Top Five 2015 NHL Draft Prospects
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 NHL draft prospects are falling into their respective places, and NHL teams are compiling tons of research on all of them. The top five list is mostly the same from site to site and in the eyes of just about everyone the top two are locked in.
When it come to the NHL draft the only guarantee is teams are going to miss on players, and every team has dreams of finding the one or two diamonds in the rough. This season has been the year of the tank, and while that may or may not be the case you can argue the numbers. Teams have dumped talent and have shifted roster spots in an attempt to better their chances of landing Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, but don’t freak out if that doesn’t happen.
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Chances are your team will not get the player you want, and unless you manage to be the worst team in the NHL the chances are that generational player will slip away. But, have no fear. There are a few players out there that would make a heck of a booby prize.
Earlier this month there was an article put out on TMMOTS about how the league is really gunning for Eichel, but in reality teams need to be prepared for picks 3-5. They need to identify their needs and figure out how to fit their NHL draft prospects into that respective pick.
The NHL draft is unlike any other draft; the bust rate is high, and teams are drafting for years down the road. There are very few draft picks that have the size and talent to step right in and contribute at the NHL level. This year there are at least three or four players I see having the ability to compete for a roster spot, and with the pressure to win and deliver now teams may be forced to roll the dice and put the kids in play.
This years NHL draft lottery is April 14th and despite the NHL’s unwillingness to make the lottery process public all eyes will be watching for their teams logo to come out of their golden envelopes in hope of landing the top two picks.
Next: Jack Eichel
Jack Eichel
I’ve said that the race is for Eichel, and I believe he is the most NHL ready NHL prospect in the draft. That does not mean he will be the best NHL player to come out of this years draft but, it does mean I think his two-way game makes him a better fit for the Buffalo Sabres, or Edmonton Oilers if they managed to land a top two pick.
When Jack Eichel is on the ice, the pace of the play shifts; if players can’t keep up, they are left behind. A consistent scoring threat on the ice, Eichel possesses next-level hockey-IQ, an elite-level skillset, and the natural size and work ethic to let him play his role as a scoring power center. All-in-all, Jack Eichel is that uncontainable, dynamic center that can make other players look out-of-place in his wake. [Curtis Joe, EP 2014, via Elite Prospects]
Jack Eichel is a 6’2″ 194 pound American center, and with some NHL teams eying North American talent he fits every teams wish list. This season as a member of the NCAA’s Boston University hockey team Eichel has racked up 61 points in 34 games according to Elite Prospects.
When it come to forming an NHL roster I’m a firm believer that every top player needs to have the ability to play two-way hockey, and I also want some grit. It’s not that the Connor McDavid is not going to set the NHL on fire; he will. It’s the simple believe that Stanley Cup are won by commodity, not by having a single star player.
All you need to do is look at last years Champions. The Los Angeles Kings were able to roll lines and keep players fresh. There were not a one player team, and that’s because they believe in winning by commodity.
Jack Eichel may not be everyone top prospect, but he is mine. Given the chance I’d be hard pressed not to take him first over all, but that is solely based on how I want my team to look.
Next: Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid
Said to be the “next Sidney Crosby” Connor McDavid will most likely be the 2015 NHL top draft pick, and as much as I don’t have him number one there is no denying it’s a great pick and one that trams need to make.
McDavid has the hands and feet that NHL teams need and have dreamed of. His talent is well above the rest of the OHL though he is not the top point getting on the Erie Otters. That honor currently goes to his team mater. A player we will talk about later.
A generational talent, Connor McDavid is a catalyst for positive plays in all three zones. Thinks the game analytically and recognizes scoring chances before they have even happened. Blessed with good size and an elite-level skill-set, which includes nimble skating and deft puck-handling. All-in-all, a dominant center with all of the will, power, and intangibles to become a successful hockey luminary. [Elite Prospects]
When people talk about having McDavid on their roster you can see their eyes glaze over and mind wonder with the possibilities. He has been on the top prospects list for years, and on NHL GM’s watch list even longer.
The addition of McDavid to any team will bring with it an influx of revenue and years of NHL Playoff contention, but it will not guarantee a Stanley Cup. Any team lucky enough to get him must make sure they have a supporting cast signed and ready to go.
At 18-years-old there will be growing pains that cone with joining the NHL. One thing to keep in mind is being the top talent in the OHL does not mean he will step right in and be the top talent in the NHL. There is a very big difference between playing with kids and playing with men.
Next: Lawson Crouse
Lawson Crouse
This is where the NHL draft prospects list becomes a coin flip. The next few players are all interchangeable depending on a team individual needs. Crouse lands in the number three spot on my list due in part because of his 212 pound frame and at 17-years-old he is not done growing. Combine that with this power forwards ability to pitch in on the score sheet and he is a Western Conference dream.
A big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate, making him a prominent forechecking presence every night. Possesses good hands that can be used to make crisp passes or to let loose accurate, NHL-level shots; paired with his strength and skating ability, his skill set allows him to contribute offensively, as well as create space for teammates. [Elite Prospects]
There are Eastern teams that would love a shot at this kid and due to the structure of the NHL draft they will get a shot. Crouse has 48 points and 68 pim this season as a member of the Kingston Frontenacs.
Adding Crouse to a roster that already has some strong skating forwards on the roster could be the difference between finishing in a wild card spot and making it into the top three.
The site that rank NHL draft prospects have this kid all over the place, anywhere from third to eights overall.
Power forwards are become hard to find in today’s NHL, and here is one just waiting to hear his name called. Lawson Crouse is a solid three years away from become a dominate force in the NHL, but once he matures and realizes he can play the NHL game look out.
Next: Noah Hanifin
Noah Hanifin
If you’re willing to wait four years, and see a need on your blueline down the road Noah Hanifin is your guy. The Boston College freshmen quickly climbed up the scouting list and could easily go number three, but I see him as needed a little bit more development.
Before BC: Played for U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2013-14…registered 33 points, including eight goals and 25 assists, in 45 games played as a defenseman…tallied five points, including one goal and four assists, helping Team USA capture the gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U-18 Championships…captained Team USA at the 2014 World U-17 Hockey Challenge to a gold medal, accounting for one goal and a pair of assists in six games played…scored 74 points, including 17 goals and 57 assists, in three seasons at St. Sebastian’s School from 2010 to 2013. [Boston College]
He is 6’3″ and already over 200 pounds, having a player like this in your system can only help. He as proven he can contribute in the offensive zone as well as be a accountable in his zone. Today’s NHL requires big strong defensemen and in a few years Hanifin will break into the top four on any roster.
His state line from BC sheds a little light on what could be ( 5G, 18A). There are only a few NHL teams that will not use their pick on him if they had the chance. Teams like the Arizona Coyotes and the Toronto Maple Leafs could use his services.
At this point in the NHL draft there is plenty of talent to be had, but if you are looking immediate impact that is not going to happen here. Hanifin will be on a team for a very long time, and I don’t see him as a NHL bust, but he could be a NHL project. The question will be is he PK Subban or Tyler Myers?
Next: Dylan Strome
Dylan Strome
Number five on my list is a toss-up, but not for the reason you may be thinking. Strome, could just as easily go number three, and maybe he should. If this was the 2016 draft Strome may be ranked second overall, but this is a deep draft and despite his 121 points in 66 games he is just going to hang out.
The only way I see a jump in his selection is if the Buffalo Sabres or Carolina Hurricanes end up with the third pick. This is when stats alone are not en ugh to make a pick. Stome is small; he is only 187 pounds and at 6’3″ I have questions as to his durability at the NHL level.
I see him as a solid second line center that can overtime become a number one, but he is only 18-years-old and will need time to further develop. His age is an issue, he is dominating the OHL, but can not play in the AHL yet.
I can’t see him in the NHL for another two-three years, but playing in the OHL next season will not help his play; it will however help him grow into a leader. McDavid will not be thee to take the focus off Strome.
Who ever drafts him will need to handle him gently until he grows into the leader and player he is thought to have to potential to become. Dylan Strome may very well be the ultimate “loser” prize.