To qualify as a sleeper a player has to not be ranked
Hockey Prospect 2018 Black Book. HP profiled 345 players eligible for the 2018 draft. These players all have some sort of flaw in their game which is why they have not been ranked. If they could overcome that flaw they could be real NHL prospects.
Of the seven player’s profiled last season, two ended up as successful, Cole Guttman was drafted by the Lightning in the 6th round and Maxime Fortier was signed by the Blue Jackets. If you want to check out last year’s post you can do so
here.
Players are listed in alphabetical order. Stats are from
EliteProspects and scouting tidbits from the Black Book
Marc Del Gaizo – D
Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Height: 5’9 Weight: 175
Stats:59GP 12-26-38
Strengths: Is a strong skating mobile defencemen. He can handle the puck and elude fore checkers. He can shoot the puck and has high end offensive abilities. His 38 points ranked third in the USHL and first among first time draft eligibles.
Weaknesses: As is common with these types of players, Del Gaizo is undersized. That raises questions about his defensive game and if his offense will translate enough to the pro game.
Sean Durzi – D
Team: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 183
Stats:40GP 15-34-49
Strengths: Everything I just wrote about Del Gaizo could be applied here. Durzi is an elite offensive defencemen. Good skater, great with the puck. His 1.23 points per game ranked second among all OHL defenders, behind likely top 10 pick Evan Bouchard. If Durzi wasn’t a re-entry player were looking at a possible first round pick based on talent.
Weaknesses: Durzi is a re-entry player which hurts his stock. He’s also a late 1998 born player, meaning he has to make the jump to pro hockey next season, or be an overager in the OHL. His hockey sense has been questioned by some scouts. He’s also had some durability issues in the past.
Juuso Ketola – D
Team: Assat U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)
Height: 5’11 Weight: 181
Stats:36GP 8-16-24
Strengths: Is a strong skating defencemen, who is on the smaller side but is tough to play against. His footwork is good, he has quick acceleration and good speed. He’s active in the play and makes things happen with his skating.
Weaknesses: He can make questionable decisions with the puck, as his passing ability isn’t where it needs to be. He has plenty of tools, but hasn’t translated it into a ton of offensive production just yet. Has yet to play any games in the Liiga which will be a big test for his game.
Semyon Kizimov – RW
Team: Ladia Togliatti (MHL)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 182
Stats:30GP 6-12-18
Strengths: Is a high skilled winger. Has great puck skills, an excellent set of hands and is very creative on the ice. His dangerous when one on one as he has the hands to avoid opposing sticks. His vision is quite strong, he can survey the ice and find the open player.
Weaknesses: His play off the puck needs improvement. He struggles to find the soft spots in the offensive zone. That calls into question his awareness on the ice. His skating also needs work, he’s not very fast. Despite his offensive tools was barley a half point a game player.
Tristen Nielsen – C
Team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Height: 5’10 Weight: 178
Stats:49GP 19-16-35
Strengths: Is a strong skater with good puck protection skills. He has some skill in tight around the net, and is good on the cycle. His offensive numbers are a little underwhelming but he had 23 points in 26 games in the second half of the season.
Weaknesses: His hockey sense isn’t great and that is a big reason why he hasn’t taken big stride offensively. He needs to improve his decision making. While he has some offensive ability it may not be enough for the next level.
Linus Nyman – LW
Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Height: 5’10 Weight: 179
Stats:67GP 39-46-85
Strengths: Is a shifty skilled offensive winger. Had a breakout year, his 85 points ranked 11 in the OHL. He’s a strong play maker who sees the ice well. He can create space for himself and his teamamtes helping to create offensive opportunities.
Weaknesses: Is a re-entry player, having been passed over last season. Isn’t a dynamic skater which could limit his upside. Is undersized and needs to add strength.
Yegor Sokolov –RW
Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
Height: 6’4 Weight: 192
Stats:64GP 21-21-42
Strengths: Intriguing combination of size and skill. Came over from Russia and a solid first season in the QMJHL. Has good awareness in the offensive zone. His shot is very good, gets good speed on it and has a quick release.
Weaknesses: Is a bit of a project as he struggles to create offense on his own. Needs to play with skilled players, so they can get him the puck. He lacks creativity, and his playmaking ability isn’t special. His skating needs to improve, right now it’s below average even for a bigger player.
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