Quote:
Originally Posted by iloveicedhockey
Question to those in the know (or anyone else): is there anyone who dropped in the rankings through the year where they feel the drop wasn't justified and perhaps things just snowballed?
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Here's a few:
-In 23 games before suffering a 4-game injury absence in December, RW Cam Schmidt put up an incredible 24 goals and 37 points. In 38 games after the injury, he only managed 16 goals and 41 points, suffering from what I believe was a wrist injury- which is hard to overcome for a goal-scorer. His pre-injury pace would have put him at 99 points in 61 games, or 109 points in 68 games prorated, which makes sense when considering that his D-minus-1 production of 58 points in 59 games is the 55th-best season all-time by an U-17 player in the WHL. He's small, but fiery, and makes room for himself with his speed and elusiveness, but also his fearlessness and physicality. NHL shot, and finishing ability. I'm more of a fan of Schmidt than I am of another diminutive player, Ben Kindel.
-D Carson Cameron doesn't get the respect he deserves, playing for the lowly Peterborough Petes. He may have to wait until the third-round or later to be picked, but he has size (6'2"), skating, and a good two-way puck-movement game. The Petes were the worst team in the OHL, and one of the lowest-scoring in the entire CHL, and his 23 points were only 12 away from the team lead. He's also young, with a late-June birthday, and shoots right. His situation is a bit reminiscent of a few D from last year's draft, where Tarin Smith, Harrison Brunicke, and Luca Marrelli were all chosen later than they probably should have been, and have showed well this season.
-D Owen Conrad put up 29 points in just 59 games in his D-minus-1 year, but only managed 26 in 64 this season. There's a whole lot more here, and I think he's way better than his stats show. He's big (6'3",209lbs), physical, and mean, with a well-developed shut-down game, but he can also move the puck and contribute in the offensive zone when given the opportunity. Needs work on his skating though. I'm a fan of this kid.
-C Jimmy Lombardi isn't getting the proper respect, IMO. He's 6'0", and he skates like a fart in a windstorm, with good puck-skill and high pace. Only 45 points in 63 games, but he had 18 in his last 18. Good playmaking skill, and hockey sense.
-C Tommy Lafreniere also isn't getting the proper respect. Also 6'0", he put up 56 points in 68 games for a poor Kamloops squad. Skating will need a bit of work, but he plays with pace and physicality, and is an excellent playmaker, with a strong two-way game.
-C Owen Martin (6'0",183lbs) only played 39 games for the Spokane Chiefs, but he posted a more-than-respectable 34 points- while not getting top-line minutes on a good team. He's a bit of a good at everything, but not elite in any area type, but I'm a fan of his- he does a lot of the dirty work for his line, has a bit of physicality, and plays a good two-way game.
-RW Justin Carbonneau might be a big riser on draft day- he's 6'2", skates well, and has a well-balanced offensive game. His 46 goals were tied for 2nd in the low-scoring QMJHL, and his 89 points were also 2nd-overall. The big knocks are his age (November 25th birthday), and his defense- which has been steadily improving. He's physical, and skates very well. His linemate, C Mateo Nobert, also doesn't get the proper recognition- he's 6'0", physical, and intelligent, but his game has a few holes. I still see him as a potential early second-rounder.