2016 NHL Draft: Fringe First Round Prospects Worth Trading up for
2016 NHL Draft: Fringe First Round Prospects Worth Trading up for
The 2016 NHL Draft is merely hours away as prospects, fans, team executives, and media members gather at First Niagara Center where all the eyes of the hockey world will be fixated on the buzz of new acquisitions to their respective teams.
Draft board movement is a big part of the excitement that draft weekend brings to the table. Whether it is teams trading up and down or players draft stock falling or rising, The drama cannot be beaten.
As teams move up the draft board this afternoon and later tonight, keep an eye out for who they select with said draft pick. Here are a few names and profiles teams could be targeting.
Pascal Laberge – C/Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Pascal Laberge has gone through a lot during his draft season. His draft stock started very low at the beginning of the season then rocketed up following a two-goal performance at the BMO Top Prospects Game, but slightly slid again towards the end of the season.
The Quebec native had a breakout year with Victoriaville this past season. He blew past his original season-high totals by setting new highs of 55 GP-23 G-43 A. An injury last season cut his year short, prohibiting him from offensive production.
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Pascal Laberge told The Players’ Tribune about his relationship with hockey and stepmom.
Laberge has the qualities that any team would want in a contributing hybrid forward. The 6’1″, 175 lb right-handed shot is a pain to knock off the puck.
He can outlast the opponents with this size strength or he can use quick, smooth dekes to get around them as he proved he was capable of at the Top Prospects Game.
However. His shot as also impressed many others due to its power and effectiveness. Scouts agree that he can improve his defensive zone coverage.
“Laberge is a good skater with a compact style yet strong enough to deal with a hit while maintaining possession. He keeps the puck close to his body, and his ability to change gears can catch a gambling defenseman flat footed. And while it’s cliché to say a skill player would be a devastating adversary with time and space on his side, Laberge truly is a player you don’t want to sleep on, as he unpredictable both with and without the puck. A true offensive threat who needs to get stronger and learn how to because an equal contributor in his own end.” -The Draft Analyst
A team that is in need of center or prospect depth would be smart to trade back into the first round to get Laberge.
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Tyler Benson – LW/Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Another prospect that has had trouble with the injury bug; Benson hasn’t been able to fully prove himself to be a first round talent this year. Although he has the power and hockey IQ to be a first round talent, injuries are always a problem when they happen frequently.
Benson is one of the more underrated “athletes” in this upcoming draft. His agility and smooth, quick strides are attributes that shouldn’t be taken for granted when assessing where he should be taken.
His aforementioned power and smarts are two other positives to his game that allow him to create space in the offensive zone in order to set up chances, not only for him but for his teammates 2-3 passes after he held possession.
“A powerful kid who uses both his brains and skill to outplay his opponent. He has some skating issues that will need work, but is hard to contain down low and can really be dangerous deep in the offensive zone. He just owns the boards, protects the puck and wills himself to win most one-on-one battles. His shot is pro caliber, and he needs little space or time to put the puck in the net.” – Future Considerations
Benson still has room to grow, which is very intriguing. He is already very powerful at 6’0″ and 196 lbs, but another year in junior will help him focus on strength and building his body for the professional game.
There is a good chance Benson could fall into the top 10 of the second round, but if a team sees his full potential, they could try to pounce on him earlier and possibly try to draft him before the end of the night tonight.
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Samuel Girard – D/Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Samuel Girard is a point producing defenseman who flew under the radar for most of the QMJHL season. He put up an incredible 74 points, including 64 assists, this season in 67 games.
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The former third overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL Draft has explosive speed and is very aggressive when it comes to getting the puck on net, as well as getting it out of his own end.
At times he needs to just stay patient in his own end and not try for the big play, but for the most part, he is consistent in setting up the breakout. Sets up plays in the offensive zone and can become a powerplay leader if put to the task.
“A flashy offensive defenceman that takes advantage of opportunities and is always looking to make an impact each shift. Works very hard and isn’t afraid to play the body. Skates with exceptional exuberance and fluidity. Accurate release on his shot and a good eye for open passing lanes. Proactive defensively and puts the pressure on the opposition. Needs to have a more active stick and a more felt presence in shooting lanes, but he has shown a willingness to learn, and these skills will develop. All-in-all, an exciting offensive defenceman who displays noteworthy offensive and defensive instincts.” – Elite Prospects
High scoring defensemen at the junior level always taken with caution as they are thought to lack physical defensive qualities. Girard does not possess any deficiencies in his own end that should deter a team away from him. He needs to build muscle and gain frame, but he is still aggressive when not on the attack.
Girard is definitely a defenseman that could be selected in the first round tonight. A team that missed one of the big three defensemen in Juolevi, Chychrun, or Sergachev should consider trading back into the first round for Girard.
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Adam Mascherin – LW/Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers product Adam Mascherin, as mentioned before on this site, is an underrated prospect that should not be taken lightly given his size and his roots in junior.
Mascherin had a fantastic season this year with the Rangers, scoring 35 goals and 46 assists in 65 games. His size is a big criticism of his game but he is still one of the more aggressive players in the OHL.
He’s not afraid to go into the corners and play the body even though he is most likely going to be outmatched in terms of size. His shot is one of the best in the league as well. Powerful and accurate, it can beat any goalie clean.
“Prolific scoring winger who combines an exceedingly high work ethic with speed, skill, and a mature approach to the game to overcome size differentials. An intense competitor with a booming shot, Masherin finds ways to score by outworking the opposition. He may not be the tallest player on the ice, but he isn’t a lightweight either. He plays a fast, heavy game and isn’t afraid to battle against tougher opponents. All-in-all, a lightning rod kind of player who will exceed expectations and bring energy to the game with each shift.” – Elite Prospects
Next: NHL Mock Draft 7.0: Final Rankings (7 Rounds)
The 2016 NHL Draft is an exciting event and the trades that are involved throughout the day make it even better. We are only hours away from seeing some potentially big moves that could consist of draft picks leading to some of these players.