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Although Brendan has the makings to be a perfect late round flier this year it probably wont happen. But every NHL Scouting Department will have detailed notes on his improvements and he will be a player who NHL teams will be very interested in if he ends up making it to college free agency.
Jake has the versatility to be a type of player who can slide into a lot of roles up and down the line up. His upside is most likely a complimentary top six forward, but he has the physical tools and aptitude to be a solid checking forward.
As you can see in the chart, we feel Connor’s Feet are extraordinary. He can stop on a dime, accelerate to top speed in one stride and his turning radius is as tight as any player in the 2020 Draft
Garrett plays a pro style. What’s that mean? Finish checks. Hit the net. Pucks in and out at the lines. Block shots. Active stick in all defensive situations. Defensive side of the puck on 50-50s. Alive on the bench. These all seam like fairly easy things to do, but you would be surprised how many prospects (& parents for that matter) only care about the score sheet.
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 Sortiri Athanasopoulos, February 2020: The captain of the Voltigeurs is the heartbeat of this hockey team playing each shift like it’s his last. Tireless worker with a good motor allows him to keep plays alive and find loose pucks around the net.