Though he had an excellent rookie season in 2023-24 for the Mississauga (now Brampton) Steelheads, going 14-5-4, with a 2.72 GAA, and a .915 SV%, Jack Ivankovic (ranked # 4 NA Goalies, # 48 by McKenzie, # 23 by Button) started to make scouts take notice of him with his stellar performance in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, winning Gold with Team Canada, while registering a 0.75 GAA, and a .967 SV% in 4 games. After that event, he continued to build his impressive resume' over the 2024-25 season, culminating with his excellent performance at the most recent U-18 Worlds, going undefeated in 6 games, with 1.05 GAA, and a .961 SV%, en route to another Gold Medal. Brampton finished 8th-out of 20 teams in the OHL this season, but were eliminated from the post-season by the Oshawa Generals in 6 games- with Ivankovic posting an ugly 4.87 GAA, and an .877 SV% in 5 games. Along the way, he was honored by being chosen to back-up Carter George at the World Junior Championship, and he got the start against Latvia (not exactly a powerhouse team), but lost 3-2 in a shootout, registering a 1.85 GAA, and a .903 SV% in his only game.
Ivankovic doesn't have the benefit of ideal size to fall back on, so he relies mostly on structure, technique, and superhuman reflexes- wielding a sharp glove, and a quick blocker. He maintains control of his movements to cut-down on over-committing, and eliminates the possibility of losing his net, by never straying beyond his posts. He employs an upright stance to appear larger, and to better take care of the top of the net, paying close attention to his angling. Active and athletic, he moves around his crease quickly, and can explode laterally by pushing off of his post. He's light on his feet, and can dart around in all directions, but also recovers extremely fast to a standing position after going down in the butterfly. Ivankovic tracks the play extremely well, keeping his eye on the puck to stay square to the shooter, and his high-end anticipation allows him to always be well-positioned; he outwaits shooters, and doesn't drop down prematurely. He's mentally tough and resilient, staying calm and composed in high-pressure situations, and resets admirably after letting in a goal- even if it's a softie. His mental fortitude and high compete level make him an excellent performer in big games, and pushes him to make key saves at important times.
Ivankovic swallows up rebounds extremely well, deflects pucks to the corner off of his blocker, and manages loose pucks in his crease; he battles hard in scrambles, and never gives up on a play. He can play the puck if needed, but must keep it safe and simple to be effective. Most of the criticisms of his game revolve around his size- he doesn't cover as much net as bigger goalies can, so he has to find ways to compensate, without the benefit of elite athleticism. There are times where he struggles to see the play through screens due to his size, and can lose sight of the puck in traffic. Ivankovic will have plenty of time to develop, as he will be attending the University of Michigan next season. Look for him in the 2nd-round.
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LCG Pyotr Andreyanov (6'2",207lbs)
Krasniya Armia Moskva (MHL): 37gp/ 23-6-6, 1.75 GAA, .942 SV%
Pyotr Andreyanov (ranked # 1 EU Goalies, # 71 by McKenzie) seems to be the consensus # 1 goalie coming out of Russia this year, where a lot of top goalies seem to be coming from these days. His numbers in the regular season in Russia's top Junior league are no less than staggering, placing 3rd-overall in SV%, 6th in GAA, and 11th in TOI in that circuit, while posting a 2-4-0 record in the playoffs, with a 2.36 GAA, and a .929 SV%. Lacking ideal size (yes, 6'2" is now considered undersized for a goalie), Andreyanov relies on his stellar reflexes, elite athleticism, and remarkable mobility in his crease- he's a hybrid netminder, employing tight positioning, and spotless technique.
Andreyanov is nimble on his skates, moves around the crease fluidly, explodes off of his posts laterally, and steps up to challenge shooters; he's active and aggressive, employing well-timed use of his stick to poke pucks away from danger. He exhibits excellent footwork and smooth edges in staying square to the puck, as well as when retreating back into his net with the attack bearing down on him, and recovers quickly to his stance after going down in the butterfly to seal off the bottom of the net. His reflexes are fantastic, with a quick glove hand and smart use of his blocker to deflect shots away from the net, and his athleticism is elite- he moves quickly and efficiently, never sliding out of position, while maintaining control of his angling, and covering up his five-hole while in-motion. With remarkable poise and calmness, he performs well under pressure, and doesn't lose focus- even under physical pressure, making the stop with an attacker crashing the crease. He's a battler, showing high-end compete, and manages to corral pucks when he is forced to scramble, but also resets quite well after a goal. He swallows up shots, and collects loose pucks with haste- his rebound control is one of his biggest strengths. Andreyanov demonstrates excellent hockey-sense and anticipation; he tracks pucks well through screens and over traffic, to anticipate the play and identify threats. He seems to always be ready and set in the proper position when the puck arrives, acting in a more proactive way- as opposed to reactive. By thoroughly scanning the ice with his head on a swivel, he can play the puck so long as he keeps his feeds safe and simple, making him an asset to his team's breakout. With his repertoire of skill and athleticism, I can easily see him being taken in the second-round of the draft.
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Just read that Serivalli said on Fan960 he thinks more than one top 5 pick will be traded and he believes the Flames are considering doing the same with theirs.
Just listened to it, he was replying to Steinberg who suggested the Flames do it if a team in the top 5 wanted to move out. Trade 18 & 32. Frank did say teams in the top 5 are considering trading the pick(s).
He didn't really say the Flames are considering trading their pick.
Steinberg brought up how fans believe the best way to get a franchise/star player is early in the draft and the Flames moving into a top 5 would be cause for celebration.
Frank's follow up point was that Flames fans who think they'd be getting a franchise player in that spot may be disappointed, suggesting if there was franchise player to be had there, the teams wouldn't be trading the pick.
Lots of fluff IMO.
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The reason there is talk of teams trading picks, is because it is a weak draft.
And for that reason, I think it's a terrible year for the Flames to get impatient and blow their wad trying to move up. Keep as many picks as possible and hope to get lucky. And remain patient - this isn't the summer that is going to change the franchise.
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The reason there is talk of teams trading picks, is because it is a weak draft.
And for that reason, I think it's a terrible year for the Flames to get impatient and blow their wad trying to move up. Keep as many picks as possible and hope to get lucky. And remain patient - this isn't the summer that is going to change the franchise.
I agree, but for that reason you point out, a weak(er) draft, I would seriously consider moving up into the 12-14 range if McQueen is still there as part of an Andersson deal.
I’d be willing to take the high risk/high reward with McQueen.
^ Same reason I'd be fine if they traded 18 for a young C somewhere (ie: the Rossi idea)
Counter to what I was agreeing with, I know, but he fits the age and need.
I get that, and it is a valid argument. I would just rather keep the pick and hope you get lucky, than trade the pick for a non-elite player like Rossi that perpetuates the team staying in the middle, and reduces the value of next year's picks
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I agree, but for that reason you point out, a weak(er) draft, I would seriously consider moving up into the 12-14 range if McQueen is still there as part of an Andersson deal.
I’d be willing to take the high risk/high reward with McQueen.
I would be willing to give up a small price to move up to the 10-12 range for the person they are targeting (McQueen or whoever), depending on the price. But it probably costs too much.
I too would take Kindel over Cootes, Cootes might be a safer pick but you can't ignore the the wizardry that Kindel can bring, I would hate to let possibly another Brayden Point slip thru the flames fingers.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Flames end up drafting Aitcheson with the 18th pick, though I am sure it would annoy a number of people here.
I think this kid is going to be a rockstar at the NHL level. Such an old-school player - hits like a truck, will fight, great defensively already with strong gap control, and he generates offence? I know many mock drafts have him around the Flames pick, but I would be surprised if he is still around. Oh yeah - he is a left shooting left defencemen too - something that the Flames also need. I can see the angst on the board when the Flames draft him, but boy oh boy I would love to have this kid in the organization. I can't quote you Cral, but thanks for posting the "Ridiculous Upside" link.
I am not convinced that the Flames pick a center at 18. I don't really see any 'sure-fire' NHL centers at this spot - not top 6 anyway. I think most get converted to the wing, if they make it at all. Fairly tough to find a center in the second half of the first round, but even harder in a weak draft. I think the Flames will move up if they really like a center and the price makes sense. Otherwise, they will pick BPA according to their list, and that list may not have a center on it. i guess we will see what the Flames do. Maybe they move up, or stand pat, or move down. It certainly sounds like there are many more teams willing to move around this draft.
Should be a more exciting draft from that perspective. Plus, as a Flames' fan, they have 2 first round picks again, plus the possibility of Andersson being moved at the draft. Drafts are always 'must watch TV', but I am expecting this year's to be a dandy particularly because it is a bit weak, and the rising cap.
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Aitcheson is the only exception for defense. He’s definitely a big need for us and I for one wouldn’t mind the pick. I trust our scouts, for the most part. Still mad about the Honzek pick but it is what it is.
Amongst the D I wouldn't be opposed to Jackson Smith. I think he's got an interesting set of skills and could have more upside than he's shown. I doubt he's there at 18 though. It seems like after Schaefer the next wave of D are Mrtika, Aitcheson and Smith.
I would take Smith from that group.
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No i didnt. However most of the 5 10 , 5 11 centers were consensus top ten picks something kindel has not been. Whats more likely? he is Bergeron or crosby or another undersized junior scorer who will struggle to translate because they are usually top six or bust?
Can you find one outside of the top ten ? Ya?
Are your odds good? No.
Would take Reschny over kindell 7 days a week and twice on sunday.
I would too for a number of reasons, but those two players are similarly sized, with Reschny being a smidge bigger at 5'11.
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A defense with Parekh and Aitcheson would be entertaining as hell to watch
I remember how much I loved Phaneuf in his rookie season. If Aitcheson could be even half that player, sign me up - especially if they don’t like any of the C’s left on the board
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