Central Scouting sizes up top 30 NHL Draft prospects after World Juniors
For the most part, NHL draft-eligible players used the big stage of the 2015 World Junior Championship to cement their reputations in the eyes of the scouting community. Connor McDavid lived up to his billing as hockey’s most dynamic prospect since Sidney Crosby. Jack Eichel looked like the best consolation prize since Evgeni Malkin. And Noah Hanifin showed the poise and mobility that every team is looking for in a top-pairing defenseman.
But plenty of others also revealed something about themselves while showcasing their skills against the best under-20 players in the world. And the bird dogs at North American Central Scouting took notice.
The service released updated draft rankings in the wake of the event, and it’s clear that several prospects made an impression. Here’s what NACS chief scout Mark Seidel had to say about some of the top prospects who caught his eye:
Lawson Crouse, LW, Canada: “Despite some eyebrows being raised upon his selection to Team Canada, Crouse showed why he is our third ranked prospect. He has a very high hockey IQ, skates well for a big kid and will become an absolute physical force when he is done growing. His offensive game will come, but he is a prototypical power forward ready to become a star in the NHL.” (Rank: 3)
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(Rank: 7)
Pavel Zacha, C, Czech Republic: “Despite playing on a poor Czech team, he was very effective using his speed and instincts to create offense while being a physical force against 19-year-olds. He’ll only get better as he plays with better teammates at the NHL level.” (Rank: 8)
Mikko Rantanen, RW Finland: “He arguably was Finland’s best player throughout the tournament and showed that he has a physical side to go with his varied offensive gifts. He uses his size very effectively and has a high ceiling, which moves him into our top 10 in a very strong draft.” (Rank: 9)
Vladislav Gavrikov, D, Russia: “We had him on our list last year [No. 57, but he was passed over]. He will surely be drafted this year. He was a rock for the Russians during the WJC, playing in all situations and helping lead a wild group of kids to within two goals of the gold.” (Rank: 98)
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(Rank: 134)
Seidel also made note of one player who wasn’t at the tournament, Mitch Marner. The London Knights forward rocketed up the NACS charts from 13th to fifth. “It’s taken us longer than most to completely buy into Marner because we weren’t convinced he could provide offense at the NHL level but we are now fully on board. He has incredible vision, unique offensive instincts and he sees the game two steps ahead of his opponents. He’s the 2015 version of Jonathan Drouin.”
Here's the complete rundown of the top 30 prospects, courtesy of NACS:
1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters
2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University
3. Lawson Crouse, LW, Kingston Frontenacs
4. Noah Hanifin, D, Boston College
5. Mitchell Marner, C, London Knights
6. Dylan Strome, C, Erie Otters
7. Zach Werenski, D, University of Michigan
8. Pavel Zacha, C, Sarnia Sting
9. Mikko Rantanen, RW, TPS Turku
10. Oliver Kylington, D, AIK
11. Kyle Connor, C, Youngstown
12. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
13. Nicolas Roy, C, Chicoutimi Sagueneens
14. Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa 67s
15. Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna Rockets
16. Colin White, RW, USNTDP
17. Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke Phoenix
18. Paul Bittner, LW, Portland Winterhawks
19. Jansen Harkins, C/LW, Prince George Cougars
20. Evgeny Svechnikov, RW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
21. Jeremy Bracco, RW, USNTDP
22. Zachary Senyshyn, RW, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
23. Ryan Pilon, D, Brandon Wheat Kings
24. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown Islanders
25. Graham Knott, LW, Niagara Ice Dogs
26. Jordan Greenway, LW, USNTDP
27. Adam Musil, C/RW, Red Deer Rebels
28. Jake Debrusk, LW, Swift Current Broncos
29. Ivan Provorov, D, Brandon Wheat Kings
30. Yan Dennis, LW, Shawinigan Cataractes