2019 World Juniors: Which prospects raised their stock the most?
By Jeremy Tuch
Canada
Ian Mitchell
Defenseman
Draft: 2017 2nd round, 57th overall
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Ian Mitchell was drafted out of Spruce Grove of the Alberta Junior Hockey League as a bit of a project. He had solid offensive numbers as a defenseman, and great skating ability. At the University of Denver, he seems to have put it all together, and is now an assists machine from the Pioneers’ blue line.
The Denver sophomore has so far put up 2 goals and 12 assists in 16 games this year, and has a +9 plus/minus. He also put up a goal and two assists in Canada’s five game appearance at the WJC, with a +6 plus/minus. He is a possibility to force his way onto the Chicago roster as soon as next year, if he decides to sign a contract and leave Denver.
Ty Smith
Defenseman
Draft: 2018 1st round, 17th overall
Team: New Jersey Devils
Ty Smith dropped several picks in his draft year, and yet was this close to making the Devils opening night roster out of camp. He may not have stayed more than 9 games, but there was a lot to like about his game. He moves the puck very well, and is very reliable defensively despite being somewhat undersized. He is shaping up to be a prototypical modern NHL defenseman.
Smith was one of the few team Canada members who’s numbers weren’t skewed by a 14-0 drubbing of Denmark on the tournament’s opening night. He finished with just 3 assists, but was consistently one of the top players in terms of ice time on for team Canada. He also leads all defensemen in the WHL in scoring with 41 assists and 44 points for Spokane. With these in tow, expect him to earn a spot in New Jersey out of camp next year.