[Sandman]

Draft thoughts:

-Winger Lenni Hameenaho might be one of the older players in this draft, with a November birthday, but that shouldn't take away from how impressive his season was, with 21 points in 51 games in the men's league, which is better than Juraj Slafkovsky's Draft-Season output of 10 points in 31 games. His output puts him first in the Liiga for players under-19 by 6 points, ahead of names like Kemell, Nyman, Kaskimaki, and our own Topi Ronni. Hammy is a six-footer, but he plays much bigger, as he often comes out with the puck in battles, can play a physical game, battles hard in the danger areas, and is good in front of the net. Best of all, perhaps, is that he employs a sound 200-ft game, very difficult and unusual for a player his age, playing in a men’s league.He skates very well, but could use more explosiveness in his stride. In his draft minus-one year, he put up 21 goals and 37 points in 42 J20 Liiga games, which is excellent production, putting him 3rd for players under-18 in that league. Look for him in the first half of the second round.

-RW Coulson Pitre is a personal favorite of mine. 60 points in 59 games for the Flint Firebirds of the OHL. He's a 6'1" power-forward, and the type of player that teams need to win. "Pitre is a highly-intelligent forward who responds well on both sides of the puck. He plays in all situations, including the PK, but it's his effectiveness 5-on-5 that draws interest in him. He's an above average skater, but doesn't possess any after-burners. Instead, he uses his high IQ, along with the skating skills he does have to be in the right places. Pitre has shown great control with the puck on his stick, and when you combine his vision with his IQ, he makes the right decision consistently. He is also a very elusive player and makes himself an option for his teammates. He's also a gifted passer who identifies lanes and seams quickly, and can deliver a tape-to-tape pass. Pitre is a power-forward. He does not shy away from contact whether he is delivering the physicality, or on th recieving end of a hit to make a play. Willing to battle, and fight through contact. It's not just about offence for Pitre. His three-zone game is very accomplished. I think it's fair to say he plays a pro-style game now."- from Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers.

-RW Mathieu Cataford plays middle-six duty, with little PP time on a deep Halifax Mooseheads squad, but still managed 75 points in 68 games. I think this kid might be the closest thing to a Brayden Point/ Anthony Cirelli-type player in this draft. His high-end intelligence helps him excel in all zones, but his defensive play is what's often talked about. He exhibits solid positioning, the physicality to separate man from puck, the speed to disrupt plays and harass puck-carriers, and the IQ to be a couple of steps ahead of the play, to pick his opponents pockets, or head off passes. Makes quick reads, and is equally effective on the forecheck, as he is on the backcheck. Works and competes hard. He is very fast in a straight line, but some aspects of his skating could use a little improvement. Most writers suggest that he would make a great middle-six complimentary player, but I think he has a much higher ceiling.

-D Etienne Morin would be a good player to spend a middle 2nd rounder on. 72 points in 67 games for Moncton of the Q, followed by 17 points in 12 playoff games. He's a fast, agile skater who, unlike many offensive D prospects from the Q, has a sound two-way game to match his top-tier offensive instincts and IQ. Solid gap-control, and physical along the boards, and in front of the net. Plays confidently in all situations, and all zones. Hard, accurate shot, and excellent puck-handling ability. He excels in transition, with good exit, and entry ability. If there's a weakness, it would perhaps be his size (6'0"), and strength. Many suggest he will make a fine second-pairing D in the big leagues.

-I have compared LW Kalan Lind to a poor man's Brad Marchand. This is the kid who was running around, playing physical, and stirring the pot so much in the Top Prospects Game, that he had to fight 6'4" Alex Pharand. Lind is not at all afraid of the rough-going, fighting hard in the dirty areas, or driving opponents crazy. Likes to crash the net, and has a knack for scoring garbage goals, but he has a good shot from farther out as well. He might be one of the best forecheckers in this draft, and has a non-stop motor. His hard-working nature, and competitiveness makes him a quality, 200-ft player, and he uses his physicality and stick to pressure puck-carriers, and separate man from puck. Though he plays like a bull in a china shop, he also has good IQ and vision, with strong playmaking ability, and a good off-puck game. Kole Lind's brother had 44 points in 43 games for the Red Deer Rebels. He's 6'0", but is listed at only 154lbs, so he needs to seriously bulk up.

I will post some more little write-ups in the coming days/weeks.