2017 NHL Draft - Chicago, Illinois June 23-24 2017

[kenhodgejr]

Cody Glass has been one of the biggest risers on our NHL draft board. Ranked outside the first round to start the year; to top 20 in November; to top 10 in February; and finally 6th overall in this ranking. He has been the key offensive catalyst for the Portland Winterhawks this season, and shown off the type of offensive talent that just can not be denied.

Glass picked up 27 points in 65 games as a WHL Rookie, and while a lot more was expected of him this year, he has exceeded all expectations. While he played very limited minutes last year, he has been given a lot more responsibility on this year’s team. Glass has thrived, with 32 goals and 94 points in 69 games. He has added six points in five playoff games as Portland has taken a surprising 3-2 series lead on the Prince George Cougars.

 

Cody Glass Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #6

Center — shoots Right
Born Apr 1 1999 — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height 6’2″ — Weight 179 lbs [188 cm / 81 kg]

 

Skating

Cody Glass is a decent skater. Once he gets going, he shows very good speed. He could stand to work on his first step and his acceleration though. There is a bit of a short and jerky quality to his starts and it robs him of some quickness. If he can improve this area he will be even more dangerous. Glass has good agility and edge work, which helps him to be very elusive in the offensive zone. His balance and strength are also decent, but could be improved with more lower-body strength.

Offensive Game

Glass has good hands, with the ability to stick handle in tight spaces and make moves one-on-one. He protects the puck extremely well down low, extending plays and keeping possession. He shields the puck well, using his body to keep defenders away, while also having the good balance to fight through checks. Glass is good in board battles, and could be even better as he adds some muscle to his frame. He also has the passing skills and vision to make his linemates better and put up points. Glass is an creative play maker, finding a way to get the puck to a teammate, even when there doesn’t appear to be much of a lane to do so.

He also has a decent wrist shot and good release. Glass’ quick hands help him to finish plays in tight to the net. What really sets him apart offensively though is his hockey IQ.  He is almost always in the right spot or making the correct play with the puck.  He puts the puck into good areas, allowing a teammate to get it and make a play. Glass then finds an opening, and looks for a soft spot in the defense to get open for a return pass.

 

Defensive Game

Glass shows a very strong two-way game.  His hockey IQ translates to the defensive end of the ice, where he shows good positioning and excellent anticipation. A strong and active stick creates turnovers, which he quickly translates into offence. He also is willing to block shots. Glass can kill penalties, as well as being strong in the face-off circle.

 

Projection and Comparison

Glass could grow to be a top line centre if everything goes well. However, it is more likely that he becomes a top notch second line centre, with an excellent two-way game. The ability to provide offence, while also playing against other team’s top lines, and killing penalties is something that is always valuable and in high demand in the NHL. In terms of a stylistic, but not talent, comparison, Glass’ game reminds one of Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins.

Edited April 8, 2017 by kenhodgejr

[kenhodgejr]

Nolan Patrick has long been considered the best prospect in the 2017 NHL Draft. He has maintained that position for most of the year (though we had him at #2 in February), despite a myriad of injuries including a sports hernia that kept him out of the first half of the year and the World Junio Hockey Championships. He currently has a lower body injury that has kept him out of the Brandon Wheat Kings playoffs.

When he has played, he continues to dominate in the WHL with 20 goals and 46 points in just 33 games.  Patrick put up 41 goals and 102 points in 72 games in 2015-16, as well as 13 goals and 30 points in 12 playoff games as the Wheat Kings won the WHL Championship, and was named WHL Playoff MVP. Patrick is seen as a leader, he was named Captain of the Wheat Kings this season.

Nolan’s father Steve Patrick was a first round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, and had a journeyman’s NHL career playing in 250 NHL games. His uncle is James Patrick, a defenceman who spent many years in the NHL, mostly with the New York Rangers.

 

Nolan Patrick Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #1

Center — shoots Right
Born Sep 19 1998 — Winnipeg, MAN
Height 6’03” — Weight 198 lbs [191 cm / 90 kg]

 

Skating

Teams around the NHL are looking for the big franchise centre. Already 6’3″ tall, Patrick has excellent size and a strong and powerful skating stride. He gets good speed and acceleration, allowing him to create offensively off the rush and in the offensive zone. Patrick is powerful and can fight through checks and get to the net. He has good balance and is tough to knock off the puck. Patrick has decent agility and edge work, helping him to make quick cuts and take advantage of his strong puck handling skills.

 

Offensive Game

A natural sniper, Nolan Patrick has a tremendous wrist shot and quick release. He also has quick, soft hands and can bury chances in close to the net. His game is incredibly mature for his age. He has high end hockey IQ and always seems to make the right play both with and without the puck. Patrick has excellent vision and passing skills. He can put the puck through tight areas and make tape-to-tape passes for teammates. Patrick has the skill to make his linemates better. His long reach and quick hands make him a very good puck handler. He can extend plays, waiting for his teammates to get open. Patrick also has the ability to slow the play down, or speed it up, giving defenders one more thing to think about.

He can play both the power and the finesse game. Nolan Patrick works well down low, using his big body to shield the puck and to make plays in the cycle game. He can get in quickly on the forecheck and forces opposing defencemen to make a quick play, or make a mistake. Patrick’s big frame is quite intimidating in battles, both along the boards and in front of the net.

 

Defensive Game

He also plays a strong two-way game, and is even used to kill penalties. Patrick is a very smart player. His positioning is strong. He creates turnovers through good anticipation of what his opponents will do, as well as a quick stick. Patrick is also willing to support the defence down low. He is willing to get physically involved in all three zones.

Nolan Patrick is willing to drop the gloves to protect himself, or a teammate when necessary.

 

Comparison and Projection

While Patrick is not as good a prospect as the last two first overall picks, Connor McDavidand Auston Matthews; he still has potential to become a franchise centre. He might take a little longer to have the immediate impact that McDavid and Matthews have had, but he still could grow to be a very valuable player if he can reach his ceiling. Staying healthy will be key. He is reminiscent of Ryan Getzlaf in terms of playing style. This is not a talent comparison, but simply a stylistic one.

[kenhodgejr]

Casey Mittelstadt spent most of the 2015-16 season playing high school hockey. However, he impressed enough to get a spot on the American team for the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Tournament. A strong performance, seven points in four games, would lead to him being invited to join the US NTDP late in the season. He scored a point per game. Mittelstadt was also invited to the IIHF U18 World Championships. He had another impressive tournament, with nine points in seven games.

This year, Mittelstadt is again playing for his high school team, as well as for for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. In the USHL he has put up 12 goals and 29 points in 22 games in a season broken up into two segments by his high school commitments. He is committed to the University of Minnesota in 2017.  He is the recipient of this year’s Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award, given annually to the top high school player in the state. He was also the MVP of September’s USA Hockey All-American Top Prospects Game.

 

Casey Mittelstadt Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #5

Center — shoots Left
Born Nov 22 1998 — Eden Prairie, MN
Height 6’1″ — Weight 201 lbs [185 cm / 91 kg]

Skating

Mittelstadt is an outstanding skater. He has excellent top end speed, as well as the quick first step, and strong acceleration to take advantage of it. This strong skating allows Mittelstadt to get to loose pucks, and to play a strong two-way game. He has excellent agility and edgework, along with the the ability to make cuts on a dime. His ability to quickly change speeds is another weapon that he uses to beat defenders. Mittelstadt has decent balance on his feet. He could stand to add strength to his lower body, which would allow him to win board battles and to fight through checks at higher levels.

 

Offensive Game

Mittelstadt has excellent puck handling ability. He can beat defencemen one-on-one with a number of moves, and has the soft hands to stick handle in a phone both. He combines this with his skating ability to really create chances both on the rush or working down low. Mittelstadt is an excellent play maker who creates passing lanes with his quick puck movement, stops and starts, and deceptive moves. He only needs a small opening and can make difficult passes through tight spaces, or the tough saucer pass. Add to this excellent hockey sense, and the intelligence to make smart plays with the puck, and Mittelstadt makes his linemates better.

He can also be a goal score. Mittelstadt has a varied arsenal of shots. His wrist and snap shots both feature good power, accuracy, and a lightning quick release. He can score from further out with a good slapshot. Mittelstadt also has the soft hands to finish plays in close to the net, including rebounds and deflections.

 

Defensive Game

Mittelstadt’s defensive game has been good. He shows strong work ethic and a commitment to backchecking and being involved in supporting the defence down low. He has also shown a willingness to block shots, though could improve his timing and technique. Mittlestadt will also need to get physically stronger in order to help defend against the cycle game and support the defence.  He does have good positioning and anticipation, and can use his stick to create turnovers and start the transition game.

 

Projection and Comparison

Mittelstadt has the potential to be a top line centre in the NHL. He has some areas to work on but he has the skillset to lead a team, if he develops properly. There are some questions, generally about the level of competition he has faced to this point in his career, and how his game will translate at the next level. In terms of a comparison, he plays a similar style to Tyler Seguin. This is a stylistic comparison only though, and not an indication of talent level.

Edited April 8, 2017 by kenhodgejr

[kenhodgejr]

The second overall pick in the 2015 OHL Draft, Gabriel Vilardi has been a key cog for the Windsor Spitfires this season. He has played, and earned top line minutes, on a stacked club that is getting ready to host the 2017 Memorial Cup. In February, Vilardi missed some time due to an appendectomy, and it was clear that the Spitfires were hampered by his absence. He has picked up where he left off, and put up good numbers down the stretch and early into the OHL Playoffs. Vilardi has scored 29 goals and 61 points in 49 OHL games this season. Vilardi was part of the OHL White team that won a gold medal at the 2016 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, putting up four goals and seven points in six games.

Gabriel Vilardi Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #3

Center/Right Wing — shoots Right
Born Aug 16 1999 — Kingston, ONT
Height 6’2″ — Weight 193 lbs [188 cm / 88 kg

 

Skating

Gabriel Vilardi has decent, but not great speed. He uses it to get in quickly on the forecheck and cause problems by pressuring defenders to make quick decisions. If they do not move the puck quickly, he is able to punish them with a big hit. Vilardi also has a good first step and decent acceleration. He is more quick, than fast, which allows him to pounce on loose pucks in the offensive zone.

Vilardi has good balance and power in his stride. He protects the puck well down low on the cycle, and can fight through checks and take the puck to the front of the net.  His balance also helps him to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. It should continue to improve as he adds more lower body strength in the coming years Vilardi also has decent agility for a big man, helping him to avoid defenders, both with and without the puck.

 

Offensive Game

Vilardi has a very long reach and excellent puck handling ability. He uses these assets to extend plays and wait for teammates to get open, before hitting them with a pass. Vilardi has the vision and passing skill to be a solid playmaker, both off the rush and in the cycle game. Vilardi is constantly moving and getting involved in the play. He is extremely gritty and involved in battles along the boards, and in front of the net.

The power forward prospect also has a very good wrist shot and an excellent release. His shot is powerful and deadly accurate. He also has the hands to finish plays in tight to the net, scoring on rebounds, tip-ins and one-time plays. His hockey IQ is also above average. Vilardi makes smart plays with the puck, as well as understanding how to get open without it.

 

Defensive Game

Vilardi has shown a willingness to be involved in the play in all three zones. He shows great effort on the back check, and helps out the defenders down low. His positioning can be improved, but he has shown a willingness to work on and improve his game during his two years in the OHL. Vilardi has a lot of potential, but will need to keep working on this aspect of his game.

 

Projection and Comparison

Gabriel Vilardi has the potential to be a first line power forward in the NHL. He has played some centre during his OHL career, but most of our viewings have seen him at right wing. While there is some chance he could become a centre going forward, wing seems to be a more natural fit for him.

Vilardi’s game is reminiscent of Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks. This is a stylistic comparison only though, not a projection based on skill level.

Edited April 8, 2017 by kenhodgejr

[Camel Toe Drag]

A Tyler Seguin comparison sounds good to me. 

[kenhodgejr]

Says Vilardi is most likely to be a winger. 

[kenhodgejr]

Before the season started, there was some thought that Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren could challenge for the first overall spot in the 2017 NHL Draft. Things have not quite gone as planned. After a strong Ivan Hlinka tournament, where he put up four points in five games, Liljegren was diagnosed with mononucleosis before his domestic campaign could begin. When he did return, he was eased back into the Rogle lineup, even spending some time with their J20 team. He also spent some time on loan to Timra in the Allvenskan. Overall he has bounced around quite a bit this year.  That said, the skills he possesses still make him the best defenceman in this draft class. In other years he might have fallen farther, but with this relatively weak draft class, we still have Liljegren ranked fourth overall due to the upside that he possesses.  Liljegren is far and away the best defenceman in this class, a clear notch above the next group.

 

Timothy Liljegren Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #4

Defense — shoots Right
Born Apr 30 1999 — Kristianstad, Sweden
Height 6’0″ — Weight 192 lbs [180 cm / 87 kg]

 

Skating

Liljegren is an elite skater. He moves well both forwards and backwards, with excellent speed and acceleration. He also has very good edge work and pivots. As such he can cover a ton of ice. Liljegren can make offensive plays rushing the puck, or pinching in at the blue line; but still has the speed to get back defensively. He also has good balance and lower body strength. This helps him to win his battles along the boards and in front of the net. When carrying the puck, he is tough to knock off of it.

 

Offensive Game

Liljegren has the poise and smarts to quarterback a power play. He has excellent vision, and makes good passes to set things up at the line. Liljegren finds the open man and makes tape-to-tape passes through tight areas. He can also make the long breakout pass to hit a teammate streaking through the neutral zone. Liljegren is a very good stick handler. He can move the puck out of danger, and avoid fore checkers when starting the transition game. He also has the ability to make plays leading the rush or to join the rush as a trailer. Liljegren’s has high hockey IQ, as he makes almost always makes the smart play with the puck.

Liljegren also has an excellent shot. His slapshot has great power, and the has the ability to get it through traffic and on net. He can really hammer a laser when he is given a good pass for a one-timer. He also can vary things up with a quick release and accurate wrist shot. Liljegren usually keeps his shot low, looking for teammates to get deflections and rebounds.

 

Defensive Game

Liljegren’s defensive game is very advanced for an 18-year-old, however there is still plenty of room to improve. He uses his strong skating ability and quick feet to contain his opponent and maintains good gap control. His stick is quick and he can create turnovers through poking a puck away from an opponent or through intercepting a pass. Liljegren could stand to be a bit more physical though. He’s He already has decent muscle mass, but could add a little more.

 

Projection and Comparison

After a rough season, Liljegren will need some development time. It is unlikely that he will be ready to step into the NHL immediately. There is real upside here though, and Liljegren could become a top pair NHL defenceman if he continues to improve his game. In terms of a stylistic (but not talent based) comparison, he resembles Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes.

[kenhodgejr]

Nico Hischier has been rising up the rankings all season long. Drafted 6th overall by the Halifax Mooseheads in the CHL Import Draft, the Swiss sensation lit up the QMJHL in his rookie season. He scored 38 goals and 86 points in just 57 games. He also did well in the World Junior Championships, putting up seven points in just five games. Hischier has been dynamic all season long. He capped it off by outperforming Nolan Patrick in a head-to-head meeting at the CHL Top Prospects Game. He already has experience playing against men, with 15 games for Bern in the Swiss A League last season.

Hischier had risen all the way up to number one in our February Rankings, but drops one spot in our final rankings, as he did seem to fade just a bit down the stretch.

 

Nico Hischier Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #2

Center — shoots Left
Born Jan 4 1999 — Naters, Switzerland
Height 6’1″ — Weight 174 lbs [185 cm / 79 kg]

 

Skating

Hischier is a very good skater. He has a very quick first step and excellent acceleration. His top end speed is good, but not great; but he makes up for it with his quickness and ability to quickly change speeds. Defenders must respect his skating ability as he can quickly turn on the jets and beat them wide one-on-one and drive to the net. He also has excellent agility, as well as great edge work. This creates even more problems for defenders, both off the rush, and when he works in the cycle game. Hischier has good balance and a low centre of gravity, allowing him to win board battles, and work down low in the cycle game.

 

Offensive Game

Hischier is a playmaker, with outstanding vision and passing ability. He has excellent hockey sense, and anticipates his teammates movements in the offensive zone. Hischier almost always makes the smart play with the puck, and he finds openings in the defence when he doesn’t have it. His skating, along with quick hands, allow him to avoid defenders and make him very elusive when working the puck in the offensive zone. Hischier’s ability to make plays with the puck, while moving at top speed is something that is pretty rare to see in a 17-year-old. His stickhandling is amongst the best in this draft class.  He can deke players in a phone booth, and his puck control and protection is incredible.

Hischier can score goals with his quick hands in tight to the net, and a very quick release on his wrist and snap shots. He has good accuracy and power on his wide arsenal of shots. Hischier also has a very high work ethic, he never seems to stop working during a shift. Size is the biggest concern at this point. Hischier will need to add muscle to his frame before moving to the next level.

 

Defensive Game

Hischier’s defensive game is well-rounded given his age. He is strong positionally, and anticipates well.  When he creates turnovers, with his active stick, he is able to quickly transition the puck and create an offensive chance. He also is very good in the face-off circle.

 

Projection and Comparison

Hischier has the potential to be a first line player in the NHL, however he may need a bit more time to develop. He very well could use a season in the AHL (and as a player on loan to Halifax from Switzerland, would be eligible to go there next year), before being NHL ready. In terms of a comparison, and this is a style comparison and not a talent one; Hischier’s game is reminiscent of Pavel Datsyuk.

[kenhodgejr]

Elias Pettersson is playing in the Allvenskan, and has had a tremendous year with 19 goals and 41 points in 43 games for Timra IK. Petterson added six points in three playoff games, but it was not enough to help Timra advance to the SHL next season. He was also very good at the 2016 Under 18s with eight points in seven games, and looked good at World Junior tryout camps, making the Swedish team. During the tournament itself, he was much more dangerous than his statline of just one assist in six games shows.

His brother, Emil Pettersson, was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL draft, and is playing in the SHL.

 

Elias Pettersson Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #8

Center/Right Wing — shoots Left
Born Nov 12 1998 — Sundsvall, Sweden
Height 6’2″ — Weight 161 lbs [188 cm / 73 kg]

 

Skating

Pettersson is a good skater. His top end speed and acceleration are both very good, but there is still room to improve as well. The best part of his skating though is his agility and edge work. Pettersson can stop and cut on a dime, and make a number of moves that can help him to get past a defender. His balance and power leave something to be desired, though that is likely due to his slender frame. If he can add lower body strength, he would be better on the boards, and at fighting through checks.

 

Offensive Game

Pettersson has a very good frame, but really needs to bulk up. He has very good offensive instincts and makes smart plays with the puck. His hockey IQ is his biggest weapon, as it seems that Pettersson almost always makes the right play with the puck on his stick. Pettersson is very good at give-and-go type plays, dishing the puck and then skating to open ice. He shows off his intelligence by spotting the open areas of the ice, and getting himself open to make plays.

His stick handling and puck possession are also extremely good, and he can create plays off the rush or in the offensive zone. He can make plays with the puck while moving at top speed. He also controls the puck well down low, but this is an area where the added bulk will really be needed before he moves to the next level. Pettersson shows a very good work ethic. He is tenacious in puck pursuit, and with his forechecking, despite his slender fram. Pettersson is also extremely hard to stop if he gets a defenceman one-on-one. He also has excellent vision and passing skills. To top it off, he has a strong and accurate wrist shot and quick release.

 

Defensive Game

Pettersson’s work ethic extends to all three zones. He continues his relentless pursuit of the puck into the neutral and defensive zones. He brings excellent back pressure and supports the defence down low. Pettersson has very good hockey IQ, and is rarely caught out of position. At the international level, he has been used on the penalty kill, showing a willingness to block shots as well.

 

Projection and Comparison

While Pettersson is a very good player, he is not yet close to being NHL ready. He needs to pack on serious muscle to his slender frame and continue to work on his top end speed and acceleration. There are a number of very good tools here though, and Pettersson has the potential to become a top line centre in the NHL. However, it may be more realistic to see him top out as a very good second liner. Petterson’s style is reminiscent of Henrik Zetterberg, but this is not a talent comparision.

[kenhodgejr]

Playing in the AJHL, defenceman Cale Makar is flying under the radar to most hockey fans. However, he had a real coming out part at the 2016-17 World Junior A Hockey Championship, where he was a tournament all-star. Makar captained Team Canada West, and scored four goals and four assists in just four games. He was also part of the 2015-16 team that won the gold medal in the tournament, though he was in a lesser role. Add in a tournament MVP, top defenceman, and tournament top scorer with seven points in five games at the 2016 RBC Cup, and Makar is not flying under the radar when it comes to the scouts. He is committed to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst next season.

 

Cale Makar Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #9

Defense — Shoots Right
Born Oct 30 1998 — Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Height 5’11 — Weight 179 lbs [181 cm / 81 kg]

 

Skating

Makar is a little undersized, but has impressed with outstanding skating ability.  He is quick in both directions.  He has very good speed, and acceleration. However, it is in his agility and edge work where he really shines. Makar has excellent lateral mobility and can cover a ton of ice. His pivots are crisp and clean, allowing him to cover 360 degrees of ice. He can pinch deep, or join the rush, and also get back defensively in the AJHL. While Makar may not be able to take quite as many chances at higher levels of hockey, his skating skill should continue to be a big advantage in his game. Makar also has very good core strength and balance, making him tough to knock off the puck.

 

Offensive Game

Makar can be an offensive force. He has a very good wrist shot, as well as a decent slap shot. A bit more strength on his frame could make that slapshot an even bigger weapon in his aresenal. Makar’s skating and lateral agility allow him to walk the line, and open up passing and shooting lanes. He understands how to get his shot through traffic, as well as how to keep it low and on net. This helps his teammates to set up screens, capitalize on rebounds, and make deflections. He also has excellent stickhandling abilities and can rush the puck from end to end. Makar can also join the rush as a trailer, picking good opportunities to add offense from the back end.

Makar is a very intelligent player. He shows high hockey IQ and makes smart plays both with and without the puck. Add in strong passing skills and excellent vision; and Makar is a threat to generate a scoring chance nearly every time he touches the puck.

 

Defensive Game

Makar is strong positionally, and effective in gap control. He takes away opponents time and space, and angles them well to the outside. He also has a quick stick, allowing him to poke check opponents and to create turnovers. Once he has the puck, he transitions it quickly out of his zone and starts the attack. Makar isn’t the most physical defenceman though. He could stand to add some muscle to his frame, in order to compete against the bigger, stronger players he will face at higher levels.

 

Projection and Comparison

Makar has the skill to be a top pairing defenceman in the NHL. The major question marks on him right now are all about how well his game will translate at higher levels. He is an absolute dominant player in the AJHL though, and if he continues to develop, his ceiling is very high.  In terms of a comparison, and this is stylistic, and not talent based, Makar plays the game like Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators.

[Camel Toe Drag]

Staaahhhhp. We get it man. 

[kenhodgejr]

2017 NHL Entry Draft Final Rankings

#1 Nolan Patrick, Centre, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
#2 Nico Hischier, Centre, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
#3 Gabriel Vilardi, Centre/Right Wing, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
#4 Timothy Liljegren, Defence, Rogle IK, SHL
#5 Casey Mittelstadt, Centre, Green Bay Gamblers, USHL
#6 Cody Glass, Centre, Portland Winterhawks, WHL
#7 Owen Tippett, Right Wing, Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
#8 Elias Pettersson, Centre/Right Wing, Timra IK, Hockey Allsvenskan
#9 Cale Makar, Defence, Brooks Bandits, AJHL

 

 

I think we will be picking 4th based on my results with the simulator. I think this list is pretty accurate. We will have our choice of Liljegren, Mittelstadt, Glass etc. 

 

After reading the scouting reports, If we can't get Patrick I would take Mittlestadt as my next center. 

 

But based on where our team is I would pick Liljegren at 4. Defence man take longer to develop. When him and Juolevi are ready to be impactful NHL players we will have had a couple more seasons to pick up quality top 6 forwards. 

Edited April 8, 2017 by kenhodgejr

[JustABandwagoner]

59 minutes ago, kenhodgejr said:

Cody Glass has been one of the biggest risers on our NHL draft board. Ranked outside the first round to start the year; to top 20 in November; to top 10 in February; and finally 6th overall in this ranking. He has been the key offensive catalyst for the Portland Winterhawks this season, and shown off the type of offensive talent that just can not be denied.

Glass picked up 27 points in 65 games as a WHL Rookie, and while a lot more was expected of him this year, he has exceeded all expectations. While he played very limited minutes last year, he has been given a lot more responsibility on this year’s team. Glass has thrived, with 32 goals and 94 points in 69 games. He has added six points in five playoff games as Portland has taken a surprising 3-2 series lead on the Prince George Cougars.

 

Cody Glass Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #6

Center — shoots Right
Born Apr 1 1999 — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height 6’2″ — Weight 179 lbs [188 cm / 81 kg]

 

Skating

Cody Glass is a decent skater. Once he gets going, he shows very good speed. He could stand to work on his first step and his acceleration though. There is a bit of a short and jerky quality to his starts and it robs him of some quickness. If he can improve this area he will be even more dangerous. Glass has good agility and edge work, which helps him to be very elusive in the offensive zone. His balance and strength are also decent, but could be improved with more lower-body strength.

Offensive Game

Glass has good hands, with the ability to stick handle in tight spaces and make moves one-on-one. He protects the puck extremely well down low, extending plays and keeping possession. He shields the puck well, using his body to keep defenders away, while also having the good balance to fight through checks. Glass is good in board battles, and could be even better as he adds some muscle to his frame. He also has the passing skills and vision to make his linemates better and put up points. Glass is an creative play maker, finding a way to get the puck to a teammate, even when there doesn’t appear to be much of a lane to do so.

He also has a decent wrist shot and good release. Glass’ quick hands help him to finish plays in tight to the net. What really sets him apart offensively though is his hockey IQ.  He is almost always in the right spot or making the correct play with the puck.  He puts the puck into good areas, allowing a teammate to get it and make a play. Glass then finds an opening, and looks for a soft spot in the defense to get open for a return pass.

 

Defensive Game

Glass shows a very strong two-way game.  His hockey IQ translates to the defensive end of the ice, where he shows good positioning and excellent anticipation. A strong and active stick creates turnovers, which he quickly translates into offence. He also is willing to block shots. Glass can kill penalties, as well as being strong in the face-off circle.

 

Projection and Comparison

Glass could grow to be a top line centre if everything goes well. However, it is more likely that he becomes a top notch second line centre, with an excellent two-way game. The ability to provide offence, while also playing against other team’s top lines, and killing penalties is something that is always valuable and in high demand in the NHL. In terms of a stylistic, but not talent, comparison, Glass’ game reminds one of Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins.

I skimmed thru this very briefly so kinda another Horvat? 

[kenhodgejr]

2 minutes ago, DontMessMe said:

I skimmed thru this very briefly so kinda another Horvat? 

yes

 

[AlwaysACanuckFan]

Outside the top 2, my list of prospects  I'd be happy with.

1) Hirschier

2) Patrick

3) Vilardi

4 ) Mittelstadt

5) Liljegren

6) Necas
 

[spook007]

 

Double post

 

Edited April 8, 2017 by spook007

[spook007]

13 hours ago, ForsbergTheGreat said:

Same can be said if he drafts 1st overall only too watch a 3rd or 4th overall become better.  He's in a hit a home run or be in trouble type situation already.. Not an easy job.  I have faith in his scouting ability that he will make the right call.

 

 

Yes, but at least he didn't go against the grain, which can make it easier for people to accept.

 

Agree that he needs this pick to pan out. GM's live and dies by the sword, but with a reputation of being good at evaluating talent, probably even more so.

Not an easy job at all, but hopefully he will do good.

 

And if he can pull a rabbit or two out the hat at the same time, we could be flying within a few year.

 

 

 

13 hours ago, Sugar baby watermelon said:

Wow those are some high expectations for JB to live up to!!  regardless if HR or not, I think JB will be just fine, the talent he has brought in after dealing with GMMGs mess has been awesome.  I think the owners and TL will see what he can do with this draft and he will surprise yet again.

Nah not really.

The point is that if the whole world think Hircher and Nolan are the two stand out players in this draft, choosing one of those would make it easier to stomach, if they don't become good players.

However if JB trades down, and the player he choses doesn't pan out, you can be sure, he will feel the heat.

 

I have faith in JB to do the right thing, after all, this was, what was supposed to be his force.

 

But we really need his first round pick to pan out.

Edited April 8, 2017 by spook007

[spook007]

.

Edited April 8, 2017 by spook007

[PuckYa]

8 hours ago, J.R. said:

 

Here's a scenario to mull over...

 

We're sitting at #2, Patrick's stock has fallen leading up to the draft and Hischier goes #1...still take Patrick at #2?

Those 2 sound good but I'd be more than thrilled to land  6'3'' 200+ pound'r  Gabriel Vilardi. 

Also a year younger than Nolan Patrick.

 

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2017/NHL-Draft-Profiles/Gabriel-Vilardi

 

http://lastwordonsports.com/2017/03/31/gabriel-vilardi-scouting-report-2017-nhl-draft-3/

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/gabriel-vilardi-driven-to-rise-higher-in-nhl-central-scouting-rankings/c-287274820

 

Gabriel Vilardi Profile

 

 

Gabriel Vilardi

Ht/Wt: 6' 3"/201 lbs
Position: C
Team: Windsor (OHL)


 

Gabriel Vilardi's Player Profile

Mike Morreale - Mar. 20th: ""The enhanced stats tell us [Vilardi] is the engine on this team because whoever plays with him, their Corsi numbers go straight up and are increased," [Windsor coach Rocky] Thompson said. "Without him, they drop significantly. We've had a ton of injuries this year so it's been a revolving door with our lines but the one common theme has been Vilardi's ability to make the players with him even better.""

Jeff Marek of Sportsnet - Mar. 8th: "Probably Windsor’s most consistent player this season. Plays wing, but is a natural centre and has played a few games at that position. Almost a full year younger than Nolan Patrick."

ISS Hockey - Mar. 6th: "Starting to heat up with 14 points in 10 games during February -- just in time for the playoffs."

ISS Hockey - Feb. 6th: "Always been blessed w/size but his skill level & maturity has grown in leaps & bounds."

Mike Morreale NHL.com - Jan. 20th: "A puck-possessing workaholic with skilled hands and outstanding awareness. A right-shot forward, Vilardi (6-3, 201) has excellent hockey sense and puck-handling ability, is very composed with the puck and able to influence the game in all three zones."

Future Considerations: "A dynamic and often brilliant offensive attacker…has skilled hands and outstanding awareness…looks to set up his linemates with timely passes, but can also finish off the play when the opportunity is there…has nice size and uses it to protect the puck…has a quick jump and agility on his feet, but is not really a speed demon screaming up the ice…plays aggressively both when his team does and does not have the puck; often hunting it down and stripping it from his opponent."

Dennis Schellenberg Hockey Prospectus - Nov. 9th: "Vilardi has both great playmaking skills as well as the ability to finish off plays using his hard and accurate wrist shot. Due to his size, he is hard to separate from the puck and uses his long reach to protect the puck successfully. "

 

 

Edited April 8, 2017 by CoolCanucklehead

[shiznak]

1 hour ago, DontMessMe said:

I skimmed thru this very briefly so kinda another Horvat? 

Glass' style sort of reminds me of Logan Couture.

 

When Horvat was drafted, no one expected his offense to translate to the NHL, and people saw him more of a defensive specialist (ie: Jordan Staal). IMO, Glass has more offensive flare, than Horvat when he was drafted.