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2013 Draft Paying Immediate Dividends |
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2013 was simultaneously the most hyped up draft and least hyped up draft I’ve seen in a long time. The catchphrases never came and we never had the 5 hour in depth talk over a “Taylor vs. Tyler” kind of over analysis nor the “Will Tavares be a bust because he can’t skate” talk. The media were extremely positive about every top player though the hint throughout was that despite the extreme depth of the draft, there was no “franchise” player…and if there was it would be Seth Jones. It was an interesting take and I think brought on more by the fact that for once there really didn’t seem to be a consensus number one selection…oh the media has always tried to make controversies (quick example being the Tavares draft where the final consensus was Duchene number one, Hedman two, Tavares three), but this time there really seemed to be an air of confusion, which was validated by the selections later on.
The 2013 draft has already provided quick dividends for teams as seven players have already made their respective teams and most appear to be sticking…some through strong play and one through…well they can’t really afford to let him go. I wanted to just go team by team how some of their picks are doing in brief.
Anaheim Ducks :
Shea Théodore : Selected 26th overall, the 6’2 167lb offensive defenseman has been off to a really strong start in the WHL. He sits 5th in scoring by defensemen with 5 goals and 11 points in 9 games for the Thunderbirds.
Nick Sörensen : An injury kept Sörensen out for 6 games so far, but in the limited games he has played he has been strong. He has a goal and 6 assists so far while providing his usual speed. He’s been playing well and my friend, who watches a lot more Q than I do told me he’s getting a ton of scoring chances and shots off, just can’t find the back of the net yet.
Boston Bruins :
Peter Cehlárik : The big Slovak was somebody I felt would really look like a steal in the coming years and he’s showing signs of being just that. Playing in the Allsvenskan in Sweden, Cehlárik is on loan from his Elitserien squad to the rebuilding and fairly crappy Asplöven. The 90th overall selection currently leads his team with 4 goals and 10 points while being a +4 and leading in shots. He’s also the highest under-20 scorer in the league.
Buffalo Sabres :
Rasmus Ristolainen : One of the seven who have made their NHL squads, Ristolainen has been playing primarily bottom-pairing minutes for the woeful Sabres. I still find that making the team alone is extremely impressive for the big Finn, especially when you consider that he has to not only get used to the advanced competition of the NHL, but also the North American ice and game style all at once. He’s had a few hits, a few shots and a few blocks.
Nikita Zadorov : The 16th overall selection was very impressive in the Sabres rookie camp and though injured to start the year will likely get his 9 games. I like the move because he always shows these hints that he has more offensive upside than he’s shown…much like another Knight Olli Maata, that is curbed by the Knights often deploying 4-5 forwards on the PP.
JT Compher : The 35th overall selection who many thought would find his way into the first round after an excellent U18 performance and over a PPG USHL season fell to Buffalo. I don’t really get to see any College hockey, but he has two assists in two games for the University of Michigan.
Connor Hurley : The youngest player in the 2013 draft and one of the most raw is taking the long road to the NHL and moved from his Highschool to the USHL before he’ll begin his 3-4 year NCAA career. He has 3 goals and 7 points for the Muskegon Lumberjacks leading his team in both categories and sitting 11th overall in the scoring race. He’s also apparently shown a lot of physicality, despite his lanky frame (6’1 173lbs).
Nicholas Baptiste : Many felt that he underachieved greatly in his draft year through frustrating inconsistencies. Yet the big winger had a great showing at the U18’s and it looked like he was ready to take the next step…and so far so good. Baptiste has 9 goals and 13 points in 9 games so far including a shorthanded tally. He’s in a tie for fourth in goal scoring.
Gustav Possler : Last but certainly not least, the 130th overall selection has been the marvel of the Elitserien to start the year as the 18 year old just won’t stop scoring. He leads MODO in goals with 8 and points with 10 in 12 games, is fourth overall in the entire league for goal scoring and is the second highest U20 scorer behind only one other who will appear later on this list. Looking like a really good draft in general from Buffalo.
Calgary Flames :
Sean Monahan : Monahan made the Flames out of camp and is making it hard for them to send him down. With 4 goals and 6 points he has come out of the gate roaring and the 19 year old has been a big part of the surprising early success in cow town. While you can point to the fact that he gets very few defensive zone starts and is dreadful at face-offs as the harsh criticism of Monahan…in reality should that be expected of him at only 19? I think not.
Émile Poirier : A lot of people were surprised he went as early as he did (22nd), yet I thought he would go around there after carrying the Olympiques in his draft year. He currently sits 9th overall in QMJHL scoring with 9 goals and 17 points in 10 games. He’s playing extremely physical as per usual and he’s been one of the best and most dangerous penalty killers in junior (2 SHG 1 SHA). His breakaway speed is fantastic and if he can generate that same speed when going through traffic he’s going to be a nightmare for defenders.
Morgan Klimchuk : The last first rounder the Flames selected is also finding early success for the Regina Pats. 5 goals and 16 points in 10 games so far leads the team.
Carolina Hurricanes :
Elias Lindholm : The fifth overall selection made the Hurricanes, though unlike some of the other rookies he hasn’t been given much time to show what he has. With Staal and Staal ahead of him and a team trying desperately to get some playoff revenue, it’s understandable, though he scored his only goal of the season when given actual minutes. Oddly enough he has the highest face-off percentage of Canes over 30 draws taken with 48.4%.
Chicago Blackhawks :
Ryan Hartman : The 30th overall selection from the Champions is the kind of guy the Blackhawks will need down the road with the functional toughness he provides. He’s played well on the rebuilding Whalers and has 6 goals and 11 points in 9 games. He’s been playing a lot of penalty killing minutes and he has also played some centre.
Colorado Avalanche :
Nathan MacKinnon : The first overall selection and looking just like it. MacKinnon has been a major part of the undefeated Avs success rolling out as their third line centre with PP time. That entire top-9 has been lethal and MacKinnon has provided speed and vision. He is tied for the team lead in points with 7 and trails only Hertl in rookie scoring.
Chris Bigras : One of their last cuts and a guy who threatened to stick with the Avalanche through camp, Bigras has been playing very well in Owen Sound. The 32nd overall pick has 2 goals and 5 points in 8 games playing in all situations. Brendan Ross an OHL scout says he has been playing over 35 minutes a night…yikes.
Columbus Blue Jackets :
Alexander Wennberg : The skilled Swede has had a good start, though his strong play has been overshadowed by two later picks from 2013…one being his teammate. He has 6 goals in 13 games so far playing on the second line. The interesting thing is he is back to playing his natural centre position, something he only did internationally as he was a winger against the stronger competition. He was a monster at the European Trophy tournament earlier in the year scoring 2 goals and 6 points in 7 games.
Kerby Rychel : The newly named captain of the Windsor Spitfires is scoring like a madman again this season after having consecutive 40+ goal seasons, he’s looking to add another…maybe 50 this time around. He has 7 goals and 16 points in 9 games and has been a terror on the PP using his one timer slapshot that is very reminiscent of Stamkos’ style. He’s tied for 5th overall in the OHL scoring race.
Oliver Bjorkstrand : Bjorkstrand was highly sought after when he made it clear he was going to play in North America and a lot of people had him as a potential first rounder to start the year. He dropped as he had a so-so transition to the WHL…so-so meaning he scored only 31 goals…regardless expectations were high for the Dane and he fell to 89th. This season he’s off to a hot start on the less frightening Winterhawks as he sits 4th in the WHL in scoring with 11 goals and 19 points in just 9 games. The most impressive thing is that 3 of his goals have come shorthanded leading the WHL in SHGs.
Dallas Stars :
Valeri Nichushkin : I don’t want to be mean or anything ,but Nichushkin isn’t NHL ready. If he wasn’t prepared to board the first plane back to Russia if he was cut by Dallas he wouldn’t be on the squad. Asset management. Despite a strong pre-season performance Nichushkin has not played very well so far in the regular season having only one shot all season despite getting decent playing time. He was a healthy scratch last game. The one good thing to take away from his play though is that he is embracing physical play more than I ever saw in the KHL…something that could be frightening in a few years when he’s 6’4 230 and skates like speed skating champion.
Detroit Red Wings :
Anthony Mantha : It wouldn't be a draft without scrambling to find which obscure player the Wings took and how he will be some kind of superstar. Mantha was the 20th overall selection and generally regarded as the best pure goal scorer in the draft. He had some issues, but nobody could fault him for that, especially after he was one of only three players to score over 50 goals in the CHL last season. He’s making an early bid for CHL Player of the Year as he has…well…16 goals and 28 points in…9 games. He leads in PP goals he leads in SH goals all he does is score goals.
Mattias Janmark : Drafted as an overager, the 20 year old Swede is dominating the Elitserien right now. He has 9 goals and 15 points in 13 games leading AIK in both categories. He sits at 5th overall in scoring and second in goal scoring. The soon to be 21 year old was an interesting pick…and it might payoff.
Edmonton Oilers :
Darnell Nurse : Known for his big body and defensive play, the hope is that Nurse can develop further his offensive game to round him out as an all-around threat. The captain of the Greyhounds has been impressive in his return to the OHL and has 7 points in 7 games including a PPG. He is apparently working hard on his shot, which is a major weakness…one of his only weaknesses actually. Looking good for the 7th overall selection.
Bogdan Yakimov : The 6’4 behemoth has looked excellent on the second line of Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk a small and relatively unknown team here in Russia. In 10 games he has 2 goals and 6 points. He is playing really well around the net, and he looks faster out there. He’s a lock in my opinion for the U20 team. Now if only he would hit more…
Florida Panthers :
Aleksander Barkov : My personal favourite, man he’s going to be sick. Barkov has been pretty good so far for the up and down Panthers. He has 2 goals and 5 points in 7 games playing a lot of minutes. He became the youngest player to score a goal since Don Raleigh in 1943. Kevin Dineen has gone on record saying Barkov has been their best all-around player.
Los Angeles Kings :
Valentin Zykov : Got off to a bit of a slow start so far in the QMJHL, the reigning CHL and QMJHL Rookie of the Year has just 5 goals and 11 points in 10 games. Not for lack of trying it would seem though as he’s been taking a lot of shots and playing hard.
Minnesota Wild :
Dylan Labbé : The 4th rounder has been strong offensively for Shawinigan and has 1 goal and 7 points in 9 games…he’s atrocious defensively though…well that whole team is so it isn’t all on him. Ya…not much else to say on the Wild’s picks, their top selection hasn’t played a game yet and the others aren’t worth mentioning.
Montréal Canadiens :
Michael McCarron : Like a lot of American/International players making the jump to the CHL he’s struggling a bit early. He has 1 goal and 5 points in 7 games so far which isn’t very thrilling for the 25th overall selection…but his game isn’t really about that. He’s a physical monster out there and has been throwing big hits. If he can find his scoring touch he should be a good player…if he doesn’t…well he should still be a grinder.
Artturi Lehkonen : The third ranked Finn in the 2013 draft fell to the Canadiens, mostly due to his size (5’10) as he’s an extremely skilled little bugger. He leads KalPa right now with 3 goals and 8 points in 11 games playing on a line with former NHLer Sami Kapanen (whose son and potential top-10 pick is on the team as well). He’s the top U20 scorer in the SM-liiga.
Jérémy Grégoire : Falling all the way to the seventh round after a disappointing season, Grégoire has started the season on fire and sits second in the QMJHL in goal scoring with 12 in 10 games. The shift to wing seems to have really helped him focus on scoring instead of the responsibilities of being a centre. He’s getting a lot of his goals off the PP (5PPG’s second to Mantha) and on set pieces.
Nashville Predators :
Seth Jones : What can I say that hasn’t been said already? Averaging 23 minutes a night at 19 is quite sufficient. With Roman Josi injured he has really stepped up for the Preds and already we’re getting a glimpse of a future titan pairing in Weber-Jones. Kills penalties, plays on the PP…this kid does it all right now. He has a goal and 3 points in 6 games as well.
Juuse Saros : The top ranked European Goalie in the draft and second ranked out of all goalies fell hard and far to the 99th selection and despite his talent and everybody talking about how good he is, including his heroic performance at the U18’s where he willed the Finns to Bronze capturing the Goalie of the Tournament honours, he has one flaw…he’s 5’10. Today’s NHL cringes at the thought of goalies under 6’1 and with good reason as just off the top of my head Halak is the only guy under 6’0 that is a starter and almost every elite goalie is 6’1+ (Rinne, Lundqvist, Rask, Quick etc). Saros is having a great season in the SM-liiga splitting starts for HPK. In 6 games he has a 1.84GAA and a .925sv%.
New Jersey Devils :
Steve Santini : With the NCAA season just getting underway, there isn’t much to go on about the Devils first selection in the draft (42nd overall). He has a goal for Boston College which is nice, but his real game is being able to shutdown opponents. On the Silver Winning American U18 squad he won the Best Defenseman of the tournament as he shut down pretty much every team’s top line in the tournament and was giving the McDavid line trouble in the Gold Medal game. I really liked this pick and he has that Rob Scuderi vibe to him, a guy that can really complement players.
New York Islanders :
Ryan Pulock : The Wheat Kings Captain is back to his usual offensive output since returning to the WHL. The man with the hardest shot in the 2013 draft has 3 goals and 8 points in 6 games 2 being PPG’s. His mature style of play is something the Islanders are really going to like down the road.
New York Rangers :
Anthony Duclair : One of the big fallers in the draft after being a potential top-10 selection during his amazing rookie campaign, Duclair who is a frustratingly talented player is looking good again. He sits in sixth for goals scored with 8 and has 12 points leading the Remparts. He’s been playing a lot of special teams and has 3 PPG’s and 1 SHG. He’s still playing on the edge as a pest and he’s taken some dirty runs at players. He’s an interesting guy to watch as with his speed and just his style of play he’s an awful lot like Marchand.
Ottawa Senators :
Curtis Lazar : Lazar continues to showcase his shoot first attitude this season and has 6 goals and 11 points thus far. The two-way centre went 17th in the draft and will have a lot of expectations to replace St. Croix on the ever contending Oil Kings.
Marcus Högberg : The lanky 6’5 goalie has gained the starting job for his Allsvenskan team Mora which is mighty impressive for an 18 year old. While he isn’t playing extremely well and has been overshadowed by Armalis his backup, he’s playing as well as one could hope for an 18 year old goalie in a men’s league. Just to give you a taste, there are no goalies in the Allsvenskan U20 other than him.
Philadelphia Flyers :
Samuel Morin : A bit of a surprise at 11, the 6’6 Morin impressed the Flyers enough with his offensive leap during the playoffs to gamble on him over some of the more “sure thing” defenders in that part of the draft. Morin is injured right now with a hand injury, but before that he had 2 goals and an assist in 5 games along with playing his physical brand of hockey.
Robert Hägg : If you’ve been following Bill Meltzer you will know Hägg’s season thus far. He’s been a bit up and down and still makes the odd mistake, but generally he’s been very strong for an 18 year old. He’s playing on the second pairing of MODO and has been on the PP. He has 3 assists in 12 games and is looking like a very good pick at 41 when most expected him to be in the late first round.
Phoenix Coyotes :
Max Domi : I’ll keep this brief because I’m planning on doing a full write up on the Coyotes 2013 draft class. Domi was an inch away from making the Coyotes out of camp and played well next to Hanzal-Vrbata throughout the pre-season. He was however sent back…and he must have been pissed as he was suspended in his third game for a flying retaliatory elbow. He had two assists prior to that incident, and he’s expected to lead the star studded Knights to the Memorial Cup.
Pittsburgh Penguins :
Tristan Jarry : After having the highest sv% in the WHL playing as the backup, Jarry is expected to carry the load for the Oil Kings. He hasn’t been great posting a 2.93GAA and a .888sv% and he’s one of the reasons why the Oil Kings are in second last in the Eastern Conference. It’s still too early to tell and goalies are always weird.
San Jose Sharks :
Mirco Müller : The 18th overall selection has been strong again in the WHL providing his calming two-way game. He’s playing a lot of penalty kill time and despite not being an offensive defender he has 4 points in 8 games. Expect a big performance at the U20’s for the 6’4 Swiss.
St. Louis Blues :
William Carrier : Coming off a major injury Carrier hasn’t had the start he’d hope for. He has 3 goals and 11 points in 10 games for the Screaming Eagles. I expect him to pick up his game as the season progresses and he gets back into game shape…the good news is that the Eagles aren’t the worst team in the Q for once!
Tampa Bay Lightning :
Jonathan Drouin : The third overall pick was sent back to junior, probably because that Lightning top-9 is fairly stacked as it is and with the great performances from their AHL players, those guys deserve a shot. He had 2 goals and 5 points in 4 games before getting injured with a groin injury. It isn’t an ideal start for the ultra-talented winger.
Adam Erne : Their second round selection has had an interesting start as the Remparts have moved him to centre. The young power forward has 6 goals and 11 points in 9 games. His primary weakness of being too one way in his thinking is still a bit of an issue “skate fast, shoot from any angle, hit somebody…rinse repeat.” Yet the move to centre could be the cure for that.
Toronto Maple Leafs :
Frédérik Gauthier : The 21st overall selection known for his defensive prowess and size (6’5) has had a bumpy start to the year. He has only 1 goal and 8 points in 10 games so far for Rimouski, the more worrying part being how poor he has been on the face-offs. A lot of expectations when you get selected that high without the offensive upside others have.
Carter Verhaeghe : Whatever disappointment one has in the play of Gauthier, the opposite can be said about their third round selection. Verhaeghe has embraced his role as the top-line centre for Niagara and sits fourth in the OHL with 8 goals and 18 points in 9 games. He and 2014 fast rising star Brendan Perlini have formed one of the deadliest duos in the OHL.
Andreas Johnson : Fast…he’s really, really fast. Right now…he is THE steal of the draft. The 202nd overall selection has had an insane start to the season in the Elitserien. He sits 9th overall in scoring with 7 goals and 12 points in 13 games, the highest scoring U20 player in the league. He is just so freaking fast. I wonder how high he would have gone if he wasn’t 5’10?
Vancouver Canucks :
Bo Horvat : With Domi suspended Horvat has had to run most of the Knights offense when waiting for his return. He has 9 points and 4 goals in 6 games right now. He came close to making the Canucks due to his two-way game and ability to play in any role, but the Canucks did the right thing and sent him back where he can bring the consistency of his offense to the level he had during the playoffs.
Hunter Shinkaruk : Of all the first rounder’s Shinkaruk was probably the biggest faller as he went from a top-10 pick guaranteed to 24th. He has only played 4 games but already has 3 goals and 7 assists. The interesting thing is he is being used heavily on the penalty kill, I assume where his speed will be a major asset. A lot of people feel he was a steal at 24, a general region where certain other smaller skilled forwards have gone and thrived (Eberle/Giroux).
Anton Cederholm : The rugged defensive defender made the move to the WHL to advance his play and has been excellent so far for Portland. He’s known primarily as a shutdown defender who loves to hit (and he’s built for it to 6’2 214lbs). He has a goal and 5 points in 9 games which is just a bonus.
Washington Capitals :
André Burakovsky : The Austro-Swede made the move to the OHL to play on the soon to be insane Eerie Otters and has formed the top-line in the OHL with Himself-McDavid(2015)-Brown(Toronto). He has 6 goals and 12 points in 8 games and has made a good transition to the more physical OHL. He’s a very speedy player who scores a lot of goals on the rush.
Winnipeg Jets :
Josh Morrissey : The 13th overall pick was named the captain of the Prince Albert Raiders and already has been impressive. He’s tied for second on his team in points with 11 behind only 2014 eligible Leon Draisaitl. He has 2 goals on the PP and 3 in total. He’s been playing 30 minutes a night and in all situations and it looks like the Jets have found a gem in their scouting staff with all the strong selections recently.
Nic Petan : The diminutive forward who won the CHL Top Scorer Award is being slightly overshadowed by his linemate Bjorkstrand, but he is well on pace to challenge again for the scoring title. He has 5 goals and 18 points in 9 games. Those two have been explosive and with Leipsic back, they’ll form one of the nastiest lines in the CHL.
Eric Comrie : Comrie was the fourth goalie to go in the 2013 draft, just near the end of the second round. He has been one of…if not the…best goalie in the WHL. He has started 11 games and has a 2.58GAA and a .926sv% for the poor Americans. He’s been carrying them.
Thanks for reading.
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