@NHLDraftTalk gives us his top 30 mid-season rankings for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. BLH chimes in as well with his thoughts.
1. Connor McDavid - 6'1, 189 Lbs (GP: 25 G: 23 A: 43 P: 66)
Projection: 1st Line Franchise Center
Comparable: NDT (NHL Draft Talk) says Sidney Crosby. The playmaking, vision, and two-way game mirror Crosby's play but I'm (BLH) not convinced he's comparable to any one player. If anyone, a much better version of Marian Hossa or a more physical version of Paval Datsyuk.
2. Jack Eichel - 6'2, 194 Lbs (GP: 22 G: 13 A: 23 P: 36)
Projection: 1st Line Franchise Center
Comparable: NDT says Anze Kopitar. I'm going with Getzlaf/Jagr. His size, reach, and puck possession ability combined with his hands, creativity, and shot scream Jagr and his on-ice character and leadership tell me he's much like Getzlaf. He's got a touch of the Lemieux to him as well I believe. He has that innate ability to slow the game down and control it to his liking. Jagr, Lemieux and Getzlaf not really known for their defensive game but Eichel has no problem playing 200 ft.
3. Mitchell Marner - 5'10, 165 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 35 A: 48 P: 93)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: NDT has Patrick Kane. I think that is a fair comparison. I've heard Claude Giroux as well. He's got skills coming out the wazoo and he's keeping up with McDavid in regards to PPG in the OHL. The way he holds his stick and stickhandles reminds me a bit of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
4. Noah Hanifin - 6'2, 205 Lbs (GP: 24 G: 3 A: 11 P: 14)
Projection: Top 4 Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT has Ryan McDonagh. I reckon he's got a bit more to his game that McDonagh. Hanifin has been described as a "5-tool" player to use a baseball term by his assistant coach at BC, Greg Brown. What I've heard is that he has great poise on the ice. A very calm demeanor. He skates like the wind and he has put up the points in the past. Some folks are concerned by his lack of point production at BC but he just turned 18. So he started the year as a 17 year old and didn't look out of place. If I had to pick a comparison I'd say Jay Boumeester due to his smarts, skating and non-reliance on being physical to be effective.
5. Dylan Strome - 6'3, 187 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 30 A: 55 P: 85)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: John Tavares says NDT. I've read Joe Thornton. Both are big time playmakers and know how to put the points on the board. Strome is an ace on the face-off dot and can shoot the like nobody's business. But he lacks a bit of dynamics and that sets him apart from the top 3 forwards so far.
6. Lawson Crouse - 6'3, 211 Lbs (GP: 32 G: 16 A: 7 P: 23)
Projection: Top 6 Power Forward
Comparable: NDT picks Jamie Benn here. I like the Benn comparison. Crouse is a helluva skater and can turn on the growl whenever he wants. He's being lauded for his defensive prowess but off the top of my head I can't think of a player that had the kind of skills, size, and wasn't afraid to lay the smack down that was also a great defensive player. I'm thinking Rick Nash with more defense and snarl.
7. Pavel Zacha - 6'3, 214 Lbs (GP: 26 G: 11 A: 12 P: 23)
Projection: Top 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Jakub Voracek is who NDT says. This is a fair comparison due to the likeness in the styles of play. Not afraid to initiate contact nor is Zacha keen to shy away from a scrum. He's already been suspended this year in the OHL. The report on him is that he's got a laser of a shot and big time speed which is like gold when you're Zacha's size. Eric Staal might be another comp.
8. Zachary Werenski - 6'2, 213 Lbs (GP: 20 G: 5 A: 13 P: 18)
Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT likes Kevin Shattenkirk for Werenski. Both are quarterbacks on the PP and have great transition games. I see him more in the vein of Ryan Suter. A great two-way dman that isn't reliant solely on his offense for ice-time and is an ice-time eater.
9. Matthew Barzal - 6'0, 180 Lbs (GP: 17 G: 7 A: 11 P: 18)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: Logan Couture for NDT. Here's a kid that was rivaling McDavid and Eichel for top spot in the 2015 draft last year. Injuries have slowed him down but he's an elite playmaker with high level creativity and a ton of flash. He's a game changer if those injuries aren't something that nags him throughout his career. I (BLH) don't see him in the same light as Logan Couture though. I liken him to more of a Johnny Gaudreau or a Matt Duchene.
10. Oliver Kylington - 6'0, 174 Lbs (GP: 17 G: 2 A: 3 P: 5)
Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT says Oliver Ekman-Larsson. I'm thinking Duncan Keith without the willingness to lose teeth or perhaps Erik Karlsson. O.K. is the best pure offensive dman in the draft. Fun Fact: Oliver Kylington is the youngest scorer in SHL history whilst playing for Farjestad in Sweden's top division. Not a big guy but loves to rush the puck and his top notch skating, vision, and puckhandling allows him to do this effectively.
11. Ivan Provorov - 6'0, 200 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 11 A: 30 P: 41) Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Kris Letang
12. Mikko Rantanen - 6'4, 209 Lbs (GP: 37 G: 4 A: 11 P: 15) Projection: Top 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Filip Forsberg
13. Kyle Connor - 6'1, 182 Lbs (GP: 31 G: 14 A: 25 P: 39) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Center
Comparable: Derek Stepan
14. Travis Konecny - 5'9, 170 Lbs (GP: 42 G: 19 A: 22 P: 41) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Center
Comparable: Brendan Gallagher
15. Colin White - 6'0, 182 Lbs (GP: 25 G: 10 A: 14 P: 24) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way Forward
Comparable: Brandon Dubinsky
16. Nick Merkley - 5'10, 178 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 14 A: 50 P: 64) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Forward
Comparable: Curtis Lazar
17. Jansen Harkins - 6'1, 181 Lbs (GP: 46 G: 14 A: 37 P: 51) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Center
Comparable: Frans Nielsen
18. Filip Ahl - 6'4, 214 Lbs (GP: 23 G: 12 A: 18 P: 30) Projection: Middle 6 Power Forward
Comparable: Johan Franzen
19. Jeremy Roy - 6'0, 183 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 5 A: 34 P: 39) Projection: Top 6 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Keith Yandle
20. Daniel Sprong - 6'0, 192 Lbs (GP: 48 G: 22 A: 32 P: 54) Projection : Middle 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Jeff Skinner
21. Paul Bittner - 6'4, 194 Lbs (GP: 41 G: 19 A: 15 P: 34) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way/Power Forward
Comparable: Dustin Penner
22. Evgeni Svechnikov - 6'2, 205 Lbs (GP: 37 G: 18 A: 30 P: 48) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Rick Nash
23. Brandon Carlo - 6'5, 185 Lbs (GP: 43 G: 3 A: 17 P: 20) Projection: Top 6 Defensive Defenceman
Comparable: Braydon Coburn
24. Nikita Korostelev - 6'1, 196 Lbs (GP: 34 G: 16 A: 20 P: 36) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Nikolai Kulemin
25. Nicolas Meloche - 6'2, 198 Lbs (GP: 44 G: 10 A: 24 P: 34) Projection: Top 6 Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Roman Josi
26. Jakub Zboril - 6'2, 185 Lbs (GP: 33 G: 8 A: 14 P: 22) Projection: Top 6 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Marek Zidlicky
27. Jeremy Bracco - 5'9, 172 Lbs (GP: 38 G: 17 A: 37 P: 54) Projection: Middle 6 Playmaker
Comparable: Martin St.Louis
28. Alexander Dergachyov - 6'4, 201 Lbs (GP: 24 G: 8 A: 14 P: 22) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way/Power Center
Comparable: Troy Brouwer
29. Thomas Chabot - 6'2, 179 Lbs (GP: 46 G: 8 A: 19 P: 27 ) Projection: Top 6 Two Way Defenceman
Comparable: Cam Fowler
30. Timo Meier - 6'1, 209 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 28 A: 32 P: 60) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Zemgus Girgensons
Projection: 1st Line Franchise Center
Comparable: NDT (NHL Draft Talk) says Sidney Crosby. The playmaking, vision, and two-way game mirror Crosby's play but I'm (BLH) not convinced he's comparable to any one player. If anyone, a much better version of Marian Hossa or a more physical version of Paval Datsyuk.
2. Jack Eichel - 6'2, 194 Lbs (GP: 22 G: 13 A: 23 P: 36)
Projection: 1st Line Franchise Center
Comparable: NDT says Anze Kopitar. I'm going with Getzlaf/Jagr. His size, reach, and puck possession ability combined with his hands, creativity, and shot scream Jagr and his on-ice character and leadership tell me he's much like Getzlaf. He's got a touch of the Lemieux to him as well I believe. He has that innate ability to slow the game down and control it to his liking. Jagr, Lemieux and Getzlaf not really known for their defensive game but Eichel has no problem playing 200 ft.
3. Mitchell Marner - 5'10, 165 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 35 A: 48 P: 93)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: NDT has Patrick Kane. I think that is a fair comparison. I've heard Claude Giroux as well. He's got skills coming out the wazoo and he's keeping up with McDavid in regards to PPG in the OHL. The way he holds his stick and stickhandles reminds me a bit of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
4. Noah Hanifin - 6'2, 205 Lbs (GP: 24 G: 3 A: 11 P: 14)
Projection: Top 4 Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT has Ryan McDonagh. I reckon he's got a bit more to his game that McDonagh. Hanifin has been described as a "5-tool" player to use a baseball term by his assistant coach at BC, Greg Brown. What I've heard is that he has great poise on the ice. A very calm demeanor. He skates like the wind and he has put up the points in the past. Some folks are concerned by his lack of point production at BC but he just turned 18. So he started the year as a 17 year old and didn't look out of place. If I had to pick a comparison I'd say Jay Boumeester due to his smarts, skating and non-reliance on being physical to be effective.
5. Dylan Strome - 6'3, 187 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 30 A: 55 P: 85)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: John Tavares says NDT. I've read Joe Thornton. Both are big time playmakers and know how to put the points on the board. Strome is an ace on the face-off dot and can shoot the like nobody's business. But he lacks a bit of dynamics and that sets him apart from the top 3 forwards so far.
6. Lawson Crouse - 6'3, 211 Lbs (GP: 32 G: 16 A: 7 P: 23)
Projection: Top 6 Power Forward
Comparable: NDT picks Jamie Benn here. I like the Benn comparison. Crouse is a helluva skater and can turn on the growl whenever he wants. He's being lauded for his defensive prowess but off the top of my head I can't think of a player that had the kind of skills, size, and wasn't afraid to lay the smack down that was also a great defensive player. I'm thinking Rick Nash with more defense and snarl.
7. Pavel Zacha - 6'3, 214 Lbs (GP: 26 G: 11 A: 12 P: 23)
Projection: Top 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Jakub Voracek is who NDT says. This is a fair comparison due to the likeness in the styles of play. Not afraid to initiate contact nor is Zacha keen to shy away from a scrum. He's already been suspended this year in the OHL. The report on him is that he's got a laser of a shot and big time speed which is like gold when you're Zacha's size. Eric Staal might be another comp.
8. Zachary Werenski - 6'2, 213 Lbs (GP: 20 G: 5 A: 13 P: 18)
Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT likes Kevin Shattenkirk for Werenski. Both are quarterbacks on the PP and have great transition games. I see him more in the vein of Ryan Suter. A great two-way dman that isn't reliant solely on his offense for ice-time and is an ice-time eater.
9. Matthew Barzal - 6'0, 180 Lbs (GP: 17 G: 7 A: 11 P: 18)
Projection: Top 6 Playmaking Center
Comparable: Logan Couture for NDT. Here's a kid that was rivaling McDavid and Eichel for top spot in the 2015 draft last year. Injuries have slowed him down but he's an elite playmaker with high level creativity and a ton of flash. He's a game changer if those injuries aren't something that nags him throughout his career. I (BLH) don't see him in the same light as Logan Couture though. I liken him to more of a Johnny Gaudreau or a Matt Duchene.
10. Oliver Kylington - 6'0, 174 Lbs (GP: 17 G: 2 A: 3 P: 5)
Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: NDT says Oliver Ekman-Larsson. I'm thinking Duncan Keith without the willingness to lose teeth or perhaps Erik Karlsson. O.K. is the best pure offensive dman in the draft. Fun Fact: Oliver Kylington is the youngest scorer in SHL history whilst playing for Farjestad in Sweden's top division. Not a big guy but loves to rush the puck and his top notch skating, vision, and puckhandling allows him to do this effectively.
11. Ivan Provorov - 6'0, 200 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 11 A: 30 P: 41) Projection: Top 4 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Kris Letang
12. Mikko Rantanen - 6'4, 209 Lbs (GP: 37 G: 4 A: 11 P: 15) Projection: Top 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Filip Forsberg
13. Kyle Connor - 6'1, 182 Lbs (GP: 31 G: 14 A: 25 P: 39) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Center
Comparable: Derek Stepan
14. Travis Konecny - 5'9, 170 Lbs (GP: 42 G: 19 A: 22 P: 41) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Center
Comparable: Brendan Gallagher
15. Colin White - 6'0, 182 Lbs (GP: 25 G: 10 A: 14 P: 24) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way Forward
Comparable: Brandon Dubinsky
16. Nick Merkley - 5'10, 178 Lbs (GP: 45 G: 14 A: 50 P: 64) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Forward
Comparable: Curtis Lazar
17. Jansen Harkins - 6'1, 181 Lbs (GP: 46 G: 14 A: 37 P: 51) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Two-Way Center
Comparable: Frans Nielsen
18. Filip Ahl - 6'4, 214 Lbs (GP: 23 G: 12 A: 18 P: 30) Projection: Middle 6 Power Forward
Comparable: Johan Franzen
19. Jeremy Roy - 6'0, 183 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 5 A: 34 P: 39) Projection: Top 6 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Keith Yandle
20. Daniel Sprong - 6'0, 192 Lbs (GP: 48 G: 22 A: 32 P: 54) Projection : Middle 6 Goal Scorer
Comparable: Jeff Skinner
21. Paul Bittner - 6'4, 194 Lbs (GP: 41 G: 19 A: 15 P: 34) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way/Power Forward
Comparable: Dustin Penner
22. Evgeni Svechnikov - 6'2, 205 Lbs (GP: 37 G: 18 A: 30 P: 48) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Rick Nash
23. Brandon Carlo - 6'5, 185 Lbs (GP: 43 G: 3 A: 17 P: 20) Projection: Top 6 Defensive Defenceman
Comparable: Braydon Coburn
24. Nikita Korostelev - 6'1, 196 Lbs (GP: 34 G: 16 A: 20 P: 36) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Nikolai Kulemin
25. Nicolas Meloche - 6'2, 198 Lbs (GP: 44 G: 10 A: 24 P: 34) Projection: Top 6 Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Roman Josi
26. Jakub Zboril - 6'2, 185 Lbs (GP: 33 G: 8 A: 14 P: 22) Projection: Top 6 Offensive Two-Way Defenceman
Comparable: Marek Zidlicky
27. Jeremy Bracco - 5'9, 172 Lbs (GP: 38 G: 17 A: 37 P: 54) Projection: Middle 6 Playmaker
Comparable: Martin St.Louis
28. Alexander Dergachyov - 6'4, 201 Lbs (GP: 24 G: 8 A: 14 P: 22) Projection: Middle 6 Two-Way/Power Center
Comparable: Troy Brouwer
29. Thomas Chabot - 6'2, 179 Lbs (GP: 46 G: 8 A: 19 P: 27 ) Projection: Top 6 Two Way Defenceman
Comparable: Cam Fowler
30. Timo Meier - 6'1, 209 Lbs (GP: 40 G: 28 A: 32 P: 60) Projection: Middle 6 Offensive Winger
Comparable: Zemgus Girgensons
At this point, there's realistically no point in having a debate over who goes first overall. McDavid will be picked first, the sun will rise tomorrow, and Leafs fans will keep crying. It's just a sure thing. There is a debate, however, and it begins at number 3 and doesn't end until you reach Werenski at 8.
Why is Marner ahead of Hanifin you ask? Simple. His ceiling is in the same stratosphere as Tyler Seguin. If you look at Hanifin - the consensus number 3 - It's not that his play should scare anyone away, but realistically his point totals are somewhat worrisome. Head to head, Marner, at worst could be a 3rd line playmaking center. Hanifin, at his worst, is a #6 defenceman. That being said the value of Marner at his absolute best is at least equivalent to that of Hanifin at his best.
Strome, if he were around at 5, would be an excellent selection. Without McEichel, Strome would easily be considered for the number one spot. He's rounded out his two way ability, and though he's not likely a future Selke candidate, he is far from a one dimensional playmaker.
Barzal, White, and Meloche are wild cards. All three players are fascinating to watch. Barzal could rise to the 5-7 range, and I do believe he would be an ideal fit for the New Jersey Devils. White is similar to Dylan Larkin from the 2014 draft. An elite two way forward, however many scouts doubt he'll be able to put up points at the next level. GM's should ignore that because the kid is legit. If White snuck into the top 10 I would not be surprised. Meloche may be the most interesting defenceman outside the top 15. At 6'2, 215 pounds, Meloche brings size along with a strong two way style.
If MacT is looking to balance out his defensive prospects he should start with Meloche. Picks 20 to 45 are going to be interesting. Guys ranked outside of the top 30 to keep an eye on are Brock Boeser of Waterloo, Czech defender Erik Cernak, and Swedish forward Jens Looke.
- NDT (@nhldrafttalk)
Why is Marner ahead of Hanifin you ask? Simple. His ceiling is in the same stratosphere as Tyler Seguin. If you look at Hanifin - the consensus number 3 - It's not that his play should scare anyone away, but realistically his point totals are somewhat worrisome. Head to head, Marner, at worst could be a 3rd line playmaking center. Hanifin, at his worst, is a #6 defenceman. That being said the value of Marner at his absolute best is at least equivalent to that of Hanifin at his best.
Strome, if he were around at 5, would be an excellent selection. Without McEichel, Strome would easily be considered for the number one spot. He's rounded out his two way ability, and though he's not likely a future Selke candidate, he is far from a one dimensional playmaker.
Barzal, White, and Meloche are wild cards. All three players are fascinating to watch. Barzal could rise to the 5-7 range, and I do believe he would be an ideal fit for the New Jersey Devils. White is similar to Dylan Larkin from the 2014 draft. An elite two way forward, however many scouts doubt he'll be able to put up points at the next level. GM's should ignore that because the kid is legit. If White snuck into the top 10 I would not be surprised. Meloche may be the most interesting defenceman outside the top 15. At 6'2, 215 pounds, Meloche brings size along with a strong two way style.
If MacT is looking to balance out his defensive prospects he should start with Meloche. Picks 20 to 45 are going to be interesting. Guys ranked outside of the top 30 to keep an eye on are Brock Boeser of Waterloo, Czech defender Erik Cernak, and Swedish forward Jens Looke.
- NDT (@nhldrafttalk)
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