FWIW Kyle Woodlief, Director of Red Line Report, was talking about the Oiler's 16th OA pick yesterday and which players would be in that range:
In his opinion there are only 2 defencemen that will be available and worthy of that pick, Jeremy Roy and Thomas Chabot. (He notes Hanifin and Provorov will be gone in the top 10. Werenski might make it out of the top 10 but won't last to 16. Seems to imply he would not consider Kylington at 16)
He however thinks there are a lot of quality forwards in that range. Specifically mentions Svechnikov, Meier, Merkley and Harkins.
Merkley and Harkins he describes as pass first playmaking centers. He would choose Harkins over Merkley because he is bigger and the better skater. Merkley is barely 5'11'' and is an average skater for his size. Merkley has better instincts in the offensive end though.
Svechnikov is a big strong physical beast that can go to the net if he wants to. Not too many defenceman can stop him from going to the crease. Comes like a freight train down the wing. Coaches will have to stay on him for his effort level and defensive awareness. According to Woodlief, you are not drafting him for his defensive play, but can hopefully teach him that aspect of the game.
Woodlief also really likes Guryanov and calls him a potential steal. Says Red Line Report has him ranked a #8 and according to him if it wasn't for the Russian factor, there would be no way Guryanov would fall out of the top 10 at the draft.
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