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Eemil has the potential to be a top pairing defenseman who makes life absolutely miserable for the opponents top line. His high level anticipation allows him to have a very active stick that shuts down passing or shooting lanes very quickly. And if there is no play to break up, Eemil strategically places his stick into your kidneys.
Nate Leaman and his staff do an incredible job of preparing their players for professional hockey. He is very detailed orientated and his players know that to be successful at PC they need to focus on the little things that make a player (and team) successful in the long run. A huge plus for Patrick’s long term projection. So here is our report;
Lucas Mercuri (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Forward 2020 NHL Draft Right Wing Rankings, May 2020: Lucas was Neutral Zone’s 29th rated right wing in Neutral Zone’s 2020…
We think there are several players in the showcase who should be on the radar but nobody beyond the C+ range. We listed a few late 2002’s and 2003’s for next year’s draft class who are worth mentioning and keeping tabs on this season as well.
He plays like a punk. He yaps. He is in your face. He tells the refs that he’s being bullied and after he draws a penalty he laughs at you on the way to the bench. We’re not going to lie, it’s entertaining and we love it.
Braden is one of the few defensemen in this draft class who has the timing to go for the kill shot in open ice. I feel that with his size and strength he will be a National League defenseman for a long time. I feel with his leadership, undervalued puck skills and shutdown capabilities Braden is a top 10 selection.
I’m not sure how fast he is from goal line to goal line, but he is incredibly quick in tight areas and his lateral agility is excellent. There is zero doubt that Ozzy approached the game like a professional already and he has a relentless attitude when it comes to wining battles. He thrives in the give and go game where he uses his linemates to his advantage all over the ice.
Guhle is a smooth skating defenseman who can has the ability to make an impact at both ends of the ice. His stride is silky, and looks effortless to him. It’s long and he transitions well with good balance and solid edges. He likes to engage guys quickly and force opponents into hurried and uncomfortable plays.
Zary might be the most complete draft eligible forward in the WHL. He plays a massive role for his team as their top center, and is the first guy over the boards for penalty kills and power play opportunities.
Offensively I love how he generates time and space when playing without the puck and something that I feel is really important, Justin attacks the scoring area as a puck carrier. He improves his scoring chances and changes his shooting angle as well as anyone in the draft. He has a quick release and from the face-off dots in he is a threat to put the puck under the bar.
Neutral Zone’s Director of U.S. Scouting Brian Murphy: Lanky smooth skating right shot defenseman who makes plays with his head up and while his feet are moving. Is a weapon on the power play as he can walk the line quickly in either direction, has a hard accurate one timer, quick release on his snap shot and his shots do not get blocked.
Honestly, he’s fun to watch and I can see him being a third rounder who comes to his first NHL training camp with something to prove. He annoys the veterans in inter squad games, gets in a few exhibition games and the next thing you know Ridly’s playing NHL games and annoying the league.
In the offensive zone he is dangerous during the cycle game because he can extend plays with his poise or confidence, but the thing that stands out to me is his ability to make clever backhand sauce passes into really tight areas. There’s only a few guys in this draft that can use their backhands in all situations and Brendan is one.
I think he knows what he is and that is a shooter. His release is smooth and deceptive. Jacob doesn’t telegraph where his shot is going. He doesn’t need to settle the puck down when receiving a poor pass. It’s on his stick and it’s gone. His one-timer is gas, his quick release snapper is diesel and if you give him a split second in the slot he is going to score.
Neutral Zone NHL’s Donald Godreau, May 2020: Bauer is a physically punishing defender. He engages as much as he can all over the ice, and makes sure opponents think twice when they enter the offensive zone when he is on the ice.
Simon Knak (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward Neutral Zone NHL’s Donald Godreau, May 2020: Knak is a nice skater. He has a fluid stride and shows…
Neutral Zone NHL’s Donald Godreau, May 2020: Hanas has the offensive intangibles to be a threat at the next level. He has quick feet, plays with good speed, and is shifty in open ice. His quick edge work and agility make him hard to attack in open ice, and Hanas is the type of threat that given an extra second, he can be a nightmare.
Neutral Zone’s Canadian Director of Scouting Marlin Muylaert says “He does everything and makes it seem effortless because of his smooth and seamless skating. He zips around the ice with ease and makes plays at speed. His IQ is high and he has the ability to make all the players around him better.”
I also think his motor and overall skating ability will make him an incredibly high level penalty killer and shut down forward. Everyone is falling in love with the little buggers who can dance and there is zero doubt that Ryder can keep up and he might cherish such a role.
Neutral Zone’s Brendan Collins, May 2020: Sanderson is highly mobile, he can close in on opponents in only a few strides in any direction. He moves just as well laterally as he does forward or backwards, and he’s able to stop and shift his feet or pivot simultaneously and effortlessly. Offensively he…
The thing that’s really noticeable to me is how smooth Jack is for such a young kid. It’s a great combination because he’s one of the youngest players in the draft as well as one of the biggest. Anyway, he’s big and smooth which makes him a big time legitimate NHL prospect.