2016 NHL Draft Eligible Prospects Dominate World Juniors
By Ryan Ritchie
2016 NHL Draft Eligible Prospects Steal Spotlight at WJC
A tournament usually known for showcasing 19-year-old’s drafted a summer earlier, 18-year old’s stole the spotlight over the past week and a half in Helsinki, Finland. 2016 NHL draft eligible prospects occupied four of the top five spots in scoring at this year’s World Juniors, and six of the top 10.
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Earlier today, Craig Button released his post-draft 2016 NHL Draft Rankings, found here.
2016 NHL Draft Eligible Prospects:
Name, COUNTRY (draft projection)
Auston Matthews, USA (1st overall)
He was a lock to be selected first overall going into the tournament, and his status remains the same after a strong showing with 11 points in seven games. An excellent all-around player, Matthews is dangerous when the puck’s on his stick. He’s a big strong center that’s difficult to knock off the puck, and isn’t shy about going into the dirty areas getting physical. He’s a smart player that makes good decisions, boasting a high hockey IQ.
Sportsnet gives him an NHL comparable of Ryan Getzlaf. He may more accurately resemble Eric Staal, or a mix of the pair.
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Matthew Tkachuk, USA (Top 10)
Finishing tied with Matthews for fourth in scoring with 11 points, Tkachuk had a productive World Juniors. A dynamic power forward, Matthew showed shades of his father Keith grinding away at opponents.
He’s the type of player that’ll score those garbage goals, and a lot of his productivity comes within inches of the blue paint. Strong in puck battles, and physical in the corners.
There’s a chance he’s taken in the top five, but Jesse Puljujarvi, Patrik Laine, and Olli Juolevi made strong cases to push Tkachuk below the trio of Fin’s.
It would be unfair to compare Matthew to anyone but his father (Keith Tkachuk).
Julien Gauthier, Canada (Top 10)
Perhaps the only player that may have potentially hurt their stock. He played well at times, but lacked consistency from shift to shift. His linemates and ice-time were factors in his performance, but Gauthier had a tendency to disappear for stretches of games. At 6’4 225lbs, the big winger is a dangerous threat in the offensive zone, boasting a hard, accurate shot. Questions over his physicality.
Yet to hear an NHL comparable from scouts on Gauthier. The only somewhat similar player with Gauthier’s size is Jeff Carter.
Jesse Puljujarvi, Finland (Top 3)
No player helped their draft stock more than Jesse Puljujarvi. North American scouts knew this kid had top five talent, but no one expected him to be the WJC’s top scorer. Going into the tournament, European scouts had Finnish teammate Patrik Laine ranked ahead of Puljujarvi. There may be internal debate as to which Finnish forward is better now. After putting up 17 points in seven games, expect Jesse Puljujarvi to be a top three selection at next summer’s draft.
Sportsnet gave Puljujarvi an NHL comparable of Corey Perry leading into the 2015-16 NHL season. He might not be as gritty and physical as Perry, suggesting he may play a style similar to James van Riemsdyk.
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Olli Juolevi, Finland (Top 10)
Juolevi was projected as a top 15 prospect for the 2016 NHL draft heading into the tournament. The Finnish defenseman walks away from the WJC as one the standout’s, helping his draft stock more than any other player.
He finished tied for sixth in tournament scoring with nine assists in seven games. The offensively gifted d-man likes to have the puck on his stick, making good passes and decisions in the opponent’s end.
He can make good first passes out of the defensive zone, and loves to join the rush. A pretty solid all-around blueliner. He’ll get top five consideration, but isn’t likely to slip out of the top 10.
Yet to see an NHL comparable for Juolevi.
Patrik Laine, Finland (Top 5)
He finished third in scoring with 13 points in seven games. TSN‘s Craig Button is projecting him as the second pick behind Matthews. At 6’4, Laine needs little effort to get to top speed, and skates well. He’s creative with the puck, and has an excellent shot. He doesn’t shy away from physical play, but is more of a finesse winger.
An NHL comparable for Patrik Laine is Rick Nash
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Older brother William was expected to lead Sweden at this year’s WJC. Instead, he was knocked out of the tournament in game one. Younger brother Alex emerged as Sweden’s top scorer, finishing tied for sixth with nine points in seven games. He’s similar to his brother in many ways. An excellent skater that possesses a quick accurate release. He’s creative with the puck, but opts as more of a playmaker than William. Where older brother may shoot the puck, Alex is usually looking to dish the puck off unless faced with a quality scoring opportunity.
Michael Nylander, his father, is the only fair comparison for Alex. William makes for more of an offensive threat.