2024 NHL Draft Thread

[Sandman]

More Draft Thoughts (David’s Brother Edition):

Hopefully, the scouts have built up a good enough book on RHD Adam Jiricek, because it would be hard to evaluate him based on the current season- which ended in the first game of the WJC, after he sustained a season-ending knee injury, that required surgery. He missed time in the weeks leading up to that event, with a concussion as well. Before that, Jiricek was toiling in the top men's league in Czechia, with only 1 point in 19 games, and looking competent, but losing battles due to his slight build- at 6'2", but only 168lbs. Playing in the Extraliga wasn't the ideal way to showcase his plentiful offensive skills either, in my opinion, as he wasn't getting the ice-time or responsibility as he would be getting in the U20 league, and he's able to be much more aggressive in supporting the offense in lower levels. In 2022-23, Jiricek was 8th in the U20 league in scoring for D, first for U-18 defensemen, with 29 points in 41 games, at the tender age of 16. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Jiricek was the top defenseman for Czechia, with 3 points in 5 games. With a June 28th birthday, he's still a younger player in this draft, and perhaps a bit raw, but make no mistake- he's an all-around, two-way defender who has all the tools. Adam bears some similarities to his brother- Columbus Blue Jackets' prospect David Jiricek, but is not nearly as polished or mature at the same age, and his skillset is not quite on the same level. Still, Adam is a top-flight prospect in his own right.

Jiricek skates with his head up at all times, and in all situations, to map out the landscape and scan for his next few moves- he shows poise, creativity, and vision. He will join the rush to support the attack, but usually stays at the top of the zone, and doesn't activate a whole lot, especially in the Extraliga. Right now, he keeps it fairly simple- he keeps the puck in the zone, and gets the puck on-net to provide his teammates with rebounds, and cause chaos in front of the goalie. When he really wants to try and score, he cuts inside to the slot, but isn't really known for scoring goals- he has a quick wrister, but doesn't own a booming shot like his brother. He understands the art of manipulation, and uses deception to open lanes to facilitate his high-level passing game- he's an excellent distributor, who can execute the most difficult plays. Jiricek has smooth puck skills, and slick 1-on-1 moves to get around defenders, and tight puck-protection along the boards. He possesses excellent 4-way mobility, good footwork and agility, and a quick first-step.

Jiricek is confident with the puck on his stick, and stays calm and composed- he's an asset in transition, and can carry it through the neutral zone after winning possession in the defensive zone, beating forecheckers on the breakout. He also connects with a great first-pass. In retrievals, he makes several shoulder-checks to select the best course of action, and facilitates clean exits under siege from opponents. Defensively, he's smart, aware, and positionally sound. Jiricek is money against the rush, using his reach, an active stick, and his smarts. His gap control is tight, and he pushes opponents to the outside where he's strong against the wall, and finishes his checks- he's not the most feared physical player, but he will engage in order to separate man from puck. He will block shots, and boxes attackers out from the front of the net- but will do better with added strength. He can be trusted with penalty-killing duties, and he even directs traffic when performing in man-down situations. Even if his offensive skills weren't there, he would still be an excellent defensive player.

This is a player who is far more potential, than finished product, and may need a bit more runway than his brother did. Adam is a bit more raw, whereas David was doing well in the Extraliga in his Draft-minus-1 year. I think Adam might be to good for junior, but not mature enough to excel in the men's league. He needs to get much stronger, work on his shot, and improve his decision-making in regards to risk-management- he can sometimes opt for the fancy play, instead of the simple one, which doesn't always work. His injury may scare a few teams off, which means he will fall in the draft to a lucky team that will end up with an absolute steal. He's bound to be a solid, all-around D who will play top-4 duties in the NHL.

[Sandman]

More Draft Thoughts (Unicorn Edition):

Watching 6'7",212lb LHD Anton Silayev is like spotting Bigfoot piloting a UFO- it's like seeing the impossible for the first time. The 17 year-old is already getting big minutes in the KHL, on a good team- Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod- and broke the record for points in that league by a U-18 defenseman, then broke the record for points by a U-19 defenseman, with 11 in 59 games to date. Right now, he's 1 point behind Avalanche 2023 first-rounder, Mikhail Gulyayev, and 3 points ahead of Arizona 2023 first-rounder, Dmitri Simashev.

Silayev is not just a good skater for a big guy, he's a flat-out great skater with the edgework of a player who measures 5'10"- he can stop and start, or turn on a dime. He has excellent 4-directional mobility, with long, powerful strides, and can cover an unbelievable amount of real estate in a short time. To think that he will probably get faster as he develops physically is scary. Despite the numbers he's put up, there's plenty of questions in regards to his offensive game, as right now, he looks to be more of a facilitator than actual creator- he doesn't get that involved in the offense. This may be due to the system his team plays, his role, or his coach, but any signs of a more dynamic offensive skillset come only in flashes, and not with regularity. He usually doesn't go too far past the blueline, and instead walks the line, keeping the puck alive in the zone, making simple passes, or putting shots on net to create havok, and give opportunities for rebounds to teammates. He will join the rush on occasion, but mostly as a trailer, and doesn't carry the puck as much as he should. He does a great job of getting shots through, and if he has support, he will pinch into the play. Silayev has shown a good off-puck game with spatial awareness, the manipulation to exploit open space, and the ability to weave in and out of holes in coverage, but he simply doesn't take many chances in order to create opportunity, at least not often at this level. It should be pointed out that, as impressive as his point totals are, he started the KHL season with 6 points in his first 6 games- that means he has 5 points in his last 53 contests. The numbers may not be painting the most accurate portrait.

Although Silayev is raw in many areas, and his offense might be up for debate, he's already a dependable defensive player, and a stabilizing presence for his team. He makes stop after stop against the rush, many times even before his opponents reach the defensive blueline. A huge swath of ice is covered by his enormous wingspan alone, even when he's standing still- never mind the fact that he can skate backwards faster than some can skate forward. He uses his stick very well to block lanes, and keeps a tight gap, angling attackers to the boards, where they are often finished with a big hit. He's a good shot-blocker, and has the proactive awareness to pick off passes. Silayev has shown that he can be a capable puck-mover under pressure, and is proficient at connecting on beautiful outlets, and the odd stretch-pass, and has even shown glimpses of play-driving capabilities by carrying the puck through transition on occasion, though he mostly defers to short passes and give-and-go's. He not the most robust physical player, but he uses his size well to leverage his way through traffic, push opponents off the puck, and box attackers out from the net. He will throw hits along the wall to separate man from puck, and grind the other team down. Laziness is not an issue with Silayev- he puts the work in, and is fully capable of eating big minutes.

It has to be emphasized that, not only is Silayev raw and underdeveloped, he is 17 years old and playing in the second-best league in the world against men. He is far from being a finished product, and the potential in this player is sky-high. Most of his issues, including his unwillingness to be more aggresive in the offensive zone, are mostly due to his age and immaturity. There are still plenty of mistakes with the puck to be worked out, as he can hold on to pucks too long, or get too fancy when passing, which results in giveaways. He can make bad reads in both ends of the ice, but has the speed to recover most of the time. The main problem may be the fact that he plays too cautious, presumably to avoid turnovers, and that may hamper him a bit. At any rate, this player oozes potential in all areas, and is an extremely unique and special player, who I believe will be the second D-man taken on Draft Day.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by fotze2

One player from Calgary (I only follow Calgary based players) that has been under the radar and is really heating up is Nathan Free. I think he's listed in potential late rounds.

Plays for the Brooks Bandits past few years, rare for players from Canada let alone Calgary to play there and he was the only '06 there last year IIRC. The hockey guys know what he is. He's starting to heat up. Point a game in AJ and is 2-3 PPG the last bunch of games after the move.

He is pure skill, he's always looked like Johnny Gaudreau. Calgarypuck fans wet draft dream type pick. The Mathias Tedenby. Listed at 5'9"...but his dad is absolutely a unit, he is definitely growing more.

Had a 5 point game today.

Free is on the SC watch list, skill and vision out the yin yang but needs to learn to make people miss to avoid being ragdolled, it's like he forgets he's a small guy until he's on his ass Like Gaudreau if he was 2 inches taller and 10lbs heavier he would be a top 10 pick.

He's heading to Penn state next year and should get a good opportunity on a rebuilding team under the tutelage of a really good coach in Guy Gadowsky.

[Aarongavey]

I would like the Flames to take a flyer on Anthony Romani, not sure if he will fall to the 3rd round but if he does I would not mind it. Highest scoring D+1 player in the OHL. 4th highest PPG D+1 player in the OHL and the three above him are all first round picks from last year and his PPG are almost the same as them. Will likely win the scoring title this year.

Any guesses from folks who watch this stuff closer where Romani likely goes this year in the draft?

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I would like the Flames to take a flyer on Anthony Romani, not sure if he will fall to the 3rd round but if he does I would not mind it. Highest scoring D+1 player in the OHL. 4th highest PPG D+1 player in the OHL and the three above him are all first round picks from last year and his PPG are almost the same as them. Will likely win the scoring title this year.

Any guesses from folks who watch this stuff closer where Romani likely goes this year in the draft?

Here's my write-up on Romani from last year:

-C/RW Anthony Romani is a middle-six player for the OHL's second-best team, the North Bay Battalion with 23 goals, and 43 points in 66 games. The 6'0",176lb Romani is already a fairly polished player in two zones, but he needs work in the offensive end of the ice. The good news is that he's one of the OHL's best even-strength finishers per 60- the only players equal to, or better than him were Shane Wright, Brendan Othmann, and Sasha Pastujov. Surely, his goal-scoring total would be much better-looking if he was playing further up the lineup in North Bay. Still, scouts say he doesn't attack the middle like he should, and he doesn't create the kind of space for himself or his teammates that he should. He simply doesn't faciltate, or take charge in the offensive zone right now like he does in the other two zones, he's more reactive than creative, and doesn't have the greatest passing game at this time. Surprising, considering how positive his game is in other areas. In transition, he's able to make long-range passes up to breaking teammates, or he weave through the neutral zone with full control- and there's deception in his game in this area. Defensively, he's active, with smart positioning and an aggressive, competitive, mentality. Most of his physical tools, including his skating, are hovering around average. He's been projected to be a bottom-6 defensive player in the pros if he can clean up some of his deficiencies, but I wonder if there's more here. If he can apply the same skills to his offense that he shows in other parts of his game, and gets more ice-time as veterans depart, he might look like a different player in the next few junior seasons.


I think if he does get picked, he may have to wait until the later rounds. He's having a stellar season though.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Babyface Edition):

Back in the day, the term "power forward" was normally reserved for the larger players, like 6'2"or bigger- but lately there's been a number of stocky, beefy six-footers that have been adorned with that term, players like Brennan Othmann, Koehn Ziemmer, and Ryan Leonard. 6'0",205 lb RW Jacob Battaglia is a member of that group, although I would hesitate to compare him to those players talent-wise. Battaglia (no relation to former NHLer Bates Battaglia) was the Kingston Frontenacs' second-round pick, 27th overall, in the 2022 OHL Draft, and is currently second in scoring for that club, with 25 goals, 25 assists, and 50 points in 50 games.

As stated, Battaglia (who looks like an eight year-old) is a power-forward who uses his size and strength well, and plays a hard, heavy game, with goal-scoring being his main forte. He's a load to handle on the forecheck, is hard along the wall, and is often seen fighting for pucks in the greasy areas. He's an above-average skater, with excellent puck-protection skills, and soft hands around the crease- he goes to the net hard, with and without the puck, looking for rebounds, tap-ins, and tips. He's a stubborn net-front presence, and is very hard to move or put off balance- especially with a lower center of gravity. Off the puck, he knows where to be to maximize his chances of recieving a high-danger pass, and he can score from anywhere in the offensive zone. The thing that may get him noticed the most is his hard, heavy shot, and the lightning-quick release that goes with it. He has a strong wrister with plenty of whip, as well as a strong slapper, and one-timer- he might be the most talented shooter coming out of the OHL in this Draft. Though he leans to shooting, he's quite skilled, and he has the smarts and vision to make plays, and hook up with teammates on some nice passes. He's a smooth puckhandler, and an elusive enough skater to be able to carry the puck north through the neutral zone, and make clean entries with control. Defensively, he might not be a stalwart at this point, but he works hard and competes all over the ice- he supports teammates on the backcheck, and has the awareness to contribute.

I like this kid very much, he's a gamer, and a fairly complete player. He has work to do on his strength and skating, but I believe he has middle-six upside. Look for him to be picked as early as the 2nd/3rd round.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Here's my write-up on Romani from last year:

-C/RW Anthony Romani is a middle-six player for the OHL's second-best team, the North Bay Battalion with 23 goals, and 43 points in 66 games. The 6'0",176lb Romani is already a fairly polished player in two zones, but he needs work in the offensive end of the ice. The good news is that he's one of the OHL's best even-strength finishers per 60- the only players equal to, or better than him were Shane Wright, Brendan Othmann, and Sasha Pastujov. Surely, his goal-scoring total would be much better-looking if he was playing further up the lineup in North Bay. Still, scouts say he doesn't attack the middle like he should, and he doesn't create the kind of space for himself or his teammates that he should. He simply doesn't faciltate, or take charge in the offensive zone right now like he does in the other two zones, he's more reactive than creative, and doesn't have the greatest passing game at this time. Surprising, considering how positive his game is in other areas. In transition, he's able to make long-range passes up to breaking teammates, or he weave through the neutral zone with full control- and there's deception in his game in this area. Defensively, he's active, with smart positioning and an aggressive, competitive, mentality. Most of his physical tools, including his skating, are hovering around average. He's been projected to be a bottom-6 defensive player in the pros if he can clean up some of his deficiencies, but I wonder if there's more here. If he can apply the same skills to his offense that he shows in other parts of his game, and gets more ice-time as veterans depart, he might look like a different player in the next few junior seasons.


I think if he does get picked, he may have to wait until the later rounds. He's having a stellar season though.

If I am reading your report on him correctly he is a solid player in his own zone? I wonder if he was just playing behind too many guys last year, North Bay was pretty deep and lost out to the Petes in the conference finals. I like the guy and would not mind at all if the Flames took him with their 3rd round pick or even their second round pick.

[dammage79]

Nvm.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

LW Kevin He was born in China, and lived there until he was 6, when his father moved him and his family to Montreal to finish his schooling. That's where the elder Mr. He fell in love with the game of hockey, and wanted his son to experience the joy of playing the sport. When the younger He was 12, the family moved to Toronto. These days, Kevin is the leading scorer for the worst team in the OHL, the Niagara IceDogs, with 45 points in 52 games.

The first thing you notice when watching He play is his exceptional skating. He's one of the fastest players in the OHL with the puck on his stick- he can separate from attackers, get behind the D for breakaways, and puts defenders on their heels. On the rush, he can pick apart defenses with his explosiveness, elite edgework, and quick change of pace. His speed is game-breaking. Of his 45 points, 26 are goals- so it's easy to see that his main field of expertise is goal-scoring. He doesn't need a whole lot of space or time to get serious power behind his shot, and he has a potent release that can stun goalies. Though he's lethal from anywhere in the zone, he's not a perimeter player, and most of his goals come from working in the hard areas, or from dropping a shoulder and driving the net. He will wade into the greasy areas to battle for possession, and is relentless on the forecheck, pursuing and hounding puck-carriers, and applying all kinds of pressure, including that of the physical variety. He catches defenders by surprise when coming off the rush, as he can shoot in flight, but he's also got the offensive toolbox to make high-end plays with his passing. Smooth puck-handling, and protection skills help him carry through the neutral zone in transition, making clean entries and attacking the middle, exploiting holes in coverage. Though he is only 6'0", and 183lbs, he competes hard, and plays a feisty game, as his 47 PIM would attest. He plays in all situations for the IceDogs, and both sides of special teams.

He is known to have tunnel-vision for offense, but it's hard to blame him for that, as he's one of the few players on his team who can provide offense. Conversely, it is said that his defensive game is lacking, but that's difficult to gauge, as Niagara is currently the 2nd-worst defensive team in the league. His coach says he strips a ton of pucks from opponents in the neutral zone, though. There are times where he disappears for stretches, and his consistency game-to-game is lacking. Still, this is a player with some good tools, and huge upside. I would guess 3rd/4th round.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

If I am reading your report on him correctly he is a solid player in his own zone? I wonder if he was just playing behind too many guys last year, North Bay was pretty deep and lost out to the Petes in the conference finals. I like the guy and would not mind at all if the Flames took him with their 3rd round pick or even their second round pick.

I believe that's correct. I made the point that he was one of the best 5-on-5 scorers per 60 in the league, which made me believe that he was capable of more, if given the opportunity- and it's looks like I may have been right, as he's on pace for a 58 goal, 112 point season. He's a capable defensive player as well.

[Fan69]

My guess is we pick somewhere between 6 and 12. I have two possibles in that range and i would be thrilled to walk away with either one.

I can see one of Dickinson or Catton being between six or eight. I think Dickinson is going to be the best overall defencemen in the draft, i think any of the big three could still be there, but i think Dickinson is a stud. Catton if he was 15 lbs heavier would never make it past five. Absolutely love his skill (yes i know the off ice issues but hes a kid)

Am i dreaming they will be that low? If both are there which one would you take?

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Fan69

My guess is we pick somewhere between 6 and 12. I have two possibles in that range and i would be thrilled to walk away with either one.

I can see one of Dickinson or Catton being between six or eight. I think Dickinson is going to be the best overall defencemen in the draft, i think any of the big three could still be there, but i think Dickinson is a stud. Catton if he was 15 lbs heavier would never make it past five. Absolutely love his skill (yes i know the off ice issues but hes a kid)

Am i dreaming they will be that low? If both are there which one would you take?

Catton 100%.hopefully we can snag another 15-20 pick and grab a guy like Jiricek or Yakemchuk.

Catton and one of those guys/Iginla would be an awesome injection of skill

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Fan69

My guess is we pick somewhere between 6 and 12. I have two possibles in that range and i would be thrilled to walk away with either one.

I can see one of Dickinson or Catton being between six or eight. I think Dickinson is going to be the best overall defencemen in the draft, i think any of the big three could still be there, but i think Dickinson is a stud. Catton if he was 15 lbs heavier would never make it past five. Absolutely love his skill (yes i know the off ice issues but hes a kid)

Am i dreaming they will be that low? If both are there which one would you take?

If we're trading away Markstrom, who is our best player, along with 2 of our top-4 defensemen, we might drop even lower- who knows?

I believe Silayev might be the second D taken in the draft, but my top-2 D are Levshunov and Dickinson, and I would take one of them, even if Silayev is on the board- if I was looking to draft a D. Everything is out the window if Lindstrom is still available.

[Sandman]

More Draft Thoughts:

The Windsor Spitfires have tumbled down the standings this season, going from 3rd best in the OHL in 2022-23, and 1st in goals-scored, all the way down to 18th overall currently in 2023-24, and 12th in goals-for. They lost Head Coach Marc Savard, who was replaced by Jerrod Smith to start this season- but Smith was fired and replaced by current interim coach Casey Torres after winning only 4 games in their first 21 games. Gone are some big names, like Matt Maggio (who scored 111 pts, and was a First-Team All-Star), Alex Christopoulos, Shane Wright, and Brett Harrison, amongst others. D Rodwin Dionicio only played only 16 games this season, before being traded to Saginaw. The Spits have suffered, and so has the season of draft-eligible RHD, Anthony Cristoforo. In 2022-23, he made the Second All-Rookie Team, with 41 points in 63 games, but with 33 points in 50 games so far this year, he's on pace to put up only 45 in 67 this season, which would show no progression at all. He currently leads the Spits in scoring from the blueline by 13, over the departed Dionicio, so it's not like he has a dynamic supporting cast to give him any help. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he only managed 2 points in 5 games, finding ice-time hard to come by, and looking ineffective for the most part.

Cristoforo is a highly mobile offensive defenseman, who jumps into the rush, and plays aggressively in the attacking zone. He's an excellent skater, who can back defenders off with his speed, and elude checks with his smooth edgework. He quarterbacks the PP, but keeps it simple, dishing it off to teammates in shooting position, or those in high danger- he only has 2 goals via the PP the last 2 seasons. His vision and IQ are excellent, and he sees the ice very well, threading the needle with accuracy, while moving at top speed. He's a high-end playmaker, who makes good decisions consistently, and uses layers of deception to manipulate attackers. Cristoforo has a good shot with accuracy, but needs to improve it's velocity and power, although shooting isn't a big part of his game, but rather, another vessel to make plays- he gets the puck on net mostly to create opportunities for teammates around the net. In exiting the zone, he keeps his outlets simple, but can carry it out through transition, while spearheading the rush. Defensively, he lacks the strength to outmuscle opponents, and doesn't really play a physical game. Still, he has shown success defending the rush and breaking up the cycle using his preventative awareness, and his proactive positioning, combined with an active stick to block lanes, and separate his man from the puck.

Cristoforo was recieving some first-round buzz earlier this season, but his numbers have not progressed like they were expected to, which has something to do with his team's struggles, and perhaps the instability behind the scenes in Windsor. He simply doesn't have the same swagger or confidence, and he's playing a little more conservatively without the supporting cast he had last season. He's forcing plays, and is lacking poise with the puck at times- being pressured into making mistakes. Defensively, he has been knocked for a lack of compete, and the absence of a physical game- he sometimes coasts on the backcheck, and often cheats for offense. Still, this is a player who has plenty of upside, and could potentially develop into a bottom-4 defenseman in the NHL, with PP duties- but he needs time to round out his game, get stronger, and further develop his shot. I'm thinking round 3 or 4.

[Sandman]

Just wanted to add a quick note on a draft-eligible player, C Lucas Pettersen, that I did a profile on a while back (attention: cral).

He's known as a good, two-way player who works hard, and doesn't cheat- but I questioned his offensive upside. In the last 8 J20 games, he has piled up 17 points, to bring up his total on the season to 47 points in 38 games, good for 9th in the league. This only helps his Draft stock.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Sandman

If we're trading away Markstrom, who is our best player, along with 2 of our top-4 defensemen, we might drop even lower- who knows?

I believe Silayev might be the second D taken in the draft, but my top-2 D are Levshunov and Dickinson, and I would take one of them, even if Silayev is on the board- if I was looking to draft a D. Everything is out the window if Lindstrom is still available.

Could easily see three defenders go in the top six, and dont expect lindstrom out of the top five. Catton or lindstrom? Gosh thats tough?
Catton more skilled overall great skater, but that package of size and skating is hard to ignore in lindstrom but dont think his hockey iq is near as high.

If its dickinson , catton, and lindstrom when we pick? Damn? Toss a coin?

[Aarongavey]

All things being equal I would prefer they draft a dman with their first pick this year. I think it takes defence longer to mature and the cupboards are more stocked right now up front (could change depending on the UFA trades). I also feel it takes longer for dmen to make an impact so the timing could be better to go dman this year and forward next year.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

All things being equal I would prefer they draft a dman with their first pick this year. I think it takes defence longer to mature and the cupboards are more stocked right now up front (could change depending on the UFA trades). I also feel it takes longer for dmen to make an impact so the timing could be better to go dman this year and forward next year.

I agree, but 6’5” centers who can skate and score, while being mean, don’t come along every day. If you want a player like that, you have to draft them.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I agree, but 6’5” centers who can skate and score, while being mean, don’t come along every day. If you want a player like that, you have to draft them.

I guess my other question is how much of Lindstrom’s production is driven by McKenna. That guy is an elite 16 yr old player in the WHL. Below is how he compares with some other somewhat recent 16 year olds.

McKenna - 62 GP 32 goals 66 assists 98 points (projected)
Bedard - 62 GP 51 goals 49 assists 100 points
McDavid - 63 GP 25 goals 41 assists 66 points

Bedard was also 6 months older than McKenna is for his 16 year old year. I get nervous when a player is playing with a generational talent (at least at the junior level) in McKenna. I think a question of who is driving who in Medicine Hat is valid. There certainly has been no drop off for McKenna since Lindstrom got injured, before the injury he averaged 1.28 PPG and since the injury he has averaged 1.88 PPG. What definitely is noticeable is how Lindstrom has skyrocketed in the rankings since McKenna joined the team this year.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I guess my other question is how much of Lindstrom’s production is driven by McKenna. That guy is an elite 16 yr old player in the WHL. Below is how he compares with some other somewhat recent 16 year olds.

McKenna - 62 GP 32 goals 66 assists 98 points (projected)
Bedard - 62 GP 51 goals 49 assists 100 points
McDavid - 63 GP 25 goals 41 assists 66 points

Bedard was also 6 months older than McKenna is for his 16 year old year. I get nervous when a player is playing with a generational talent (at least at the junior level) in McKenna. I think a question of who is driving who in Medicine Hat is valid. There certainly has been no drop off for McKenna since Lindstrom got injured, before the injury he averaged 1.28 PPG and since the injury he has averaged 1.88 PPG. What definitely is noticeable is how Lindstrom has skyrocketed in the rankings since McKenna joined the team this year.

Excellent post!

My argument would be that Lindstrom was talked about as being a sure-fire first rounder last season. His 42 points in 61 games in 2022-23 (without McKenna for the most part) tells me that Lindstrom was destined to be a ppg or above in 2023-24, even without the benefit of playing with McKenna. And even if Lindstrom was only a ppg player this season, he would still probably be a top-10 pick, based on his physical gifts, and play-driving qualities.

Does Lindstrom even play on a line with McKenna?