The fifth pick was let out of the bag thanks to my terrible copy/paste skills, though I don't think it was a shock. The Canadiens 10-6 is a lot of hopes and prayers on highly skilled individuals with certain flaws. That's the way with a lot of systems. I like when teams swing for the fences, sometimes you get a Gallagher. The 5-1 is a bit more stable, with a few guys who are guaranteed NHL players. I made a mistake with the goalies as somebody rightfully pointed out, I didn't really value them as high as I should have. That's because I'm not a good judge of goalie talent. I'm just not. I still think they're a mystery. Other than Andrei Vasilevski, I really can't say I feel 100% confident in any goalie prospect I've seen. Maybe because I've watched so much of Vasilevski and not enough of the others. So no, I wasn't trying to slag Fucale or anything.
As always no player with 40+ games in the NHL appear on this list.
5. Jarred Tinordi : Defenseman, 6'6 215lbs, 22nd Overall, 2010, 22 Years Old, Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL
47 games 3 goals 6 assists 9 points
This is another instance where putting the points doesn't really matter Tinordi has and never will be about the points, if he gets 15 in an NHL season take it and run. They say defensive defensemen take more time to develop, they also say bigger defenders take the longest as they have the hardest time find the right weight/strength to speed ratio. Tinordi is still developing, but he has come a long way since that disastrous rookie season in the OHL. Physicality, strong defensive instincts and (sorry Marty) blocking shots are his calling cards and what will inevitably start his NHL career. Despite continuous work on his skating, he will never be fast and he can have problems handling fast forwards that will press him on counterattacks. When he was drafted I'm sure most hoped that he could be the defensive (dare I say Komisarek) partner to the dynamic but risky Subban, that still could happen, but I'm not exactly sure he can skate nor handle the puck well enough for that role. Next season will be very interesting, especially due to trading Gorges and signing Gilbert. With three defenders primarily offensive defenders and Weaver and Yemelin remaining as defensive defenders, it seems that there is a higher likelihood of a defensive guy getting in over say Beaulieu. Might mean a fulltime job with the Habs.
Potential : 4-6 Shutdown Defenseman
4. Artturi Lehkonen : Right Wing, 5'10 163lbs, 55th Overall, 2013, 19 Years Old, KalPa in the SM-liiga
33 games 7 goals 13 assists 20 points
Lehkonen led the low scoring KalPa squad in points last season, despite only playing 33 games. Yes 20 points was enough, they were that bad at scoring. Lehkonen is a dynamic offensive player that has elite level hands. He plays tricks on opponents all the time and while tiny, manages to come away with pucks in scrums he has no business being in because he's so nimble and quick. An NHL level shot and strong passing skills complete what is an excellent package of offensive ability. The major issues are on the size issue and being outmuscled to the point of being ineffectual defensively. Obviously playing in a men's league from the age of 16 isn't easy, but at the U20's I noticed that he was having difficulty finding space. This season he made the move to stronger competition and now plays for Frölunda in the Elitserien where he already has 2 goals and 3 points in the European Championship. He will also appear in his third and final U20 squad, though chances for a repeat Gold medal are pretty low. Size, continuing to improve his skating and rounding out his game without the puck will determine if this dazzler makes it to the big show.
Potential : Top-Six Sniper
3. Jacob De La Rose : All Forward Positions, 6'2 196lbs, 34th Overall, 2013, 19 Years Old, Leksand in the Elitserien
49 games 7 goals 6 assists 13 points
De La Rose is a good example of some of the prospects being pumped out of Sweden that play a very North American game (Hedman, Landeskog, Kempe, Wennberg, Zibanejad, Rakell and 2015's Oliver Kylington). He's a heart and soul player, known for his strong leadership abilities and being able to play any role a coach needs. Versatility is what makes De La Rose such a promising prospect and of a style the Habs need more of. He isn't the most offensively gifted player, but he plays well as a compliment to high skill through his excellent defensive instincts, strong board play and net drive. He had a solid rookie season for newly promoted Leksand, but was much more impressive at the U20's providing a lot of grit for the more finesse based Swedes. There is little doubt that De La Rose has an NHL future, the size, speed and play style are all there. Like for many else, the question is in what role? That question will likely become clearer next season as he will move to the AHL, a shift that I think will be comfortable for him considering his game. Though one wonders if they will shift him to centre like he played in the SuperElit. He will also be back for the U20's, his third now and I would put a wager he will be named the Captain.
Potential : 2nd/3rd Line Complimentary Winger
2. Nikita Scherbak : Right Wing, 6'1 176lbs, 26th Overall, 2014, 18 Years Old, Saskatoon Blades in the WHL
65 games 28 goals 50 assists 78 points
Scherbak is one of the best stories from the 2014 draft in my opinion. I wrote a ton on him and his strange journey from obscurity to prominence. The fact that he wasn't listed on scouting services before coming to the WHL to being a first round selection and the leading goal, assist and point getter for rookies is almost a fairy tale. He used to play for Kapitan Stupino (yes it's the actual name) a squad that was promoted to the MHL from their feeder league the MHLB, which is sort of like the equivalent of the OHL and the OJHL except about 0 NHL players have ever been drafted out of that league. Even then, the 17 year old didn't distinguish himself, though the team was so bad it isn't that hard to see why. Scherbak has a nice balance of skills and creativity. He isn't lumped into any one offensive style. While he had a few bouts with inconsistency throughout the year, it's important to note that not only did the competition level ramp up considerably, it's also his first time on this ice surface and play style and many fellow European or American newcomers struggler to adjust. He's a hard forechecker and finishes most of his checks, always hounding the puck. For a team starving for bigger forwards in their otherwise talented but small prospect pool, Scherbak was a solid choice. Next season will be a big year for the young Russian as he will try to prove that last season wasn't a fluke while also vying for a spot on the Russian U20 squad.
Potential : Top-Six Winger
1. Nathan Beaulieu : Defenseman, 6'1 190lbs, 17th Overall, 2011, 21 Years Old, Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL
57 games 7 goals 20 assists 27 points
His stats may not be pretty, but neither is the team he plays for. The Bulldogs aside from a few bright spots (coincidentally on this list) had one of the most lethargic offenses in the AHL. Beaulieu is an offensive defender with excellent skating ability and a penchant for the odd big hit. Defensive reads and high risk pinching have always been issues with him, something the Habs team can afford to let him work out with Subban and Markov able to run a strong PP. He had a taste of NHL hockey playing primarily sheltered small minutes, though that is a positive sign. His playmaking ability is very interesting looking a few years down the road. He has the skating and the size to find his way into the NHL, as well as the offensive creativity to see effective PP minutes. Will he make some poor decisions now and again? Sure, but he creates more opportunities than he gives away. Next season there is a chance he makes the Habs, though I would expect him to start again in the AHL awaiting the inevitable Markov injury for a call-up.
Potential : Top-Four Offensive Defenseman
Thanks for reading. Red Wings next. Before anyone asks, no, I'm not a big believer in Cakes.