars on their roster, so it's easy to see how a player like Van Vliet gets pushed down the lineup. At any rate, Vlieter has first-round tools, and is oozing top-6 NHL potential, but still has a high floor as a bottom-6 defensive player who can chip in some offense, and I'm betting scouts will see that. Can't wait to see how he does at Michigan State next year. Third round steal, in my opinion.