2015 NHL Draft Thread

[FCAV]

Yes, she's a little early to be chatting about the 2015 NHL Draft when 2014's is still a week away, but we figured we'd get the jump on things and release our Preliminary Ranking for the 2015 NHL Draft today:

1). C Connor McDavid, Erie (OHL), 6-0, 185
2). C Jack Eichel, NTDP U18 (USHL), 6-2, 195
3). D Noah Hanifin, NTDP U17 (USHL), 6-3, 195
4). C Travis Konecny, Ottawa (OHL), 5-10, 165
5). C Colin White, NTDP U17 (USHL), 6-0, 180
6). D Oliver Kylington, Farjestad (SHL), 6-0, 180
7). C Mathew Barzal, Seattle (WHL), 5-11, 175
8). C Dylan Strome, Erie (OHL), 6-2, 175
9). D Rasmus Andersson, Malmo (Allsvenskan), 6-0, 210
10). C Pavel Zacha, Liberec (Czech Extraliga), 6-3, 200

Full Top-30 HERE.

For those who have already picked up our 2014 NHL Draft Guide, this list isn't news to you. For those that haven't, feel free to check out our list. Our 2014 Guide also includes FULL scouting reports on all 30 players currently listed in our Preliminary Ranking, so that might be something you want to check out. Be sure to check out my signature for your CP Discount!

[devo22]

much center, so wow

Eichel will be a crazy good consolation prize for the loser of the McDavid sweepstakes. Hanifin, Kylington, Konecny and Barzal all look great too. Will be interesting to see if this draft can live up to the early hype.

[sureLoss]

Interesting that there appears to be no elite RW again this year.

For those wondering the Centers that shoot right on that list (i.e. those who might be converted into a right shooting RW):
Eichel (although very unlikely as he is an elite center)
Konecny
White
Barzal


Also my understanding Zacha is more of a LW than a C at least in the international tournaments.

edit: also notice White is listed as RW in some places

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Interesting that there appears to be no elite RW again this year.

For those wondering the Centers that shoot right on that list (i.e. those who might be converted into a right shooting RW):
Eichel
Konecny
White
Barzal


Also my understanding Zacha is more of a LW than a C at least in the international tournaments.

edit: also notice White is listed as RW in some places

I've seen Daniel Sprong play a number of times (he's a RW) and he looks like the real deal and clearly hasn't stopped growing. I'll post my impressions next season. He's ranked #11.

[Monahan23]

my top 10 is

1. McDavid
2. Eichel
3. Hanfin
4. Kylington
5. Barzal
6. Konecy
7. White
8. Zacha
9. Strome
10. Pilon

[cral12]

FC scouts never stop!

It's never too early!

[FCAV]

Originally Posted by cral12

FC scouts never stop!

It's never too early!

I'd say we'll give the boys a few months off, but with the Hlinka camp and U17 camps expecting to be in Calgary, we'll be right back at it. It's how we stay on top!

[sureLoss]

Canada's hlinka camp invites

almost all 2015 draft eligible

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Tea...on-Camp/Roster

[dammage79]

Jeez, With Dylan Stromes size (6'2 1/2" 177lbs already) and skill he could be pick #4 next year. Big kid already.

[nik-]

Eichel or McDavid ... want.

[Lil Pedro]

Eichel looked unreal at the WJ

[SuperMatt18]

I would have no issue with the Eichel consolation.

Small sample size but he was one of the best players at the WJC as a 17 year old.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I would have no issue with the Eichel consolation.

McDavid is the obvious "prize" but I waffle between Eichel and Hanifin in terms of who's the consolation.

Crazy that you have Zacha at 10... Not crazy that you have him there but crazy that there are 9 talents that you could legitimately put before him. Insanely deep draft.

[Commandant]

Oops

[sureLoss]

Strugglin' for Hanifin

[cral12]

Weak but:

"Sacrifice Your Honour for Connor"

[Bunk]

Tanking for McDavid/Eichel - a McTankel. McTankeling, etc, etc. Lots will be doing it.

[Roof-Daddy]

We won't win for McEichelfin

[djsFlames]

Colin White looks like a damn good center too.

Really anyone in the top 5, even 10 is going to get a high end talent. One of McDavid/Eichel/Hanifin for the Flames would be incredible. This draft could set up our core for the next 10-15 years.

[FlameZilla]

Phone it in for Hanifin

Make your fans heckle for Eichel

The fat lady has sung for Sprung.

Speaking of which, Sprung plays for Mason McDonald's Charlottetown Islanders so I'm sure our scouts (including their owner) will have a very good look at him.

11
RW Daniel Sprong Charlottetown, QMJHL 5-11, 175
A strong offensive player...he’s quick and extremely involved in every play...an explosive player who can create chances out of nothing...strong skater and very slick hands...a wicked shot and can snipe top shelf...not easily pushed around, but still does need to add strength to truly dominate...he’s adaptable and able to find ways to make an impact in every game...de- fense needs to come along and he isn’t very physical, but his offensive skill set will make him a game breaker at the pro level...at times, he shows some real initiative in his own zone though, blocking shots and breaking up plays...works his butt off both on and off the ice to improve his game.

If he grows a couple of inches over the year he may be a top 10 pick. Wouldn't be a total tragedy to miss out on the elite guys.

Hanifin must be the priority though...