kreidertime
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All in all, this draft concerned me. I saw what the Giants did under Reese in this draft. Seems like the team took a bunch of guys, nobody ever fucking heard of early and acted like they knew more than everybody else. I have always praised Clark but they better be right on this. If this draft turns out to be crap, everybody needs to be fired. They drafted a couple of young players that were still 17. Seems like they were trying to duplicate the Chytil pick. Gorton said he had the goalie rated first by a long shot. One thing I do know is we have the best goalie coach in the world by a long shot. So that pick I have to trust.
Vitali Kratsov
Skating
Kravtsov is an excellent skater. He has good speed and acceleration. He can take a defenceman wide off the rush and cut to the front of the net. His ability to change speeds is a weapon on the rush. It is also something that Kravtsov has taken better advantage of as the season has gone on. He can slow the play down to create space from defenders, and open up passing and shooting lanes, or get a step on a defender, drop his shoulder and cut into the front of the net. Kravtsov also has good agility and edge work. This makes him dangerous in one-on-one situations. He already shows good power in his lower body, as he is tough to knock off the puck, and can fight through checks.
Offensive Game
Kravtsov is a skilled offensive player. He pairs his great skating ability with outstanding hands. He can stickhandle in a phone booth. This makes him absolutely deadly in one-on-one situations. The best part of his game is that he can make all these moves and handle the puck while moving at top speed. If defenders back off to respect his speed and stickhandling, he has a deadly arsenal of shots that he can put on net. Kravtsov has a very good wrist shot and snapshot. Both shots feature a quick release. With the hands to also score in tight, he’s a natural sniper.
Kravtsov also has the vision and passing skill to be a playmaker off the wing, though he is more of a shoot first player. If there is a criticism of Kravtsov’s offensive game, it is that he does not always make the best decisions with the puck. He can skate himself into trouble by trying to do it all himself or to dangle too many defenders at once. He could stand to smarter with the puck and keep it moving, utilizing linemates more effectively.
Defensive Game
Kravtsov’s defensive game is good for his age. He works hard on the backcheck and tries hard to cover his man at the point and battle for loose pucks on the boards. Kravtsov brings back pressure and works to cut down passing and shooting lanes. When a turnover is created, he is quick to transition to offence and create chances.
Projection and Comparison
Kravtsov has the potential to be a top-six winger in the NHL but has some areas of his game that need refinement. The natural skill is definitely there and makes him a real boom-or-bust prospect. He’s shown his high-end offensive ability and has had one of the best KHL playoff runs by a teenager, ever. Kravtsov’s game is reminiscent of Alex Kovalev, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on talent or potential.
Love the scouting report on this kid. Big, nasty, physical defenseman. Understand now why they traded up to take him.
K'Andre Miller
Offensive Game
Miller’s skating ability is combined with good puck handling skills. It is easy to see why he was a forward for so long. He can skate the puck out of danger, and start the transition game by leading the rush. He also makes a good first pass to start the transition game. If there is a criticism it is that Miller plays a game that is almost too conservative at this point. He picks his spots for when to get involved in the offence but seems to wait for a near perfect opportunity. There are times he could push the play more and does not. However, this is an area that has really improved.
Miller’s passing skills translate to playing at the point in the offensive zone. He has the vision and playmaking ability to set up teammates. Miller creates passing and shooting lanes with his quick feet and good agility. Miller’s shot is accurate and he has a good release on his wrist shot but lacks the power in his slap shot to be a big-time scorer from the point. He is more of a quarterback at the point than a trigger man.
Defensive Game
K’Andre Miller is aggressive and physical in his own end of the ice. His skating allows him to maintain good gap control on the rush, and take his man out in one-on-one situations. When playing down low, there are still some issues with his positioning and instincts, but these continue to get better. The skills are there, but he will need to continue to refine his game.
Miller is a bruising, defensive–minded defenseman…solid mobility for his size, and he does not have any issues getting up and down the ice when already moving…can have some heavy boots when starting and stopping, defending against more agile attackers but handles them by being physical and using his length…communicates well with teammates and plays responsibly in his own zone…great awareness of his defensive zone and quick decision-making ability…does not hesitate to shoot the puck when he has a lane, and his booming shot is his most dangerous offensive weapon…gets good velocity on one-timers…dishes powerful and accurate tape-to-tape passes…a confident puck carrier who does not shy away from doing so…at his best when he keeps it simple…a nasty customer around the net and is physically intimidating…a solid defensive presence while still learning the position after switching to defense from forward a couple season ago…has NHL middle-pairing, physical, defensive defenseman written all over him. - Future Considerations
Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward.
Watching Miller smother in one end and skate effortlessly in the other makes me think his learning curve is not steep at all — he plays a clean, composed game in his own zone and looks fantastic when he’s unbridled. Miller can be physically intimidating, and his strong lower half makes rubbing out forwards of any size look easy. One thing to consider is that this group of NTDP defensemen is deep with offensively-gifted puck movers, so it’s natural for a cerebral kid like Miller to focus on his defensive-zone play and act decisively with the puck only when the opportunity makes sense. This type of approach reduces haphazard tendencies to a bare minimum. Choosing your favorite draft-eligible defensemen from this year’s version of the under-18 NTDP is a lot like being asked to pick your favorite child, but don’t be surprised if a less-heralded kid like Miller has the best NHL career out of any from his defense corps. - Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Nils Lundkvist
Skating
Lundkvist is a good skater. He has very good speed, and excellent acceleration in his forwards skating. Moving backwards is not quite as good, but still well above average. His edge work and agility are very good, as he can change directions and make quick cuts. Lundkvist has strong pivots and this allows him to transition from offence to defence quickly, and vice-versa. He could stand to work on his lower body strength. This would give him better balance and allow him to be stronger on the puck, and in battles in the corners and in the front of the net.
Offensive Game
Lundkvist is skilled with the puck on his stick. He can skate the puck out of danger as well as lead the rush in the transition game. Lundkvist has poise at the point on the power play. He controls the play and can move laterally to create passing and shooting lanes. He sees the ice well, and has the passing skill to make plays from the point, to make the first pass in transition, as well as to make the long breakaway passes.
Lundkvist is much more comfortable as a play maker than as a shooter. When he does get a shot, its often by sneaking in from the point and taking a shot from the top of the faceoff circles. He has a good wrist shot with a quick release. However, Lundkvist lacks power on his slap shot and one-timer. He will need to work on these. Some added upper body strength can help, but he is likely to always be more of a play maker than a shooter on the point.
Defensive Game
Lundkvist’s lack of size can be an issue in his own end. He can be overpowered by bigger, stronger forwards. He is willing to engage in the corners and in front of the net, but is limited. Again this is an area where added muscle mass will help him. He is good at retrieving loose pucks and moving them up the ice quickly. He also is well-positioned and has a quick stick that can poke the puck away from an attacker.
Projection and Comparison
Lundkvist could develop into a top four defenceman, capable of moving the puck quickly and adding some offence. He needs time to add some strength, and to continue to work on his slap shot and his backwards skating. Lundkvist will likely spend another season or two in Sweden before coming over to North America, and the team drafting him should be patient with his development. If things go well they could add a real weapon in a league that is moving more and more towards speed and skill on the blueline every year. Lundkvist’s game is reminiscent of Tomas Kaberle, though this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent.
Jakob Ragnarsson
No clue. Couldn't find crap on him.
Ol0f Lindbolm
Couldn't find crap on him
Joey Keane
Couldn't find crap on him
84.) Nico Gross, Defence, Oshawa Generals, OHL, 6’1″, 183 lbs
Gross is an excellent skater, and this leads to a solid two-way game. He is particularly quick going backwards and pairs this with excellent agility. Gross pairs this with good hockey smarts, leading to outstanding gap control and positioning. He is very tough to beat in one-on-one situations. Gross is physical in the corners and in front of the net but needs to add upper-body strength. Offensively he skates the puck up the ice well and makes a good first pass, as well as being able to quarterback the play from the point. He must get more consistent with his offensive game though.
Vitali Kratsov
Skating
Kravtsov is an excellent skater. He has good speed and acceleration. He can take a defenceman wide off the rush and cut to the front of the net. His ability to change speeds is a weapon on the rush. It is also something that Kravtsov has taken better advantage of as the season has gone on. He can slow the play down to create space from defenders, and open up passing and shooting lanes, or get a step on a defender, drop his shoulder and cut into the front of the net. Kravtsov also has good agility and edge work. This makes him dangerous in one-on-one situations. He already shows good power in his lower body, as he is tough to knock off the puck, and can fight through checks.
Offensive Game
Kravtsov is a skilled offensive player. He pairs his great skating ability with outstanding hands. He can stickhandle in a phone booth. This makes him absolutely deadly in one-on-one situations. The best part of his game is that he can make all these moves and handle the puck while moving at top speed. If defenders back off to respect his speed and stickhandling, he has a deadly arsenal of shots that he can put on net. Kravtsov has a very good wrist shot and snapshot. Both shots feature a quick release. With the hands to also score in tight, he’s a natural sniper.
Kravtsov also has the vision and passing skill to be a playmaker off the wing, though he is more of a shoot first player. If there is a criticism of Kravtsov’s offensive game, it is that he does not always make the best decisions with the puck. He can skate himself into trouble by trying to do it all himself or to dangle too many defenders at once. He could stand to smarter with the puck and keep it moving, utilizing linemates more effectively.
Defensive Game
Kravtsov’s defensive game is good for his age. He works hard on the backcheck and tries hard to cover his man at the point and battle for loose pucks on the boards. Kravtsov brings back pressure and works to cut down passing and shooting lanes. When a turnover is created, he is quick to transition to offence and create chances.
Projection and Comparison
Kravtsov has the potential to be a top-six winger in the NHL but has some areas of his game that need refinement. The natural skill is definitely there and makes him a real boom-or-bust prospect. He’s shown his high-end offensive ability and has had one of the best KHL playoff runs by a teenager, ever. Kravtsov’s game is reminiscent of Alex Kovalev, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on talent or potential.
Love the scouting report on this kid. Big, nasty, physical defenseman. Understand now why they traded up to take him.
K'Andre Miller
Offensive Game
Miller’s skating ability is combined with good puck handling skills. It is easy to see why he was a forward for so long. He can skate the puck out of danger, and start the transition game by leading the rush. He also makes a good first pass to start the transition game. If there is a criticism it is that Miller plays a game that is almost too conservative at this point. He picks his spots for when to get involved in the offence but seems to wait for a near perfect opportunity. There are times he could push the play more and does not. However, this is an area that has really improved.
Miller’s passing skills translate to playing at the point in the offensive zone. He has the vision and playmaking ability to set up teammates. Miller creates passing and shooting lanes with his quick feet and good agility. Miller’s shot is accurate and he has a good release on his wrist shot but lacks the power in his slap shot to be a big-time scorer from the point. He is more of a quarterback at the point than a trigger man.
Defensive Game
K’Andre Miller is aggressive and physical in his own end of the ice. His skating allows him to maintain good gap control on the rush, and take his man out in one-on-one situations. When playing down low, there are still some issues with his positioning and instincts, but these continue to get better. The skills are there, but he will need to continue to refine his game.
Miller is a bruising, defensive–minded defenseman…solid mobility for his size, and he does not have any issues getting up and down the ice when already moving…can have some heavy boots when starting and stopping, defending against more agile attackers but handles them by being physical and using his length…communicates well with teammates and plays responsibly in his own zone…great awareness of his defensive zone and quick decision-making ability…does not hesitate to shoot the puck when he has a lane, and his booming shot is his most dangerous offensive weapon…gets good velocity on one-timers…dishes powerful and accurate tape-to-tape passes…a confident puck carrier who does not shy away from doing so…at his best when he keeps it simple…a nasty customer around the net and is physically intimidating…a solid defensive presence while still learning the position after switching to defense from forward a couple season ago…has NHL middle-pairing, physical, defensive defenseman written all over him. - Future Considerations
Talented two-way defenseman with top-pairing upside who is committed to the University of Wisconsin. A strong skater with very good speed, Miller generates a lot of power into his stride and is starting to beat both opposing forwards and defenders to the outside. His stick and body positioning in the neutral zone are exceptional, and you can count on Miler to intercept more than a handful of cross-zone passes that he quickly transitions into rushes the other way. His ability to make clean passes on either his forehand or backhand, plus the manner in which he sharply pivots his way into bigger openings might explain how such a big and physical defenseman is only a few years removed from being a forward.
Watching Miller smother in one end and skate effortlessly in the other makes me think his learning curve is not steep at all — he plays a clean, composed game in his own zone and looks fantastic when he’s unbridled. Miller can be physically intimidating, and his strong lower half makes rubbing out forwards of any size look easy. One thing to consider is that this group of NTDP defensemen is deep with offensively-gifted puck movers, so it’s natural for a cerebral kid like Miller to focus on his defensive-zone play and act decisively with the puck only when the opportunity makes sense. This type of approach reduces haphazard tendencies to a bare minimum. Choosing your favorite draft-eligible defensemen from this year’s version of the under-18 NTDP is a lot like being asked to pick your favorite child, but don’t be surprised if a less-heralded kid like Miller has the best NHL career out of any from his defense corps. - Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Nils Lundkvist
Skating
Lundkvist is a good skater. He has very good speed, and excellent acceleration in his forwards skating. Moving backwards is not quite as good, but still well above average. His edge work and agility are very good, as he can change directions and make quick cuts. Lundkvist has strong pivots and this allows him to transition from offence to defence quickly, and vice-versa. He could stand to work on his lower body strength. This would give him better balance and allow him to be stronger on the puck, and in battles in the corners and in the front of the net.
Offensive Game
Lundkvist is skilled with the puck on his stick. He can skate the puck out of danger as well as lead the rush in the transition game. Lundkvist has poise at the point on the power play. He controls the play and can move laterally to create passing and shooting lanes. He sees the ice well, and has the passing skill to make plays from the point, to make the first pass in transition, as well as to make the long breakaway passes.
Lundkvist is much more comfortable as a play maker than as a shooter. When he does get a shot, its often by sneaking in from the point and taking a shot from the top of the faceoff circles. He has a good wrist shot with a quick release. However, Lundkvist lacks power on his slap shot and one-timer. He will need to work on these. Some added upper body strength can help, but he is likely to always be more of a play maker than a shooter on the point.
Defensive Game
Lundkvist’s lack of size can be an issue in his own end. He can be overpowered by bigger, stronger forwards. He is willing to engage in the corners and in front of the net, but is limited. Again this is an area where added muscle mass will help him. He is good at retrieving loose pucks and moving them up the ice quickly. He also is well-positioned and has a quick stick that can poke the puck away from an attacker.
Projection and Comparison
Lundkvist could develop into a top four defenceman, capable of moving the puck quickly and adding some offence. He needs time to add some strength, and to continue to work on his slap shot and his backwards skating. Lundkvist will likely spend another season or two in Sweden before coming over to North America, and the team drafting him should be patient with his development. If things go well they could add a real weapon in a league that is moving more and more towards speed and skill on the blueline every year. Lundkvist’s game is reminiscent of Tomas Kaberle, though this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent.
Jakob Ragnarsson
No clue. Couldn't find crap on him.
Ol0f Lindbolm
Couldn't find crap on him
Joey Keane
Couldn't find crap on him
84.) Nico Gross, Defence, Oshawa Generals, OHL, 6’1″, 183 lbs
Gross is an excellent skater, and this leads to a solid two-way game. He is particularly quick going backwards and pairs this with excellent agility. Gross pairs this with good hockey smarts, leading to outstanding gap control and positioning. He is very tough to beat in one-on-one situations. Gross is physical in the corners and in front of the net but needs to add upper-body strength. Offensively he skates the puck up the ice well and makes a good first pass, as well as being able to quarterback the play from the point. He must get more consistent with his offensive game though.
The Lindbom pick is looking, as i thought, a massive with a capital M, over reach, though he may still have some potential. Could've had him in the 3rd most likely and taken Akill Thomas or MacIsaac. Kravtsov will be ok i think, he just needed a full year over here in general to get used to the NA game/ lifestyle. He does need to get a good bit stronger but he seems like a good kid who will work hard with guidance. Kuznetsov didn't make it with the Caps until he was 21 i believe so it may take 3 full years out of his draft.