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Sandman · 03-11-2024, 03:35 AM

Draft Thoughts (Little Luch Edition):

I wonder, did RHC Jett Luchanko's parents have a premonition of his skating ability when they named him? Luchanko is young, with an August 21st birthday, which makes his 20 goals, and 64 points in 59 OHL games to date even more impressive. He's first in scoring for the 11th-placed Guelph Storm, 3 points ahead of second-leading scorer Braeden Bowman, and 18 points ahead of the third leading scorer on the team. Strangely enough, 30 of his points have come via the PP, and he's 3rd in the OHL for powerplay assists with 27. Luch was rated a "B" by Central Scouting at the beginning of the year, indicating a likely 2nd or 3rd round pick, but he was showing up briefly in mocks in the first round a short time ago.

Luch is perhaps more of an opportunist than a play-driver, but he definitely doesn't lack creativity. This is a player with high IQ and quick processing speed that matches his fast feet. His playmaking game is strong, and he manufactures opportunities for teammates in positions to capitalize. Speed-wise, he's close to elite in a straight-line, with the ability to separate in open-ice, and push the pace. His edges are smooth and strong, and help him move around checkers, or put them on their heels when combined with his array of 1-on-1 moves. In the on-ice testing leading up to the CHL Top Prospects Game (where he picked up an assist), he finished first overall in the skating drills. His shot is strong and accurate, but could use more power and velocity- most of his scoring comes from in-close, and from capitalizing on tips and rebounds. Luchanko has a good understanding of how to find open space to move to, and open seams to pass through, by drawing defenders towards him. He's engaged without the puck in all 3 zones, capitalizing on loose pucks and broken plays, turning them into offensive chances. Even at top speed, he exhibits confident handling and control, and is able to carry through the neutral zone to make smooth entries- he's an impactful transitional player, and works his way to open ice to outrun defenders. Though his speed is one of the pillars of his game, his success is built off of his compete- he works with a high-end motor, and can outwork bigger opponents along the boards, and in front of the net. He's a passionate and ferocious competitor, who is not afraid to drive the middle, or crash the net.

Defensively, Luch is inconsistent, and though the effort is always there, he can sometimes appear lost and out of position. He will still compete in his own zone, using his stick and body to block lanes, and disrupt plays, but he must improve this area of his game. His even-strength production is another question mark, but I believe he'll be chosen late in the second round, and could make a good middle-6 forward in the NHL.

03-11-2024, 03:35 AM	#905
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (Little Luch Edition): I wonder, did RHC Jett Luchanko's parents have a premonition of his skating ability when they named him? Luchanko is young, with an August 21st birthday, which makes his 20 goals, and 64 points in 59 OHL games to date even more impressive. He's first in scoring for the 11th-placed Guelph Storm, 3 points ahead of second-leading scorer Braeden Bowman, and 18 points ahead of the third leading scorer on the team. Strangely enough, 30 of his points have come via the PP, and he's 3rd in the OHL for powerplay assists with 27. Luch was rated a "B" by Central Scouting at the beginning of the year, indicating a likely 2nd or 3rd round pick, but he was showing up briefly in mocks in the first round a short time ago. Luch is perhaps more of an opportunist than a play-driver, but he definitely doesn't lack creativity. This is a player with high IQ and quick processing speed that matches his fast feet. His playmaking game is strong, and he manufactures opportunities for teammates in positions to capitalize. Speed-wise, he's close to elite in a straight-line, with the ability to separate in open-ice, and push the pace. His edges are smooth and strong, and help him move around checkers, or put them on their heels when combined with his array of 1-on-1 moves. In the on-ice testing leading up to the CHL Top Prospects Game (where he picked up an assist), he finished first overall in the skating drills. His shot is strong and accurate, but could use more power and velocity- most of his scoring comes from in-close, and from capitalizing on tips and rebounds. Luchanko has a good understanding of how to find open space to move to, and open seams to pass through, by drawing defenders towards him. He's engaged without the puck in all 3 zones, capitalizing on loose pucks and broken plays, turning them into offensive chances. Even at top speed, he exhibits confident handling and control, and is able to carry through the neutral zone to make smooth entries- he's an impactful transitional player, and works his way to open ice to outrun defenders. Though his speed is one of the pillars of his game, his success is built off of his compete- he works with a high-end motor, and can outwork bigger opponents along the boards, and in front of the net. He's a passionate and ferocious competitor, who is not afraid to drive the middle, or crash the net. Defensively, Luch is inconsistent, and though the effort is always there, he can sometimes appear lost and out of position. He will still compete in his own zone, using his stick and body to block lanes, and disrupt plays, but he must improve this area of his game. His even-strength production is another question mark, but I believe he'll be chosen late in the second round, and could make a good middle-6 forward in the NHL.