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2014 - Where They Are Now (1-10) |
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The 2014 draft remains a mystery, lauded as both a weak or strong draft from various sources, it has a weird place in history as a draft between arguably the most deep draft since 2003 in 2013 and a 2015 draft with an OV-Malkin level of frightening top-end ability. Nothing is set in stone, nor are development cycles easy to predict, but 2014 has shown some intriguing results in this early season.
In this article I'll be touching briefly on some 2014 draft picks (1-10), primarily the first round (following 11-20/21-30) and going into the second + "steals."
1. Aaron Ekblad - Florida Panthers - 10gp - 1g - 3a - 4p (NHL)
The drama and hilarious saga over whether picking a defender first overall will continue for another few years, but at this moment it is hard to argue Ekblad was the wrong choice. Playing a mixture of top-pairing to more sheltered second and third pairing minutes on any given night, Ekblad has thrived since being virtually written off as a bust after a majorly stupid (junior) move led to a concussion before the season began. He sits a sad third overall in points for the injury riddled Panthers with 4 points in 10 games...the highest for 2014 draftees.
2. Sam Reinhart - Buffalo Sabres - 9gp - 0g - 1a - 1p (NHL)
Welcome to Buffalo. The former WHL star has not put up very many points this season and has often looked out of place in the NHL...though 90% of the Sabres team has as well. With just 1 point in 9 games playing the majority on the fourth line it was apparent this is just a tour for Reinhart and that they want him away from the toxic losing environment this team will expunge this year. No doubt he will represent Canada well at the WJC's.
3. Leon Draisaitl - Edmonton Oilers - 12gp - 1g - 3a - 4p (NHL)
The German Crosby has had a very rookie season, flashing brilliance and being invisible at equal turns. The thing that has been most impressive has been his board work, something in junior he was not needed to do as much since time/space was at a premium for a player of his size. He has been good enough to warrant a stay at the NHL level this whole season, though we would be kidding ourselves to think he would be up if the centre depth in Edmonton wasn't one of the worst in the league and that he wanted to go to Germany to play a year against very poor competition if cut by the Oilers.
4. Sam Bennett - Calgary Flames - Injured
5. Michael Dal Colle - New York Islanders - 12gp - 8g - 12a - 20p (OHL)
So Dal Colle is having an expected start after questions about how much a 19/20 year old Laughton helped in his production. Not too much. He and Cassels' have continued some nice chemistry and Oshawa's PP is a deadly combo of skill and hulking menace. My only complaint is that he continues to play wing, while most hoped this would be his time to shine in the dot. Looking more and more like a future winger at the NHL level.
6. Jake Virtanen - Vancouver Canucks - 7gp - 2g - 4a - 6p (WHL)
After recovering from an injury playing for Team Canada at the U18's, Virtanen returned earlier than most expected and has played like it. The elite skating power forward hasn't shown that goal scoring knack that got him picked so high as of yet, but he's still finding his game with only 7 played. It's a bit worrying, but it's still very early and he's coming off a nasty shoulder injury.
7. Haydn Fleury - Carolina Hurricanes - 14gp - 1g - 6a - 7p (WHL)
Fleury is performing well again for the Rebels, playing as their defensive specialist and heavy defensive zone starter. His offensive numbers give some hope, but he isn't really offensively suited for handling heavy offensive duties. He's set to play a vital role for the WHL All-Stars during the Super Series coming up.
8. William Nylander - Toronto Maple Leafs - 8gp - 3g - 8a - 11p (Elitserien)
So...what do you say about the highest PPG player in the Elitserien and only over a PPG U20 player since Markus Naslund and Peter Forsberg in 1992 other than...damn. The undersized wizard has been a force early this season, gaining the confidence of his coaches and even playing heavily at centre, something he wasn't trusted to do beforehand. His lack of use in the defensive zone is a testament to his mediocrity in that area, but his offensive skills are undeniable. Obviously it is early and success in various other leagues aren't a perfect indicater for NHL success (especially due to playstyle differences), but he's on pace for the best U20 season in the Elitserien's history since Kent Nilsson in 1975...
9. Nikolaj Ehlers - Winnipeg Jets - 11gp - 5g - 9a - 14p (QMJHL)
The CHL/QMJHL Rookie of the Year has had a good start to the season, but it's quite obvious the Mooseheads lack the deadly duo. I know they only played on a line when they were trailing and on the PP, but Drouin's absence is felt. Without as much talent to work with he hasn't hit his stride like last season, but the Danish speedster is still a very dangerous player and had a very convincing camp for the Jets.
10. Nick Ritchie - Anaheim Ducks - 12gp - 5g - 9a - 14p (OHL)
Aside from Don Cherry lamenting over the Leafs...the Jets...and I'm sure in his weird headcanon the Oilers losing out on the prize of this years draft, Ritchie has not made too many headlines for either good or bad reasons. He's playing well, he's playing his game, that's all. He hasn't taken the next step, nor has he slackened his power forward style. He remains an intriguingly massive prospect that is trying harder this season to prove he's "tough." Needs to round out his defensive game and learn to pick his spots, other than that, he's having a decent year and considering the level of prospect depth the Ducks have they can afford to gamble on a guy like Ritchie.
Thanks for reading.
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