[Sandman]

Random thoughts:

-It will be interesting to see where Dvorsky goes on draft day. It's hard to think of comparables in the NHL to his style; he reminds me a bit of Monahan in the offensive zone, and a little of Barkov in the defensive zone. Like Mony, he doesn't really drive play, but has great hands around the net. Not all that much of a facilitator, but he sees the ice well when he wants to pass. I should add that he skates much better than Mony, though he's not a speedster. Throughout the early games, he was trying to do too much, and forcing plays-now, he's shooting more. It can't be easy adjusting to playing with such young players, after 38 games in Sweden's AllSvenskan men's league (where he was the 3rd highest-scoring U-18 player in the league), and tearing up the J20 circuit, with 10 goals and 21 points in 10 games. Like Barkov, he works hard in the D zone, using his size to win battles, covering for his D, and he can play both sides of special teams. Considering the team he's on this tourney, his point totals are quite impressive-even when considering that 5 of them came against Germany. His shooting arsenal is impressive.

-Will Smith and teammate Gabe Perreault are now tied for the tournament lead, with identical stat lines: 3gp/4g/7a/11pts,+8, 0 PIM. Teammate Ryan Leonard is tied with Dvorsky for 3rd, with 3gp/3g/5a/8pts,+7, 2 PIM. Will Smith is for sure the 5th best player in this draft, no doubt in my mind. The other 2 americans are top-12. C Oliver Moore is still a wildcard, as many scouts see him as the second-most talented American behind Smith, but his numbers aren't as good, because he doesn't play on the top line in the USDP, or in this tourney, with the other three. Moore is perhaps the fastest player in this draft. All 4 are a treat to watch.

-I've been a bit disappointed with some of the Finns. Their leading scorer is polarizing RW Kasper Halttunen, team Captain, tied for 16th with 3gp/3g/1a/4pts,+2, 2 PIM. He's a big 6'3" winger, with skill and some speed, who can play a power-forward game, and he's no slouch in the defensive zone, or in transition. For me though, he seems to be as "one trick pony goal-scorer" as you can get, although he's as good a shooter as there is in this draft. He can score from far out, in tight, and he doesn't mind the garbage goals. His slapper, wrister, and one-timer are all NHL-calibre. Many say that his stock has dropped from being a potential top-10 pick, to early second rounder, due to the fact that he looked bad playing against men in the Liiga this year. One guy I really wanted to see was 6'0" RW Jesse Kiiskinen, who has shown up on some lists/mocks as a late first-rounder, but who only has 2 points in this tourney. His stats back home are glowing, with 43 points in 31 J20 games. JK has an extensive offensive toolbox, being equally good at shooting and passing, having speed to beat defenders, and being highly competitive and relentless. He's effective in all 3 zones, wants to be a difference-maker, and can play in all situations. He also plays a physical game, and can be a play-driver through the neutral zone, by carrying or by passing. This tournament though, isn't doing his draft standing any favors. Forwards Rasmus Kumpilainen, Jesse Nurmi, Emil Jarventie, Arrttu Alasiurua, and Konsta Helenius are all tied with 3 points.
Kumpalainen: Big C plays an honest power-forward game in all 3 zones. Skates well, seems to have pretty good vision, and a hard, accurate shot. Potential second-rounder, could make a good 3C in the NHL.
Nurmi: Smallish LW is close to being elite skating-wise, and has real offensive acumen. 50 points in 41 J20 games is impressive. He can kill penalties, and is a good two-way player. 2nd/3rd round.
Jarventie: Another small LW, he's a great passer with vision and IQ, with a good motor. Skating needs a bit of work, so he can get more explosive. Played well against men back home. 2nd round.

-I have to say it again, either I'm insane, or Matthew Wood does NOT look slow. Not a burner, but I would not be scared off from drafting him.

-Only 1 assist through 3 games for Andrew Cristall. Button made the comment that he looks like he's lacking confidence offensively. He's been around the puck, and he's had chances, but some plays have died on his stick. He's quick, and he works hard all over the ice. 95 points in 54 WHL games says he has plenty to offer.

-D Jakub Dvorak is 6'5", and skates well for a guy his size. He uses his size, reach, and stick in all 3 zones. He reminds me a bit of Yan Kuznetsov, where he can blend into the background, but in a good way. Exhibits exemplary positioning, and keeps good gap control. He has 3 points (all against Germany) in 3 games in this tournament, but he won't be counted on for offense in the pros.He'll take care of his own end, and the net-front, help stifle rushes, and move the puck in transition. 2nd rounder.

-D Martin Strbak is helping his draft stock, being tied for 3rd in scoring amongst D men in the U-18's, with 5 points in 4 games. His defensive game has never been in doubt, as he plays a calm, poised game, highlighted by physicality (he's 6'2"), mobility, his ability to separate man from puck, and his quick, accurate outlet passes to start transition the other way. He's not as flashy as his D counterparts that are littered throughout the second round of this year's draft, but he's a safe and dependable option. Strbak is a minute-muncher, and he can play in all situations-but his offense is still raw. His output in this tournament shows promise in that area. He put up 18 points this year in 46 USHL games- respectable, but not top-tier.