Before we start, I want to recognize the brilliant career and life of one of the greatest of all time, Gordie Howe. Much like another legend that passed in the previous week, Muhammad Ali, he was almost transcendent of the sport and larger than life. Although both came from very different backgrounds and were almost polar opposites in terms of personality, both showed that greatness isn't about background or upbringing but comes from the inside, and both of these men were truly great not only in sport but in life. Both Howe and Ali will be missed greatly.
Now on to more draft talk, as we are now less than two weeks away from the player selection.
So far, I have looked primarily at forwards that could be around when the Sens draft at the #12 spot. Because the top 3 defensemen will likely go within the 4-8 range, I will look at a couple of blueliners before the draft, but continue to look up front today with one of the most offensively gifted forwards, Clayton Keller.
Keller is listed at 5'10" and 170 lbs, listed as a centre in most lists, but can also play left wing.
RANKINGS:
Central Scouting - 9th NA ISS - 12th overall Bob McKenzie - 10th overall Mynhldraft.com - 15th overall McKeen's - 11th overall
Much like the circumstances surrounding Tyson Jost, it is tough to get a complete read on Keller given the fact that he plays for the USNTDP U-18 program. It is not uncommon for a player to be a standout in a lesser league but not have it transfer to the next level. However, skill is skill and Keller's best one is his vision, and his ability to create and make those around him better.
Also like Jost, Keller is a project that will be at least a couple of years away, and will go to Boston University next season along with an impressive freshman class that includes probable fellow first rounders Kieffer Bellows and Dante Fabbro.
Keller's size has probably kept him from being a consensus top 10 pick, although his skill level would certainly put him there. Size is still something that cannot be taught, and there is still a premium on that genetic trait even in an era where smaller players are beginning to excel in the league. Keller could be the next player that proves that skill trumps size in a game that is turning to place a premium on speed.
This is certainly a centre-heavy draft class, especially in the area where the Senators are drafting, and there are definitely a wide variety of skill sets and body types available. From the giant Logan Brown to the diminutive Keller it might just be a matter of team preference or whoever is left on the board when they step to the podium to make their pick.
Whoever they get, assuming they don't trade the pick, is going to be a skilled player with a chance to be a top 6 forward or a top 4 defenseman and it will be up to the team to put that asset in a position to succeed and develop them properly.
Keller definitely fits into that category, and he might just be the type of player that carries a chip on his shoulder (in a positive way), like turning the disappointment of being the last cut from the US World Junior team last year into a dominant offensive season.