[Sandman]

Draft thoughts, post U-18's:

-Will Smith is tied for the 2nd best points total (20) in the history of the tourney, while Perreault is 5th (18), and Leonard is 9th (17). My thoughts on the Americans, from April 23rd:

There's no doubt in my mind that Will Smith is firmly entrenched as the first pick outside the big 4, in this year's draft. He doesn't really have any weaknesses. He's an excellent skater who plays with elite pace, but his stickhandling is sublime- he could do it in a broom closet, all of which combine to make him an intimidating force to defenders. His brain is always a step ahead, which allows him to outpace opponents, and create space for himself and his teammates, and he makes high-end plays in transition and off the rush. I've heard him called a goal-scorer, but I think he's kind of equal parts scorer and playmaker. Moves seemingly effortlessly through traffic. Scouts rave about his small-area game, and he uses all kinds of deception (head fakes, jukes, eye fakes, etc) to stay unpredictable. As good as he is on the attack, he's just as good in the defensive zone.

-Gabe Perrault is not the biggest, or fastest, but his skill, vision, and IQ are all elite. His stats in this, his draft year, are pretty comparable to those of Jack Hughes'. The main difference between the 2 players, other than Hughes playing the more important C position, is the skating- Hughes has always been elite, while GP has room for improvement in that area. GP is also not as good a defensive player as he could be. He's another guy who's equally goal-scorer as he is playmaker IMO, as he shoots a lot, but he's an amazing passer-he finds the seams just as good as anybody. His shooting arsenal is vast, and he can beat goalies in a number of ways. I think he might be a riser on Draft day.

-Ryan Leonard is a player I like very much. His passing ability, vision, and IQ were on display today. I'm very impressed with his playmaking. Button said on the play-by-play that the Smith/ Perrault/ Leonard line from the USDP is the best line by far in Junior hockey anywhere in the world, and I believe him. Leonard is not huge, but he plays a power-forward style- fights hard along the boards, plays heavy, and muscles opponents off the puck. Already plays a very well-rounded, mature two-way game, with speed, and good motor. He's more of a goal-scorer, but he's no slouch in the playmaking department.

-Oliver Moore had a goal, and an assist today. This is the guy I wanted to see, as he's the USDP Player I'm least sure about. He's interesting, because he put up good numbers on the USDP Juniors squad, while playing on the second line. He's wearing an "A" for USA today. He's listed at 5'11", plays C, and might be the fastest player in this year's draft. Best part might be that he looks to have a very well-rounded game, and uses his speed to disrupt plays, and frustrate puck-carriers. Blistering speed, blistering shot, won't be outworked. Maybe a little Matt Barzal there? Excellent in transition, and zone entry.

-Danny Nelson looks like he will make a good 3rd line C. He moves fairly well, especially for a big man, has good hands, and a wicked shot with a nice release. He does a lot of the dirty work for his team, winning battles along the boards, and playing a solid two-way game. Bit of a meat-and-potatoes guy.