2024 NHL Draft Thread

[The Fonz]

Flames now sitting at the #10 overall pick. The #8 is as high as we can get, short of winning a lottery pick.

[Sandman]

We’re gonna win the lottery, I can feel it!!! After this summer, the flaming C will stand for Celebrini!

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Mightyfire89

Based on nothing at all, I hope the Flames end up drafting Helenius. Strong Barkov vibes for me.

I think he'll end up a winger at the NHL level, very good looking player but his ceiling is probably more of a Barzal/Aho type player than the very large Barkov.

If Helenius, Lindstrom and Catton are all available I think I would take Catton.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I really wouldn’t mind if we came away with Greentree at all, and I agree- people are sleeping on him, just like Quentin Musty last year, and Greentree is a better player. He has NOBODY to play with in Windsor. Next year, he’ll put up close to 2 ppg in the OHL.

Greentree is a bit like Draisaitl in that regard, supreme offensive player who will never be a burner, but by the time he’s in the league, his skating will be good enough- and don’t forget, we have one of the best skating coaches in the league, in Danielle Fujita.

But is he pissy?

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I really wouldn’t mind if we came away with Greentree at all, and I agree- people are sleeping on him, just like Quentin Musty last year, and Greentree is a better player. He has NOBODY to play with in Windsor. Next year, he’ll put up close to 2 ppg in the OHL.

Greentree is a bit like Draisaitl in that regard, supreme offensive player who will never be a burner, but by the time he’s in the league, his skating will be good enough- and don’t forget, we have one of the best skating coaches in the league, in Danielle Fujita.

It's probably foolish, but I always have the same question with players like Greentree: why isn't he playing center?

Like if his team is so listless, and he's so good, aren't they doing themselves a disservice playing him on the wing?

I know his results are great and he has basically no help, but I just can't quite make myself get excited about him.

[Sandman]

Here is my write-up on Greentree, for anyone who cares to read it:

More Draft Thoughts:

Jerrod Smith, who took over coaching duties of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires from Marc Savard, was fired 4 months into the current season after the Spits came out of the gate poorly, to say the least. After a 2022-23 season that saw the team winning a Division title, finishing 3rd overall, and scoring the most goals in the league with 320 (22 more than the next highest team), they are currently in last place in the OHL and tied for 12th in goals-for. Players like Matt Maggio and Brett Harrison are gone. The one thing giving Spits fans a reason to cheer this season is team Captain, power-forward Liam Greentree- a 6'2", left-handed RW who is currently sitting at 57 points in 39 games, a pace that would put him at 95 points in 65 games. Greentree is performing this feat without much help, as he's up 10 points on his next highest teammate, Oliver Peer (who attended Flames camp), and 25 points up on Windsor's third-highest scorer. In 2022-23, he led all OHL rookies in goal-scoring with 25, and had 45 points in 61 games. When you watch Greentree's highlights, the first thing you will likely notice is his deficient skating, so let's get that out of the way first. Greentree owns a bit of a short, choppy stride that lacks power and explosiveness, and pervades many areas of his game. His start-up, acceleration, and top speed are all concerns, and make it hard for him to evade pressure in all 3 zones. The good news for him is that he's extremely strong on the puck, with magnificent puck-control, and his balance is outstanding- he's strong on his skates, and hard to knock off the puck, meaning he can play keep-away with the biscuit while eluding defenders. Puck-protection is not an issue here, as he handles the puck with ease, and keeps it close to his body. His east/west quickness is actually not bad as well, giving him some extra evasiveness. Despite his mobility issues, he can drive play, gain the blueline, and make entries with full control. Greentree's stickhandling is exceptional, and he exudes confidence and poise when carrying the puck, as well as outstanding decision-making. While he can be considered a dual-threat offensive player, his specialty right now is goal-scoring- he has a deep arsenal of hard, accurate shots with power, and a lightning-quick release, and is threat to score from anywhere. His hands are silk-soft, and he can score in tight, outmanouvre a goalie, or park himself in front to capitalize on tips and deflections. There has been criticism this year in regards to Greentree's physicality, as he's not hitting nearly as much as previous years (or in the Hlinka), but still uses his size well in puck battles, jockeying for position in front of the goalie, and driving to the middle of the ice, or to the net. These attributes make him a big presence on the forecheck, and down low, where he applies good pressure and battles hard to win pucks. Like most players who carry elite IQ and vision, LG shows a heightened sense for positional awareness, and always finds the best places to be to execute plays with his creativity, or to score. As the marquee player for the Spits, he draws plenty of attention from checkers, but that opens ice for his teammates, and he has that uncanny spacial awareness to capitalize. Usually, he's the most skilled player on the ice, and those skills are polished and well-developed. There are no issues with work-ethic, as he's quite competitive and hard-working- definitely not a perimeter player. While he's considered a fine 200-ft player who engages opponents in the defensive end of the rink, putting pressure on attackers, his skating can give him some trouble with closing space and time. Still, he exhibits positional awareness, and will readily engage in battles along the boards, or down low in the defensive zone. This player reminds me a bit of a former Spitfire- Gabe Vilardi, who had (and still has) mobility issues while being a top offensive player in his draft year. If Greentree can improve his speed, he will surely become a top-line force in the NHL.

[Harry Lime]

I just realized (thanks eliteprospects) that Miroslav Satan Jr. is draft eligible this year. I am 100% on board Calgary drafting this player, for jersey reasons alone. Satan was a top tier jersey, but Satan Jr. is elite.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

I just realized (thanks eliteprospects) that Miroslav Satan Jr. is draft eligible this year. I am 100% on board Calgary drafting this player, for jersey reasons alone. Satan was a top tier jersey, but Satan Jr. is elite.

Satan Jr. is 6’7”, as well. Profile coming in the near future.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Satan Jr. is 6’7”, as well. Profile coming in the near future.

I think you'll find he's 6'6.6"

[Poe969]

He's jersey number should just be a pentagram.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Mightyfire89

Based on nothing at all, I hope the Flames end up drafting Helenius. Strong Barkov vibes for me.

I see his ceiling as Michael Backlund personally. I think it more likely he ends up a decent bottom 6 guy.

[Ped]

Wheeler's updated rankings are out. TIj at 15.


His top 10:


Celebrini
Levshunov
Demidov
Eiserman
Parekh
Dickinson
Buium
Silayev
Catton
Helenius


https://theathletic.com/5326639/2024...-64-prospects/

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I really wouldn’t mind if we came away with Greentree at all, and I agree- people are sleeping on him, just like Quentin Musty last year, and Greentree is a better player. He has NOBODY to play with in Windsor. Next year, he’ll put up close to 2 ppg in the OHL.

Greentree is a bit like Draisaitl in that regard, supreme offensive player who will never be a burner, but by the time he’s in the league, his skating will be good enough- and don’t forget, we have one of the best skating coaches in the league, in Danielle Fujita.

Being strong on the puck. For whatever reason, this seems to what allows slower players to excel. The Tkachuks were slower in their draft year, but quite good at this. Jagr is probably the best example, especially in his later years. These players often better at decision-making because they have time and space.

[Flames1217]

I might be biased as a Flames fan but can you imagine the emotions involved if ever Jarome was given the chance to call.up his son to the podium.

I know he projects long term as a winger but his skill set is very intriguing and he would be a great addition to the prospect pool . If ever he maintains and persists as a centre it could be an absolute slam dunk.

Flames need to take some swings in this draft though, we have the draft capital to do so.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Sandman

We’re gonna win the lottery, I can feel it!!! After this summer, the flaming C will stand for Celebrini!

Yes, please.

[PeteMoss]

I was at the London Knights game on Friday against Windsor so was able to watch Sam Dickinson and Liam Greentree.

It was the 2nd last game of the season and the Knights are the best team in the league and Windsor is one of the worst so it wasn't an intense contest and there seemed to be a fair bit of mailing it in.

Dickinson in particular wasn't not bringing a huge effort out there. He's got good size and is a good skater, but would want to watch him more to get a true feel for him. They didn't seem to be using him on the 1st power play unit either although they had a wacky PP with 2 forwards playing the point and a defenseman (Bonk - Philly 1st rounder last year) playing up front. He gave me a Pietrangelo kind of vibe in that he'll be a top pair guy but not someone who racks up huge point totals.

Greentree is more noticeable but that is likely because he is the best player on his team by a long shot while the Knights are loaded with NHL picks. He also had a good size and is good with the puck, but he's a winger and lacks elite traits so probably will land in the mid to late 1st round.

Of the lower rated guys - Sam O'Reilly was one of the more engaged guys for the Knights. Its hard to know about the offensive skill of these guys on powerhouse teams because they don't get a ton of PP time and play in more an energy role vs someone like Greentree who's getting every opportunity on a weak team. At minimum he did seem like someone who could play an energy role in the pros with potentially more offense the he's shown so far.

One (meaningless) game sample and I've read no scouting reports of these guys - so could be way off the consensus.

[Ashes]

Originally Posted by Ped

Wheeler's updated rankings are out. TIj at 15.


His top 10:


Celebrini
Levshunov
Demidov
Eiserman
Parekh
Dickinson
Buium
Silayev
Catton
Helenius


https://theathletic.com/5326639/2024...-64-prospects/

I know this is just a rankings list, but do we think there is actually a possibility that Lindstrom falls into the bottom 10 or beyond? I imagine this is due to his injury this season and not playing as many games as his peers but still, a Center with his size and scoring ability is typically a slam dunk top-5 pick. Will be interesting to monitor where he ends up on the end of season rankings from all of the big dogs, especially the McKenzie list which compiles the average from all of the scouts.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by Ped

Wheeler's updated rankings are out. TIj at 15.


His top 10:


Celebrini
Levshunov
Demidov
Eiserman
Parekh
Dickinson
Buium
Silayev
Catton
Helenius


https://theathletic.com/5326639/2024...-64-prospects/

For comparison, this is Cosentino's Top 15 (March):

Celebrini
Silayev
Demidov
Levshunov
Yakemchuk
Dickinson
Catton
Buium
Parekh
Lindstrom
Iginla
Helenius
Eiserman
Greentree
Brandsegg-Nygard

[The Fonz]

Is there any talk of Lindstrom being ready for game 1 of playoffs this friday? I can't find any info on his expected return.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Ped

Wheeler's updated rankings are out. TIj at 15.


His top 10:


Celebrini
Levshunov
Demidov
Eiserman
Parekh
Dickinson
Buium
Silayev
Catton
Helenius


https://theathletic.com/5326639/2024...-64-prospects/

I notice he has Michael Hage higher than a lot of other lists. He mentions that scouts say he's an inch or two taller than the 6'1" than his central scouting listing. Sounds like a guy that could be a nice fit with the Canucks pick.