1. Sven Baertschi, Portland Winterhawks, LW
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| Sven Baertschi after scoring a slick goal on a turnover caused by C Greg Nemisz |
pros: good speed and fantastic quickness. Baertschi is a highly skilled winger, equally adept at scoring goals and setting them up. He possesses an excellent mid-range shot, and fantastic vision, supplemented by his high-end hockey sense and decision making. He also brings a surprising amount of grit. Good defensive game, though there's room for improvement.
cons: a touch on the small side, and still a bit slender (though he's built rather solid--once he fills out, there won't be any problems with his size).
ETA: 1 year. Less.
Comparison: Martin Havlat.
2. Max Reinhart, Kootenay Ice, C
Reinhart is a smart, mobile, decently-sized 2way center with offensive tools that are average at worst. He doesn't excel in any one aspect of the game (except defense) but he can do it all. Had a good (but short) stint with the Abbotsford Heat at the end of the season.
ETA: 1 year. Less.
Comparison: Martin Havlat.
2. Max Reinhart, Kootenay Ice, C
pros: a good skater with a good shot and good vision. Has good hands and superb decision making. Blocks passes with aplomb, and is very good at keeping opposition forwards to the outside.
cons: doesn't have a standout offensive skill, which hurts his offensive ceiling. Has a bit of a temper, and can occasionally lose his head.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Manny Malhotra.
3. Leland Irving, Abbotsford Heat, G
A positional goalie who doesn't cover a lot of net. Has good talent, and reads the play fairly well. Irving has put up only decent numbers in the AHL, in spite of a reputation as one of the top non-NHL goalies. This is mostly due to a complete lack of consistency, though last season it's at least partially due to constantly shuffling between the NHL and AHL.
pros: positionally sound. Controls rebounds. Uses the stick well. Has quick reflexes and good side-to-side movement. Reads the play well.
cons: tends to lose his head for long periods of time at random intervals. Is a tad on the small side, and doesn't cover much net.
ETA: 1 year.
Comparison: Carey Price.
4. Johnny Gaudreau, Boston College Eagles, LW
A tiny (5'6" 148lb) winger from New Jersey who relies on his elite skating (and, perhaps ironically, his size) to avoid getting plastered by every defenseman on every shift of every game. A purely offensive talent, he's arguably the most naturally talented player in the Flames' system. The only thing that will keep him out of the NHL is his size (and maybe his defensive game).
pros: Gaudreau has all the offensive tools. All of them. He's quick, agile, and possesses game-breaking speed. His stride is also stronger than one would suspect of such a tiny player. He has fantastic hands, strong wrist and snap shots, and sublime vision and playmaking skills.
cons: well, he's VERY small. Not strong, though perhaps for his size. Possesses just about 0 defensive ability, though his smarts enable him to break up plays and pick peoples' pockets. Can get handily roughed-up in close quarters and along the boards.
ETA: 3-5 years.
Comparison: Martin St. Louis.
5. Mark Jankowski, Stanstead College Spartans, C
This ranking is perhaps a bit surprising given my reaction to the selection, but there is plenty to like about him, too. This ranking might even turn out to be low. Or it could be extremely high. Jankowski arguably has the highest ceiling out of any player on this list, but he's also the biggest gamble. Will he make the NHL? Don't know.
cons: doesn't have a standout offensive skill, which hurts his offensive ceiling. Has a bit of a temper, and can occasionally lose his head.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Manny Malhotra.
3. Leland Irving, Abbotsford Heat, G
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| Irving laughs it up with Miikka Kiprusoff after earning his 1st career win against the Canucks |
pros: positionally sound. Controls rebounds. Uses the stick well. Has quick reflexes and good side-to-side movement. Reads the play well.
cons: tends to lose his head for long periods of time at random intervals. Is a tad on the small side, and doesn't cover much net.
ETA: 1 year.
Comparison: Carey Price.
4. Johnny Gaudreau, Boston College Eagles, LW
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| Johnny "Pocket" Gaudreau celebrates a goal against Northeastern University |
pros: Gaudreau has all the offensive tools. All of them. He's quick, agile, and possesses game-breaking speed. His stride is also stronger than one would suspect of such a tiny player. He has fantastic hands, strong wrist and snap shots, and sublime vision and playmaking skills.
cons: well, he's VERY small. Not strong, though perhaps for his size. Possesses just about 0 defensive ability, though his smarts enable him to break up plays and pick peoples' pockets. Can get handily roughed-up in close quarters and along the boards.
ETA: 3-5 years.
Comparison: Martin St. Louis.
5. Mark Jankowski, Stanstead College Spartans, C
pros: Jankowski has a "projectable frame", as he is quite tall, and has a TON of room for muscle. Even if he doesn't grow any taller, which is actually unlikely. Jankowski has great hands, fast, fluid skating, a strong shot, and elite passing skills.
cons: Jankowski played in a really nothing league last season, so he could just have been beating up on a low level. He will need to acclimate himself to better, faster, more challenging levels of play. He won't play at a significant level until he reaches the NCAA in 2013 (though the USHL has improved notably over the last several seasons).
ETA: no less than 4 years (1 year USHL, 2 years NCAA, 1 year AHL).
Comparison: Joe Thornton.
6. Bill Arnold, Boston College Eagles, C
One of my favourite prospects, Arnold is, ostensibly, a meat-and-potatoes type checking forward, though he does show some intriguing (and underrated) tools. Arnold isn't as big as one would expect from watching him, just 6'0", but he's built like a tank weighing 215 pounds. Arnold shows noteworthy grit all over the ice, and is TREMENDOUSLY strong.
pros: as mentioned above, Arnold is stronger than just about anyone. He has a long, powerful skating stride, with which he can, essentially, carry other players along on his back while he heads for the net. He protects the puck very well, especially along the boards, and has underrated hands. He is very adept at tipping shots in front of the net. He's also great on the cycle game, and fantastic defensively.
cons: in spite of his powerful stride, his top speed is only okay (if that). He isn't very quick, and his first few strides tend to be fairly laboured. Though he'll occasionally go for the big hit, he isn't as physical as he should be.
ETA: 3 years.
Comparison: Michal Handzus.
7. Markus Granlund, HIFK, C/RW
Another small(ish) forward with hockey sense coming out the ears. Granlund is a silky smooth playmaking centerman (he can also play wing) with a strong shot and, somewhat surprisingly, notable grit. He posted solid numbers in the SM-Liiga last season, though he did play alongside his older, better brother Mikael at times.
cons: Jankowski played in a really nothing league last season, so he could just have been beating up on a low level. He will need to acclimate himself to better, faster, more challenging levels of play. He won't play at a significant level until he reaches the NCAA in 2013 (though the USHL has improved notably over the last several seasons).
ETA: no less than 4 years (1 year USHL, 2 years NCAA, 1 year AHL).
Comparison: Joe Thornton.
6. Bill Arnold, Boston College Eagles, C
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| Boston College C Bill Arnold (right) was one of the few players who impressed on a disappointing American team |
pros: as mentioned above, Arnold is stronger than just about anyone. He has a long, powerful skating stride, with which he can, essentially, carry other players along on his back while he heads for the net. He protects the puck very well, especially along the boards, and has underrated hands. He is very adept at tipping shots in front of the net. He's also great on the cycle game, and fantastic defensively.
cons: in spite of his powerful stride, his top speed is only okay (if that). He isn't very quick, and his first few strides tend to be fairly laboured. Though he'll occasionally go for the big hit, he isn't as physical as he should be.
ETA: 3 years.
Comparison: Michal Handzus.
7. Markus Granlund, HIFK, C/RW
pros: Granlund doesn't panic, and moves the puck very well about the offensive zone. He doesn't back down from battles along the boards, though he could certainly use some improvement in that area. Granlund has good hands, is very quick on his feet, and has an underrated shot. Has shown notable improvement in his defensive zone play.
cons: Granlund isn't particularly strong, and can lose battles for the puck. He'll often try to do too much himself with the puck, which can lead him into trouble. He's also fairly slow.
ETA: 3 years.
Comparison: Henrik Sedin.
8. Michael Ferland, Brandon Wheat Kings, LW
A versatile checking forward, Ferland has shown notable improvements in all aspects of his game since he was drafted. Ferland projects as a high-end checking forward in the NHL, though there are some who believe he could be a 2nd line power forward.
pros: Ferland has a strong, accurate shot, and good hands. He is big and strong, and throws his body (and fists) around with aplomb. He is an underrated passer, and thinks the game fairly well.8. Michael Ferland, Brandon Wheat Kings, LW
cons: though he has shown plenty of improvement, Ferland is still a below average skater. His offensive tools are very real, but he doesn't project as a scorer. Has a tendency to take boneheaded penalties late in games.
ETA: 3 years.
Comparison: Brian Boyle.
9. Brett Kulak, Vancouver Giants, D
Kulak was maybe my favourite selection in the 2012 draft, and he is now the best defensive prospect in the system. Kulak doesn't shine in any particular area (except perhaps his skating, which is quite good), but he is a very smart player who makes good decisions both with and without the puck, and shows good positioning in all 3 zones. Kulak's role with the Vancouver Giants increased dramatically last season when star shut-down defender David Musil went down to injury.
pros: high-end hockey sense and silky-smooth skating ability make for a very complete player. He's still growing, which is good news for his thin frame (though he's already 6'1", which is decent). He is far from flashy, which isn't a bad thing for a defenseman. In fact, it's often a very good thing, especially for one who's trusted against the other teams' best as Kulak is.
cons: there isn't much to report here. He isn't going to blow anyone away with his offensive skills, though, and he could probably stand to be more physical (adding muscle to his 175 pound frame would help). However, there is some upside offensively, as he scored 9 goals last season.
ETA: 3-4 years.
Comparison: Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
Horak is a solid, well-rounded player who brings ridiculous speed and good smarts to the game. His offensive tools aren't inconsiderable, but still developing. Horak surprised last season when he started the season with the Calgary Flames and played 61(!!) games. In spite of how much time he spent in the NHL last season, I still think he could use some refinement in the AHL.
pros: a good skater. He's a smart player who doesn't make many mistakes. Has good, if raw, offensive skills.9. Brett Kulak, Vancouver Giants, D
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| Kulak was happy to take the extra icetime when D David Musil got hurt |
pros: high-end hockey sense and silky-smooth skating ability make for a very complete player. He's still growing, which is good news for his thin frame (though he's already 6'1", which is decent). He is far from flashy, which isn't a bad thing for a defenseman. In fact, it's often a very good thing, especially for one who's trusted against the other teams' best as Kulak is.
cons: there isn't much to report here. He isn't going to blow anyone away with his offensive skills, though, and he could probably stand to be more physical (adding muscle to his 175 pound frame would help). However, there is some upside offensively, as he scored 9 goals last season.
ETA: 3-4 years.
Comparison: Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
10. Pat Sieloff, USNTDP, D
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| D Pat Sieloff was a leader on the championship U-18 team |
Another super-physical shut-down defenseman taken from the 2nd round for the Flames (to go with Wotherspoon). Sieloff is a smart player with good leadership qualities, who loves to play the body. He has some puck-moving ability, but nothing high-end. Is also very mobile. He's headed for the Windsor Spitfires next season, which FINALLY gives the Flames another OHL prospect.
pros: good mobility. Can move the puck more than many shut-down defenders. Extremely smart, and leads by example. Apparently LOVES shutting down the other team's best. Gotta like the attitude.
cons: not a lot of offensive ability. Though he consistently lays people out (especially in open ice) he isn't big--only 6'0" 198lbs. Doesn't possess much offensive zone acumen, and certainly won't be a powerplay weapon.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Kevin Bieksa.
11. Roman Horak, Calgary Flames, C/LW
cons: not particularly strong. Fast, but only in a straight line, and rarely uses his speed as he should. Needs to improve his shot A LOT.
ETA: 1 year.
Comparison: Tomas Plekanec.
12. Greg Nemisz, Abbotsford Heat, RW/C
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| Nemisz still has only the 1 assist in the NHL, and no goals. |
A big, surprisingly skilled forward with a strong right-handed shot. He can move the puck, but is better shooting. He can play all 3 forward positions, but is probably best as a RW (though his best NHL stint was as a center...).
pros: he's big. He has hands, to some extent. He plays defense very well, and is adept at breaking up plays with his stick, especially along the boards.
cons: he doesn't use his size as he should. His offensive acumen is limited in spite of decent tools, and his upside pretty much stops at 3rd line center (more likely winger).
ETA: 1 year, maybe less (though the signing of Blake Comeau kind of puts a hitch in this..).
Comparison: David Moss.
13. Ryan Culkin, Quebec Remparts, D
A francophone with an obviously anglophone name (the exact opposite of Rene Bourque), Culkin is an all-around defenseman with a decent amount of upside. Like all Flames draft picks under Feaster, he's a smart player, and he's a good skater. The Flames considered him equivalent to Kulak, but I don't agree (yet).
pros: smooth-skating and intelligent. Possesses some offensive tools, and a willingness to use them. Can eat important minutes at even strength.
cons: tends to try to do too much offensively at times, trying to go beyond his means (especially with his hands). Doesn't contribute offense at even strength.
ETA: 3-4 years.
Comparison: Josh Gorges.
14. John Ramage, Wisconsin Badgers, D
An average-sized, physical defenseman who has been playing in the NCAA for the past 3 seasons. He had a forgettable season last year, but will look to rebound. For anyone wondering why he hasn't been signed yet, he'll probably dither until training camp, then decide that there's more he wants to do in College. Like he did last year.
13. Ryan Culkin, Quebec Remparts, D
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| D Ryan Culkin is a vital cog in the Quebec Remparts' machine |
pros: smooth-skating and intelligent. Possesses some offensive tools, and a willingness to use them. Can eat important minutes at even strength.
cons: tends to try to do too much offensively at times, trying to go beyond his means (especially with his hands). Doesn't contribute offense at even strength.
ETA: 3-4 years.
Comparison: Josh Gorges.
14. John Ramage, Wisconsin Badgers, D
pros: Ramage is, largely, similar to Sieloff. He isn't big, but he can absolutely DESTROY players caught with their head down. He has a right-handed shot, and some underrated (but limited) puck moving ability. A great leader.
cons: doesn't think offensively, and is, thus, almost a liablity on the powerplay. Can sometimes try to do too much, and is at his best when playing a simple game (that involves destroying people).
ETA: 1, maybe 2 years.
Comparison: Rob Scuderi.
15. Coda Gordon, Swift Current Broncos, LW
A smart, physical winger from the WHL who might remind (a little) of Greg Nemisz. He's a poor skater, but still scored 30 goals last season (almost all from the low slot at even strength). A great shooter and good passer.
pros: good offensive skills, among them a great shot. Can hit with the best of them, and has roughly average hands (maybe slightly above). Extremely intelligent, and makes good decisions with the puck.ETA: 1, maybe 2 years.
Comparison: Rob Scuderi.
15. Coda Gordon, Swift Current Broncos, LW
cons: a terrible skater. He's slow, and brings a choppy, weak stride. The good news, though, is that his issues are, largely, coachable. He could maybe become as good a skater as Nemisz.
ETA: 4-5 years.
Comparison: Matt Moulson.
16. Tyler Wotherspoon, Portland Winterhawks, D
A rugged stay-at-home defenseman who loves to drop both the mitts and opposing players with hits. Wotherspoon lacks the high-end hockey sense of most other Feaster picks, though he's no slouch in that category, certainly. He also has a certain amount of offensive ability.
pros: big and strong, fairly smart, and decently mobile. Wotherspoon is adept at shutting down opposing forwards, and keeping them honest with his rugged game.
cons: doesn't have much ability at moving the puck, and his hands are poor. His shot is only decent, as well, though he can get it to the net.
ETA: 3-4 years.
Comparison: Jim Vandermeer.
17. Laurent Brossoit, Edmonton Oil Kings, G
A big, athletic goalie. He had a great season--especially in the playoffs--playing for a powerhouse Edmonton Oil Kings team. He even managed to do a decent job of shutting down Sven Baertschi in the WHL final. For whatever reason, though, he forgot how to play in the Memorial Cup, and his team seemed to collapse as a result. To be fair, he wasn't the only player in the tournament who did.
pros: big, with solid reflexes. Moves reasonably well in the nets, and his positional play has come a long way over the course of the season.
cons: though it's improved (as mentioned) his positioning could still use a lot of work. If it's improved enough, he could be quite good, with his size and reflexes.
ETA: 5 years.
Comparision: Roberto Luongo.
18. Joni Ortio, TPS Turku, G
A skilled goalie in the mold of Miikka Kiprusoff, Ortio has plenty of talent, but suffers from consistency issues similar to those of Leland Irving. He spent most of last season warming the bench (a stupid organizational decision), but played every minute for TPS once he was sent back to Finland, which speaks well of his skill.
17. Laurent Brossoit, Edmonton Oil Kings, G
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| G Laurent Brossoit almost single-handedly sank the powerful Portland Winterhawks |
pros: big, with solid reflexes. Moves reasonably well in the nets, and his positional play has come a long way over the course of the season.
cons: though it's improved (as mentioned) his positioning could still use a lot of work. If it's improved enough, he could be quite good, with his size and reflexes.
ETA: 5 years.
Comparision: Roberto Luongo.
18. Joni Ortio, TPS Turku, G
pros: positions himself well, and generally makes the first save. His reflexes are superb, and his style is impeccable.
cons: has a tendency to lose his net if he's not "in the zone" which results in bad goals and blow-out losses.
ETA: 5 years.
Comparison: Miikka Kiprusoff.
19. Paul Byron, Abbotsford Heat, C/W
a speedy, physical forward who is quite small. He has good hands an vision, but for whatever reason hasn't been able to translate his offensive game to the bigs with any consistency.
pros: speed. Skill. Physical game. Effort level. He's got some tools.ETA: 5 years.
Comparison: Miikka Kiprusoff.
19. Paul Byron, Abbotsford Heat, C/W
cons: his size. He is quite easy for defenders and strong forwards to overpower. Sometimes he can make boneheaded decisions with the puck.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Blake Comeau.
20. Brady Lamb, Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, D
A large, mobile, Calgarian defender with a right-handed shot and some upside. The Flames signed him out of the NCAA, and that league has a tendency to produce very pro-ready players. Lamb is a bit older, but being undrafted, he might be a late bloomer.
20. Brady Lamb, Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, D
pros: he's got some skill. He isn't particularly tall, but he's built like a tank, and can lay out hits when he has to. He can lay a decent point shot on net.
cons: he's a bit older than most players one would expect to have an NHL future, and was never drafted. Oddly, he alternated very good and very poor seasons in the NCAA.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Matt Gilroy.
ETA: 2 years.
Comparison: Matt Gilroy.
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