2023 NHL Draft Thread

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Sandman

To add to your post :

Jack Hughes' Draft year statistics:

USNTDP juniors (USHL): 24gp/12g/36a/48pts,+17, 4 PIM, 2 ppg.
US National U18 Team (USDP): 50gp/34g/78a/112pts, 28 PIM, 2.24 ppg.
USA U-18 (WJC-18): 7gp/9g/11a/20pts,+10, 8 PIM, 2.85 ppg.

Gabe Perreault Draft year statistics:

USNTDP Juniors (USHL): 23gp/19g/26a/45pts, +22, 8 PIM, 1.95 ppg
US National U18 Team (USDP): 58gp/51g/70a/121pts,+70, 8 PIM, 2.08 ppg
USA U-18 (WJC-18): 2gp/3g/4a/7pts,+6, 0 PIM, 3.5 ppg (5 games left)

GP Doesn't quite reach Hughes' lofty numbers, but pretty similar- and Hughes went first overall. I think many will be surprised by where GP goes this upcoming draft. Hughes is a C, a more important position, whereas Perrault is a RW. Biggest difference is the skating- Hughes had elite speed, while GP has room to grow in that area.

How good a skater is Perreault, Sandman?

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

I'm told the Flames have big interest in Ryan Leonard but man, another nail biting NCAA nightmare if they get him.

I'd assume averyone slated in the top ten like Leonard is to be of big interest to the Flames. I don't think his draft profile allows him to go beyond the 8th to 10th pick. Perhaps higher.

Maybe he's the guy the want at 6th if they win the lotto.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

How good a skater is Perreault, Sandman?

I think most issues with his speed will be fixed as he matures and gets stronger, but his acceleration and top speed need work, and he needs more explosiveness. I think he’s somewhere in the “average”, or slightly above category right now.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I think most issues with his speed will be fixed as he matures and gets stronger, but his acceleration and top speed need work, and he needs more explosiveness. I think he’s somewhere in the “average”, or slightly above category right now.

Interesting topic is speed something that can be worked on I've always felt it's something you are born with. It's more mechanical things you can work on but maybe I'm wrong.

[Tkachukwagon]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1650108255681540097

More on Perrault. Didn’t realize he was Yanic Perrault’s son!

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Interesting topic is speed something that can be worked on I've always felt it's something you are born with. It's more mechanical things you can work on but maybe I'm wrong.

100% agree. Hockey IQ and skill cannot be taught but skating can always be worked on.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Interesting topic is speed something that can be worked on I've always felt it's something you are born with. It's more mechanical things you can work on but maybe I'm wrong.

I will agree that if a prospect is considered a “bad” skater by the time he’s in junior, he will never be a “good” skater. Most teenagers though, are not fully developed yet, so they need a few years to develop their leg strength to NHL standards. I have faith in Perreault, because he has a good base to work with, but I don’t think he’s ever going to be a burner.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

https://twitter.com/user/status/1650108255681540097

More on Perrault. Didn’t realize he was Yanic Perrault’s son!

Yanic Perreault was a very talented player, but a bad skater.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

Yanic Perreault was a very talented player, but a bad skater.

Thanks Rick, I was going to point that out, but I forgot. Gabe’s brother, Jacob, a first-rounder by the Ducks a few years back, had some skating issues that he’s improved, but he too will never be a burner.

[Harry Lime]

After reading Sandman u18 thread, and that one of st. Louis late 1st could be available under the right circumstances, I'm starting to be a little intrigued about the possibility of sandin pellikka at 16, and Riley heidt at 27. That would be a very productive draft.

So, what does st.louis want at the moment?

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

After reading Sandman u18 thread, and that one of st. Louis late 1st could be available under the right circumstances, I'm starting to be a little intrigued about the possibility of sandin pellikka at 16, and Riley heidt at 27. That would be a very productive draft.

So, what does st.louis want at the moment?

That late of a first? Backlund or Toffoli would be a good start.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

After reading Sandman u18 thread, and that one of st. Louis late 1st could be available under the right circumstances, I'm starting to be a little intrigued about the possibility of sandin pellikka at 16, and Riley heidt at 27. That would be a very productive draft.

So, what does st.louis want at the moment?

I would love that, but unfortunately I can see ASP potentially going top-12, and Heidt going between 15-20. Don't get me wrong, there will still be some worthwhile options available at 27. What about a scenario where we take one of Heidt/Ritchie/Yager at 16, then snag a D at 27, like Dragicevic (doubt he's available), Etienne Morin/Caden Price/Cam Allan/Tanner Molendyk/Beau Akey/Theo Lindstein/Jordan Tourigny....

One of those D I mentioned may be available at our second round pick (#48), and if not, there's a slough of good young D that will be there. We could take another forward at #27, like C Otto Stenberg, RW Mathieu Cataford (who I think might be this year's Brayden Point- he's drawn comparisons to Bergeron), LW Jesse Kiiskinen, RW Coulson Pitre (I love this kid!), LW Carson Rehkopf, LW Kalan Lind (poor man's Brad Marchand), or perhaps RW Nick Lardis, to name a few?

[Harry Lime]

There's so much top end quality in this draft, I think that there will be a few sliding players!

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

There's so much top end quality in this draft, I think that there will be a few sliding players!

You're right, there's a ton of wild cards in this draft. I think we can all agree that getting another first wouldn't be a bad thing!

[Ashes]

Nothing would make me happier than adding at least one more 1st rounder this summer, a restocking of the prospect cupboards at the 2023 draft would go a long way to re-igniting my excitement with the Flames. leaving the draft with 2 of Yager, Pellikka, Barlow, Perreault, Heidt, Danielson, etc. would set this team up so well.

Hopefully our next GM sees this draft for the opportunity that it is with our current crop of upcoming UFA's.

[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.

[Tkachukwagon]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1651701598714994689

[mile]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

https://twitter.com/user/status/1651701598714994689

He'll fit right in with Dube and Coronato

[Sandman]

Some D-men to ponder in the 2nd round:

-Tanner Molendyk put up very mediocre numbers this season for a player labelled an "offensive defenseman"- only 37 points in 67 games for Saskatoon of the WHL. Expect a whole lot more next year, as he played this season behind 21 yo Captain Aiden De La Gorgendiere, 19 yo Charlie Wright, and 20 yo Blake Gustafson, which cut very deep into his numbers. Scouts will know this fact, so I doubt he'll be around for the Flames' second-rounder, and may in fact, be picked in the first. The reason is that his offensive game is severely underrated, and his 200-ft game is lights out! Molendyk is a stalwart defensively, and despite being only 5'11", plays a physical brand of hockey. A few writers say that he's the best D-man against the rush in the draft. This season, his coach used him to shadow Bedard in many contests, who was completely shut down twice, mainly due to Molendyk's efforts. He is one of the fastest D-men in the draft, in all directions, with superb agility and edges. This helps him in his transition game, where he can drive play with sharp passes, or by carrying it himself. In the offensive zone, he is adept at choosing when to activate, and has a dangerous shot and offensive IQ. He's been compared to Kris Russell, but he's too good of a skater for that comparison. I liken him to a physical, chippy TJ Brodie. (I know I use the Brodie comparison too much.)

-Luca Cagnoni is only 5'10", but he put up some of the best numbers for draft-eligible CHL defensemen- 64 points in 67 games, which amazingly is 33 points more than the next defenseman for the Portland Winterhawks. LC is what you would expect from an undersized defenseman in the 2nd round- he's fast and shifty, has top-tier IQ and vision, loves to be the first guy into the offensive zone, and is a gifted stickhandler. He lacks physicality, and can be outmuscled, but he employs smart positioning, a good gap, a quick stick, and the anticipation to break up plays. Top-4 D all day long. He's a self-made player, as he was never drafted into the WHL, so I would guess he's a character guy.

-The term "modern-day defenseman" is used very often to describe Beau Akey. His style and situation are very similar to Molendyk's, as he's been all over the place in projections, from everywhere in the second-round to late first. Like Molendyk, he's an offensive defenseman who's numbers have been cut down a bit because he plays behind some older players, namely Connor Punnett, and Brandt Clarke. Like Molendyk, he's an excellent skater-and probably the more elite of the two, and every aspect of his feet are exceptional- his edges, agility, start-up, acceleration, and 4-directional mobility. He's a whiz in transition, and can carry the puck out, or pass it with equal aplomb. Defensively, he's effective, but doesn't yet have the physical game that Molendyk has, instead relying on his sense and anticipation, positioning, and stick to snuff plays, but he's not in the same league as TM defensively. He's 6'0", and put up 47 points in 66 games, and is considered by many to have more promise than some of the D that will be picked before him.

-Hunter Brzustewicz is one of the older players available in the draft, with a November 2004 birthday, but that shouldn't throw shade over his 57 points in 68 games for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, which is 28 points ahead of his nearest teammate. Like Akey, he is tagged with the label "modern-day defenseman", but is also often called "reliable", and a "two-way defenseman". Also like Akey, he may live to outclass his draft position. Another six-footer, he's said to be much stronger than his size, but he tends to use his superb skating and positioning to kill rushes, and break up the forecheck, but will use physicality when needed, and will fight hard in the dirty areas. Calm under pressure, but plays with pace and maturity, and of course- he will lead the transition. He needs some work on his gap control, according to some pundits, and his shot needs work- but some of those pundits say he might be one of the most NHL-ready defensemen in the draft.

-For a change of pace from 6-foot speedy offensive D, let's look at 6'2" Dylan MacKinnon. Only 23 points in 61 games, but he's not really counted on for that. This kid concentrates on his own zone, and punishing the opposition. He's no meathead though, as he possesses a powerful skating stride, and a solid puck-moving game. He's a quality rush-killer, and closes in on opponents with crushing hits. As one could imagine, he's intimidating in all areas of the defensive zone, from the boards, to the corners to the net-front. He's poised and confident, intelligent, and reasonably skilled. From some reports, his shot is excellent, and his offensive game is improving all the time. Still has plenty of promise offensively, and he does play behind 3 older D-men in Brady Schultz, David Moravec, and Jake Furlong. He might be more of a 3rd-rounder.

-Jordan Tourigny's numbers would have been better, if he didn't play for the team (Shawinigan) with the 13th best (of 18 teams) goals-for. Still, he managed an impressive 41 points in 67 games. He's another 6-footer, but needs to bulk up considerably, as he's listed at 168 lbs. Like some other guys in this post, he's another modern-day D, with high IQ and anticipation, 3-zone acumen, transitional ability, and top-tier mobility. JT is a righty, but can play both sides. He's not the most physical, but has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, as his 69 PIM would attest.

-Andrew Strathmann finished 8th overall for scoring by D in the entire USHL, and 2nd for draft-eligibles, with 38 points in 56 games. 5'11", 174lbs, but might the meanest player on this list, with 102 PIM. He is knocked for some of his decision-making, and how he can sometimes be pressured into giving away the puck. Unlike the players above, he needs some work on his skating- he moves well, but is not a burner. Strathmann uses his physicality in all areas, plays with passion, initiates contact with big hits, and is adept in his own zone. Usually, he displays good IQ and playmaking, able to make stretch-passes out of the zone, while being able to kill plays at his own blueline. Nice passer in transition. He's been pegged to go in the 2nd round for most of the year, but who knows? I like him, but he needs work.

-Kalem Parker is much the same as Tourigny-he plays on the worst team in the 'dub, for a conservative coach, but was the team's top-scoring blueliner, with 38 points in 68 games. KP has a very mature approach to the game, and understands that offense comes from good defense. His coach in Victoria says that he's one of their best defensive players. There's not many holes here, as he exhibits all the attributes one looks for in an offensive defenseman- speed, IQ, vision, quality puck movement, and he says he likes to play his opponents hard and gritty, with physicality. Oh, did I mention he's six-feet tall?

-I have to take the opportunity to mention a player I really like, and someone who has improved their stock at the U-18s, Tristan Bertucci. For Flint of the OHL, he amassed 50 points this year, in 63 games, to go with 5 points in 7 playoff games. In the U-18's, he's being used as a 3rd-pairing, shutdown guy- and he's looked excellent in that role, despite having no points. Extremely steady and reliable. He's always in the right place, never misses his assignments, and always makes good decisions with the puck. He's 6'2", and plays with a physical edge. He has nice speed, and excellent stickhandling, and he scans the ice for options with his head up. He moves confidently with the puck through transition, and can pull off nice stretch passes. He has a hard, accurate shot, and plenty of offensive accumen. I see him as a riser on draft day.

[Snuffleupagus]

Not sure about the Flames but I'm told there are a lot of teams interested in Daliber Dvorsky and could end up being a higher pick than thought.