6th Pick: 2014 NHL Entry Draft

[theminister]

"Abstract

The purposes of this study were (a) to determine the measurement device and jumping protocol most appropriate for testing the leg power of elite hockey players and ( b ) to assess the relationship of leg power measurements to hockey playing ability as indicated by draft selection order. Comparisons were made of leg power measurements from the top 95 players entering the National Hockey League Entry Draft using 2 devices (Vertec and Just Jump) and 2 jump protocols (countermovement and squat). Players' leg powers were ranked from highest to lowest power using each device and protocol and were correlated with draft selection order. Vertec leg power measurements were highest (5,511-5,631 W), but there were no significant differences in power between the 2 jumping protocols on either device. Vertec squat jump provided the highest correlation (0.47) between leg power ranking and selection order and was judged to most closely approximate the full-body coordinated movements involved in hockey. The Vertec device using a squat jump protocol is most appropriate for coaches and fitness specialists to use when evaluating hockey potential based on the off-ice leg power measurements of elite hockey players."

This kind of explains it...not so much why it horizontal or vertical jumping corelate to determining success of draft picks but that these two excersises have the most corelation to draft ranking. I.E the higher draft picks have higher scores in these exercises vs lower draft picks. That's at least how I understand it.

That's all pretty clear to me.

I just don't understand, "Why?"

My guess is that it is a strong indicator of the ability to effectively utilize core muscle groups and skating push off ability. It may also indicate a certain elasticity that makes young players less susceptible to injuries early on. What confuses me about it the most though is that muscles, ligaments and tendons are still in a major growth state at this time so the physical fitness of the adult is far from absolute at this point. Also, not a small factor, is that the average male human brain is not fully developed until the later 20s.

I'd like to hear more about their theory to explain the results.

[Ihatetomatoes]

That's all pretty clear to me.

I just don't understand, "Why?"

My guess is that it is a strong indicator of the ability to effectively utilize core muscle groups and skating push off ability. It may also indicate a certain elasticity that makes young players less susceptible to injuries early on. What confuses me about it the most though is that muscles, ligaments and tendons are still in a major growth state at this time so the physical fitness of the adult is far from absolute at this point. Also, not a small factor, is that the average male human brain is not fully developed until the later 20s.

I'd like to hear more about their theory to explain the results.

"Vertec squat jump provided the highest correlation (0.47) between leg power ranking and selection order and was judged to most closely approximate the full-body coordinated movements involved in hockey. The Vertec device using a squat jump protocol is most appropriate for coaches and fitness specialists to use when evaluating hockey potential based on the off-ice leg power measurements of elite hockey players."

This sort of explains why these exercises relate to skating.

I really don't think the theory is stating that guys who perform well in these exercises are more likely to develop into successful NHL players.

It seems to be a really simple experiment that only corelates the performance in vertek jumping and horizontal jumping to relative draft postion. It really has nothing to do with how succesfull these players will be once they become adults and NHL players. Just means guys that get drafted higher tend to have better results in these tests. Probably because jumping is an explosive exercise that uses the same muscle groups as skating therefor better skaters have better results. Better skaters tend to be drafted higher.

I really don't think it has anything to do with future success or deciding which higher ranked draft picks will be more successful vs other higher ranked draft picks.

[WeddingCrashers]

If there's no top 5 faller I feel like after the world juniors and combine that Nylander has to be the bpa.

[TOMapleLaughs]

Combine talk:

So Ehlers is indeed 162lbs? Nylander 169? These players are simply undersized.

That'll definitely affect the (what?) watts/kg power stat. Watts/kg... Pffft. Although i'm not sure where Ehlers is in any of these tests. Bottom line is if you want power, then you're going towards the players we've already determined as being powerful. I like Tuch over Ritchie due to fewer risk factors attached, such as concussions. But he's like a Backes, skill-wise.

It's a shame that Virtanen isn't doing the physical tests at the combine. If he did perhaps we'd be reminded of all his prime-rate physical tools ('omg no toolbox' though.)

I like Sonny Milano's upside as well. He's not being talked about nearly enough imho. He's not undersized, he has quite a lot of skill and is up there in physical testing. I expect him to be a riser. All the way to 6th? Doubtful.

Perlini is often discarded here too. He's not bad at all. Prob. not a 6 though.

I hope the Canucks don't select an undersized guy 6th. Esp. if his skill, such as it is, might not even be transferable at all. That's just too risky a pick for the importance of it in a rebuilding effort.

[ForsbergTheGreat]

It’s really going to come down to what Florida does with their pick. If they do trade it, and to who, can really change which player falls to us. Also who does buffalo want, Reinhart or Bennett?

The way I see the order falling is

Ekblad goes first overall. If FLA keeps this pick. Ekblad is who they take. Last year they passed over Jones for to draft Barkov, this year I see them picking the D. Even if FLA does trade this pick I don’t see teams trading to get the first overall to draft anyone else.

Reinhart goes to buffalo. He’s clearly the second best prospect available, as of right now BUF doesn’t have a true #1 center (although they have a lot of young players down the middle) and Reinhart can be that guy. A case could be made for BUF taking Bennett and that would put a wrinkle in the chain.

Edmonton drafts Draisaitl. If the Oilers don’t move up to grab that first overall, EDM will draft Draisaitl. A big strong center is exactly what this team needs and the city been raving about him for the last 3 weeks. Can’t see them picking anyone else….Unless Reinhart is still around. Bennett is too similar to the players they already have in their lineup and isn’t even a clear cut better player than Draisaitl.

Calgary drafts Bennett. Non-stop talk in Calgary is hoping for this to happen, and it likely will. Calgary wants more future offence. Does his no pull ups correlate in to Burke truculence? Likely not, but he is clearly the BPA at this point and Calgary would be happy to snag him. Unless Burke does something off the board and drafts Virtanen who they loved in the interviewing process.

NYI draft Dal Colle

Garth snow was on NHL radio yesterday talking about him and how he looks like a good pick. He didn’t say 100% since he doesn’t know which players get picked before him but he said if he’s available at 5 he’s a guy they will take a long hard look at.

Canucks draft Nylander, I don’t see Nylander going in the top 5. The only team that would have interest in him would be FLA and they don’t take him first overall. NYI possible could use him, but I think they take Dal Colle before they take Nylander.

Vancouver is left with three options possibly 4. Ehlers, Ritchie, Nylander, Virtanen. I think Nylander is the best option for Vancouver. It just depends on what Benning and Linden want. Are they going to take the BPA, or are they going to take a player to fit the teams future style. Looking at past draft history, when Benning was drafting early in the first round he took high skill players (Seguin, Kessel) and drafted big and gritty players in the later rounds. Do we see this continue?

[TOMapleLaughs]

I hope the Canucks aren't planning on selling us on Nylander, considering how pitiful we've looked in the physicality department in recent years. Esp. this past season against SoCal teams.

Not to mention, Hello? Another probable Coho fiasco?

Nylander's a pick i'd do if we already had a bunch of blue-chippers in stock. We don't.

There are small skill guys to be had in every draft anyway. Derek Roy and Jason Pomminville, Benning picks, come to mind. There's nothing that indicates Benning prefers undersized guys just because of their skill. The average weight of his top picks is around 190lbs.

[JiffyPB]

Chicken chicken wing wing holla holla boom boom punch me in the chunky getvall monkey.

Ritchie.

[Absent Canuck]

IMO every indicator shows that Nylander is a good bet to adapt to both the NA game and NA lifestyle easily. He played and lived here before, and he has familial experience to draw upon in making the adjustment.

He has the skills and every advantage. He should succeed. If he fails to establish himself as an NHL player it will only be because he wasn't mentally ready to do what was necessary. This includes learning to play responsibly defensively, learning to take the increased hitting, and being patient over years to work his way into a role.

I do think another year in Sweden would benefit him but he could be a good bet to be a 19 yo AHLer. How long he needs there will be up to him.

Yes but you didnt think the Canucks would take him. Your man was Nick Ritchie.

How is it looking for him anyways?

[Absent Canuck]

Canucks draft Nylander, I don’t see Nylander going in the top 5. The only team that would have interest in him would be FLA and they don’t take him first overall. NYI possible could use him, but I think they take Dal Colle before they take Nylander.

Vancouver is left with three options possibly 4. Ehlers, Ritchie, Nylander, Virtanen. I think Nylander is the best option for Vancouver. It just depends on what Benning and Linden want. Are they going to take the BPA, or are they going to take a player to fit the teams future style. Looking at past draft history, when Benning was drafting early in the first round he took high skill players (Seguin, Kessel) and drafted big and gritty players in the later rounds. Do we see this continue?

I do. Islanders will take Nylander.

Ehlers, Nylander are the best prospects of those four. Then Ritchie and then Virt.

I would have drafted Ehlers but it turns out I (as well as many of us) were wrong about the reports of Nylanders attitude and fitness. Since his showing at the combine, I now take Nylander but he wont be there.

Dal Colle , Daisraitl or (hopefully not) Bennett will be left over at #6. I am more than happy with the first two.

[Honky Cat]

I do. Islanders will take Nylander.

Ehlers, Nylander are the best prospects of those four. Then Ritchie and then Virt.

I would have drafted Ehlers but it turns out I (as well as many of us) were wrong about the reports of Nylanders attitude and fitness. Since his showing at the combine, I now take Nylander but he wont be there.

Dal Colle , Daisraitl or (hopefully not) Bennett will be left over at #6. I am more than happy with the first two.

Why don't you like Bennett Absent?

[saucypass]

Yes but you didnt think the Canucks would take him. Your man was Nick Ritchie.

How is it looking for him anyways?

Look, I like some of your posts Absent, but what does that have to do with anything? For the longest time I thought the Canucks were going to take Virtanen at 6 for sure but wanted to draft Ehlers. Doesn't mean that I'd rather have Virtanen at 6 over Ehlers. I just don't understand why you have so much beef with Minister.

[Honky Cat]

I hope the Canucks aren't planning on selling us on Nylander, considering how pitiful we've looked in the physicality department in recent years. Esp. this past season against SoCal teams.

Not to mention, Hello? Another probable Coho fiasco?

Nylander's a pick i'd do if we already had a bunch of blue-chippers in stock. We don't.

There are small skill guys to be had in every draft anyway. Derek Roy and Jason Pomminville, Benning picks, come to mind. There's nothing that indicates Benning prefers undersized guys just because of their skill. The average weight of his top picks is around 190lbs.

There is no track record of what Benning is going to pick as GM.....All I know is that he better pick the BPA regardless of size or nationality....To me,Nylander has Canucks written all over it ...He could be better than some of the guys in the top five..

[saucypass]

Strange... didn't someone say that there was a rumor that Gillis got canned after he started scouting Nylander? I mean I'm all for Nylander just not sure if he's going to get picked.

[Absent Canuck]

Look, I like some of your posts Absent, but what does that have to do with anything? For the longest time I thought the Canucks were going to take Virtanen at 6 for sure but wanted to draft Ehlers. Doesn't mean that I'd rather have Virtanen at 6 over Ehlers. I just don't understand why you have so much beef with Minister.

Dont worry about it. He knows why.

I dont see you running here BOASTING how you knew all along we would take Nylander now. In fact, you just admitted the truth. Just like I did. I wanted Ehlers and it turns out my information about Nylander was wrong so I bump him from my second choice to first. Let minister sit in his own crap. He made the bed, he lies in it now.

[Absent Canuck]

Why don't you like Bennett Absent?

I think his hype is unwarrented. Ehlers had a better year than Bennett and displayed all the same grit and everything else. He is the better prospect and Nylander is better than Ehlers.

I think Bennett is the most over rated prospect in the top 10. Its just my opinion .

There is no track record of what Benning is going to pick as GM.....All I know is that he better pick the BPA regardless of size or nationality....To me,Nylander has Canucks written all over it ...He could be better than some of the guys in the top five..

Gillman went to scout Ehlers and then went to Sweden? I am not sure how it went but I am not surprised at the interest. I dont think Gillis was canned over the scouting.

[TOMapleLaughs]

There is no track record of what Benning is going to pick as GM.....All I know is that he better pick the BPA regardless of size or nationality....To me,Nylander has Canucks written all over it ...He could be better than some of the guys in the top five..

I totally agree that Nylander has Canucks written all over him.

But that's why I'm hoping they select someone else.

Tired of the constant upselling on undersized guys based on non-transferable skill that isn't even elite to begin with.

[TOMapleLaughs]

He's a bit overhyped, but Bennett is clearly better than Ehlers and Nylander. Far less risk than the massively overhyped (at least here) Ehlers and Nylander.

[CRAZY_4_NAZZY]

Strange... didn't someone say that there was a rumor that Gillis got canned after he started scouting Nylander? I mean I'm all for Nylander just not sure if he's going to get picked.

Scouting Nylander had nothing to do with MG getting fired. Gillis was fired for being incompetent at his job to bring this team to where it should have been, making terrible mistakes with player management and failing to make this team competitive. Whether MG was scouting Nylander at the time he was fired has no relation to whether Nylander is a good player or not.

If someone links that together, than really they are taking it out of context.

[TOMapleLaughs]

Bottom line is that it would be a pretty big fail for the Canucks to draft a non-franchise, non-elite undersized talent in this draft, considering the growing importance of the so-called rebuild phase. Unless the plan is to continue being trounced by SoCal long-term. But if that's the plan, then part two of the plan would be to have plenty of empty seats for plenty of seasons.

The Canucks have more pressing needs than adding a non-franchise, non-elite undersized talent who's comparable to Shinkaruk in terms of upside, role and position. They should probably address them.

[Absent Canuck]

Scouting Nylander had nothing to do with MG getting fired. Gillis was fired for being incompetent at his job to bring this team to where it should have been, making terrible mistakes with player management and failing to make this team competitive. Whether MG was scouting Nylander at the time he was fired has no relation to whether Nylander is a good player or not.

If someone links that together, than really they are taking it out of context.

I give Gillis props for targeting Ehlers and Nylander.

Everyone already knew Nylander was top 3 in skill. It wasnt some kind of secret. At the beginning of the year some mocks had Nylander ranked #2. His drop revolved around his size, playing in Europe and supposed attitude problems. This was common knowledge last Christmas.

I am sure several teams sent scouts to look at him. I agree it had nothing to do with his firing.