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2014 Draft - Where They Are Now (11-20) |
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Part 2 following up on the previous top-10 selections. 2014 has by and large been a draft of met expectations early on this season. A few are exceeding them madly. While it is strictly speaking considered a "weak" draft having been sandwiched between 2013 and 2015, one which brings back memories of 2003 and the other with two generational players fighting things out, I think it is quietly showing there is a lot of talent in here.
11. Kevin Fiala - Nashville Predators - 9gp - 4g - 6a - 10p (Elitserien)
My personal favourite from the 2014 draft is thankfully making me look less idiotic than usual with his amazing play early this season. While William Nylander of the Leafs is stealing more of the spotlight, Fiala has been almost as impressive for HV71 by being on pace to lead their team in scoring on a line with two ex(pseudo)-NHLer's in Erik Christensen and Mattias Tedenby. The 18 year old speedster has the fourth highest PPG average in the league right now. Can't wait to see him at the U20's again.
12. Brendan Perlini - Arizona Coyotes - Injured (OHL)
13. Jakub Vrána - Washington Capitals - 12gp - 4g - 2a - 6p (Elitserien)
The Czech sniper isn't having the dynamic success of his earlier drafted compatriots in Nylander and Fiala, but the third drafted player out of the Swedish system is playing as well as to be expected. A dominant U18 tournament helped improve his draft ranking and he is playing pretty well on the second line of a top-heavy Linköping squad. He's already doubled his points and goals from his rookie season in only half the games.
14. Julius Honka - Dallas Stars - 9gp - 1g - 4a - 5p (AHL)
The high flying offensive defender was the third defender to go in a very forward powered draft. Honka has become one of the few players in CHL history to game a loophole wherein he does not need to return to his CHL squad despite being under 20. He was technically on loan from SM-liiga squad JYP who negotiated a one year term with the Swift Current Broncos, thus he was obligated to return to Finland had he not made "the Stars." It's an interesting situation and one I'm sure the CHL will try their best to shutdown. However it's the best move for Honka considering his mature play and domination at the WHL level last season.
15. Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings - 7gp - 2g - 5a -7p (NCAA)
The Kesler Clone has had a very successful start to his NCAA career walking out of the shadow of always being the second line centre behind wunderkind Jack Eichel. He's embraced the first line centre spot for the University of Michigan. He sits third in U20 scoring for the league and tied for second in PPG, all behind Eichel who is simply insane. The two-way centre looks like a solid pick for the Wings.
16. Sonny Milano - Columbus Blue Jackets - 7gp - 1g - 10a - 11p (OHL)
Milano's high-end offensive abilities were going to be tested in a switch to the OHL, a switch that can sometimes be slow and tedious for American and international skaters. He has been very good offensively, though a bit of a problem in his own end on a Whaler squad that always demands defensive detail. Off of the PP he doesn't seem as dangerous. Regardless of some issues, it looks like he will be in heavy contention for the Rookie of the Year title with 2016 eligible Alex "Thank goodness I play with McDavid" DeBrincat.
17. Travis Sanheim - Philadelphia Flyers - 19gp - 7g - 7a - 14p (WHL)
The Flyers have historically seemed to have a hard time drafting defensemen in the first round. This time around it is looking good early for the smooth skating defender. Sanheim's greatest strength in both ends stems from his elite effortless skating, getting the comparisons to Jay Bouwmeester. Sanheim had a dominant U18 performance for Canada that really put him in the spotlight and hinted that there was more talent in him than his numbers indicated.
18. Alex Tuch - Minnesota Wild - 6gp - 2g - 3a - 5p (NCAA)
Tuch had a lot to prove having played for the past years as the accompanying act to the Eichel-Milano show. From the USDP to the USHL to the U18's, he was always their space provider and net presence. He has had a solid start. BC is known for their defense, but their forward lines are built pretty big and stocky. The Wild have a lot of skill and need sandpaper going forward. It'll be up to Tuch to see if he can elevate his game to the top-6 variety down the road.
19. Anthony DeAngelo - Tampa Bay Lightning - 13gp - 3g - 11a - 14p (OHL)
This was a bit of a headscratcher, but I guess with Yzerman's fairly spotless draft record it's hard to argue. DeAngelo was the most gifted pure offensive defender in the draft hearkening back to guys like Ryan Ellis and Ryan Murphy, except he goes crazy every now and again. The PP wizard has barely missed a beat despite the departure of the Stings ex-star Goldobin. He's an explosive player both on and off the ice (suspended for violating the OHL's harassment policy) with a ton of raw talent. He could scale back the cheap shots, but at 5'10 you wonder if he took that out of his game how effective he would be without playing on the edge.
20. Nick Schmaltz - Chicago Blackhawks - 7gp - 1g - 6a - 7p (NCAA)
The talented playmaker is tied with Larkin for the second highest PPG of U20 players and like most of the impressive Americans in this draft is having a strong season. The University of North Dakota is pretty stacked offensively and he just provides another weapon. He's even getting to play with his talented older brother Jordan (Blues) which is neat. Schmaltz is a bit of a longer term prospect being extremely slight and lean for his build, look for him in four or so years to be a nice addition to the Blackhawks.
Thanks for reading.
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