The Memorial Cup marks the end to another year of CHL hockey. Four teams remain standing, and though only one can win the cup, there's a lot more on the line for a few potential draftees. It's common to have older teams, teams built around 19 and 20 year olds competing at the tourney, and that makes it difficult for some prospects to really flourish as they're being pushed down the lineup all season long. Zachary Senyshyn is a good example of this. With a loaded Sault St. Marie Greyhound squad, Senyshyn was regularly lowered into a bottom 6 role, whereas on most teams, throughout the CHL, he would have been a top 6 scorer. Though he finished with 45 points, it's possible that he could fall into the early third round. With this week being the last chance to really impress scouts on the ice, there's a few draft hopefuls who, with a good showing, could be risers in this years draft.
Vladdy Tkachev - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Quebec Remparts (QMJHL/Host) - It would be a surprise if we saw him play in the tournament, but Callum Booth is a goaltender that many scouts are quite bullish on. The 6'3 netminder had a decent season with a few ups and downs. After the Remparts made a move for Fucale, Booth's confidence took a bit of a hit, but he continued to show signs that he's legit. If Fucale struggles early, Booth may find his way to the crease for the Remparts. Dmytro Timashov was explosive this season racking up 90 points. The 5'10 Swede has a great offensive toolset. He has elite hands and can move his feet. He has the skill to be an early second round pick but as for now most scouts have him in the late second/early third. The "Chronicles of Tkachev" continue as Vladdy makes his way to his first Mem Cup. After the debacle which ensued with the Oilers, Tkachev garnered a lot of attention from fans around the league. Though he comes in at a generous 5'10, 154 lbs, Vlad's play speaks for itself. He's an electrifying player to watch, and after putting up 16 points in 21 playoff games, it's likely he continues his strong offensive play into the Memorial Cup.
Simon Bourque - Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) - There are no potential top 60 picks on the Oceanic this year, but there are some pretty good prospects, headlined by Simon Bourque. The 6'0 left handed defenceman was impressive this year, putting up 38 points on the blue line and contributing another 18 throughout the playoffs. Bourque is currently ranked 76 by Central Scouting and is likely to be a third rounder this year. Though he won't be drafted this year, 5'8 207 pound Anthony DeLuca is playing for a contract. The 20 year old put up 91 points this season and has been key to Rimouski's offensive push. Samuel Laberge is a player who has not got the attention he deserves. Standing at 6'2, 209 lbs, Laberge has a solid frame to go along with his high hockey IQ. Though he hasn't proven to be an offensive dynamo, he does have a good offensive toolset. Likely a 5th rounder at this point, but a good outing could put him in the 3rd or 4th round. Andrew Picco is a sleeper heading into this draft. Unranked by Central Scouting, Picco has both the body (6'2, 216 lbs), and the defensive ability to be a rider in this years draft. Scouts will be watching this kid closely.
Mitch Vande Sompel - Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Oshawa General (OHL) - It's not a surprise to see Mitchell Vande Sompel's name here. He has a very good season on the OHL's best team. Vande Sompel recorded an incredible 63 points this season, and another 14 in the playoffs. So why isn't a 63 point, offensive defenceman not being considered a top 30 player? His size. Mitch stands at 5'10, and though he may not be big, he plays big. He's a strong competitor who pushes the play offensively. A good outing at the tournament could mean the difference between going 50th and going 35th. Anthony Cirelli was an important piece to the Generals success this season. He recorded 36 points and played a solid all round game that allowed the Generals to be extremely successful in the defensive aspect of the game. Cirelli is the one draft eligible in this tournament who will go higher than expected and whoever gets him will be happy they grabbed him. Sam Harding is an example of a player being forced down the lineup. Oshawa is great upfront and it would be hard for a young center to be brought up in place of a veteran. Harding showed some good signs this season in both ends of the ice. He's responsible defensively and is able to contribute on the scoresheet. Likely a late round pick, Harding will have to have a great showing to boost his stock.
Nick Merkley - Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets (WHL) - There's no question that Nick Merkley is an elite level forward prospect. As of now, Merkley sits between 15 and 20 in most rankings, and though it would be hard to move into the top 12, he's a guy who can do it. He competes harder than any player I've watched this season, and no matter the situation he keeps on fighting through. Not only does he have the heart of a lion, the kid has a ridicoulus amount of offensive skill. Nick put up 90 points in 72 games, and another 27 in the playoffs. Whoever drafts him will be getting a special player. 6'3 Tomas Soustal is a player who's grasped the concept of being a 200 foot player. Not only is a reliable defensive player, but the big framed Soustal can make some big hits. He's not known as an offensive player but the skill is there. With a few graduating players, and roster space opening up at the forward position, Soustal is poised to have a big season in 2015/16. Soustal went unranked by Central Scouting but he is likely to be selected in the final 3 rounds. When you think of great Kelowna Rocket defenceman there's a long list of players to ponder. Though he's not in the stratosphere of a Damon Severson or Madison Bowey, Joe Gatenby is a good defenceman. Scouts are well aware of what he brings to the table and his ranking of 174 by Central Scouting is far from generous. Gatenby WILL show how good he is at the Mem Cup and by doing so there's a very high chance he rises into the 4th or 5th round.
From here on out there are two opportunities left for scouts and management to get a good read on a player: The Memorial Cup and the Combine. With the Mem Cup being the last place to prove themselves on the ice, look for draft eligibles to really boost their play throughout the week and make a difference for both their team and their draft stock.
Thanks for reading! If you have time go check out @NHLDraftTalk on Twitter!
Thanks for reading! If you have time go check out @NHLDraftTalk on Twitter!
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