Draft Thoughts (Smurf Edition, Vol. 5):
5'10",174lb LW Jesse Heslop finished the regular season in 7th-place in scoring, with 19 goals and 54 points on a deep and talented Everett Silvertips team that were 4th-best in the WHL, and the 4th-highest scoring in the league. He was only able to contribute 1 goal in 6 playoff games before going down to injury, as the Silvertips were swept in he second round by the Portland Winterhawks. I would have expected better numbers from Heslop this year, after a 2022-23 season that saw him post 41 points in 66 games as a 16 year-old, which ranked 6th for U-18 players- 1 point behind Cayden Lindstrom, and 2 points behind Gavin Hodnett. He was also second amongst all '06-born players in even-strength points with 35, behind Berkly Catton by only 2 points. He was selected in the 3rd round, 66th overall, in the 2021 Prospects Draft, and plays up and down the lineup in Everett.
Heslop can control pace, but he's mostly a complimentary player at this stage. He's a natural playmaker with top-notch vision and IQ, who funnels the puck to the net, and to teammates in high-danger. He finds and creates space to operate in, and displays advanced playmaking in-close to the net. He's an above-average skater, and light on his edges, with an explosive short-area burst, lateral agility to elude checks, and the ability to weave in and out of traffic with deception- he's definitely not a burner at top speed though. In transition, he can contribute using his fine puck-skills and mobility. His shot is a laser, but he doesn't use it nearly enough, and doesn't really score a whole of goals- only 19 this season, and 12 the last. Playmaking is his primary vocation, but he will battle in front of the net, and sneak in-an-out of prime scoring areas with an eye on scoring the odd garbage goal, potting a rebound opportunity, or recieving a pass to then deke out the goalie. He has a knack for being at the right place at the right time, and wins his fair share of battles in greasy areas. There is no fear in his game, and he's highly disruptive on the forecheck- he's a pest to puck-carriers, and engages in puck-pursuit in all three zones. He applies a high workrate, competes hard, and has a good motor.
In the defensive zone, Heslop is highly aware, and closes quick on puck-carriers to disrupt plays. He contributes well to Everett's defensive zone coverage, works hard, and supports his D. I think he's better than the numbers, and affected somewhat by playing on such a deep team. He needs to get stronger and faster, but could develop into a quality middle-6 winger in the NHL, who can do a little bit of everything. Look for him anywhere from the 4th to the 6th round.
|