With the NHL Entry Draft now just a couple days away, I thought it might be fun to bring in an outside expert of sorts to give us some of his views on players the Senators could target in this weekend’s Draft. Craig Smith is a contributor over at the site Hockey Prospectus with a focus on OHL and QMJHL prospects and and knows a thing or two about the players available. You can follow Craig on Twitter at @Red_Vlkrieg or check out his stuff over on the Hockey Prospectus site. If all goes according to plan, Craig will join us again after the draft wraps up to provide a little bit of information on the players Ottawa ends up taking. Take it away, Craig!
The Ottawa Senators and the rest of the NHL will be converging at the home of the Florida Panthers on Friday, June 26th for the 2015 entry draft. The players profiled below are ranked in an area that could make them available for the Ottawa Senators.
Touted as potentially the deepest Draft since 2003, the Ottawa Senators hold three of the first 48 picks in the draft. Which means that the Senators will be adding some very nice pieces to their incredible stable of young talent.
Picks one and two overall are not going to come as a surprise to any hockey fan, whether it be a draft junkie or casual follower. The Edmonton Oilers will add Connor McDavid to the rest of their high end youthful talent up front. The Buffalo Sabres will get their silver medal for tanking in Jack Eichel. The third pick is where the speculation and wonder begins. Trying to mock or predict this draft beyond pick two is challenging and difficult. The draft has certain points where the talent groups can be grouped. The drop offs are at picks two, five, eight, 17, 35, 100 and 185. Senators own picks in Round 1-18, Round 2- 42, 2- 48, Round 4-109, Round 5-139, Round 7-199.
After several prospects were promoted last year the Senators organizational depth chart has changed dramatically outside the NHL. Who could the Senators be adding to a young developing core that from February on gave the fans a reason to get excited, lets find out.
The rankings used were created by the Hockey Prospectus prospect team. The team members are Ryan Wagman (Director), David McKnight (QMJHL), Benoit Roy (WHL), David Schellenberg (Europe), and Craig Smith (OHL/QMJHL). Follow Hockey Prospectus on twitter @HProspectus
The rankings can be found here
ROUND 1 Pick 18
- THE WISH LIST (Players who more than likely will be taken by the time that Ottawa announce their selection. Incase of a trade up or if someone falls. Here are the player that would make the staff smile and run to the podium.)
Nicholas Merkley
Team: Kelowna Rockets
Position: Right Wing
Shoots:Right
Height/Weight: 5.10/191
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 12
While helping the Kelowna Rockets to a WHL championship and Memorial Cup final appearance Nicholas Merkley ensured that anyone who was on the fence about his play became a supporter. Merkley accelerates to his above average top speed within the first few strides and does not ever slow down. This Rocket has a high compete level and intensity, one will never worry about Merkley “taking a shift off”. Merkley struggles when in possession down low and being pressed against the boards by larger defenders. His agility and lateral movement, along with quick turns allow Merkley to create separation and space to utilize his strongest asset, his passing. Merkley has great vision and passing skills. He looks to pass first as seen in the 70 assists on the season. Merkley, as he develops could fill an eventual void left by say a Clarke MacCarthur departure in the coming. years. Projection: Second Line Winger
Travis Konecny
Team: Ottawa 67’s
Position: Centre/Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 5.10 / 171
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 13
The MVP of the BMO Top Prospects game Travis Konecny had an outstanding second half of the season. No OHL player saw their points per game increase more than Konecny did in that second half. On the ice Konecny is an elite level skater. Speed, agility, balance, and acceleration, are all major assets of the 67’s captain. He is dynamic with the puck often getting past defenders with ease. Konecny has an array of moves to beat defenders of different sizes and skills. Don’t let the small stature fool you into thinking this is a soft player. Konecny has been known to throw thunderous hits on players much larger than him. He does not shy away from physical play. Konecny has a lethal snap shot, hard and accurate. Various ranking lists have Konecny ranked very differently. Some believe that his no fear, relentless approach to hockey will lead to multiple injuries. Some are concerned about the poor production at the beginning of the year. At both the NHL combine and the on ice testing at the top prospects game, Konecny has proved he takes this seriously and continues to work and get better. Konecny’s position versatility is also something to keep in mind. He has the ability to play all three forward positions. Something that may give him an edge in his tier of players. Another hometown hero stays in Ottawa ? Konecny would provide a dynamic offensive, game breaking talent that is lacking up front. Projection: First Line Winger
Evgeny Svechnikov
Bio
Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6.02 / 199
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 15
This Russian born forward had a very successful debut season in the QMJHL. Bryan Murray has stayed away from Russian born players in the past few drafts. The recent concerns about the KHL and the fact that Evgeny Svechnikov came over to play junior may have Murray feeling more comfortable this time. A strong player when in possession of the puck. It is a challenge for any defender to separate Svenchnikov from the puck. He protects the puck very well in the corners and behind the net using his strength, large frame, and very good skating technique to win one on one battles. Top flight skating and physical play when charging down the wing gives Svechnikov the image of a power forward. Hockey sense is very easy to spot when he is playing outside of his own zone. Offensively, Svechnikov has elite vision and timing. He knows when to be aggressive or when to show patience in letting a lane open. He attacks the defence of the other team well when they are attempting to exit their own zone. Svechnikov is willing to compete on defence but requires some coaching and development when it comes to positioning. Senators left wing depth is a weakness. Adding a potential 25 goal player to the left side would give the Senators a formidable top six unit. Projection: Top 6 Winger
- THE MOST LIKELY TO COME TRUE LIST (These are player ranked in the Senators area of the draft. Very strong possibility one of these players are still available)
Oliver Kylington
Team: Farjestads BK Karlstad
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6.00 / 180
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 18
The season for Oliver Kylington involved a lot of change.He played for different club teams, in two international tournaments and fell in most draft rankings. Confidence issues are generally attributed to a fall in Kylington’s play this season. Kylington started as a potential top 10 pick for the 2015 draft and has fell to mid/late second round selection according to some lists. Kylington is regarded as one of the best skaters in the draft. High praise considering the available talent. He is however the best skating defender in the draft. The passing skill is on par with the skating, which means the puck does not stay in the defending zone for a long time if Kylington is leading the charge. A very strong power play player, Kylington is willing to take some power off his shot to ensure it gets on net. He does have at least one flaw. There are some tendencies to give the puck away in dangerous areas. Weather it be attempting a high risk pass or just missing the pass completely its a risk reward game with Kylington, more reward than risk. Kylington would provide a eft hand shot on the top power pay unit with Karlsson and another player who can help increase the overall team speed. Sorry Sens fans this is not Erik Karlsson 2.0. He is a good prospect, but you will most likely not see Kylington winning Norris trophies in the future. Projection: Second Pairing Defender
Thomas Chabot
Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6.02 / 180
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 17
The slow start is a common them amongst mid to late first round picks. Thomas Chabot does nothing to correct this theme. Chabot started slow and then came on when fellow top ranked defensemen Jakub Zobril was injured. Stepping up and playing with multiple different partners and on both sides of the ice, Chabot rediscovered his game. Chabot joined Konecny as a stand out at the BMO Top Prospects Game. Great skating technique allows the big defender to move swiftly along the ice. Chabot has great instincts and timing. He consistently makes plays jumping up into the rush or intercepting passes in the neutral zone and transitioning to an attack. When skating with the puck it is normal to see an end to end rush. The point shot is not a big weapon. Chabot prefers to put the puck towards the net and hope for deflections or rebounds. Chabot needs to improve on his strength in order to reach his full potential as he can be physically overmatched against larger players. Defensive zone positioning is proper and correct. Big time upside from this Sea Dog defender. Expect 20 plus minuets a night in his future. Visioning Chabot and Ceci anchoring behind the top unit would be very attractive to the Senators. It would not be surprising if Chabot did join the Senators that he would one day start along side 65. Projection: Second Pairing Defender, potential for top unit.
Daniel Sprong
Team: Charlottetown Islanders
Position:Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 6.00 / 180
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 23
Daniel Sprong led the Charlottetown Islanders in scoring this season with an impressive 20 point lead over his next closest team mate. A dominant player with the puck on his stick. Very few players have speed and skill to match that of Sprong. Sprong could be a top ten pick in this draft if he had put in the effort of players like Merkley or Konecny. Hands like Patrick Kane, a comparison many people have made through out the year. He flies up the ice closing on defenders in a blink, forcing misplays. Sprong looks faster when in possession then with out, again pointing to a low complete level. Good accurate shot which forces goalies to make saves most of the time. One thing scouts would like to see is more shots from Sprong. Defensively Sprong is uninterested, when watching tape there are times where he is not visible on screen. Supporting the cliche defence is not skill it is will, the team that takes Sprong can only hope that he uses his elite skills at both ends. The Ottawa Senators have not had a player like Sprong up front in a long, long time. A pure speed burner who can pull fans out of their seats each time he has the puck.
- ROUND 2 Picks 42 & 48- For round two since the payers available are much less predictable and the Senators have two picks so close together, there will be profiles of the players who could be selected at 42 or 48.
Thomas Novak
Team: Waterloo Blackhawks
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6.01 / 179
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 42
Thomas Novak may be a player that requires more time prior to entering the NHL. Committed to playing at the University of Minnesota for the 2015 season, versus the USHL will assist in expediting Novak’s development. Novak posses the ability to beat defenders one on one, drive the net, and create offence. When on his game Novak moves at a very fast pace. There is some inconsistency in his game, which in part is why Novak falls to the second round. Accelerates to full speed quickly and can stick handle at the high speeds. Will need to add strength prior to entering the NHL. Creative when distributing the puck in addition to all the dangles. Novak is ranked as a early second in some lists. So outside chance he is not available With Novak the Senators could get the best player and restock the centre prospect cupboard. While a natural centre Novak could be a successful left wing at the pro level as well. Projection: Second Line Wing
Vince Dunn
Team: Niagara Ice Dogs
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6.00 / 187
Hockey Prospectus Rank: 44
Against the Ottawa 67’s in the playoffs Vince Dunn was a beast. Dunn scored 4 goals in game one of the series and continued to play well thought out the playoffs. Dunn does not shy away from claims that he is an offence first defensemen, he embraces it. He wears number four on his sweater because he wants to be like Bobby Orr and compares himself to Ryan Ellis of the Nashville Predators. Dunn is an offensive defensemen through and through. He can be reckless at times making poor decisions from a defensive mind set in order to make an outstanding offensive play. His skating ability is his best attribute. Fast and agile Dunn has no issues carrying the puck up ice. Passing and puck skills are other strengths that Dunn possess. He does see penalty killing time for the Ice Dogs despite he defensive deficiencies. an indicator that maybe the poorly rated defensive coverage is a sate of mind as opposed to a lack of hockey sense. Until he shows major improvement behind the blue line Dunn will be hard pressed to get even strength time in the NHL. Dunn would fit in on the third pairing and see powerplay time. Projection: Third Pairing defensemen.
- THIRD ROUND AND BEYOND (Round 4 Pick 109, Round 5 Pick 139, Round 7 Pick 199)
Some names of players to watch for as the Senators search for the next Daniel Alfredsson, Mark Stone, or Mike Hoffman.
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
Team: Omaha Lancers
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height/ Weight: 6.01/ 190
Hockey Prospectus Ranking: 75
Very nice player to watch. Not flashy but is very effective. Struggles with defensive positioning. Projection: Third Line
Connor Garland
Team: Moncton Wildcats
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height/ Weight: 5.08/ 163
Hockey Prospectus Ranking: 76
An overaged player who is reentering into the draft, Connor Garland is a feisty offensive player who is hoping that he does not get passed over like in 2014. Projection: Organizational Depth Player
Adam Marsh
Team: St John Sea Dogs
Position: Left WIng
Shoots: Left
Height/ Weight: 6.00/ 160
Hockey Prospectus Ranking: 112
Adam Marsh has one mission when he gets the puck, Shoot. He turns and goes up the ice quickly. Shot selection is not great, and defensive play leaves much to be desired. Projection: Third Line Scoring Wing
Samuel Dove-McFalls
Team: St John Sea Dogs
Position: Left WIng
Shoots: Left
Height/ Weight: 6.02/ 207
Hockey Prospectus Ranking: 173
Good skating smart player who will need to find a role as a penalty killer and checker to maintain an NHL career. Projection: Fourth Line
Jeremiah Addison
Team: Ottawa 67’s
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/ Weight: 6.00/ 182
Hockey Prospectus Ranking: 186
A favourite of Coach Kilrea, Addison has shown vast improvement as the season progressed. Has a chance to play if he keeps improving at this fast pace. Projection: Organizational Depth
