Kyle Lewis, please

Kyle Lewis, please
- TobyFlenderson

This isn't baseball sir. Try again

This isn't baseball sir. Try again
- ob18

Fine. Rubstov or bean, please.

Cliff Pu please :D
- Tomahawk

poo pooing for Pu

poo pooing for Pu
- vejim

I wasn't digging that scouting report.

I wasn't digging that scouting report.
- mayorofangrytown

He looks a lot like Jeff Carter if you watch him play. Not nearly as complete tho.

Fine. Rubstov or bean, please.
- TobyFlenderson

*BONUS*

Asplund, Rasmus LC – Farjestad (SHL) – 5'11", 176 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 21

Asplund is a left shooting center who can also line up on the wing. He spent this entire past year with Farjestad in the SHL and it was already his second season playing in the top Swedish league after logging 35 games last year. Rasmus is also internationally decorated, being a mainstay feature for Team Sweden in various age-groups over the past few years.

Asplund isn’t the tallest guy and his frame will need some filling out to do, but what immediately catches the eye with him is the fact that he has very good skating ability and plays with energy. The combination of his work-ethic with his ability to get around the ice is one of his better features. He is a player that is consistently involved in all three zones on the ice and is effective with and without the puck. With some added power he has become stronger on his skates and can compete better that in the past when engaged by defenders, his consistency has also improved and is not a concern at this point.

Asplund is a multi-dimensional offensive player. He has very good on-ice awareness and opens up for plays properly, but also sees his linemates well. His passing game and his ability to be involved around the play is already really good and he rarely has a “quiet” shift where he doesn’t contribute anything positive to the play, regardless of the situation. In the offensive zone, he can do a bit of everything. He reads the play well and it is natural for him to select the right choices. He understands how to get involved on the cycle and extend possession, he reads the holes well and can set himself up in the slot for a scoring chance. He has the hands to stickhandle under pressure and with the puck on his stick he quickly recognizes open linemates, his ability to take advantage of coverage break-downs is very good as he can both set up a linemate or finish on the play himself. One of the more impressive aspects about Asplund is that he also works hard around the net and in traffic. Although not a power forward, he does a very good job at gaining position and beating the defensemen with his compete level and skating ability. His reads on rebounds and in chaotic situations with plenty of traffic are quite good as he consistently arrives first on loose pucks. He’s also got a quick stick in-tight and often manages to get it on the puck before the defenseman can react.

Defensively he’s made impressive strides from last season and Asplund now plays a fairly mature two-way game, he is already a good forechecker and backchecker. He is committed to moving his feet and has a good active stick. He is capable of causing turnovers with it as he pressures the puck-carrier. Asplund is one of those players that will often hound the opponent on the backcheck and work until he gets the puck back. As a center he will need to get bigger to defend down-low in the defensive zone, sometimes he can also come out towards the blueline more than is needed because he is focused on pressuring the puck, especially as a center he should pay more attention not to expose the area behind him

Bean, Jake LD – Calgary Hitmen (WHL) 6'01", 173 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 15

After going un-drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, Bean has been one of the biggest surprises in the WHL this season. He had a solid rookie campaign last season, but took his game to the next level this year finishing with 64 points. He played on a veteran laden Calgary Hitmen team and was a huge part of their success this season. A left shot defenseman, Bean has spent significant time playing on the right side of Calgary’s blueline.

The first thing that strikes you when you watch Bean, is his poise and intelligence. He thinks the game on a very high level and has very good skills to complement his smarts. Bean is a great skater that has very good acceleration and mobility. He is not the fastest skater but a very efficient skater and can use his smooth stride to join the rush as the 4th attacker. Bean has great puck skills and more specifically is a great shooter from the offensive blueline. He does not have an overpowering shot, but with his good vision and great instincts he is great at getting pucks through crowds and more importantly getting pucks on net. His ability to both find seams for his accurate shot and to distribute the puck around is high-end which makes him a strong offensive producer. Bean is also a terrific powerplay contributor as his first pass, the ability to start the transition, puck-distribution from the offensive blueline, shooting, and the ability to spot weak-spots in PK coverage all rank very highly.

The biggest strength that this player possesses is his ability to think the game at a high level. He is very composed and uses his skills to make simple yet effective plays. He has a lot of poise to his game and very rarely panics or makes risky decisions. Bean is also a very good passer and with his great vision this makes him dangerous on the powerplay. He has both an excellent forehand as well as backhand pass. His passes are smooth and on-tape, make it very easy for forwards to control them. He is also very good at dishing passes into space and allowing forwards to skate into the puck with speed. One of the areas he will need to work on is his core strength and adding some weight which will allow him to be much more effective in the corners and in one on one battles, which is currently his greatest weakness. Some improvement will also be needed in Bean’s ability to defend against players that go wide on him as he can allow too big of a gap to develop giving forwards time and space to make plays.

Bean has been a great story after going un-drafted in the WHL, his body of work speaks for itself. Bean has the upside to become a strong offensive defenseman at the NHL level and he will most likely hear his name called in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft

Rubtsov, German LC – Team Russia U18 (MHL) – 6'0.5", 178 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 16

As a 16yrs old Rubtsov had a secondary role at last year U18 Worlds and didn’t shine offensively, but this season he was put on center stage as the leader of Russian national team and was able to thrive in the bigger role. Unfortunately, to prevent the risk of testing positive to meldonium him and his teammates were prevented from taking part at this year event, but the fact he had already been able to impress on North American soil at the WJAC may help his case.

Rubtsov improved in different areas this year, he has looked more dynamic in his skating and more comfortable on the powerplay, showing he can efficiently dictate the play with the man advantage as well. At this point, there aren’t many flaws left in his game. He is the kind of player who seems to be always around the puck. His sense for the game paired with the work ethic he shows on the ice allows him to be consistently involved in the play, no matter if his team has possession or not. The way he pursues the puck time after time is impressive and his relentless backchecking through the neutral zone is often successful, when he targets and chases the puck carrier he is usually able to catch-up and engage sooner or later. He is a workhorse with an active stick that he uses to disrupt opponents’ plays on a consistent basis in just about every area of the ice.

When his team has the puck, Rubtsov is always there to support his linemates and keep the play alive. He has the puck protection ability and the stickhandling to gain time and make plays. He can drive the net, play an up-tempo game with great intensity, or slow it down when he feels the need in the neutral zone or he looks for options in the offensive zone. He has very good hands and is a smart passer able to take advantage of his strong vision. His offensive numbers may not be overly impressive, but need to be put in the perspective of his all around work, he does the heavy lifting for his linemates making them better and plays a lot on the penalty kill as well.

German doesn’t possess blazing acceleration, but is a strong overall skater, with nice balance and a powerful motor that can generate good speed. He has a legit shot that he should probably use more. We would have liked to see him finish a bigger percentage of the scoring chances he had in our viewings, but that doesn’t seem enough not to consider him top-6 material. As a two-way center that projects to be relied in all situations he will probably need to improve in the faceoff circle, though. All in all, Rubtsov is a rare blend of skills, tenacity and hockey IQ, a prospect that has the likes of a terrific player in the making.

If were making requests here then how bout Wade Allison and Janne Koukannen?
Please and thank you.

Allison, Wade RW - Tri-City Storm (USHL) 6’02”, 205 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 58

Wade has become somewhat of a late bloomer in this year’s draft class, after a pretty average Rookie season In the USHL last season, and fighting the injury bug early in the 15/16 season, Allison had really come on in the 2nd half of the season and became a key piece to Tri City’s Post Season run and was the Team West’s MVP of the USHL Top Prospects game in January.

Allison likes to play a physical Power Forward style that will go into any puck battle and plays with an edge and physicality that his teammates feed off of, create energy and can get under the opponents skin. Wade likes to drive the net and bang home dirty goals but also possesses a lethal shot that comes off his stick quickly. He likes to push the pace and come into the offensive zone with speed and drive straight to the net, he doesn’t like pulling up with the puck or trying to find the soft area’s to get a pass, even when that might be the play that’s warranted in that situation. On the fore check Allison is a pest, always finishing his checks and working to keep pucks alive and create turnovers. Allison doesn’t just work hard in the offensive zone; he battles in his own end and takes pride in blocking shots. Wade is a energy player who does all the little things well to help his team win but can also bring a level of skill and finishing ability. He will be off to Western Michigan next year where he will join a very talented recruiting class.

Kuokkanen, Janne LC – Kärpät (Fin U20) – 6'01", 175 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 57

Janne had a strong season playing the majority of the year in juniors, as he recorded 53 points in 47 games. He also made his debut in Mestis (2nd highest pro league) and in the Finnish elite league. He should be ready to jump to the pro level soon, he scored two goals in his only FEL game. Janne is a really smart forward with good mobility and skating technique. He plays a mature two way game and doesn’t have any big flaws, has good hands and can protect the puck from opponents to keep possession going when he doesn't quickly dish it off to linemates. He has strong vision and he is a playmaker first but has also shown upside in the goal scoring department. While playmaking is his main strength, we have seen an improvement in his willingness to shoot and he can also be a useful player on the forecheck as he is willing to compete off-the-puck. Kuokkanen is a really versatile and can play both center and wing.

As he moves forward, he would benefit from filling out his frame and maintaining a good shoot-pass balance, as early in the season he looked prone to over-passing

Abramov, Dahlen, Jones, Gauthier, if you could, ob?

First two I'm interested in, as you know. Second two I'm just intrigued if they agree with me...

Abramov, Dahlen, Jones, Gauthier, if you could, ob?
- Mononoke

greedy, eh

Abramov, Vitalii LW – Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) 5’10”, 170 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 29

Vitalii entered his first full season in the QMJHL as he was selected in the CHL Import Draft in 2015 coming over from the Russian Jr. league. He did not look out of place at all where in his 1st game he scored 4 points and finished the year with 93 points tied for 5th in league scoring.

Vitalii is an undersized forward with great speed and high hockey IQ that creates a lot of offensive chances for himself and his teammates. He is a good skater and is really good on his edges and has good mobility to get out of tight areas, and has quick acceleration to separate himself from defenders. He has a quick and accurate release with his shot and is really good at coming off the half boards or off the rush and cutting into the slot and taking shot on net. Vitalii has very good stickhandling ability where he can handle the puck at top speed coming into the zone and can stickhandle in a phone booth. He has high hockey IQ, he is really good at anticipating how the play is going to develop in front of him, where his teammates are going to be on the ice, he is also very good at finding the open areas of the zone to get set up for an offensive chance. He hockey sense really shows on the power play where he can be very creative and seems to always find the open man, or taking the proper shot on net. Vitalii also can be very creative coming into the zone of the rush, whether it’s stopping and finding the trailer or making a move on the D, he always seems to slow the game down. We would like to see him go hard to the net or to the dirty areas of the rink; he tends to do a lot of his work on the perimeter.

Vitalii defensive of game would be the thing he has to work on for the next level, he needs to get stronger along the boards, there were a lot of times in our viewings he was losing the puck along the boards for the break out or if the defensemen pinches down. He also tends to run around too much in his own zone, instead of focusing on his own man and staying with them. Once he does get the puck along the boards he’s good at those touch passes to his center curling or touch pass of the boards. Vitalii has 1st round talent and hockey smarts, he just needs to focus on getting bigger and stronger and working on the little parts to the game away from the puck, he could be a very good hockey player at the next level and be very effective.

Dahlen, Jonathan LW – Timra IK (SHL-2) – 5'11.25", 176 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 24

As a late ’97 born, Dahlen didn’t have the chance to showcase his progress on the international stage with his U18 national team. However, the kind of year he had while playing against men in the second best Swedish senior league could hardly go unnoticed. The son of former NHLer Ulf Dahlen managed to lead his team in goals and points, putting together a very productive second half of the season. In particular, he put on a show in the Allsvenskan playoff round, scoring 6 goals in 5 games, half of his entire team’s post season output.

Dahlen is primarily a goal scorer, has a quick and accurate shot and really likes to be around the net, but also has a strong passing game inside the offensive zone. He has very good vision and is quick recognizing opportunities and maneuvering with his stick. He seems to turn it on when an opportunity arises and he looks better and quicker the closer he gets to the net. Drives to it consistently, is a threat on the wraparound and is quite creative in finding ways to be dangerous inside the offensive zone. Has impressive edge work and can skate sideways while shielding the puck away from the defenseman. His skating became more powerful as the season progressed, improving his game through the neutral zone as a result. He began to create chances for himself and even in transition, whereas he was used to be a threat only in the slot, like when we saw him at last year U18 Worlds in Zug (he still managed to be a PPG there despite that Swedish team’s struggles).

Jonathan is a bit undersized, doesn’t possess outstanding acceleration and even adding some mass won’t be a power forward at the next level, but is a smart player who doesn’t mind working along the boards and doesn’t hesitate to battle through traffic. He shouldn’t have many problems adapting to the smaller rinks and would have probably scored a lot of goals if playing major junior this year. He brings a pretty consistent effort and seems to elevate his game when it matters the most. He doesn’t make many mistakes either, but he looks less alert when in the defensive zone.

Dahlen doesn’t have the potential to carry a line offensively at the NHL level, but could develop into a great compliment to an offensive line. He is expected to spend another season in Allsvenskan with Timra, probably playing alongside mate Elias Pettersson.

Gauthier, Julien RW – Val D’Or Foreurs (QMJHL) – 6’04”, 224 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 25

This season was Gauthier’s 3rd season in the league after being drafted 6th overall in the 2013 QMJHL Draft by the Foreurs. Gauthier was red-hot in the first half of the season, averaging a goal a game and earning a spot on Team Canada’s World Junior team in December. At the WJC, he didn’t get much ice time and was not able to have much of an impact in the tournament. Back with Val-d’Or, he struggled in the 2nd half, as he was not scoring like he did in the first half and averaged under a point a game, which was a bit worrisome playing on the 2nd best team in the league. Gauthier has a lot of tools to make him a successful NHLer one day: NHL size, speed, shot, and hands, but we’re concerned about his ability to think the game and make players around him better. His low total of assists was a real concern for us all year long; he’s not the most creative player with the puck as he usually uses his strength and speed to create scoring chances for himself. He’s very good to protect the puck in the offensive zone, using his size and long reach well. Sometimes, you could see him with one hand on his stick but still managing to keep control of the puck because of his pure strength. On the power play, he was the guy screening the opposing goaltender - he did a terrific job, without having to take penalties. Gauthier can score from many different ways: with speed off the rush, using his shot in the slot or in front of the net by jumping on rebounds, or by tipping pucks in front of the opposing goaltender. Defensively, Gauthier has made some strides since coming into the QMJHL. He’s strong along the wall and is able to get the puck out and has used his long stick better to block passing lanes. Gauthier won’t ever be known as a penalty-killing specialist, but he has improved enough to not be a liability in his own zone at even-strength. Even if Gauthier is one of the most physically imposing forwards in this draft class, his physical game is very inconsistent at this point, as he doesn’t play like a power forward every game and in some games he prefers playing a soft, skilled game. There’s still a lot of immaturity in his game. Gauthier’s bread and butter will remain his offense, even with an average hockey sense there’s still tools that he possesses that could make him an NHL’er one day.

Jones, Max LW - London Knights (OHL) 6'02.5", 203 HockeyProspect.com Ranking: 20

Jones was selected in the first round, 18th overall at the 2014 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the London Knights out of the Detroit Honeybaked U18 program. Jones spent his first junior season at the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 Team. At this event he won a silver medal at the World Under 17 Championship and really put his power forward potential on display for NHL scouts. He made the jump to the OHL this season where he had a very respectable first year.

Jones is a big power forward and is at his best when taking the body crushing opponents. He was one of the most punishing checkers in the OHL this past season. Jones has a good compete level and can be an imposing figure with his size bearing down on opponents. He protects the puck well and is very tough to knock off the puck. When he wants to, he is capable of plowing through some of the toughest and most physical defenders the league has to offer. Offensively he has a very heavy shot, but his accuracy is very inconsistent. He has very deceptive skating. At first when you see him move around he doesn't look that quick, but he utilizes this to catch defenders flat footed then will blow by them before they can react. His puck skills at speed are effective when coming in on goaltenders and he is capable of deking out the goaltender.

Jones is an effective player in all game situations, proving he can succeed 5 on 5. He can go to the net or open up for his shot on the power play, but work hard, force turnovers and apply pressure on the penalty kill. Jones projects as a top six power forward who can play in all game situations.

greedy, eh
- ob18

I thought twice about asking lol. It felt greedy. The Rubtsov write up was very flattering

I thought twice about asking lol. It felt greedy. The Rubtsov write up was very flattering
- Mononoke

Now go buy it

Now go buy it
- ob18

I know. Abramov sounded spectacular too...gushed over his skills and smarts. Seemed a bit more flattering than Dahlen's but he was ranked higher. Still really like both.

Now go buy it
- ob18

Do you like Jones over Gauthier and rubtsov?

Do you like Jones over Gauthier and rubstov?
- ravishingone

I have Rubtsov.........large gap........Jones...small gap...Gauthier. I personally want neither Gauthier nor Jones. I would take Rubtsov, Kunin, Bellows, Bean, Abramov, or a trade back/up over them. Not quite sold on either as the type of high ceiling, high IQ players I prefer.

Do you like Jones over Gauthier and rubtsov?
- ravishingone

No to Gauthier all together.

Rubstov over Jones but it's not by a wide margin

I have Rubtsov.........large gap........Jones...small gap...Gauthier. I personally want neither Gauthier nor Jones. I would take Rubtsov, Kunin, Bellows, Bean, Abramov, or a trade back/up over them. Not quite sold on either.
- Mononoke

Thanks I enjoy talking draft and getting others opinion.