Something, something dark side.
1. Edmonton Oilers Select Connor McDavid 2. Buffalo Sabres Select Jack Eichel 3. Arizona Coyotes Select Mitchell Marner 4. Toronto Maple Leafs Select Noah Hanifin 5. Carolina Hurricanes Select Ivan Provorov 6. New Jersey Devils Select Dylan Strome 7. Philadelphia Flyers Select Mathew Barzal 8. Columbus Blue Jackets Select Zachary Werenski 9. San Jose Sharks Select Pavel Zacha 10. Colorado Avalanche Select Jakub Zboril 11. Florida Panthers Select Mikko Rantanen 12. Dallas Stars Select Lawson Crouse
13. The Los Angeles Kings Select Centre Kyle Connor from the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL
6’1 183lbs
56gp 34g 46a 80p
Connor has flown under the radar playing in the USHL for a team that isn’t the USNDP. Which is surprising due to the strong performance he had last year which put his name on the map. He was an integral part of the Gold winning USA U18 squad outshining some serious prospects. That was the last time I saw him play in case you were wondering. He was also on the USHL All-Star team as a 16-17 year old after leading the Phantoms in goals and points (finished second in the USHL in points). He followed that up with a USHL Player and Forward of the Year awards with a league leading performance. Only 2016 expected top selection Auston Matthews and his wingman Jack Roslovic (Ranked around the 2nd this year) had a higher PPG than Connor. Elite speed is his trademark and the ability to make plays on the rush. The Kings simply need more young talent coming through the system, whether it’s at any forward position or defense. To continue their relevance they will need to be able to continue to integrate young talent to their veteran core and help bump some out at some point to create a cycle. That’s the difference between constant contention and sporadic contention.
NHL Comparable : Matt Duchene
Potential : Second Line Centre
14. The Boston Bruins Select Right Winger Timo Meier from the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL
6’1 208lbs, 18 years old
61gp 44g 46a 90p
Playing alongside the best forward in the QMJHL has put a tiny bit of worry on Meier, but only a tiny bit. Only last year the same questions were asked of Ehlers who is now the current best forward in the QMJHL playing with the then best forward in the QMJHL Drouin. It didn’t hurt him, so I doubt it will hurt Meier. Meier is the top Q prospect this year and enters as one of the few 40+ goal draft eligible scorers out of the CHL this year. He had a good showing for Switzerland at the WJC’s putting up 2 goals and 6 points in 6 games to be named a top-3 player on his team. I would question the top-3 player award, but he was good overall. Meier’s main assets are his ability to drift away from opponents and shift focus. The natural goal scorer’s instinct. It works especially well as he plays his off wing. He also adds size and the stereotypical Swiss game that mixes possession ability and board work. One thing to note is that Meier is a big surprise to be a top prospect this year, going into it he was more figured as a late first rounder. Growth, help from an elite talent or whatever has happened, he looks poised to be a strong secondary scorer going forward. The Bruins just need prospects. BPA at this point? Probably Meier.
NHL : Comparable : Jeff Carter
Potential : Second Line Sniper
15. The Calgary Flames Select Centre/Right Wing Nick Merkley from the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL
5’10 192lbs, 18 years old
72gp 20g 70a 92p
Merkley in many other years would be looking at a top-10 selection. He might still make it with the amount of variation this draft has. The former WHL Rookie of the Year built on his great season with a performance that mixed high levels of skill with a level of gritty straightforwardness that was extremely refreshing. With Tyler Johnson being the flavour of the playoffs, it’s hard to not notice similar attributes. The strong skating, the pesky play, the amazing vision and the ability to find space in the playoffs. His only problem is shooting. You might look at the goal/assist ratio and think he’s a playmaker…well he is, a little. He does shoot quite a bit, but he does much better alone or just in traffic. He isn’t the type to ever snipe. He’s about effort, smarts and the ability to find his space. Calgary needs to continue their growth. The playoffs were nice, they might make it next year again, but it’s all about the development. Merkley brings exactly the type of game they need for what was a really nice four line spread. That mix of grit/skill is something you really need from a smaller player. It’s all interesting to note that he played centre before the return of Leon Draisaitl in the trade to Kelowna. Merkley meshed well with the clearly overqualified forward providing probably the most talented forward he has played with in what became a strong playoff and Memorial Cup performance. He’s a special player in the making and would fit Calgary perfectly.
NHL Comparable : Ondrej Palat
Potential : Top-Six Pest Playmaker
Thanks for reading.