On Wednesday January 8th we saw Charlottetown play Acadie–Bathurst Titan. Here are the Prospects who caught our eye Lukas Cormier (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Defense Cormier…
NHL Scouting Reports
Pair of Minnesota High School NHL Draft Prospects went Head to Head
A much anticipated game by Minnesota High School Hockey fans was finally played to open the “Tradition at the Park” holiday tournament. It was a clash of two top 5 ranked AA teams competing in a possible State Tournament preview. For NHL scouts it was a can’t miss game as it displayed the top 2 NHL draft able defensive prospects out of the state of Minnesota. Both Jake Ratzlaff (Rosemount HS) and Wyatt Kaiser (Andover HS) competed last Summer for Team USA in the Hlinka Gretzy Cup.
BCHL – Penticton Vees
On New Year’s Day we saw Penticton travel to Vernon for an afternoon tilt against the Vipers. We were very interested to see the progress in Danny Weight’s game and we left impressed with his growth as a player as well as his teammates Tristan Amonte, Evan McIntyre and Lukas Sillinge
QMJHL American Entry Draft
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League held it’s Drafts over the past week. There are a handful of prospects who will be legit NHL prospects in a few years. You may want to get to know them now.
USHL – Lincoln Stars NHL Prospects, why these 4 players are opening NHL eyes
Lincoln played Waterloo on December 7, 2019. Jordan Power, Zack Urdahl, Christian Sarlo & Travis Treloar all made positive impressions on Neutral Zone’s scouting staff. Here is a look back at a few previous evaluations on these players combined with our current evaluations to see why we feel these 4 players are getting NHL looks.
Getting to know Jack Schlifke
If we were running an NHL scouting department we would travel to Northwood to learn more about Jack and his habits. How committed is he in the weight room? Does he just go through the motions or is he an animal who realizes that he has intangibles that can not be taught? There is a lot to like about Jack. We would love to be part of an NHL development team and work with him because he has the makings to be a true power forward at the highest levels.
Casey Severo – The Process
This kid is smart and clever. He baits guys into turnovers by changing angles and having quick feet. He’s a 2 way player who wins draws and has a bullet.
Daemon Hunt – The Process
Neutral Zone Director of Scouting, Brendan Collins: A good puck moving defenseman, who has lots of poise in his game. On offense he has a heavy slap shot that he loves to get off on the power play. In transition, he is very alert with the puck and can make passes on the fly.
Brendan Gibbons – Long Term Watch List
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 Neighbours – The Process
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.
Connor McClennon – The Process
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 Szydlowski is worth paying attention to
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 Viro – The Finn who doesn’t let people fly
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.
Looking Back: Why Patrick Moynihan will be an NHLer
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 – The Process
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…
NAHL – NHL Prospects and Potential College Free Agents
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.
The B’s were deadly in Sweden
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 Schneider – The Process
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.
Ozzy Wiesblatt – The Process
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.
Kaiden Guhle – The Process
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.
Connor Zary – The Process
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.