I know quite little about most of the players taken outside of the first round in NHL drafts. So, as a general rule, I rely on the guys that do pay attention to provide some clarity as to what we're working with as the draft progresses.
Ottawa's first (and perhaps only meaningful pick, if you're of the opinion that RD1/RD2 plays are generally where you get the impact talent) selection came at fortieth overall. The quick summary of the player: big, strong, physical defenseman out of Sweden. Djurgarden, as a matter of fact.
The 6'3, 190-pound player as described by a number of scouting reports:
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Englund is a big, strong defensive defenseman who makes good outlet passes and has sound mobility. Uses positioning and physical play when the situation calls for it. Can handle the puck but fancy puck skills are not his forte. (November 2013)
LWOS
Andreas Englund split the season between the Djugarden Under 20 team in the top Swedish junior league and playing against men in the Allvenskan and helping them to promotion into the SHL next season. He also has plenty of international experience, playing a top four role on the 2013 Swedish team that won the gold medal at the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge. He also was part of the Swedish teams at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka tournament, and the 2014 IIHF Under 18 World Championships. Englund has recently signed a two-year contract extension with Djugarden but this shouldn’t be too big a concern, as he will likely need to continue to develop for some time before he is ready to play in the NHL.What you see is what you get from Andreas Englund. His game isn’t fancy, but it is effective. He has very good size and loves to throw his weight around as he can be extremely physical and throw some bone crunching checks on the back-end. He has a real mean streak. He clears the front of the net, and is always battling for the puck in the corener. Englund is very solid defensively. He has a good active stick, cuts down passing lanes and is willing to block shots. He is very difficult to beat one-on-one, and has been very good on the penalty kill.
Englund is a has very good mobility for his size. He is a smooth skater with good speed in both directions. His first step and acceleration are also very good. Englund has good edgework, a good first step, and solid agility which allows him to keep himself in front of attackers and makes him difficult to beat one-on-one. He is also solid on his skates, showing good balance, which helps him to win his battles on the boards.
THW
Who is Andreas England? Well, take a Hal (Harold) Gill; sprinkle him with the ability to skate and make a very nice first pass; then add a little bit of Douglas Murray lack of tenderness and you pretty much got it – a solid NHL size stay at home defenseman with some bite – no dangles, very little puck rushing even though he is a powerful skater, just the D.Leadership – Andreas is a mature defender for his age (mentally and physically) and a leader by nature. He plays a North American style of game and has a very high compete level – just ask opposition forwards who try to hover around his crease. He was also the Assistant Captain for Team Sweden at the 2014 U18 WJC in Finland where he was one of the Tournament’s best defensemen, leading the defensive core of the team with a +6 (one behind Jack Dougherty of Team USA and Roger Karrer of Team Switzerland who were co-leaders for the Tournament at +7).
As for Ottawa's third round pick in Miles Gendron (another defenseman who just recently transitioned from forward), far less information available. That's because he's a high school recruit and is headed to UCONN to play college hockey. SBNation had an excellent preview of him, though.
SBNATION
Gendron has no shortage of potential and upside. His skating ability and athleticism are off the charts and he will continue to develop as he plays a full season with the Penticton Vees before heading to UConn to play for head coach Mike Cavanaugh in the fall of 2015."His skating ability is just so good. He is difficult to forecheck. He just is a natural back there. He has a good first path when retrieving the puck. He reads the breakout and jumps into the rush," said McEachern.
"Not many teams have guys who can jump so high and skate so fast. He tested very well at the NHL combine," said McEachern, a former assistant at Northeastern and UMass Lowell.
COREY PRONMAN
Gendron to OTT. HS prospect so he'll take a while, but fantastic skater with skill. Will he be able to defend though.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) June 28, 2014So, there's your ultimate compilation. I'll likely touch on the other prospects as they file in. Thoughts on Ottawa's early picks?