Here we are again; Frenchie and I bringing you the latest in Top Prospects News. Fifth on our list are the Nashville Predators. A team that boasts a very very deep group of potential NHL'ers, with some high end at the top, and projects throughout the lower rankings.
1.
Ryan Ellis, Defense
Windsor Spitfires, OHL; Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
5’10, 180 lbs
A defenseman who will forever be remembered in the minds of OHL fans; Ellis is a special talent. While undersized, there aren’t many defensemen scoring 100 points in the O. The ability to be a game changer offensively from the backend is Ellis’ calling card. A booming point shot, and some of crispest passing seen in major junior headline his impressive skill set as a PP QB. Ellis has an uncanny ability to exploit any offensive opportunity. Though small, he’s also capable defensively in junior, but there are worries over his ability to handle bigger forwards in the NHL.
Upside: Top Pairing Offensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Brian Rafalski
2.
Jonathan Blum, Defense
Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
6’1, 190 lbs
Often compared to former teammate, Cody Franson, having both come from the Vancouver Giants organization, nothing could be further from the truth. Though a slight build, Blum plays a sound positional game with very few mistakes, and his active stick break up countless offensive chances. Offensively Blum is a terrific skater, with four-direction mobility and an explosive stride. He uses his skating as more of a puck rusher than a puck mover. It’s very rare that Blum be caught out of a position when on the ice. His calm demeanour is a steadying influence for any team he plays for.
Upside: Top Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable? Ryan Suter
3.
Taylor Beck, Left Wing
Guelph Storm, OHL
6’2, 205 lbs
The knock on Beck was simple; his skating was downright awful. Luckily for him, Guelph was the perfect home, with an excellent skating coach, to turn his game around. In a visible improvement, Beck ‘s skating no longer holds him back with good mobility for a big man, and the ability to be an elusive skater, without the speed. He has a really nice shot (understatement), and is able to find open space to get it off in a one-timer. He is also a visible presence in the playmaking department when on the rush. Some wish he could get meaner, and he’s doing that... in baby steps. He’s stronger, faster and a heck of a lot better this year, and it showed in his offensive outburst.
Upside: Top Six Power Forward
4.
Zach Budish, Right Wing
University of Minnesota, WCHA (NCAA)
6’3, 230 lbs
When a kid like Budish comes along, with very little exposure, in a program like Minnesota High School hockey, there usually are some questions. Especially when you’re as physically mature as Budish was at the time, as a high school linebacker. Was he dominating because he could man handle? Or is the talent really there? There were a lot of question marks about his skating, having spent some time on his football game, his skating game was a bit lacking. Now, after two years with Minnesota, he’s shown a lot of progression. The mobility is there, with surprising speed and acceleration. His shot shows a lot of velocity and power behind it, especially off the wrist. The only downfall was not enough games this past season; in what some are wondering may be durability issues. Budish sees and processes the game at a good level, and shows high promise in the long term.
Upside: Top Six Power Forward
NHL Comparable? Keith Tkachuk
5.
Michael Latta, Center
Guelph Storm, OHL
6’0, 213 lbs
A strong kid who’s able to get in on the forecheck hard and outmuscle for pucks, Latta should be able to carve a nice NHL career. The term ‘heart’ comes up a lot for the center, who shows some playmaking ability, though doesn’t have the transition game to be a dynamic scorer. He’s at his best deep in the offensive zone cycling the puck, but has a very strong two-way game, with some physical play. He’ll drop the gloves, if need be, as well.
Upside: Second Line “Glue” Forward/Strong Checking Line Center
NHL Comparable? Dave Bolland
6.
Anders Lindback, Goaltender
Nashville Predators, NHL
6’6, 203
I don’t know how Nashville does it but they seem to find diamonds in the rough from Europe quite a bit. Lindback is about as close a clone as Pekka Rinne as you can find, they have the exact same style, the exact same strengths, the exact same size and the exact same weaknesses. He is very athletic for his size with great reaction and quick feet. He is a hybrid goalie that mixes the butterfly with a blocking style and doesn’t so much as try to stop pucks as get in the way. That has led to some rebound control issues but shouldn’t hurt him to much due to his speed and size. I know he is in the NHL currently as a back-up but that doesn’t take away his prospect potential as a starting goalie. I love to watch him play and when Rinne went down injured Lindback looked like a seasoned pro in relief.
Upside: 1A Goaltender
NHL Comparable: Pekka Rinne
7.
Roman Josi, Defenseman
Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
6’1, 198
Another all around dman, Josi is a smooth skater with good offensive instincts and a solid active stick defensive game. He is very calm and poised with the puck and is a very responsible player. His passes are very accurate and quick. His shot is solid preferring slap shots by far. In his first year in the AHL he tore it up and didn’t seem to need any adjustment from Europe. He does sometimes shy away from contact though which could be a problem in the NHL. He has represented the Swiss at the WC as young as 19 and is looking like he might be the spearhead of the new wave of Swiss talent.
Upside: 3-4 Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Roman Hamrlik
8.
Austin Watson, Right Wing/Left Wing
Peterborough Petes, OHL
6’3, 187
A big guy with a scoring touch, Watson had a solid year in the OHL last year. In the typical Predator fashion he has a strong defensive game and commitment to his own end to go along with his skill. He sacrifices his body in every game and loves to hit. He has an average shot and good hands, his ability to drive the net is where he finds his goals mainly as he never backs down. His skating is good but could use improvement.
Upside: 3rd Line Contributor
NHL Comparable: Cal Clutterbuck
9.
Miikka Salomaki, Left Wing
Karpat, SM-liiga
5’11, 198
Probably the second best Fin out of last years draft Salomaki is a great mix of grind and stickhandling. Salomaki as a 17 year old played the year in the SM-liiga against men and fared very well despite his size. He played on the 3rd line and managed to put up 10 points in 40 games while being great in his own end and rarely making mistakes. He showed he could score on the international scene and will get a bigger role next season. He is fast and tough though his shot is still fairly weak. I really think Nashville found a gem in him.
Upside: 2nd/3rd Line Grinder
NHL Comparable: Scottie Upshall
10.
Charles-Olivier Roussel, Defenseman
Montreal Juniors, QMJHL
6’1, 196
A jack of all trades Roussel is a multi faceted defender that is a coach’s dream. He can play the PP or the PK with facility. He has good speed and is great positionally. Last season showed Roussel’s ability to play any role as he was physical, shutdown opponents and showed his passing skills. The main problem with Roussel is while he can play at both ends of the rink well, he doesn’t have any particular strength which is usually needed to carve a niche in the NHL. He will need to have a big year in the AHL next season or begin looking like Matt Lashoff.
Upside: 4-6 Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Matt Carle
Honorable Mentions: Josh Shalla, Craig Smith
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