A few of our scouts from this season were asked to give us what they think are some good ‘comparables’ in the 2020 NHL draft. That is comparing current NHL players to some of the prospects available in this draft class in terms of playing style. These are not to say we are comparing the trajectory of careers only playing styles.
Jamie Drysdale – Cale Makar
Elite skating ability, transitional ability, offensive contribution, and defends with his high-end hockey IQ instead of size and physicality.
Jake Sanderson – Jaccob Slavin
Smooth skater that can move the puck effortlessly with his feet or an accurate first pass to his target. An all-situations defender and making it look easy through his poise, calm play style.
Anton Lundell – David Krejci
Defensively responsible, can play in all-situations, isn’t a flashy offensive player but can contribute with skilled linemates no problem with the potential of putting up 60-70pts a year like Krejci.
Tim Stutzle – Claude Giroux
Quick hands. Creative, fast, elite offensive skill level and strong playmaking, able to make spot on passes through traffic. Can play any forward position.
Kaiden Guhle – Darnell Nurse
Plays a bit of that old-fashioned physical grit style on defense. Likes to insert himself physically and has some offensive potential to make him more than just a shutdown defender like Nurse.
Lukas Cormier – Samuel Girard
Despite lack of size, they are both extremely slippery carrying the puck and can slip out of pressure with their elite skating ability.
Jeremie Poirier – Shayne Gostisbehere
Both excellent skaters and are high-end offensive defensemen that can quarterback a #1 PP unit. Inconsistency and concerns of their defensive zone play though causes them to be a liability at times.
Zayde Wisdom – Patric Hornqvist
Both are a major pain in the ass to play against and have shown the ability to do the dirty work and get pucks to their star teammates despite having a high-end trait.
Tyler Kleven – Brayden McNabb
Big, aggressive, stay at home defender and always loves to throw the body. Little offensive upside but both love to play physical and aren’t afraid to spend some time in the penalty box.
James Hardie – Andreas Johnsson
Has goal-scorer’s instincts, underrated skills and handles with the puck to create chances and mesh well with star players. Plays with a high motor and despite their size, they aren’t afraid to engage physically on the forecheck.
Quinton Byfield – Aleksander Barkov
Plays a two hundred foot game, but with an offensive playmaking skill set and impressive natural size that they use well but are not overly physical.
Alexis Lafreniere – Nikita Kucherov
Game managers on the wing with high creativity and intensity, crazy talent offensively, driving the play with and without the puck. Makes subtle plays that display intelligence and talent.
Seth Jarvis – Brayden Point
Physical size is not great but size of heart is unmatched. Big motors run at redline rates. Big point production and creativity.
Donovan Sebrango – Jake Muzzin
Two-way rearguard. Ugly skating stride yet skating does not hold him back. Plays physical, effective and opponents will say they are hard to play against.
Cole Perfetti – John Tavares
Playmaker with incredible vision and elite IQ down the middle. Quick hands, quick decision making and creativity. Just has adequate feet.
Isaak Phillips – Joel Edmundson
Tall, big shot, shut down defender, mobile and skates the puck out of trouble or uses a good first pass. Not overly creative but can contribute offense.
Thanks for reading.
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