Photo Credit – EHC Red Bull München

Player Profile

D.O.B – January 14, 2002
Nationality – Germany
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’11
Weight – 192 lbs
Position – Right Wing
Handedness – Left

Peterka’s Style Of Play

Peterka is a fast, skilled winger. While physically well-developed already for his age, he is still quite raw, and some may regard him as a slight “project”. The German winger has the kind of skill-set that makes you think if things go well developmentally he could be a star. He models his game on Patrick Kane, and it is easy to see that in his play. He relishes using his hands and speed to beat defensemen, and when his confidence is up he can make grown men with years of pro experience stand-off him and lose their gap due to the fear of being walked. Peterka is not just a perimeter player though, and likes getting to the danger areas, when he can use his plus shot well to create chances. One thing that marks out his shot versus a lot of players his age is the ability to utilise his wrister effectively while in full stride. His soft hands also mean he can feather some beautiful passes into danger areas, but so far in his career he has seemed better suited to being a “complimentary” player. His consistency needs to improve, but the work ethic is there and he forechecks hard. He misreads plays in the defensive zone at times, which can get him into trouble.

His raw production in the DEL this year might not look anything special, but it is worth noting that he ranks sixth all-time in DEL scoring for U-18 (Tim Stützle and Lukas Reichel are ahead… alongside ex-NHLers Marcel Goc, Marco Sturm and Jochen Hecht).

Comparable

Timo Meier, Right Wing, San Jose Sharks

Peterka has not quite learnt how to use his strength in the way that Meier does, and has not got as wide of a frame as his Swiss counterpart does to do so. Furthermore, Meier is more consistent and a better two-way player. However, when you look back to the player Meier was at the same age there are a lot of similarities, especially offensively. Both are great skaters who shield the puck well, and can beat defensemen clean on the outside before making a beeline for the net. Like the Sharks forward, Peterka is an extremely confident player with plus hands who does not shy away from going to the net and grinding in the danger areas. The two German speakers are also both electric on the rush with quick releases.

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Photo Credit: Kateřina Macečková

Coming into this season, Jan Bednář was in contention to be considered the second best goalie in the draft. He dazzled in 2018-19 as a 16 year old, putting up .916 sv% in 15 Czech Extraliga games. However, this year some real warts have been revealed, and as a result he has struggled at the same level.

Player Profile

D.O.B – August 26, 2002
Nationality – Czech Republic
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 6’4
Weight – 187 lbs
Position – Goaltender
Catches – Left

Bednář’s Style Of Play

Bednář is a modern butterfly hybrid style goaltender. He is really mobile, has a great frame that he can use well, and has the talent that makes you sometimes think that for him the NHL is a matter of when, not if. He is calm, poised and, in general, has good positioning. Additionally, he possesses a good glove and can make insane reaction saves. However, he has real issues with consistency, and seems to switch off at times and get a step behind the play as a result. This is especially apparent if the play is quick developing, and he can get himself into binds where the only way a save can be made is a feat of athletic brilliance. In turn, not only does this make you question his hockey IQ and ability to dissect a play, but also whether these issues with quick developing plays could hinder his adaptation to smaller ice in future. On North American ice one of the major differences is such “bang-bang” plays are more common. Bednář is a good skater and not only does he use his edge-work well when in the crease, but also to handle the puck with aplomb and send play up ice. Overall there is no doubt that the young Czech net-minder has the “talent” to be an NHL goalie, but needs to clean up aspects of his game going forward. If he falls to the mid-rounds he could prove a high reward project for the team that picks him.

Comparable

Steve Mason, Goaltender, Former NHLer, Played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets

While Mason was a rare right handed glove goalie, him and Bednář share a number of traits. Both are big, agile goalies who use their size well and are poised in goal. Like Mason, Bednář is very good at staying square to the shooter and use their high-end edge-work to do so. Bednář also handles the puck well, as his Canadian counterpart did. Their issues are also similar, as the young Czech goalie struggles with consistency, and when off his game can lose the play and give up poor rebounds.

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Stats from eliteprospects.com

Photo Credit: HIFK / Riku Laukkanen

Anton Lundell is coming off of a strong 2019-2020 campaign with HIFK. In 44 games played, Lundell tallied 10 goals and 18 assists. The Espoo, Finland native was able to improve upon his 2018-2019 campaign, in which he tallied 19 points in 38 games.

Unfortunately, Lundell missed six weeks of play this season with an elbow injury. Not only did he miss six weeks of game play with HIFK, but he also was not able to play at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic. But, his injury failed to slow him down. As you can see in the below tweet from Lassi Alanen of Elite Prospects Rinkside, Lundell was able to put together an impressive display when he returned from injury and tallied six points in his first five games back.

Anton Lundell with his second assist of the game. He’s now up to 18 points in 25 games this season. Six points in five games in after coming back from the injury. #2020NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/NpZdFLL2sL

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) January 22, 2020

Player Profile

D.O.B – October 3, 2001
Nationality – Finland
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 6’1
Weight – 187 lbs
Position – Center
Handedness – Left

Lundell’s Style Of Play

When you watch Lundell play, you quickly see that the 18 year old does not play like he is 18. Instead, Lundell plays like a 30 year old veteran. Instead of focusing on himself and using his ice time to solely put on a jaw-dropping display, the Finnish forward is a team-player first. In the defensive zone, you will see Lundell become HIFK’s third defenseman. His positioning is very much defenseman-like and he strives to showcase his defensive-minded attributes whenever he gets a chance.

When HIFK uses a diamond defensive strategy and his teammates have applied pressure against the attack, Lundell will opt to sit in the trapezoid behind his own net to eliminate space for his attackers to potentially move the puck along the boards to the right side of the ice. It’s plays like these that show just how impressive Lundell is in the defensive zone. While he might not opt to deliver booming body-checks like Jake Sanderson or Kaiden Guhle, he is constantly trying to find spots in the defensive zone to plant himself in order to shatter the attack.

In terms of his skating, he has a wide stride, in which his feet are consistently planted wide apart. In addition, his crosses are always in fine form. Whenever he ends up using his crosses, he quickly reminds you of when speed skaters at the olympic level are completing crosses to help accelerate and make quick tight turns. When Lundell is completing crossovers, his knees are always bent and this allows him to have better balance on his crosses instead of if he was standing tall.

In the offensive zone, Lundell is constantly on the move. His comfort zone is right at the crease, but he does not sit back and wait for the puck to come him. Lundell is always helping drive the puck around the zone and when he does not have the puck, he is searching for defensive gaps. When he finds a defensive gap, he quickly moves over to that spot and he suddenly has plenty of open ice.

On the powerplay, Lundell will consistently look to plant himself on the opposite side of the attack. This means that if the attack is penetrating on the right side, you will find Lundell on the left side. This allows Lundell to move to the slot, where there is not much pressure. In the slot, he will then call for the puck and deliver a quick shot.

When it comes to forechecking, Lundell plays more of an insurance role (similar to Aatu Räty). He will not be the one creating a lot of pressure on his opponents in the offensive zone, instead he will be to back up his teammates and be at the ready to collect a pass off of a successful forecheck. His style of play in the offensive zone is the “safe approach”. Lundell is not a Lucas Raymond, but he is a forward that understands that someone has to be ready to keep the cycle alive once his teammates strip the puck.

As I touched on earlier, Lundell has a quick release shot. You can expect Lundell to lean more on his wrist or snap shot. Often times, he will take shots in the slot. He prefers to be in the mid-slot or at the faceoff circle hash-marks. His accuracy in the slot is strong and he does a great job of picking corners in the slot.

Last but not least, let’s talk about his passing. Passing is the one area of Lundell’s game, in which he can struggle at times. If you are looking for Lundell to deliver tape-to-tape passing, that is not an issue for him. But, when Lundell looks to feed cross ice passing or centered passing on the rush, he will sometimes struggle with his accuracy. Yet, that should not be a reason why you do not take Lundell on draft night.

Comparable

Patrice Bergeron, Center, Boston Bruins

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Photo Credit – Aaron Bell/CHL, Photo Taken By – Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Gogolev should have been drafted when he was first eligible in 2018. You had to feel for the Russian winger in Dallas two years ago. He was one of those unfortunate players who make the trip to the draft with no doubt that he would be toting an NHL jersey come Saturday evening, yet was left sat in those cold, hard, plastic seats when the last name was called. His 30-goal season for Peterborough Petes should have been enough to be taken, even with the holes in his game at the time. The bad luck piled on in 2018-19 as well, as after a trade to Guelph Storm he was really heating up before a fractured ankle in January made him miss over two months of play. He returned in the playoffs, but did not look himself and played a depth role on a deep forward group that captured the OHL championship.

People often talk about the “Russian” factor, but Gogolev has spent the last seven years of his life in North America, and now speaks seamless English with a Canadian twang to it. He is also from a hockey family. His father Dmitri had a 19-year professional career that included four games for the Russian national team, and his big brother Alexander played two years in the WHL, represented Russia at u-17 level, and played in the KHL and VHL.

Player Profile

D.O.B – February 19, 2000
Nationality – Russia
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 6’1
Weight – 179 lbs
Position – Left Wing
Handedness – Left

Gogolev’s Style Of Play

Gogolev is one of those forwards who the fans will never have to scream at to shoot… the puck will already be off his stick before they have a chance. He has a fantastic shot, and can pick corners at will with a terrific release that is hard to read. The Moscow native’s shot is made even deadlier due to his ability to shoot accurately while in stride. But it is not just a great wrist-shot that marks Gogolev out as a plus scorer. Depending on the situation he can go into his bag of tricks and pull out snap, slap and backhands at will. On the power-play he is crafty off the right half-boards, and causes panic amongst defensemen from that spot who in turn either over-play him and leave others open, or back up too much leaving him to take a stride forward and unleash a howitzer. While his shot is his hallmark, Gogolev also has nice hands, that while no means “amazing” help him get the puck in good positions, and allow him to protect the puck very well when skating or cycling. The young Russian also has a high level of confidence when on the puck, and is rarely phased by pressure.

His skating was a question during his age 17-18 season, but since then he has improved there, to the degree that he is above average, and can blow by guys in neutral zone once in stride. Gogolev’s play-making lags behind his high-end scoring, but technically speaking he is a decent passer, his biggest flaw is that he does not see opportunities for dangerous passes and is prone to shooting when he should pass. His work in the defensive zone has come on leaps and bounds over the last two years. He is never likely to be a defensive stalwart, but at this venture he can be trusted in his own zone and is “decent” in terms of his two-way game. It was not always that way, but over the last year seems to have really applied himself there. He can be a weapon on the penalty kill at the junior level as well, and it will be interesting to see if he can take that aspect of his game to the professional level. He has been to Detroit and Las Vegas training camps in the last two years, and given that two of his biggest “flaws” historically have been “fixed” to a degree, in terms of skating and defense, it is hard to see him not being drafted this year.

The kind of player that in the mid-rounds could be a steal. He will be able to play in the AHL next year, and if given a play-making center could shine at that level. There are likely questions over whether he has the type of game to play lower than a second line at the highest level, but personally I could see him being a complimentary third line winger who could maybe even be a second line third wheel if he keeps developing.

Comparable

Tanner Pearson, Left Wing, Vancouver Canucks

Gogolev does not have the level of skating that Pearson has, but like the Canadian winger he plays at high speed with the puck on his stick, and is confident in possession. Both are shoot first players with a nice arsenal of shots who can pick a corner from the circles. Both also have some real skill even if don’t have high end hands. Neither are defensive stalwarts, even if they compete well in their own zone, and both can be utilized on the penalty kill. Gogolev also does not mind going to the net and mixing it up physically, even if, like Pearson, he has a tendency to shoot the puck from the circles.

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Photo from Aaron Bell/CHL, Terry Wilson/OHL Images

A lot can change in three years.

In 2017-18, Cuylle was highly regarded as a powerhouse forward in the GTHL. Every time he hit the ice with the Toronto Marlboros, Cuylle was an immediate scoring threat, leading the OHL Cup with 12 points to beat out the likes of Cole Perfetti, Jamie Drysdale and Quinton Byfield. Peterborough selected Cuylle third overall despite heavy rumors that he wouldn’t commit to the franchise, and that was the case. The Petes shipped him out to Windsor for a whopping nine draft picks to help set them Peterborough up for the future, while Cuylle was set to lead the Spitfires back to glory.

That never happened. Cuylle’s career started well with 26 goals and 41 points as a rookie, , good to earn him a spot on the OHL’s second all-rookie team. Cuylle then had an impactful performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last August, further adding to the belief that Cuylle’s sophomore effort was going to be a smash hit and push him into first-round consideration. Instead, Cuylle couldn’t regain his scoring magic in Windsor, didn’t see much improvement in the scoring department, falling to 22 goals but improving to 42 points in 62 games, with a full-season projection placing him around 45-46. His 0.42 primary points-per-60 at even strength was 20th among draft-eligible OHL prospects with at least 30 games played, per Pick22 – not spectacular from a prospect once seen as one of the most gifted prospects from the 2002-birth year.

Player Profile

D.O.B – February 5, 2002
Nationality – Canada
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height –6’2
Weight –201 lbs
Position – Left Wing
Handedness – Left

Cuylle’s Style Of Play

The team that selects Cuylle is getting a tough power-forward that likes to shoot and isn’t afraid to get frisky to help his team out. There are still a lot of raw aspects to his game and his lack of overall improvement in his second OHL season left a lot to be desired, but if he can tap in and round out the deficiencies in his game while working on his game-to-game consistency, Cuylle could be a steal in the third round as long as the team is willing to be patient and give him every opportunity to succeed. Let’s take a deeper look at the on-ice stylings of Cuylle’s game:

Cuylle’ Style Of Play

So why were scouts so enamored in Cuylle’s game from an early age? It all traces back to his lethal shot, one that already had a major junior-caliber trait before he ever skated in the OHL. This far along in his development, the term “NHL shot” is now being used to describe his game, but what does that mean? In Cuylle’s case, it’s how he exemplifies power and accuracy while playing at a high speed. The term “effortless” is often overused to describe a strong shooter, but he doesn’t need much time or space with a release to achieve a desirable result. Cuylle’s sweet spot has been in the mid-slot, though, likely due to the extra distance to the net that allows for his wrist shot to truly flourish and hit max velocity.

 

In my opinion, to have an “NHL-quality shot”, you need to be able to A) be proficient with different shot types (wrist, slap, snap, etc.), B) be quick, deceptive and powerful. That’s how I’d describe Cuylle’s ability to shoot pucks, and that’s one of the reasons why scouts love to see him have the puck.

Of his 200 shots this season, Cuylle’s 167 even-strength attacks was good for third among draft-year OHL players behind noted goal-scorers James Hardie and Cole Perfetti, but his 8.98 shooting percentage placed him in 54th among skaters with at least 30 games played. His overall shooting percentage of 11 percent was good for 44th, so while his shot is considered a strength of his, converting on it hasn’t been a successful aspect of his game, and a big reason why scouts have been disappointed about his overall development after falling from 26 goals as a rookie to 22 as a sophomore. That would be one thing if the Spitfires struggled this season, but in six fewer games than last year, Windsor had nine more victories and 40 more goals, so you can see why the dip in goals is concerning to many, especially with a stout playmaker in Jean-Luc Foudy down the middle.

A big rising aspect of Cuylle’s game is his willingness to play a physical game, and given that his offensive consistency has been an issue, that’s a positive for a player who might fit better in a bottom-sox role. He’s always been considered a power forward and has a good frame at 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds, but he truly found a way to refine his physicality in the past year. When he hits, he hits to make an impact, and does a splendid job giving his team momentum with a crushing blow to an opponent. Cuylle is no stranger to dropping the gloves, but his fight against Donovan Sebrango – someone he tangled with in the past – at the CHL Top Prospects Game showed how quick he can be when landing punches.

Will Cuylle is a great power forward prospect. Look at these three hits.

🎥 – @Sportsnet#2020NHLDraft | @FCHockey pic.twitter.com/SfIssiGX42

— Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler_) January 24, 2020

Cuylle is a competent skater that uses his strong legs to hit his top speed quickly, which is important for a bigger prospect. His top speed isn’t anything worth getting excited about, but in quick spurts, Cuylle can handle his own. In fact, his overall skating build is miles ahead of what it was even a year ago, but that’s because it was a hinderance at the time. The positive, though, is that he showed enough improvement this year to the point where, by the time he has a shot at the pro game, it could end up being a strength of his.

If you’re looking for someone to drive the action – and not ever prospect is capable of that – Cuylle is not your guy. It was often that you’d find Cuylle playing a more passive game compared to Foudy on the ice, waiting around for a pass instead of trying to make further opportunities for himself. When he’s on his game, Cuylle does a good job of putting himself into a scoring position and drawing defenders out of position, but you’d like to see a more constant effort to build consisttency. Since he’s not the most active puck mover on the ice, he’s seen more as a complentary forward and won’t be someone that’s going to change a game for you. Again, that’s fine – you don’t typically have three players on a line that are all considered to be line-drivers, but there are too many nights where you forget he ever hit the ice. That was especially apparent when he had just one goal in the first 13 games and highlighted further by his seven-game pointless drought in February – he needs to ensure that he’s willing to win every puck battle all the time.

Defensively, Cuylle holds his own quite well. Since he likes to get physical, he can win the battles along the boards to get the puck out of his zone and is one of the more effective stick-lifters I’ve followed this season. Since he’s got good strength to play with, he doesn’t allow his opponents to spend too much time with the puck because Cuylle will find a way to retrieve it. Again, game-to-game consistency is still a need for improvement, but it’s not a downside of his overall game.

Comparable

Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals

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Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL, Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Player Profile

D.O.B – February 21, 2002
Nationality – Canada
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’11
Weight – 165 lbs
Position – Right Wing
Handedness – Right

Evangelista’s Style Of Play

Evangelista is an agile winger who is extremely tenacious. In that regard he has some of the same qualities as his second cousin, Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan. He constantly frustrated opposition defensemen with his forechecking, and his ability to make opponents have to rush passes due to his pressure means that he forces mistakes regularly. He is also a diligent back-checker who has an intuitive understanding of lanes, and therefore uses his stick very well to channel opposition forwards towards low danger areas. Offensively speaking he has good hands and a very good release, but at times you are left urging him to utilize his shot more and not pass up on prime opportunities to try and get an even better look for himself or his line-mates. This is understandable to a degree though, as he is a high-end passer who sees the ice extremely well and is generally a step ahead of the play.

Evangelista has no real gaping holes in his game. Going forward simply needs to get stronger, as he often gets beat in board battles where positionally he should be favored, though you cannot even begin to doubt his application here. He is very willing to go into physical battles against bigger players. While he is an agile skater, with okay top speed who can beat defensemen clean, his stride could do with some improvement, as it is a bit choppy at times right now, and as a result he loses some power and does not make as good use of his agility as he could. On a stacked London team he did have the opportunity to spend half the year with very high level line-mates in Liam Foudy and Connor McMichael… but was also good without them when playing with Antonio Stranges, Jason Willms and Nathan Dunkley.

Some may point to his lack of “track record”, as he only really sprang into NHL draft watchers consciousness this year. However, he was a top scorer at AAA level, and was buried on the stacked Knights team last year after being picked 1^st round (14th overall) in the OHL priority draft. This suppressed his production, as in 2018-19 he played very rarely, and as a result got only 2 points in 27 games. This year he was almost at point-per-game level, despite generally playing a middle six role, with hardly any power-play time. In fact, only 2 of his 61 points came in man-up situations. Factoring in how good a passer he is and how he looked in his time on the power-play half-boards, it is easy to imagine him being utilized on the power-play in the NHL in future, even if “only” on a second pairing. Evangelista is also a good penalty-killer who is good at forcing turnovers when used aggressively in such situations.

If he can simply develop his game, get stronger, and improve his skating stride I can imagine him being fan favorite top six winger in the NHL down the line.

Comparable

Jaden Schwartz, Left Wing, St. Louis Blues

Both Evangelista and Schwartz are great playmakers from the wing, who while not blessed with either size or high-end physical tools have good hockey IQ’s, grit and determination. Like Schwartz, Evangelista is also a good two-way winger with good puck control. The main difference is shot volume. Schwartz, who is a great playmaker, shoots more than Evangelista.

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Photo Credit: Rob Wilton/Vancouver Giants

Player Profile

D.O.B – March 24, 2002
Nationality – Canada
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’11
Weight – 165 lbs
Position – Right Wing
Handedness – Right

Sourdif’s Style Of Play

Justin Sourdif is an aggressive, gritty player in all three zones who can really fly. He relishes physical battles despite not having the largest frame, and is surprisingly strong on the puck for his size. His board-play is not without its flaws, though most of his issues there are caused by a physical disadvantage against most defensemen, but despite this he loves getting involved on the boards and around the net, and near the crease he is a dangerous player with a tendency to find space in tight. He is also a player who utilizes the “Forsberg” reverse hit well when the opportunity arises. Sourdif lives in the high danger areas, and it is a surprise to see him anywhere apart from the slot of the crease when the play is set up. His understanding of seams in defenses is impressive, and as with players such as Danny Briere, Brad Marchand and Brendan Gallagher he possesses the ability to appear out of nowhere to slam home lose pucks with defensemen nowhere in sight.

Sourdif also has a nice shot. His snapshot especially is impressive, and he can rip a wrister too. He does, however, flub on shots at a high rate for someone with a good release, and right now a higher percentage of prime chances than you would like to see he flutters towards net with the puck wobbling in air and at reduced velocity. There needs to be better consistency in that area, as he has the potential to be a dangerous goal-scorer. He is very good at effective zone entries, and getting through the neutral zone quickly and seamlessly. Once he gets into the offensive zone he also understands how to slow the play down while keeping options available, in order to either set up a cycle or find a trailer who has beaten their man. Sourdif can also penalty kill, and is a reliable defensive player who is trusted by his coaches to kill off games versus top lines. His hockey IQ does not “pop” like some players, but he rarely makes major mistakes and is good in all three zones, so there is no doubt he thinks the game well. His IQ presents itself best by his ability to get free in dangerous positions.  He also has soft hands that he can use at very high speed, and is a decent passer, even if not amazing in that area. Right now, he plays in a net-front role on the power play, but likely won’t be there at next level.

Sourdif needs to get bigger and stronger to win more physical battles, areas that are key to his style of play, and also has to improve his consistency game-to-game and shift-to-shift. However, given his skating, two-way game, and sound technical skills if he simply keeps developing it is hard to imagine he does not find a role in an NHL bottom six down the line. If he really hits he could be a second line forward who opposition defensemen hate and fans love.

Comparable

Bryan Rust, Right Wing, Pittsburgh Penguins

Both forwards are well-rounded, 200ft players who utilize their plus speed to great effect. Like Rust, Sourdif might not have size on his side, but that does not stop him going hard to the danger areas or battling along the boards. Sourdif and Rust also have good hockey IQ’s and nice releases.

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Photo Credit: Steve Hiscock / Saskatoon Blades

Player Profile

D.O.B – November 15, 2001
Nationality – Canada
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’10
Weight – 173 lbs
Position – Center
Handedness – Right

Robins’ Style Of Play

The undersized forward is defined by his high IQ at both ends of the rink. He is very patient with the puck, and also has great passing ability and an abundance of creativity in his game. He is also an agile skater with a fantastic burst and good top speed, meaning that he can leave opponents in the dust within just two strides. His work ethic cannot be faulted, he plays the game like each shift is his last, and is all over the ice. On the defensive side of the game he is a puck-hawk. He manages to get into passing lanes with regularity, and insomuch turns pucks over and sends them the other way with regularity, as well as breaking up passes in the neutral and defensive zone what seems like every few shifts. It is no surprise given the combination of speed and instincts that he is dangerous on the penalty kill when used there. Robins also likes to shoot when he has a chance, and has a nice release. He also has decent hands even if they are not “exceptional”, and when he uses them he is rarely “flashy” but more utilitarian. Overall Robins is just an extremely solid all-around hockey player with a high work ethic and who knows exactly where to be on the ice.

In terms of issues? There are none really apart from his size… and the fact that he is not really “exceptional” in any area, even if above average everywhere. But you cannot teach the hockey IQ and game awareness that he has.

He also did not get much help in Saskatoon, and still produced at an extremely impressive level. His second half was only overshadowed by Seth Jarvis in the entire WHL, with Robins putting up 51 points in his last 31 games. Robins might be available in the third round… and would be a fantastic pick up there. I think he is a legitimate second round type talent. Down the line, he could be a really good middle six forward in the NHL who is capable of 45 points with a well-rounded game, though at a higher level he likely a right winger.

Comparable

Vinnie Hinostroza, Center, Arizona Coyotes

Both forwards are undersized yet versatile players with fantastic motors and very well rounded games. Not “flashy”, but both have good hands, passing and a nice release. Underrated defensive games and a high IQ.

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stats from eliteprospects.com

Photo Credit – HV71

Emil Andrae was the top scoring defenseman in SuperElit this season, while also having 12 points in 13 games for the u-18 Swedish team, and being a standout at the WHC-17 last year. Despite being undersized, he is certainly the most talented Swedish blue-liner in the draft, and has the ability to be a top four NHL defenseman down the line.

Player Profile

D.O.B – February 23, 2002
Nationality – Sweden
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’9
Weight – 183 lbs
Position – Defense
Handedness – Left

Andrae’s Style Of Play

Andrae is able to puck-handle exceptionally well, both at speed and in close quarters. This lends itself well to transitioning the puck up ice, as well as evading pressure and providing efficient outlet passing from his own zone. He is also creative in the offensive zone, especially at the offensive blue-line, where his hands, IQ and calm demeanor means that he creates space exceptionally well, and baits forwards into over-committing to result in odd-men situations when walking in. This becomes a greater threat when his wrist-shot is factored in, as once a man has over-committed Andrae is capable of driving to the high-slot and getting a dangerous wrister off to create havoc near the crease. He has a good defensive IQ as well, and even though he is by no means “big”, he is broad and strong for his size, and has no issue being physical. At times he even engages in contact when he has the puck in the offensive zone. It is rare to see a defenseman “Forsberg” an opponent… but Andrae did just that on multiple occasions this year.

Apart from size, the only real issue is that his skating is pretty mediocre, and while very agile he has a slightly clunky stride, and as a result does not seem to develop the power he might be capable of in a straight line. He projects as a middle pairing defenseman if he can get faster. However, overall he has a very mature game that does not need overly developing from here on out in order to reach the NHL.

Comparable

Jared Spurgeon, right handed defenseman, Minnesota Wild

Similar to Spurgeon, Andrae is an undersized, two-way defenseman that has grit. Spurgeon has better skating right now, but Andrae is naturally flashier and a lefty. It is doubtful that he can be as good as Spurgeon, but his ceiling could be similar at “face value”.

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stats from eliteprospects.com

Photo Credit – Frölunda HC

A few years ago, there were some who thought of Theodor Niederbach as in the tier after Alexander Holtz, Lucas Raymond and Noel Gunler for his age, and as a potential first rounder. However, he somewhat disappeared from prospect watcher consciences for the last two years. Why? A serious knee injury (Osteochondritis) at age 15, and the surgery that followed, made him miss 15 months of hockey. In turn he did not play a single game in 2018-19. This year though, he came back with a bang, and made people sit up and take notice again.

Player Profile

D.O.B – February 25, 2002
Nationality – Sweden
Draft Eligibility – 2020
Height – 5’11
Weight – 172 lbs
Position – Center
Handedness – Right

Niederbach’s Style Of Play

Niederbach has fantastic hands, which combined with his plus skating and confidence with the puck means he is one of those forwards who can, and often does, make defensemen look silly. He does a lot of damage on the power-play, and for his age is truly an elite power-play quarterback who is one step ahead of the play. He is able to see and dissect plays before they happen, find lanes for himself and his team-mates, and is always getting into dangerous positions. This, alongside a quick and accurate release on his shot, mean that no matter whether he is on the half-boards or driving into the slot he is a night-mare to defend on the man-up.

Unsurprisingly due to his skill-set, Niederbach is also very good through the neutral zone, and effects zone entries at a very high percentage as a result. He can be a bit of a puck-hog at times, and this aspect of his game can lead to turnovers and promising plays fizzling out.

He probably should have scored more at even strength this season, and at times just went missing from games despite usually being the most skilled player on ice. For a center, he is also mediocre defensively and needs to focus on it more at times. Niederbach is a natural center who played better there than at wing this season, but maybe at the next level he moves to wing full-time because of his deficiencies in his own zone. His upside is probably that of a good second line NHLer. There is no doubting his skill, and his skating – considering he has only recently came back from a serious knee injury – is impressive, and will only get better.

Comparable

Marcus Johansson, Center, Buffalo Sabres

Like Johansson, Niederbach is a good skater with soft hands. He is a skilled forward with great vision, but who often leaves you wanting more. The only two areas of his game that could use real improvement are his play in the defensive zone, and his decision making when it comes to shooting, and he should be encouraged to use his nice release with more regularity.

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stats from eliteprospects.com