Over the last few days, @Ziggy_14 has been tweeting out production snapshots for some of the biggest names in junior hockey.
Basically, it ranks each player in a handful of different categories and projects the likelihood of them becoming a regular NHLer (judged by playing 200+ games), as well how much of an impact they will make.
These snapshots were made for a few New Jersey Devils prospects so, with not much else happening, I figured I'd get them all in one place and share takeaways on each.
We'll start with Nico Hischier.
Nico Hischier is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/OTPEvcNV1K
— Ziggy (@Ziggy_14) July 28, 2017
Hischier's production snapshot is extremely encouraging and helps illustrate how well rounded he is.
He was among the very best in the QMJHL in terms of producing goals, assists, primary points, shots, and high-danger shots.
When you combine Hischier's offensive skill set with his defensive abilities and work ethic, it's pretty easy to envision him making a positive impact at the NHL level in just a few months.
Blake Speers (67th overall pick of the Devils in 2015). He scores often despite not shooting very much from in close.
— Ziggy (@Ziggy_14) July 27, 2017
cc: @ToddCordell pic.twitter.com/hlb9N2rVke
Speers was a 1st line player in terms of scoring goals and primary points, but he didn't generate a lot of shots -- especially from high-danger areas.
If he'd drive the net a little more after beating defenders with speed, I think it'd really help his game. Right now he's somewhat of a perimeter player, which doesn't bode well for his chances of scoring goals at the NHL level. He doesn't have an Alex Ovechkin-lite shot, so he's not going to beat goalies from a distance with any regularity.
He *could* still be a valuable player through the neutral zone and a solid playmaker, particularly on the power play when he has some extra time and space to dissect defenses.
Mikey McLeod, as requested by @mattyv747 pic.twitter.com/fx9z14QtdL
— Ziggy (@Ziggy_14) July 27, 2017
McLeod, like Speers, was very productive despite not shooting a lot. More of McLeod's shots came from dangerous areas, though, as he was among the best in the OHL in terms of generating high-danger shots.
This snapshot suggests McLeod will more likely than not be an NHL regular, and the impact he makes when he gets there will be well above average.
Nathan Bastian (41st overall pick of the Devils in 2016). Compared to other OHLers, he has a good chance of making the NHL, but low ceiling. pic.twitter.com/r2EyBm0IKR
— Ziggy (@Ziggy_14) July 27, 2017
I was a lot cooler on Bastian than many during his draft year and he still hasn't given me much reason to change my opinion.
He's a good playmaker around the net but he's not overly physical, or assertive, and his production is somewhat underwhelming for a high 2nd round pick.
This snapshot helps support what I've always thought about Bastian: he's more likely than many to play in the NHL but he probably won't make a big impact once he gets there.
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