The 2017 NHL draft has concluded, and now it's time to dissect how each team did.
Each grade is based solely on the picks made, based on my evaluations of the players, and does not include any trades or other moves made during the weekend. Total value is the basis for the grade. We do not assess a team's alternative options at a slot, or their fit into an organization, in this grade.
Some other trends of note from this year's draft:
1. A number of older players were picked early this year. Five of the top 10 picks were late birth dates, as well as seven of the top 20. We've found that these types of players tend to be overdrafted by NHL teams.
2. We saw numerous top-end prospects from the start of the 2016-17 season fall. My second-, third- and eighth-ranked prospects from October barely ended up going in the first round. No. 4 slid to the midteens; No. 5 went on Day 2, at 50th overall.
3. There was a run on centers. Seven of the top 10 and 16 of the 31 first-round picks were centers.
On to the grades!
Note: The teams are listed in alphabetical order, but to skip to a specific team click on the link below:
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLS | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN | MON | NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | VEG | WSH | WPG
Anaheim Ducks: B
Organizational assessment: The Ducks didn't have many picks, but made good with what they did have in getting Maxime Comtois and Antoine Morand in the second round. These are very different players, but valuable in their own ways. Kyle Olson and Olle Eriksson Ek were fine values later on. The Ducks' system didn't change in a fundamental way, but they held par and added some needed scoring punch to the pipeline.
Notable Day 2 picks: Comtois trended down this season after entering his draft year as a potential top-five pick. He's steady, and there are pro attributes in his skill set, but he isn't going to take over a shift. There is certainly skill in his game, but it's not of the high-end variety.
Morand is a small, but skilled center who has been very good the past two seasons in the QMJHL. I haven't seen Morand dominate and I have some concerns about his ultimate upside, but there are some scouts I've talked to who speak very highly of his talent level. He's no Patrice Bergeron, but his defensive play is passable despite a smaller frame. Olson is small but has a good skill level, and competes at both ends of the rink. He has the puck skills to make quick-twitch plays and create off the rush. He shows an above-average shot as well, and isn't afraid to get goals by going to the greasy areas.
Arizona Coyotes: B+
Organizational assessment: The Coyotes had a lot of picks, and while they didn't have many that resulted in fantastic value -- I wouldn't have taken Pierre-Olivier Joseph or Nate Schnarr as high as they did, for example -- they did get a large number of valuable prospects. Overall, I think a good farm system became better, bringing a mix of skill and grinders into the organization.
First-round pick: Pierre-Olivier Joseph is an above-average skater with good quickness in all directions. He's a quality puck mover who can make a skilled play but is more effective when he's seeing his options develop and making a good pass. Joseph will work hard and grind, but he needs to add a lot of bulk on his frame. He's a very smart, two-way player who closes gaps quickly and tends to not hurt his own team with his decision-making.
Notable Day 2 picks: Filip Westerlund is calm and composed when he has the biscuit, making great outlets and evading pressure, and he has soft hands. His offensive IQ is high-end, and it's a big selling point, but it comes with the fact that there aren't a ton of other selling points to his game. Mackenzie Entwistle skates at an above-average level, and well above average for a 6-foot-3 player. He works hard to win battles and uses his big frame to his advantage to win pucks and maintain possession. The scouts I talk to who are big supporters of Entwistle admit his offensive ceiling is lower than you'd like.
Schnarr skates well for a 6-foot-3 forward, and with the hustle he displays every shift he always seems to be around the puck. His skill level isn't high-end, and he isn't the first guy I think of when I want a power-play quarterback, but he can make some plays because of his smarts and vision. I know some NHL scouts who love Cameron Crotty, but I have a hard time seeing it beyond his great skating. He's mobile and can make checks but there's almost no offensive instincts there. Michael Karow is a low-upside type of pick. He's big, plays hard, and can make decent passes with pace.
Boston Bruins: C-
Organizational assessment: I was underwhelmed by this Bruins class. I felt Urho Vaakanainen and Jack Studnicka were both overdrafted slightly, and there wasn't much significant skill added in the later rounds.
First-round pick: Urho Vaakanainen has excellent two-way hockey sense. He's a smooth, creative puck mover who can dictate tempo and QB a power play due to his vision and a good slap shot. His skating isn't explosive, but he has an easy stride, with the ability to evade pressure and get around the ice. Defensively, he's solid. He can use his body to win battles and play a sound positional game, closing his gaps effectively. If he gets back to the development track he was on when he was 15 and 16 years old, he could be a great pro.
Notable Day 2 picks: I've never been wowed by Jack Studnicka, but he does a lot fine. He's a decent skater, with solid puck skills, who can make plays on the man advantage and killing penalties. I know some NHL scouts are very high on him but I'm not quite there.
Buffalo Sabres: B
Organizational assessment: In adding Casey Mittelstadt, the Sabres added a lot of upside on Day 1, albeit doing so with a player who may need a little longer than the usual prospect at that slot. Alternatively, Marcus Davidsson was a much safer play and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was one of the top goalie talents as well. While I may have preferred different players, and the Oskari Laaksonen pick was bizarre, the Sabres did a fine job in totality, given limited picks.
First-round pick: Mittelstadt is a dynamic playmaker who can generate scoring chances in bunches. He can dangle in open ice with the best of them, playing with pace, and can make a highlight happen at any given moment. Mittelstadt sees the ice very well, often executing on high-difficulty feeds and being a primary starting point of offense. His skating isn't as dynamic as his hands, but he skates well and has a separation gear in his feet. Off the puck, he isn't as great. Despite a strong frame, he loses more battles than he should. His defense has a ways to go, but it could be worse, as he can make the odd defensive play.
Notable Day 2 picks: Scouts I talk to overseas have one common description of Marcus Davidsson: Smart. He's a versatile player. He can play center or the wing effectively, and play a role on both special teams. Davidsson skates at an above-average level, sometimes flashing a very high grade. He can make some offensive plays, but I wouldn't describe him as a dangler, more as a quick decision-maker with decent vision. Luukkonen is a physically towering netminder, and he takes away a lot of net before we even get into his skill set. He's not a super-athletic goalie, but rather gets his stops by taking away space, being economical with his movements, and reading the play well.
Calgary Flames: C+
Organizational assessment: Calgary's draft was just OK to me. I like Juuso Valimaki and I thought the Adam Ruzicka pick provided some value in the low 100s. But the Flames didn't have many picks, and there wasn't much in terms of dynamic skill being brought in this year for the Flames, just a lot of prospects who are nice to have.
First-round pick: Valimaki stands 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, but skates like a 5-foot-11 player, with an easy, powerful stride. His puck skills aren't dynamic, but he has decent hands to couple with very good offensive instincts. He moves the puck quite well and can project as a potential second-unit power-play man in the pros. I've been more impressed with his offensive instincts in the WHL than I have been in international play for Finland. Defensively, he's a rock, with ability to close gaps with his speed, in addition to winning a lot of battles and making smart, simple plays.
Notable Day 2 pick: Ruzicka disappointed this season after I thought he could be a first-round type of player coming into the season. There may have been an issue of pace for him at times in juniors; the talent shines through, but inconsistently. Ruzicka is also able to play a decent power game and shows an above-average wrist shot as well. His skating is worrisome, however. He's got a heavy first step and, while he can skate fine when he gets going, I worry if he'll be able to put NHL defensemen on their heels.
Carolina Hurricanes: B
Organizational assessment: Other than Eetu Luostarinen being a little high for me, I liked what Carolina did at the draft. Nobody was a huge surplus value in my eyes, with Martin Necas, Luke Martin, Morgan Geekie and Stelio Mattheos all going roughly around where I'd place them. In an org that is heavy on young defense talent, there was a nice injection of skill this weekend for the Hurricanes.
First-round picks: Necas was an effective player this season for a team in the top Czech league at age 17, though he played on a team that was deep in scoring talent. He's a dynamic talent, and his skating ability is very good, as he is one of the quicker skaters available this year. Although he excels when playing a fast-paced game, Necas is also a very good playmaker who can slow the game down and make plays from the boards. He controls the puck well and can make above-average plays with his hands. His off-the-puck will need work going forward. You see the odd good defensive play that exemplifies his work ethic and IQ, but he's clearly more polished with the puck than without, and has a lot to learn to get bigger minutes as a pro. As a smaller player, winning more battles will go a long way.
Notable Day 2 picks: Luostarinen has good puck skills and vision, and can play a physical game. He could be quicker though, and has more long-term upside. Martin is a smart, two-way defenseman who doesn't make many glaring errors. His skating is above average, allowing him to close gaps well, and jump up into an occasional rush. His offensive instincts aren't his selling point, but he has decent stick skills and can make fine distributions.
Geekie is skilled for a big man, and shows a high level of creativity. He's not a pure dangler, but he's a very smart offensive player with solid puck skills. He sees the ice well, and while he has a quality wrist shot, he's able to set up plays as well and he can finish. Mattheos doesn't wow you in any one aspect of the game, but he's always involved in the play. He's a solid defensive forward who can play multiple positions up front. Mattheos is coordinated with the puck and has creativity, but is more effective when he's driving the net than trying to be a playmaker.
Chicago Blackhawks: B
Organizational assessment: I liked a lot of what Chicago did in its home barn. I'm a fan of Henri Jokiharju, Ian Mitchell, Evan Barratt and Tim Soderlund, with the Blackhawks' other picks providing some skill at the edges of their system. Despite not having a high draft slot, the Hawks did better than expected.
First-round pick: Jokiharju started off a little slow as he adjusted to hockey life in North America, but he made the transition and was very good in Portland as a WHL rookie. I've always been impressed by his skill set and think he has significant NHL upside. He's a great skater and one of the more mobile defenders available in this class. He's a smart, two-way defenseman who can dictate tempo and move the puck efficiently. I don't think his skill is top-end level, but he's going to be able to rack up a lot of points thanks to his vision, feet and decision-making. Despite not being a big guy, Jokiharju is quite effective defensively because he's very smart with his positional play.
Notable Day 2 picks: Mitchell can be an evasive player in open ice, outlet the puck well, and quarterback a power play. His skating isn't explosive, but he's got above-average speed, with good edge work and ability to get out of trouble. Barratt has soft hands in tight spaces and makes above-average passes seem routine. He'll make soft touch plays, but also has the grit in his game to win battles and get to the net. Defensively, he plays his position fine and isn't afraid to sacrifice the body.
Despite being a re-entry prospect, Soderlund is one of the best speedsters in the class. He's often a shorthanded threat, because if he ever gets puck control and is near the defensemen, he can easily blow past them. While Soderlund is not a playmaking dynamo, he has solid puck skills and can move the puck around. He's at his best when he's hustling for pucks and barreling through the neutral zone.
Colorado Avalanche: B+
Organizational assessment: Cale Makar will end up being one of the most interesting picks in years: a small, old, Junior A defenseman with basically no historical comparable statistically, but a dynamic skill set. The risks worry me with him a little more than they worried Colorado, but I do see the upside in the pick and also realize whichever org drafted him would draw my ire -- which Avs fans are used to anyway! Colorado added a lot of talent on defense between Makar and Conor Timmins, even if both went a little higher than I would have taken them. But with those two, Nick Henry, Igor Shvyrev and Denis Smirnov, it's a lot of talent when you take a step back from nitpicking specific draft slots.
First-round pick: Makar was lights-out this season in the AJHL, including a dominant performance at the World Junior A challenge. Small, old (he's a late 1998 birth date) defensemen from Junior A don't get me excited that often, but Makar deserves a ton of recognition, thanks to his talent level. Makar skates very well, with a good burst out of each stride. He's aggressive jumping into the play, and he can pressure opponents with his speed. He's also a highly skilled puck handler, with high-end offensive instincts. He can make tough offensive plays with consistency and quarterback a power play with the best of them. His defense was passable at the Junior A level, but scouts are concerned about him checking pros.
Notable Day 2 picks: Timmins can look like a rather boring player and isn't going to excite a lay observer. However, his hockey sense drives a ton of value to his game. Henry had a great rookie season in the WHL. He played on the top line for a good chunk of the season on one of the best teams in the CHL and put up a lot of points skating alongside WHL MVP Sam Steel, the No. 30 pick in the 2016 draft (Anaheim).
Columbus Blue Jackets: B-
Organizational assessment: The Jackets get a low grade, but for not having a first-round pick, they did OK with the picks they had. I liked the Alexandre Texier, Emil Bemstrom and Daniil Tarasov picks, and Jonathan Davidsson could bring some value too. Texier is tough to read and will dictate the fortunes of this draft class. I have reasons to hedge, but if his skill is real when playing at a higher level, this grade will look too low in hindsight.
Notable Day 2 picks: Texier drew a lot of attention for how well he played as a 17-year-old versus men, even if it was in the French league. He's not very quick, but he's a skilled, smart playmaker who plays tough. Bemstrom is a skilled winger who can make tough, coordinated plays with the puck, with the occasional flash of high-end ability. I see his style as more of a playmaker than a finisher. His skating is fine, but I don't love his speed at 5-foot-11, and that will need to improve for him to be an NHL player.
Tarasov missed all of 2016-17 with a serious knee injury, but he's been a touted goalie for a while, and there is reason to gamble on him. When I scouted him back in 2015-16, I saw an athletic 6-foot-3 goalie who could move side to side well while maintaining solid reads in how he squared up pucks.
Dallas Stars: B+
Organizational assessment: In Miro Heiskanen, the Stars added a premier defense talent, in Jake Oettinger my top-ranked goalie prospect, and in Jason Robertson a statistical darling, with a lot of skill for his size. I was underwhelmed by their later-round picks, but that's still a fair amount of talent. They may have graded better if they had gone for a skilled skater instead of Oettinger, but he's a very good goaltending prospect.
First-round picks: Heiskanen established himself as a regular in the middle of a top Finnish league team's lineup as one of the younger players in this draft class. I would characterize him as more of an offensive defenseman, but he shows great ability at both ends of the rink. His hockey sense is advanced to the point that he dictates the play due to how effectively he moves the puck. He makes great decisions, understands how to create chances while keeping his plays simple and overall shows no issues playing at a pro pace. His mobility is very good as well, as he can get up into the rush and close his gaps efficiently. He's a little shorter than average for an NHL defender and needs bulk, but I see his hockey IQ translating well down the line.
Oettinger, who has been a big-name prospect for years, was nothing short of fantastic as a freshman at Boston University, being named a second team All-Star in Hockey East. He stands tall and looks like a pro in the net with a refined technique, good positional play and the ability to consistently absorb pucks. While he's not a dynamic, athletic type of goalie, Oettinger has solid to average ability to make lateral saves, and has decent footwork. He's not perfect yet -- as is the case with many 19-year-old goalies -- as he occasionally overcommits on his slides and lets in some soft ones, but overall he's pretty advanced in many critical areas for a player his age.
Notable Day 2 picks: Robertson had a big draft season that generated a fair amount of discussion in scouting circles. He put up big scoring numbers, including great shot numbers, generating shots at the pace of the best prospects in this class such as Nico Hischier and Owen Tippett. He is a tall, strong forward who works hard to win pucks, and his ability to win battles is a plus attribute. Liam Hawel has solid puck skills, that are impressive for a 6-foot-5 player. I've never seen him stand out in a significant way, but I see how the tools can drive optimism.
Detroit Red Wings: B-
Organizational assessment: There was criticism, some of it warranted, directed to Detroit for the Michael Rasmussen pick. I don't hate the pick -- he's a good player, after all -- but I wouldn't have taken him that high based on his pure upside. Gustav Lindstrom was a riser this season and is skilled, but No. 38 also seemed generous to me. In the middle of the Wings' class they targeted a lot of boring, low-upside types that just don't do a lot for me. For the amount of picks the Wings had, they could have done more, and they don't seem to be drafting like the skill/IQ Wings of the days of yore.
First-round pick: Although Rasmussen has put up a ton of goals this season, I've been more impressed by his passing skills. He's a smart playmaker who plays at a pro-level pace. He has vision and a good shot, and I've seen Tri-City lean on his size as a net-front player on the power play. Rasmussen is also solid defensively and wins puck battles using his size. His main drawback is his skating. He's below-average in terms of speed, and though that isn't a huge issue in the grand scheme of his skill set, it keeps him from being truly dynamic. Additionally, his even-strength production was pretty poor.
Notable Day 2 picks: Lindstrom is a very skilled puck-mover particularly for a guy his size. He's not a great skater though, and could be a little harder on his checks. He turned heads with a huge performance at an under-19 tournament in February (seven points in four games). Kasper Kotkansalo is a mobile defenseman who isn't a great puck-mover, but can close in on his checks. I'm not sure about Lane Zablocki's offensive upside, but he's physical, strong with decent all-around play.
Zach Gallant is a fine two-way forward. He's got solid puck skills and can finish chances, but he's not going to be a star scorer. He works hard, has pro size and can kill penalties. His skating is underwhelming, though. Keith Petruzzelli stands in tall at 6-foot-5 and change, and while he's no acrobat in the net, he moves pretty well for a guy his size. I've seen him frequently make impressive lateral saves that required significant movement.
Edmonton Oilers: B
Organizational assessment: I love what Edmonton did in getting Kailer Yamamoto, acquiring one of the draft's most skilled players in the 20s. While Stuart Skinner may have been too high for me as a netminder given his track record, I see the talent, and they balanced his pick out well in the later rounds with skilled players like Dmitri Samorukov. Getting Yamamoto takes this grade from middling to somewhat impressive.
First-round pick: Yamamoto is a plus skater, puck handler and passer and has great agility on his edges, combined with a good top gear. He can create when he is carrying the puck due to his skill, creativity and ability to see the ice. He can come down the wing with speed one shift and quarterback a power play the next. At the WHL level as an 18-year-old, he showed he could be decent defensively, but the main concern going forward is how will he do away from the puck at his size. I have reasonable concerns about that, and it's why I don't think he's at the level of say, Mitch Marner, at the same age. However, there is still a lot of promise in his game.
Notable Day 2 picks: Skinner is a big goalie with a developed frame who moves fine for a player his size, and can get to pucks away from his body. When he's playing aggressively, he can make the net disappear and get to tough shots. He is strong in his net, holding his post well and often battling to make a second save. However, Skinner can leave you wanting on many occasions. Samorukov is mobile, particularly at 6-foot-2, and is more than capable at jumping up into the attack. His skill level isn't elite, but he's a smart puck-mover who can make creative plays. On defense, he's not afraid to get involved in the physical play and can win battles.
Florida Panthers: B+
Organizational assessment: Despite not having many picks on Day 2, between first-rounder Owen Tippett and the Day 2 picks they did have, the Panthers landed some nice assets. Tippett is a great scorer, Aleksi Heponiemi is a dynamic playmaker, while Max Gildon has significant upside. Tyler Inamoto and Sebastian Repo are less exciting additions, but I see some useful traits in their games. Florida did itself a lot of good this weekend even without a lot of bullets.
First-round pick: Tippett is a very exciting winger to watch. He was a dominant goal scorer this season, due to both the quality and quantity of shots on goal. Tippett is one of the best speedsters in the draft class. His ability to go from 0 to 60 -- metaphorically speaking, though he's darn quick -- is very impressive, and he can gain the offensive blue line with ease. He has a high skill level and can make some open-ice plays, but he's much more comfortable going north-south than east-west. He can kill penalties due to his speed and IQ, and can be a shorthanded scoring threat while doing so. Tippett's game is more about playing in straight lines, but don't let his very tilted goal-to-assist ratio fool you, as he can make plays to his teammates too, a facet of his game that improved as the season went on.
Notable Day 2 picks: Heponiemi is a dynamic playmaker. He can use his great skating ability to push the pace and create chances off the rush. He also has the top-level vision to see plays develop from a slower pace and make the difficult feeds. Heponiemi has above-average stick skills, and though he isn't a very dangerous shooter, overall he's a dangerous offensive weapon. Gildon has real offensive upside, as he's a very smooth skater, particularly for a 6-foot-3 player. He moves the puck fine, and has a big shot from the point. His hockey IQ can be up and down. Some days he's showing good vision and creating well, other days he's making brain-cramp turnovers and misreading the play.
Los Angeles Kings: A-
Organizational assessment: By landing Gabriel Vilardi, the Kings not only acquired my No. 3-ranked prospect and a dynamic talent, but addressed a serious need in their system for a scoring center. They coupled that with several solid two-way players in Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Michael Anderson and Markus Phillips. Phillips has the potential to be one of the best value picks in the class, after landing at No. 118. The Kings' system looked very bland coming into this weekend, but this gave them a jolt.
First-round pick: Big men who can make plays with the puck are hard to find, and Vilardi fits the bill. His skill is legitimately at the top level, as his ability to maintain possession, create offense off the rush and evade pressure is as good as that of some of the better 5-foot-11 forwards. He also possesses good vision and can make tough distributions seem easy. He'll battle hard for pucks and use his size well on some shifts, and although he isn't perfectly consistent in that area, he has shown more edge in his game this season and has gotten better defensively because of it. Vilardi's skating is an issue, with a below-average top gear.
Notable Day 2 picks: I like the first few steps, speed and hustle in Anderson-Dolan's game. He isn't a player who gives up on a play on either side of the ice. He's always putting pressure on defensemen or grinding to get the puck back on the defensive end of the ice. His skill is slightly above-average, but he makes plays because he's quick. Quick feet, quick twitches in his hands, quick decisions and a quick shot -- yes, there's a particular adjective that defines this player.
Anderson is a sound two-way defenseman. Defensively, he's a rock, with great gap control, good reads and a willingness to sacrifice the body. He shows good vision transitioning the puck up ice and solid stick skills when evading pressure. He has more offensive upside than many believe. Phillips' skating stands out immediately. He isn't blazing fast, but he has an easy stride and skates well in all directions. Phillips possesses good coordination as a stick handler, and though his offensive skills aren't elite, he can make some above-average plays off the rush to evade pressure.
Minnesota Wild: B-
Organizational assessment: With no pick until No. 85 overall, the fact that the Wild didn't have one of the worst draft classes speaks volumes to how they targeted skill. Ivan Lodnia and Mason Shaw are small, but have very high upsides. Andrei Svetlakov has NHL potential and Jacob Golden is a nice gamble. Their system doesn't improve a ton, but given how many good prospects they already have, that's neither surprising nor a huge issue.
Notable Day 2 picks: Lodnia has one of the highest skill levels among all players in the draft class. He dangles defenders seemingly every shift and can create dangerous chances with consistency. His vision isn't as good as his puck skills, but he's clearly an above-average playmaker. Shaw has high-end puck skills, great vision and makes quick decisions with the puck. He has a pass-first mentality to his game and is often the starting point of offense for Medicine Hat.
Whether it was in the KHL, or centering Valeri Nichushkin and Ivan Telegin in international play, Svetlakov showed a steady two-way game down the middle. I don't see truly dynamic qualities in his play, but he does a lot well. Golden fell victim to a situation many faced in London over the years: No ice time. He's skilled and mobile, but there's a big question mark about how good he really is. We'll find out soon as some of the players ahead of him in the lineup move on to the NHL.
Montreal Canadiens: B+
Organizational assessment: I know some teams love Ryan Poehling, Montreal included, but I liked him just about where he went. He's good, not great, and could be a nice piece for the Habs a few years down the line. On Day 2, I thought Montreal did very well; I like Joni Ikonen more than Poehling, in fact. Almost every player the Habs picked was in my top 100 skaters or top 10 goalies. For a system that was in contention for last place in my farm system rankings, this draft ensures they won't land in that spot later this summer.
First-round pick: Poehling was one of the most impressive players at the Ivan Hlinka tournament last summer, and he was good for the USA's under-18 team in the spring. As one of the youngest players in college hockey this season, he was decent at times, with the inconsistencies expected in a 17-year-old playing against young men in their early 20s. Poehling is a smart playmaker down the middle, who can score as well. He displays good hand-eye coordination, consistently makes above-average skill plays and can play with pace. His skating isn't fantastic but shows at an average level. Defensively, he thinks the game fine, but a thin frame limits his ability to win battles despite a willingness to compete.
Notable Day 2 picks: Ikonen is a dynamic playmaker who can control the puck for lengthy periods of time and create space for himself. He has the sense to make high-level plays to his teammates but also has a shooter's instinct and will get his shot attempts as well. Scott Walford skates well for a taller defenseman and moves the puck effectively. Cale Fleury is a very good skater, with an easy first step and four-way mobility. His offensive upside isn't 50 points in the NHL, but he can move the puck effectively on his outlets and was a competent power-play guy in the WHL.
Nashville Predators: B+
Organizational assessment: In landing Eeli Tolvanen, one of my top-rated prospects, at No. 31, the Preds continued to make moves I love on the draft floor, and have one of the top farm systems in the NHL despite not having a lottery pick in years. On Day 2, they continued to target players on whom I was high. I think David Farrance could provide a lot of value at No. 92, and Tomas Vomacka is the kind of goalie I'd target late in the draft, as they did at No. 154. Without a high pick, their system moved up for me, and that's always a great weekend.
First-round pick: Simply put, Tolvanen has produced everywhere he has gone. In my opinion, he was the best player in the USHL this season, and he has looked very good in international play for Finland the past few seasons. Tolvanen is known mostly for his big-time shot, which makes him one of the more feared goal-scorers in this year's class. However, he is more than a shooter. Tolvanen has great hands, can make difficult feeds and can play at a quick pace, though he is most comfortable when winding up his cannon. He's small and not incredibly quick for a player his size (though I think his skating is adequate), but he's smart enough to put himself in position to score and has a little physical edge to his game too.
Notable Day 2 picks: Mismash rarely dominates a game in a fashion that he stands out in a significant way, but he's a versatile, skilled big man who was one of the NTDP's top players this season. He makes skilled plays through the neutral zone using his solid speed (for a bigger player) and hands to get successful zone entries. Farrance is a fantastic skater who can get up into the rush in a blink while having the four-way mobility to evade pressure and control the puck. He's a pretty creative and coordinated puck handler who makes tough offensive plays. It's easy to point to his 5-foot-11 frame and say "no, thank you" without accompanying giant counting numbers, but he's a player I believe in due to his talent and intelligence.
New Jersey Devils: A-
Organizational assessment: The Devils do not get an "easy A" from me like most teams usually do that pick first overall, because while Nico Hischier is very good, he is not at the same level as recent first overalls, and thus the totality of their draft becomes more important than usual. Their first Day 2 pick, Jesper Boqvist, is a pretty skilled player, but didn't blow me away when I scouted him and I feel he needs to work on stuff away from the puck a lot. I appreciate the upside, but he went a little too high for me. However, after Boqvist I liked the Fabian Zetterlund, Reilly Walsh, Nikita Popugaev, Aarne Talvitie, Jocktan Chainey and Marian Studenic picks. The Devils are in the middle of a rebuild and won't turn it around this weekend, but this is a big step in the right direction for a very barren farm system.
First-round pick: Hischier is the complete package offensively. He's a very good skater, with the ability to be dangerous due to his first step and top gear but particularly due to how elusive he is from a standstill. Hischier is a creative puck handler who can dictate possession with his skill and often stands out with how he can generate offense with his creativity. However, his best trait is his hockey sense. He anticipates pressure so well, moves the puck into the right places and outsmarts defenders. "[Hischier] can take over a game and does so consistently," one scout said. He's not a bulky guy, but he gets to the net with frequency and is a solid defensive center. He can potentially be a top-six center for the Devils.
Notable Day 2 picks: Boqvist possesses very good speed and puck skills. You occasionally see him have a "wow" moment where he makes a very creative play with the puck, or evade pressure in a difficult manner. He can be taken out of the game physically, though. I have never been a huge fan of his defensive play, but the way he's transitioned to the pro game gives me some optimism that he could be a competent forward in his own end.
A skilled offensive player, Zetterlund shows above-average puck skills, vision and finishing ability. When he gets open space he's often making a good play, and can operate as a quarterback on the power play. I wish I had seen more of Walsh, because in limited viewings I was quite impressed. He's a great, elusive skater, with good offensive instincts, but his defense isn't refined. I could see him as a real sleeper in this class.
Popugaev is incredibly coordinated for a player his size. He can make dangles seem effortless and has the vision to make soft-touch plays. He uses his big body well to shield the puck when his team is on the attack, and gets his nose dirty in the corners, too. Chainey is a smart two-way defenseman. He has great vision as a puck-mover and moves fine too. He's not going to be a highlight-reel player and doesn't have the height you might want, but has some intriguing elements. Talvitie impressed me all season. He's a very good skater, with decent vision, and can make plays at both ends of the rink. I can understand why a small player without top level skill may not excite, but all he does is make plays!
New York Islanders: C+
Organizational assessment: The Islanders did OK without a first- or fourth-round pick. Both Robin Salo and Benjamin Mirageas were a little too high for me, but I can appreciate Salo's talent as being reasonable at that slot. Sebastian Aho and Logan Cockerill are players I like, so that gives me reasons to praise this class as including value picks later on. The Islanders' system doesn't really budge at all, and for a middling org, they are banking on their current young players to carry them forward, because they likely won't get much support from the 2017 class.
Notable Day 2 picks: Salo skates very well, with an easy, powerful stride and great edge work. His skill level is somewhat above average, with the offense coming more from his vision and feet. Salo can play the game with pace, and stayed above his head versus men this season while maintaining an offensive role. Mirageas didn't put up many points this season, but I liked him when I watched him. He's mobile, not afraid to get up into the attack, and makes a lot of stops. He's not the most gifted puck-handler, but I don't think he's a complete zero in that area.
Aho is a longtime favorite of mine though I didn't rank him this time around as I didn't think he would be picked in his fourth year of eligibility. Aho moves the puck well, and has some creativity and top-end hockey sense in his game too. The main knock for years against Aho is that he's a small defenseman which hinders his NHL potential. That is true, and he doesn't project as a top-end player or defensive stalwart, but his IQ allows him to be an effective stick checker and execute proper positioning.
Cockerill is a great skater who puts defenders on their heels with consistency. His puck skills are above average, and combined with his speed, he's consistently able to gain the zone and make tough plays at full speed. Cockerill works hard, is an OK penalty killer despite his size and makes a difference every shift.
New York Rangers: B
Organizational assessment: I see the traits the Rangers valued in Lias Andersson as a strong two-way center with skill. He's shown offensive dominance in flashes, but I'm not sold on the upside being at a level worthy of the No. 7 pick. The Filip Chytil pick is more reasonable to me, even if I had him a few slots lower, due to his talent and the way he's trending; I wish I saw more dominant performances from him when I scouted him. However, I thought the Brandon Crawley and Calle Sjalin picks did bring a little value to this class. While I think the Rangers could have done better -- as my overall read on a class with two first-rounders is just fine -- they did bring in talent. For a very light farm system coming into the weekend, things changed for the better.
First-round picks: Andersson was a solid piece for HV 71 and Sweden's World Junior team this season. All he has done is produce wherever he's gone the past few seasons. He won't dazzle with high-end dekes, but there is a lot of skill to Andersson's game. He makes quick decisions, has a quick shot, sees his options well and has good puck skills. He can be a standout offensive player, though that isn't always the case. Andersson might be below average in size, but he's tough and strong for a player his age, and he can kill penalties adequately. I don't love his skating, but he isn't dragging anvils all over the ice, and considering all the other positive attributes in his offensive game, you can live without game-breaking speed.
Chytil was a regular in the top Czech league as a bottom-six forward for his team, despite being one of the youngest players eligible for the 2017 draft. It was hard for me to get a read on Chytil this season. On the one hand, I see a player with a fair amount of talent. On the other, I never saw him take over a game when playing against his age group, and he was often the best player on the second-best line more than being a game-changer. Chytil is an impressive skater who can be tough to check when he's coming through the neutral zone with speed. His stick skills are above average, and I watched him create chances out of nothing. He moves the puck around fine and is creative offensively. Off the puck, I'd like to see more from him in terms of grit and awareness.
Notable Day 2 picks: Crawley is a personal favorite of mine. He's very smart defender, with decent feet and hands, and while he's not a highlight generator, he always seems to make a difference on the ice. Sjalin stood out to me whenever I saw him play for Sweden. He's a smart two-way defenseman without standout speed or skill, but he still jumps into the attack and is useful on the power play.
Ottawa Senators: C-
Organizational assessment: I've had a hard time all year getting on the Shane Bowers bandwagon. I see the great speed and the potential he has, but there is a lack of a "wow" factor for me, making it hard for me to love him as a first-rounder, even if I think it was reasonable. I like Alex Formenton at his slot, but really this class is very bland. Nobody here is a high-skill player, and while the Senators did OK given a limited number of picks, there's nothing here that gets me excited.
First-round pick: Bowers has been a name to know for several years when he was coming up as a bantam in Halifax, and he had a very solid second USHL season. He is a great skater, with an easy first few steps. He works hard to pressure defensemen, and can play on both sides of the ice. The ultimate question with Bowers is his offensive ceiling. Some scouts I talk to swear by him as a potential frontline NHL player; other scouts, including myself, question whether he'll be able to score much as an NHLer. That's not to say Bowers can't make high-level offensive plays. He has good hands and vision, and was more consistent in that regard in the second half of the season.
Notable Day 2 picks: I can describe the pitch on Formenton in one word: Speed. Formenton is one of the quickest -- if not the quickest -- skaters available in the draft class. At 6-foot-1, his ability to jet is that much more impressive, as is the fact that he's one of the youngest in the class as well. He works hard in puck battles and due to his work ethic and elite speed he can be a useful penalty killer.
Philadelphia Flyers: A-
Organizational assessment: As with the Devils, even though the Flyers picked Nolan Patrick at No. 2 overall, he did not define their draft like most second overalls do, with the club's Day 2 picks being very important to this grade. I didn't love the Morgan Frost or Isaac Ratcliffe picks at those slots, though I did have both prospects ranked in my top 100. However, I thought Philadelphia got great value in Matthew Strome, and I have time for both Maksim Sushko and Noah Cates. The Flyers' system added a ton of scoring punch to an org deep in young defensemen and goaltenders.
First-round picks: Patrick didn't have the best draft season he could have envisioned, mostly because he missed a substantial part of the season due to injury. However, he remains a top prospect. Patrick's best trait is his hockey sense. He's a highly creative playmaker, with high-end vision and puck skills. He can dictate the tempo of a game, with pro-level pace in his decisions and the ability to slow the play and find his options. Patrick also shows an above-average shot and can generate it from tight spaces. His skating isn't as dynamic as his playmaking, as it's more about pro average than top level, but he'll be able to keep up in the NHL. He's a player without a glaring flaw, as he'll be what you want in a top-level center: a two-way forward with skill, size and intelligence who can contribute in all areas of the game.
Frost showed significant development in his 17-year-old season, being a top player for Sault Ste. Marie. His hockey sense is what stands out to me. Frost is a great playmaker who is often a primary creator of scoring chances. While he's great when he has the puck on his stick in general, I'd like to see him improve away from the puck. He's also not a fierce competitor in puck battles. Moreover, his skating doesn't look explosive. His top gear is just okay, although he shows great agility and burst in his first few steps. I see a lot of potential in Frost's game, but he'll need time to round out some of those deficiencies.
Notable Day 2 picks: Ratcliffe has pretty decent offensive skills for a big man. He can make plenty of scoring chances happen with his puck-protection skills and winning battles around the net, but he can make a creative play with the puck as well. He also has a bullet of a wrist shot. Netminder Kirill Ustimenko has produced wherever he's gone the past few years. He's never stood out to me in a dynamic way, but he's tall, smart and squares up pucks.
Matthew Strome isn't as good a prospect as his older brothers Ryan Strome and Dylan Strome were at the same age, but he's still a noteworthy prospect. He's a little more of a pure goal scorer and less of a playmaker than his brothers, but the latter part of his game is more than competent. He's got above-average stick skills and can make plays to his teammates at a high level. Sushko showed flashes this season of being a scoring power forward. He certainly has some skill, skates OK and can win battles, but too often I found he faded into the background, possibly just due to not being used to the high-level pace.
Pittsburgh Penguins: D
Organizational assessment: I really don't see much materializing from this Penguins draft class. Clayton Phillips has promise, so I have time for him, but a lot of the players they picked don't move the needle for me, with a pick like Zachary Lauzon at 51 being puzzling given his skill set.
Notable Day 2 picks: I don't see Zach Lauzon as having much offensive upside. He competes and is physical, but I don't see real NHL skills in his game. Phillips' talent level stood out to me when I saw him play. He's a very good skater, with decent hands and quality vision moving the puck. He's small, and while he can make stops due to his feet closing gaps, he needs time to round out his game so he has the puck more often.
San Jose Sharks: B-
Organizational assessment: The Sharks had an interesting weekend. They started off pretty bland. Joshua Norris is a nice player, but at 19th overall he doesn't get me excited. Mario Ferraro is OK too, but another overdraft, going at No. 49. Scott Reedy got benched during the last weeks of the season, but has a ton of talent. However, the Sharks topped it off by taking gambles on Sasha Chmelevski and particularly Ivan Chekhovich that saved face for this class, and brought upside into their thin pipeline.
First-round pick: Norris was the top center for the USNTDP this season. He had a tough time following up previous No. 1 centers like Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews, but overall he looks like a solid prospect. Norris is a well-rounded but not outstanding player. He's got decent stick skills, above-average offensive hockey sense and can finish chances from middle distance. Norris was also one of the top penalty killers for the NTDP, and an occasional shorthanded threat. I've heard some scouts praise his skating as high-level. From what I've personally seen, I can't say he's a speedster by any means, although his skating is above average.
Notable Day 2 picks: Ferraro is a top-end speedster who competes every shift and is always around the puck. I don't see much in terms of puck skills or offensive IQ, but he did produce decent numbers for a 1998 birth date in the USHL. Reedy is a very skilled puck handler, making great displays of puck control. He also showed above-average vision, with the patience and sense to make plays. He has a great power game, using his big frame to win battles and control pucks down low.
Chmelevski has a ton of talent. He can get up the ice with above-average speed. He has great puck skills and can evade pressure very well. He sees the ice very well and can be a decent finisher, too. So what's the problem? His off-the-puck play needs a lot of work and often leaves you wanting consistency. Chekhovich's game goes through his hockey sense. He sees the ice well, has the variety of tools and IQ to know how to complement any linemate he's given, and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
St. Louis Blues: B+
Organizational assessment: The Blues did very well on Day 1, getting my ninth- and 20th-ranked prospects, but in opposite order, after Klim Kostin slid hard due to a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, they added a ton of scoring potential to their farm system. Their Day 2 haul was less exciting. Alexey Toropchenko and David Noel are fine players, but not guys for whom I'd go to bat. Overall they had an above-average return, with significant promise from Robert Thomas and Kostin.
First-round picks: Thomas consistently impressed me all season and was an important part of yet another dominant London team in the OHL. He's a very smart and very skilled center. His coordination and creativity with the puck are top-notch, and he consistently moves the puck into good spaces to generate chances. Thomas can also be quite effective on the defensive side of the puck, despite his smaller frame, and he was one of London's better penalty-killers this season. He could be marginally faster for a player his size, but I think he skates fine and will be competent in that area as a pro. Don't let his somewhat underwhelming counting stats fool you; buried behind top Sabres prospect Cliff Pu as the Knights' No. 2 center this season, Thomas can be an impactful player.
Kostin's ice time was very limited playing versus men in Russia, but he has impressed in international play the past few years. His skill level at size is incredible, as he makes tough offensive plays seem easy. Kostin can stick handle in open space, but he also excels as a playmaker and can make the smart play when an option is available. There's the odd time he can get caught trying to do too much, but often he reads the ice well and can make the right decision. Kostin's skating isn't high-end, but he skates well for a player his size, showed significant improvements during the course of the past year and could be average as a pro. His off-the-puck game is fine too.
Notable Day 2 picks: Toropchenko is quite a good skater for a 6-foot-3 forward, and isn't afraid to drive the high percentage areas. He's not a top-end skill guy, but can make some plays, and looked quite good at the junior level this season. Noel showed me good mobility and stick skills when I saw him. He needs work rounding out his game, but he has potential.
Tampa Bay Lightning: C+
Organizational assessment: I usually like Tampa drafts, but I won't be dishing out glowing praise for this one. I like Callan Foote; he just went slightly high for my taste. I knew Alexander Volkov was drawing NHL interest, but didn't know he was drawing 48th overall levels of NHL interest. That stunned me, and was a significant overdraft in my eyes. Alexei Lipanov is a nice piece, and while I haven't seen Cole Guttman, some scouts I talk to sing his praise. While the Lightning targeted skilled players, I do wonder if their sights were off and they went after the wrong skilled players.
First-round pick: Big defensemen with skill aren't easy to find, and that's why Foote -- Adam Foote's son, for those concerned with bloodlines -- will make himself a valuable asset on draft day. He stands 6-foot-4, has above-average puck skills, sees the ice well and was a pillar for Kelowna this season, quarterbacking their top power-play unit. He's coordinated for a player his size when handling the puck, and he can make deft touch plays when under pressure. His defense is fine. He uses his frame to win battles and has adequate defensive sense. Given his size and offensive skill, he'll be a competent two-way defenseman as a pro. I don't love his skating, particularly his first step, and that's what keeps him from being a true upper-echelon prospect.
Notable Day 2 picks: Volkov has above-average hands and makes nice skilled played for a player his size. He also skates fine and is decent defensively, too. I thought he showed well at the Canada-Russia series, but never showed a dynamic trait for me. Lipanov can play a quick-tempo game and has the skill to create offense from a standstill. He's a very good skater, who can push defenders back off the rush. He also has good hand-eye coordination and, while he won't dangle guys left and right, he can make some skilled plays. I like him more as a playmaker than a hands guy though, as he creates a lot of chances with his vision.
Toronto Maple Leafs: B
Organizational assessment: The Leafs started their draft well by adding a dynamic albeit risky prospect in Timothy Liljegren. However, their Day 2 was mediocre to me. Eemeli Rasanen is a fine prospect, but I think his stats this season make him seem more skilled than he is. Ian Scott is a nice goalie but will need time, and some of their other Day 2 picks didn't really appeal to what I value.
First-round pick: You can tell when Liljegren has the puck. "He was able to quarterback a SHL power play when he was 16. You just don't see that," noted one scout. He's quite creative and quite skilled. He can make the in-tight plays and control the puck in ways that distinguish him as a puck mover. Liljegren skates very well and can get up in a rush, but it's his skill and offensive mind that elevate him to the highest levels. Although he's a very imaginative and effective puck mover, he can get himself into trouble. He gives the puck away a lot going for the one extra play. His defense isn't elite, but it's decent, as he can make a check and not get completely killed in his own end without the puck; however, there are times when he is a clear negative on that side on the puck.
Notable Day 2 picks: Towering, 6-foot-6 defensemen who can move the puck generate discussion quickly in the scouting world, and Rasanen fits that description. He's tall and he's physical, but he was also on Kingston's top power-play unit. The main issue with Rasanen is his skating. He has heavy feet, which isn't abnormal for a player his size who isn't going in the top 15 picks, but it's really apparent watching him that he can't get himself out of trouble with his skating or get up into the rush.
Scott is a big goalie at 6-foot-3 who understands his angles and depth in the net. He plays a simple, quiet game in how he sets and squares up pucks. He's a very smart player who can make the game look easy some nights, even when he's making the tough lateral saves. The main issue with Scott is a lack of dynamic qualities. He may be smart enough to carry his way into the NHL, but his lack of ability to make the toughest saves could end up making him mediocre as a pro.
Vancouver Canucks: B+
Organizational assessment: I personally didn't have Elias Pettersson as high as Vancouver did, but I can appreciate the skill and IQ in his game. Whenever I've seen him, though, I just haven't seen a fifth-overall type of prospect. Kole Lind was closer to being drafted where I liked, being a good scorer with size in the early second round, and I'm a Michael DiPietro superfan. You rarely hear me say I agree with a goalie pick -- the last two to get my thumbs-up were Juuse Saros to Nashville and Andrei Vasilevskiy to Tampa Bay -- but I agreed with this one. I didn't like Jonah Gadjovich as high as he went. Overall, the Canucks' class looks solid, even if I think it could have been a little better; with the amount of skill and scoring it brought in, this group has the potential to outpace the grade I've given it.
First-round pick: Pettersson was a significant riser this season, after producing at a point-per-game pace versus men in Sweden and often appearing on highlight reels for positive reasons. Pettersson has very quick hands and a ton of creativity in his game, and even when he's being tightly checked, he's able to generate space for himself. He sees the ice very well and can make difficult feeds. "He has the talent to be a star," one scout said. That doesn't mean Pettersson's game is perfect. He has heavy feet and struggles to win battles as he has a wiry frame and isn't a very intense battler. On the other hand, it's hard to ignore his significant point-producing potential as a pro and his ability to be a game-breaker on the ice. In my viewings, I didn't see him ever have a great game. However, every Swedish scout I've talked to was willing to go to bat for him as a top-end prospect.
Notable Day 2 picks: I don't see one tool from Lind that is elite, but he does a lot well. Lind skates at an above-average level, has soft hands and can create off the rush. He sees the ice well and can beat goalies from a distance with his wrist shot, serving as the high-slot option for Kelowna's top power-play unit to launch shots and finish plays. I never see him take over a shift, but he's always generating offense in some form or fashion due to his talent.
I see why people like Gadjovich. He's big, strong, physical, kills penalties and skates at a decent level for his size. But there is a lack of a "wow" factor with him. He's got subpar hands and offensive instincts that belie his significant point totals this season. DiPietro is one of my favorite prospects in this year's class, and is one of the quickest and more athletic first-year eligible goalies I've seen during the past few years. He has dynamic qualities in his game, and he often stands out for his ability to make tough saves. He's also a smart player who anticipates plays and gets to pucks with his feet, making the proper reads. He also possesses a strong glove hand, and he can trap pucks away from his body.
I like Jack Rathbone's skating, and he has a decent offensive skill package as well between his hands and shot. He's not a top-end defender though, which isn't ideal since his offense isn't dynamic.
Vegas Golden Knights: A
Organizational assessment: Vegas did fantastic work on Day 1 and walked away with three dynamic talents in Cody Glass, Nick Suzuki and Erik Brannstrom. In doing so, the Golden Knights developed a starting point for the franchise that could lead to success down the line. They continued with good work on Day 2, acquiring a lot of skill including a 6-foot-6 defenseman with skill in Nicolas Hague. As an expansion team they needed to have a killer first draft class, and I think the picks they made could very well lead to that end product. Nobody had a better weekend than the Golden Knights.
First-round picks: Glass wasn't on my top 30 to start the season, nor was he on Canada's radar for the Ivan Hlinka tournament, but he erupted at the start of the season and maintained his play throughout the campaign. He's a dynamic playmaker, who has the skill, size and IQ to be a significant scorer in the NHL. Glass' puck skills are very good, with the IQ and skill combo to create scoring chances out of nothing. He's very coordinated with the puck for a player his size, and he makes tough dekes seem easy. He's a smart playmaker who can make plays at a quick tempo and control the center third of the ice. Some scouts I talk to praise his skating. I haven't seen a blow-you-away gear from him, but he's certainly above average in that area. Defensively, he is decent. His frame needs to bulk up a ton, as he can be pushed off pucks too easily, but he works hard for pucks and has the IQ to be useful in his own end.
Suzuki was consistently impressive and one of the top overall players in the OHL this season. The first thing any scout will say about him is to praise his hockey sense. He sees the ice very well as a playmaker, but his ability to make quick, creative and correct decisions consistently helps him make a dangerous two-way force. Suzuki can make a difficult open-ice dangle or a quick chip to get the puck up and to the right spot. Defensively, he's solid on his positional play, winning battles without taking penalties, and he is a shorthanded scoring threat to boot. His skating technique isn't sublime, but I wouldn't categorize him as slow -- maybe just a little awkward in how his feet get him where he's going. However, his top speed is fine. At the end of the day, he's one of the smartest players in the draft, and that means a lot when projecting a player into the NHL. However, given his subpar size and skating, that means he'll be another data point in the experiment of how far elite smarts can take you.
Brannstrom is a favorite of mine relative to the opinions of many scouts. I've been very impressed the past two to three seasons, and I think he has a good pro ceiling. He's a small defenseman at 5-foot-10, but he does a lot well. Brannstrom is a great skater, is gifted on his edges and has a good top gear. He can make plays in open ice because though his puck skills aren't fantastic, they are solid, and his feet and great vision allow him to make a lot happen. His defense could use a little tweaking, as I've seen him make errors he shouldn't, but he has still displayed the ability to play tough minutes. Despite the occasional gaffe, his hockey IQ shines most shifts. Although he is small, Brannstrom has an edge to his game as well.
Notable Day 2 picks: There's a lot to like about Hague's toolkit. He's very tall, skates well, can move the puck and uses his big frame to his advantage. Digging into the details of those attributes, his skill level isn't incredibly high, but he's more than competent on the power play in terms of his playmaking, and he has a decent shot too. The son of former NHLer Curtis Leschyshyn (the No. 3 overall pick in 1988) is not a blazing skater, but his speed is solid to above average. He hustles on every shift, and with his IQ/work ethic combo, he can project to play the center position reliably as a pro. Leschyshyn has quality stick skills and, while his game is more north-south than east-west, he can make skilled plays and be dangerous off the rush.
Rondbjerg was solid this season in Sweden and was a critical part of Denmark's surprise performance at the World Juniors. Rondbjerg's skating has always stuck out to me as the major flaw in his skill set. You never really see him put defensemen on their heels. However, he's still a quality playmaker and has good stick skills. Zhukov was the best goalie at the world under-18 championship this season, and he also was solid, albeit inconsistent, through his first USHL season. When I've talked to USHL scouts about Zhukov, the first thing they always mention is his athleticism. He's a very dynamic goalie at his size, and he can steal a game. He can be a little all over the place, though. Some scouts I've talked to question his hockey IQ, and while I don't think he's bad in that area, he can make the occasional poor read or reaction.
Washington Capitals: D
Organizational assessment: Washington didn't have many draft picks, and the picks the Capitals did use left me with a shoulder shrug. I have time for Tobias Geisser, but even he didn't do a ton for me this season. Sebastian Walfridsson is just an OK prospect as well. The Capitals went all-in to try to win it all the past few seasons, which is fine, but this is part of that process. Their farm system looks bleak.
Notable Day 2 picks: Geisser is a former projected power forward recently turned defenseman. Understandably, he is quite raw, but he skates and handles the puck at a notable level for his size, at 6-foot-4. He needs a lot of development time, but there could be upside with him. Walfridsson is a steady defensive defender who can play a physical game and skates fine. He just doesn't move the puck very well but shows ok IQ on his first passes.
Winnipeg Jets: B
Organizational assessment: The Jets got very good value in acquiring Kristian Vesalainen where they did, as he is a dynamic talent on the wing, leading to yet another quality draft class. On Day 2, I liked the Dylan Samberg and Santeri Virtanen selections, and while I'm not as high on Johnathan Kovacevic, I can see the argument for grabbing him there. The Jets targeted skill and upside, and while I may have redirected some of those picks, I think Jets fans should be satisfied with the results.
First-round pick: Vesalainen split time between the SHL and Liiga as he struggled to establish himself at either level as a 17-year-old, but he ended his season on a strong note, as he was named the MVP of the IIHF under-18 championship. His poor regular season aside, he has a lot of promise as an NHL prospect. Players his size who can jet as well as he does are hard to find. He's a player whose speed makes him incredibly dangerous, given his long wingspan, and he has great puck skills. He won't be a premier playmaker but is able to generate quite a bit of offense from his creativity, speed and ability to drive the high-percentage areas. His game needs to round out a lot, though. He isn't that great defensively, and though he can play a power game, he needs to work on being more consistent in loose puck battles.
Notable Day 2 picks: Samberg measures 6-foot-3, and while he's not an elite skater, he moves quite competently for such a big man. He's able to get up into a rush and stay with his checks. He closes his gaps quickly and is very physical, often making stops by finishing with the body. He's already quite strong for a player his age. I don't think his puck skills are great, but they're about average, and he can make the occasional skill play. Virtanen is a solid two-way forward, and is often one of his team's better penalty killers. He can be a short-handed scoring threat thanks to his solid puck skills, and makes good, quick decisions on the ice. While he can make plays to teammates, Virtanen is more at home getting pucks and himself to the net.
Kovacevic moves the puck well, producing solid numbers for a 19-year-old in college. He has decent skill and skating ability for a guy his size.