I've been putting the final touches on these over the last few weeks after being able to watch a couple hundred Western Hockey League games in the 2012-13 season, filing reports along the way. Overall, I feel that it's a very good WHL crop for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, with some high end talent at the top, very talented depth picks and something to offer at every position.
So, below are my full rankings. I am doing them in one big post this year rather than breaking it down into parts. Included in my top 25 rankings is a description of the player, an NHL style
comparison, top end NHL potential and a prediction of where they will be
picked in the draft. The pick prediction isn't necessarily where I
would rank them, merely a guess as to how NHL teams might value them.
As for the NHL player comparisons, they are merely used to give the
reader an understanding of how the player looks on the ice. They are in
no way meant to say that I expect the WHL player to have an NHL career
similar to their comparable. As mentioned in past blogs, I have seen
each of these players atleast 2-3 times this season, with most of them
having 5+ viewings. Feel free to post questions about certain players both here or on my Twitter account, which you can find in the top right hand corner of this page.
So with that all being said, here are my final rankings:
#1 - Seth Jones - Portland Winterhawks - RD - 6'4 - 206 -
Bar
none, the top player from the WHL for the 2013 NHL Draft. He's got great size, is an amazing skater for his size
and shows great potential in all three zones. He makes a great first pass, excels in finding the open man in almost any situation, has a rocket of a slapshot and has professional
athlete bloodlines. For me, the thing
that also separates him from the pack is his poise. He's extremely calm with the puck, never gets
exposed by a forecheck and is a guy you can trust with the puck in every situation. To go along with his poise with the puck in the defensive
zone, he shows a strong ability to walk the offensive blueline with the puck
and also shows the ability to get shots on net through traffic. He might not be a consistent 40+ point
defenseman at the NHL level, but he has the potential to at least hit that number a few times
while being a constant shutdown presence defensively. On the defensive side of the puck, he does need a bit of work. He's got a great stick and good footwork, but as with most draft-eligible players, he could use some work on his positioning defensively and commitment to protecting the front of his net on a consistent basis. He has the hockey sense to eventually be a standout in this area of his game, it just might take some time to get there. I have him ranked 1st overall from the WHL
and 1st overall for the entire draft. I last had him ranked 2nd overall back in October of 2012, but my view of him was really elevated once I had the chance to see him live. Jones is a true franchise defender who has been NHL-ready for months now.
NHL Style Comparable:
Alex Pietrangelo
Top End Potential: Number
One Defenceman, First Unit PP, First Unit PK, NHL All-Star
Pick Prediction: 1st
Overall
#2 - Hunter Shinkaruk
- Medicine Hat Tigers - LW - 5'11 - 175 -
Shinkaruk has arguably the highest offensive
potential of any draft eligible player from the WHL in 2013. He is equally as talented as a goal scorer and
playmaker. His shot is well above
average while his vision is near the top of this draft as well. He can score off the rush and off the cycle
and doesn't hesitate to go to the dirty areas of the ice. I consider him only as a slightly above average skater, with
good top end speed and agility, just has a bit of an odd stride. He works hard all over the ice and can't be knocked
for taking shifts off. He has a good
stick and seems to win many battles against bigger and stronger
competition. Interviews well and seems
like a character kid who is on another level in regards to his future goals and
his drive to succeed as a pro. He will
still need to get bigger, stronger and faster to be a true top line player at
the NHL level, with his style of game comparing to a guy like Jeff Skinner or a
Zach Parise. I like him as a top 12 selection
in the 2013 NHL Draft, but I wouldn't be shocked if some teams liked him in
their top 5 or 6.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jeff Skinner
Top End Potential: First Line Scorer, First PP Unit
Pick Prediction: 8th-10th Overall
#3 - Ryan Pulock -
Brandon Wheat Kings - RD - 6'1 - 211 -
Pulock is a defenceman that does a bit
of everything for Brandon. His skating
has improved immensely over the past 18 months, he passes the puck well, has
the hardest shot of anyone in the draft, throws some massive hits and plays
both key minutes on the top PP and PK units.
His leadership qualities are through the roof, serving as the Wheat
Kings captain this year and being famous for being a character kid. Wouldn't be shocked if some teams like him as
a top 6-7 player for the draft, although I think he's just in the tier below
that. He's definitely right in that mix
of players who could go in the top 10, so it will be interesting to see how
much his "character" can bump him up in the draft. Could be one of those guys that plays one
more year of junior and then makes the jump to the NHL.
NHL Style Comparable:
A Right-Handed Jason Garrison
Top End Potential: Top
3 D, First Unit PP, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 12th-15th
overall
#4 - Curtis Lazar - Edmonton Oil Kings - CR - 6'0 - 198 -
Lazar
is a good two way centre from the Oil Kings. He is a very good skater with excellent top-end speed and the ability to both change
direction and separate from defenders. I
still think he gets underrated offensively as he has a very quick, heavy and
accurate wrist shot, while also having good playmaking skills. He can both pass and shoot at top speed and
also isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play.
Competes hard and will thrive in a top 9 forward role, making him
valuable not just as a top 6 player. He
has good hockey sense and leadership skills and I would have to imagine some
teams still like him as a top 10-15 player.
NHL Style Comparable:
Mike Fisher
Top End Potential: Above
Average Top 6 Forward, First Unit PP, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 15th-20th
overall
#5 - Josh Morrissey - Prince Albert Raiders - LD - 6'0 - 185
-
Morrissey is a smooth-skating two way defender for Prince Albert. He possesses a good outlet pass, stretch pass
and a very strong shot. He likes to rush
the puck and push the pace, with the smarts to not cost his team defensively. Has played top pairing minutes since he first
entered the league as a 16 year old.
Still can improve defensively and will need to add strength to his frame
in order to continue to improve his defensive game. Doesn't back down physically and can get in
other players faces. He has a nice edge to
his game although it's an area that I would still consider inconsistent. I rank him in the 15-20 range, just a step
below Lazar, but the two have been neck and neck for me all season.
NHL Style Comparable:
Keith Yandle
Top End Potential: Top 3 D, First Unit PP, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 15th-20th
overall
#6 - Dillon Heatherington - Swift Current Broncos - LD - 6'4
- 196 -
Heatherington is a big body and a great skater.
He is very mobile and has excellent footwork. He's hardly ever out of position defensively
and while I would definitely consider him to be a defensive defender, he makes
a good outlet pass and has a good shot.
He's got very good stick work and loves to play physical. To go along with his skating and physical
play, his decisions with the puck are excellent and has great poise against the
forecheck. I don't think he'll ever have
a ton of offensive potential, but his passing is above average in this prospect
class. He opened some eyes after having a very solid Under-18 for Team Canada, althought I've been beating the drum for him all season. I've gone on record saying I think his best possible upside is a top pairing
defender at the NHL level. I like him a
lot more than most people do and would rank him in the 25th overall range, even though I don't think he'll be selected in the first round.
NHL Style Comparable:
Marc Staal
Top End Potential: Top
Pairing Shutdown D, First Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 45th
overall
#7 - Nic Petan - Portland Winterhawks - CL - 5'9 - 166 -
Petan
is a slick skater, is very shifty and can carry the puck at top speed. Size doesn't seem to hold him back as he's
amazingly slippery, knows when to hold on to the puck and when to pass or shoot
it and has a great compete level. He has
great instincts around the net, has a good shot and passing ability. Hockey
sense is through the roof, he's always in the correct position both with and
without the puck and that hockey sense is the biggest reason why I think he can
succeed at the NHL level. I like him in
the 25-30 range overall and think that he's probably top 5-10 in this draft in
regards to pure offensive upside.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jaden Schwartz
Top End Potential:
Top 6 Scorer, First Unit PP
Pick Prediction: 27th-33rd
overall
#8 - Shea Theodore - Seattle Thunderbirds - LD - 6'2 -
175 -
It pains me to rank him as a second rounder, that's how much I think of
this kid. Has good size, is an extremely
good skater, has great offensive instincts and has a bomb of a shot. He loves to rush the puck and has the ability to
start the rush with a nice pass. Isn't
very physical and doesn't have great defensive ability, but his extremely high
offensive potential should outweigh those concerns. Had the chance to speak to him during the
season and has a good head on his shoulders.
I rank him in the 30-33 range but am sure some teams might put him
inside their top 15 or 20. I could see him having a massive offensive year next year once the Thunderbirds add former 1st overall pick Matt Barzal to the mid.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jack Johnson
Top End Potential: Top
3 D, First Unit PP
Pick Prediction: 25th
overall
#9 - Morgan Klimchuk - Regina Pats - LW - 5'11 - 180 -
Klimchuk is an offensive forward who possesses arguably the best skating stride
and speed from the WHL for the 2013 NHL Draft.
Extremely fast and agile on his skates, allowing him to beat defenders
wide off the rush. He has an absolute
fantastic wrist shot. It's accurate and
hard with a quick release and it's deadly enough that he can score with it from
anywhere inside the top of the circles. Has
a great compete level and good hockey sense in all three zones. He had the chance to play top-line minutes at the Under-18's recently alongside Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart and didn't look out of place. I fully expect a number of teams to like him
in the top 30 and he could definitely be picked in that range.
NHL Style Comparable:
Mason Raymond
Top End Potential: Top
6 Scorer, First Unit PP, Potential PK Player
Pick Prediction: 35-40th
overall
#10 - Mirco Mueller - Everett Silvertips - LD - 6'4 - 185
-
Mueller is a minute-muncher that plays in every situation for the Silvertips. Is a pretty good skater, passes it well and
has a good shot. The Swiss-born player
is pretty raw and a work in progress on the defensive end, but he logs a ton of
minutes for the Tips. I know some people
like him much more than I do, but I only have one live viewing under my belt so
I may be selling him short (despite a half-dozen online/TV viewings of
him). I expect him to be a top 25
selection even though I rank him around 35th overall.
NHL Style Comparable: Niklas Hjalmarsson
Top End Potential: Top
3 D, Second Unit PP, First Unit PK
Pick Prediction:
20-25th overall
#11 - Eric Comrie - Tri-City Americans - G - 6'1 - 170 -
Comrie is a dynamic and athletic goaltender for the Americans. Plays his angles well and has solid rebound
control. Would like to see him play a
bit "bigger" as he has a very crouched stance. Have him down a few spots in my final
rankings simply because of mid-season hip surgery. Didn't sound like a major procedure and it's
a common one for goalies, so he should come back better than ever, but it's
still worth noting. Early in the year I
had him as a late 1st round pick, now I would pencil him in around the 40-50th
overall range.
NHL Style Comparable:
Semyon Varlamov
Top End Potential: Above
Average NHL Starter
Pick Prediction:
45-50th overall
#12 - Madison Bowey - Kelowna Rockets - RD - 6'1 - 194 -
Bowey is a big, strong skating two-way defenceman from the D factory in
Kelowna. Makes a good outlet pass,
skates well for his size and has a very hard shot. I still see him as being pretty raw, but he's
athletic and has a ton of skills to mold.
Would like to see some solid improvement in his hockey sense, but he's
another one of those kids I didn't have a chance to see live this year. I know that many people like him more than I
do and that there would be some NHL teams that rank him as a top 25
player. For now, I have him in the 45th
overall range on my own board.
NHL Style Comparable:
Brent Burns
Top End Potential: Top
4 D, First Unit PP, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 20-35th
overall
#13 - Oliver Bjorkstrand - Portland Winterhawks - RW - 5'11
- 164 -
Bjorkstrand is a smooth skating offensive dynamo for the
Winterhawks. Has great offensive
instincts and is both a good playmaker and shooter. Physical play was an issue for him from time
to time this year, but he works hard and can play physical when he needs
to. He's good along the boards, but will
definitely need to continue to get bigger and stronger. I'm sure some teams like him as a potential
1st rounder, but I have him ranked in the second half of the second round. Wouldn't be surprised if he fell into the early 3rd round, either.
NHL Style Comparable:
Patric Hornqvist
Top End Potential: Top
6 Scorer, Second Unit PP
Pick Prediction: 55th
overall
#14 - Tristan Jarry - Edmonton Oil Kings - G - 6'2 - 181
-
Jarry is a big, positionally-sound goalie for the Oil Kings. Plays to his strengths and uses his angles
well. Has good rebound control, takes away the bottom of the net, challenges
shooters and seems to have a great mental strength to his game. Was the WHL leader in both GAA and save % in
the regular season and I fully expect him to be selected before the 3rd round
begins. Some teams might have slept on
Laurent Brossoit in the 2011 NHL Draft and that won't happen again with Jarry. He'll have the chance to grab full reigns of
the Oil Kings goaltending duties next season with Brossoit going on to the AHL.
NHL Style Comparable:
Henrik Lundqvist
Top End Potential: Mid-Level
NHL Starter
Pick Prediction: 50th
overall
#15 - Eric Roy - Brandon Wheat Kings - LD - 6'3 - 190 -
Roy is a big and mobile two-way defenceman for Brandon. Has all the necessary tools to be a legit NHL
player. Has a big shot, can pass, skates
pretty well for his size and loves to play physical. Battled consistency on a game to game basis,
based on my viewings of him over the past three seasons. Has the skill to almost always be the best
player on the ice. As long as he
maintains a strong work ethic, he could truly be a gem of a pick in the 2nd or
3rd round. Plays first PP and on the PK
and was most often paired with Ryan Pulock.
I rank him as a pick in the 61-65 range, but definitely has higher
potential then some of the guys I have ranked ahead of him.
NHL Style Comparable:
Dion Phaneuf
Top End Potential: Top
4 D, Second Unit PP
Pick Prediction: 60th
overall
#16 - Patrik Bartosak - Red Deer Rebels - G - 6'1 - 188 -
Bartosak is an intriguing character. I thought
he was well on his way to being drafted in 2012 before a mid-season injury
sidelined him for the rest of the year.
He's got good size, plays even bigger and never quits on a play. He's got a very good glove and is fairly
athletic. His rebound control isn't
great and he sometimes over commits on plays, but with proper instruction he
could be a very good pro prospect. I
think I probably rank him higher than he'll get drafted, ranking him in the 3rd
round.
NHL Style Comparable:
JS Giguere
Top End Potential: Mid-Level
NHL Starter
Pick Prediction: Mid-5th
round
#17 - Greg Chase - Calgary Hitmen - CR - 6'0 - 195 -
Chase is a hard working forward for the Hitmen.
Is the nephew of former NHL tough guy Kelly Chase. Skates well with good speed and plays an
effective agitators role. Has some offensive tools to work with including nice
puck handling ability and a good shot and release. I'm not sure how high his offensive ceiling
will be, but he does enough other things to make him intriguing. There are
surely teams who like him more than I do.
Either way, he's a solid prospect and a guy who could come off the board
in the top 75.
NHL Style Comparable:
Troy Brouwer
Top End Potential: Top
9 Forward, Second Unit PP, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 75th
overall
#18 - Mason Geertsen - Vancouver Giants - LD - 6'4 - 203
-
Geertsen is a big defender with good reach for the Giants. Makes an ok first pass and is an average
skater, but has shown good improvement over the last 18 months. Has a good stick, blocks shots and picks his
spots well physically. He really seemed
to blossom with increased ice time after getting dealt from Edmonton to
Vancouver early in the WHL season. He projects
to be a good depth NHL defenceman and one that I expect to be picked in either
the 3rd or 4th round.
NHL Style Comparable:
Mark Stuart
Top End Potential: Top
4 D, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: Mid-3rd round
#19 - Myles Bell - Kelowna Rockets - LW/RD - 6'0 - 210 -
Bell continues to be on my NHL Draft radar.
I had him ranked as a 1st rounder for the 2011 NHL Draft before some
unfortunate circumstances came to be.
This year was a different one for him as he converted from a top pairing
D to a first line winger. The transition
was astounding as he ended up posting 93 points. He's a good skater and obviously has some
nice instincts offensively. Has a great
shot, both wrister and slapshot and is clearly versatile, too. I still think an NHL team could use him in
their system and am interested to see what happens with him in his final year
of draft eligibility.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jason Pominville
Top End Potential: Top
9 Forward or Top 4 D
Pick Prediction: 5th
Round
#20 - Spenser Jensen - Medicine Hat Tigers - RD - 6'3 -
193 -
Jensen is a big, rangy defenceman for the Tigers. Takes care of his own end first with good
positioning and a good wingspan. Relies
mostly on his stickwork as he doesn't play overly physical and could definitely
add strength to his frame, but doesn't back down. Is a good skater for his size and can start
the rush with good plays on the outlet.
A good amount of future potential for a guy that could be taken in the
back half of the draft. He could take a while to get to the NHL, but he's definitely worth picking in 2013.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jeff Petry
Top End Potential: Top
4 D, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: 4th
Round
#21 - Brendan Burke - Portland Winterhawks - G - 6'3 -
174 -
Burke is a big goalie for Portland and is the son of former NHL starter
Sean Burke. Plays a similar style to his
dad, uses his size well and doesn't play an overly athletic style. He relies
mostly on his positioning in the net. I
like his potential, but he could definitely be considered more of a project
than some of the other WHL goalies in this draft. Either way I think he might go higher than
some people expect and could go in the 4th or 5th round somewhere. Next year should be an interesting one in the Portland crease as Mac Carruth will graduate to pro hockey.
NHL Style Comparable:
Carey Price
Top End Potential: Average
NHL Starter
Pick Prediction: Late
5th Round
#22 - Kayle Doetzel - Red Deer Rebels - RD - 6'3 - 191 -
Doetzel is a shutdown defender for the Red Deer Rebels. He skates well, loves to play a physical game
and blocks shots. I don't necessarily
see a ton of offensive ability but he takes no prisoners defensively. I see him as having good potential as a
future bottom pairing NHL defenceman. I
rate him as a 4th round pick in the 100th overall range.
NHL Style Comparable:
Adam McQuaid
Top End Potential:
Top 5 D, Second Unit PK
Pick Prediction: Mid
4th Round
#23 - Jamal Watson - Lethbridge Hurricanes - RW - 6'0 -
176 -
Watson is an athletic and speedy winger for the Hurricanes. His wheels are among the fastest of any WHL
player, not just draft-eligibles, and he has a good offensive skillset. He has a good amount of grit to his game,
even if it's a bit inconsistent, and has a defensive conscience. Would have liked to see more consistency in
his game throughout the season as he had some real standout viewings and then
didn't show much in other games. Has
pretty good hands and can both pass the puck and shoot it. I rate him as a solid 4th round pick, but I
think he'll get picked a bit later than that.
NHL Style Comparable:
Matt Frattin
Top End Potential: Top
9 Forward
Pick Prediction: 6th
Round
#24 - Connor Rankin - Tri-City Americans - CL - 6'0 - 195
-
Rankin is a speedy two-way forward for the Americans. He's got great skating ability and nice
offensive tools including a very good shot.
He improved his consistency this season and also rounded out the defensive
side of his game. He plays a big
leadership role on a young Americans team, too.
He has some definite value in the back half of the 2013 NHL Draft and I
am interested to see where NHL teams rank him, considering he was a fairly
"big name" prospect over the last 18-24 months.
NHL Style Comparable:
Matt Cullen
Top End Potential:
Top 9 Forward
Pick Prediction: 4th
Round
#25 - Jackson Houck - Vancouver Giants - RW - 6'0 - 184 -
Houck is an energy forward for the Giants.
He's quick, plays aggressively all over the ice and has a good
shot. His best asset is that he never
takes a shift off, knows his role and fills it to a tee. Put up a good year offensively, but he will
need to continue to work hard on that part of his game if he wants to carve out
a top 6 pro career. Has some value
towards the back half of the middle of the 2013 draft.
NHL Style Comparable:
Jannick Hansen
Top End Potential:
Bottom 6 Forward
Pick Prediction: 5th
Round
======================================================================
#26 - Cody Corbett - Edmonton Oil Kings - LD - Corbett is
a good two way defenceman for Edmonton and a guy I rated 20th overall from the
WHL for the 2012 NHL Draft. He's a good
skater, has a great shot and has all the tools to be an above average pro
defenceman. Offensive decision making
really improved this season, with increased confidence and minutes going hand
in hand with that. I would have to think
a team likes him enough to at least make him a late-round selection, especially
after the Oil Kings went on a deep run again.
#27 - JC Lipon - Kamloops Blazers - RW - 6'0 - 181 -
Lipon is an offensive forward for the Blazers.
Is a smooth skater and has some great offensive tools and
instincts. Lit the league up in the
first half of the year, tailing off in the second half, finishing 11th in WHL
scoring. Has a good amount of grit to
his game and he has some value going forward defensively. Could see him going around the start of the
5th round.
#28 - Matt Needham - Kamloops Blazers - CL - 5'10 - 187 -
Needham is a speedy energy player for the Blazers. Has a solid offensive skillset and very good
speed. Works hard and could fill many
different roles going forward as a pro.
Had high expectations for him but his play never really elevated to the
level I expected this season. Still a potential draftable player.
#29 - Jaimen Yakubowski - Lethbridge Hurricanes - LW -
5'10 - 202 - Jaimen Yakubowski is an overage forward for the 2013 NHL Draft,
first being eligible last season. He's
only an ok skater, with a good powerful stride but not the quickest feet. Has a great motor, hits hard and often and
has a great shot and tools around the net.
Had a breakout year and I think he has some value for a late round
pick.
#30 - Austin Lotz - Everett Silvertips - G - 6'0 - 185 -
Lotz is an extremely athletic, and slightly undersized, goalie for the
Silvertips. He has a ton of speed and is
a dynamic goalie to watch, relying on his athletic ability to keep pucks out of
the net. His style can sometimes let him
down as doesn't play the position in a typical fashion. If he could refine his positioning and
rebound control he could be a steal in the back part of the draft.
#31 - Marc McNulty - Prince George Cougars - LD - 6'6 -
189 - McNulty is a huge and rangy defender for the Cougars. Skates ok for his size, plays physical and
uses his reach to his advantage. Has
some work to do on his ability to handle and pass the puck, but teams will definitely
be interested in him based on his size alone.
I'm sure there are some teams that like him much more than where I have
him ranked.
#32 - Jayden Hart - Prince Albert Raiders - CR - 6'1 -
188 - Hart is a big rangy center for the Raiders. He's got a good powerful skating stride to go
with a nice set of offensive tools and instincts. Has good hockey sense and has the ability to
play in a defensive role, as well as the ability to line up as both a winger
and center. Work ethic is an area of
inconsistency, from what I've seen. I pencil
him in as a mid-6th round pick but won't be shocked at all if he comes off the board earlier than that.
#33 - Jesse Lees - Kelowna Rockets - RD - 6'0 - 180 -
Lees is a solid two way defenceman for the Rockets. Skates well, moves the puck well and is good
at both ends of the ice. Isn't the most
physical defender in the world and relies on smarts, and good stick/body
positioning defensively. I know some in
the industry like him more than I do as I have him ranked in the 6th round.
#34 - Mackenzie Skapski - Kootenay Ice - G - 6'3 - 182 -
Skapski is a big, well-structured goalie for the Ice. I had him at about this
same spot in my rankings for the 2012 NHL Draft. He's got great size, uses it to his advantage
with good positioning. This was his
first full year as a starter and he was a monster in the second half of the
season, guiding the Ice to the playoffs.
Have to imagine teams show some interest after passing up on him last
year, now that he's got a more complete resume.
#35 - Tyler King - Spokane Chiefs - LD - 6'0 - 190 - King
doesn't get a ton of publicity, but he's a solid defenceman and prospect for
Spokane. Is a slightly above average
skater, but it's an area he could still improve on. He's got a good stick and handles his own end
of the ice very well. Won't blow you
away offensively, but is competent in starting the rush and won't try and over
handle the biscuit in his own zone.
Could see some teams liking him as a late pick.
#36 - Alex Forsberg - Prince George Cougars - CL - 5'11 -
184 - Forsberg only spent part of the year with the Cougars, choosing not to
return to the team following the Christmas break. He spent the rest of the year in the
SJHL. He's a very good offensive player,
with impressive vision and a good shot.
Compete can be questioned from time to time and gets knocked off the
puck frequently. I still am a firm
believer in his offensive potential as a prospect and would be fairly shocked
if he went undrafted.
#37 - Tim McGauley
- Brandon Wheat Kings - CL - 6'0 - 177 - McGauley is a two way forward
for Brandon. Really grew on me as the
year went on. Very smart positionally,
always in the right spots on the ice.
Skating can still improve, and it should as he gets bigger and
stronger. Has really improved his
willingness to take the puck to the net.
Shot can still use some work but he's a good prospect in the mold of a
Matt Stajan-type of player. Teams should
be happy to have him in the 7th round.
#38 - Roberts Lipsbergs - Seattle Thunderbirds - 5'11 -
195 - Lipsbergs is a rookie offensive forward for Seattle. He's a good skater, he's agile and has the
ability to handle the puck at top speed.
He's shifty and dynamic and has a good shot. Would like to see more compete from him, with
consistency also being an area of concern I have with his game. Has some good value late if teams are looking
for some offensive potential in the back part of the draft.
#39 - Curtis Valk - Medicine Hat Tigers - CL - 5'8 - 162
- Valk is an extremely undersized but amazingly dynamic forward for the
Tigers. Has very impressive hands and
goes to the dirty areas despite his size.
Had 46 goals and outscored linemate Hunter Shinkaruk. Size is obviously the big knock, even though
he doesn't play like a small guy. Has a
good work ethic and is good defensively.
This is his 3rd time eligible and I could see a team grabbing him in the
back half of the draft.
#40 - Colby Cave - Swift Current Broncos - CL/LW - 6'0 -
188 - Cave is a prospect in a powerforward role for the Broncos. Skating improved throughout the year, but
could still get better. He hits hard and
has a heavy shot. Got better as the year
went on for the Broncos. Physical play
tended to be somewhat inconsistent but with some improvement he could be a
tough kid to slow down. Loves to hang
around the net. Definitely deserves a
look late in the draft.
#41 - Jon Martin - Kootenay Ice - CR - 6'2 - 201 - Martin
is a big and rugged forward for the Ice.
Likes to throw his weight around and play an agitators role. Provided muscle and size on the Ice top 6 all
season. Skating can still improve. Seems to play with his head on a swivel and
is very aware of his positioning. Might
go undrafted, but I like him as a darkhorse to have some future pro
potential.
#42 - Macoy Erkamps - Lethbridge Hurricanes - RD - 5'11 - 193 - Erkamps is a
primarily offensive defenceman for the Hurricanes. He's not the biggest guy, but moves the puck
well with great outlet passes and the ability to quarterback a powerplay. Has a decent edge to his game, but will
ultimately need to get bigger, stronger and quicker in order to fill a two-way
role at the pro level. I had higher hopes
for him entering the season, but he didn't quite deliver as much as I would
have hoped.
#43 - Chance Braid - Prince Albert Raiders - LW - 6'0 -
192 - Braid was one of the most improved players I saw from last year to this
season. Has good size, skates well and loves
to get involved all over the ice. Still
has room for growth offensively, but has a ton of versatility as I've seen him
line up in all three forward positions throughout the year. Could draw interest from scouts late and if
not, he'll be a good candidate for a rookie camp invite or to be picked as an
overage player next year.
#44 - Tyrell Goulbourne - Kelowna Rockets - CL - 5'11 -
195 - Goulbourne is a physical force for the Rockets. He's not the biggest guy, but he hits very
hard, plays a rugged game and is one of the leagues more dangerous
scrappers. Improved his puck handling
ability this season and saw a solid increase in his offensive production
because of it. Could draw interest late
in the draft as he also had a good postseason for Kelowna.
Just Missing
The Cut In 2013
Brady Brassart - Solid player for the Hitmen. Does a
little bit of everything. I'm sure some teams rank him as a draftable player, even though it's his third time through the draft.
Zane Jones - Big body who showed great improvement this
year for Calgary. Goes to the net, hits hard and scores.
Jaedon Descheneau - Small and dynamic forward for the
Ice. Really wanted to rank him, but it's hard to fit guys of his stature into
the rankings. Should light up the league next year, playing alongside Sam Reinhart again.
Ayrton Nikkel - Physical defender for Everett. Fights and
skates well. Could see some teams really liking his game.
Beau McCue - Big forward for Tri-City. Has some good goal
scoring touch, but skating is holding him back a bit.
Reid Gow - Offensive defender for Spokane who had a shot
at being drafted last year. Great skater
and puck mover.
Mack Shields - Big backup goalie for the Hitmen. Uses his
size well and is fairly mobile. Consistency is an area to work on. Like him to
be drafted next year as an overager.
Eetu Laurikainen - Typical Finnish goalie. Extremely
athletic and doesn't quit on a puck, great glove. Wouldn't be shocked if he was
picked.
Axel Blomqvist - Massive Swedish forward for Lethbridge.
Skating is an area of concern. Doesn't play as big as his 6'5 frame would
suggest. Could see some teams liking his raw skillset, but I don't have him
inside my top 7 rounds.
Connor Honey - Seattle forward who's got great instincts
around the net. Not sure where he stands
value-wise in relation to the draft, but he's a solid player.
Kyle Burroughs - Slightly undersized puck mover who had a
great close to the season. Could have value as a 2014 pick, but I don't rank
him as a top 7 round guy in 2013. I know some scouting organizations consider him as a "sleeper".
Cain Franson - Offensive forward for Vancouver was on my
radar last year and improved his goal totals despite being on a struggling
club. Even if he doesn't get drafted, I
think he has a pro career ahead of him in some form.
Pavlo Padakin - Hitmen forward from the Ukraine has great
compete, underrated skill and very good defensive instincts. Probably one of the best defensive forwards
the WHL has to offer for the NHL draft.
Kohl Bauml - Very small forward for Everett. Works his
tail off and gets dirty, just wish he was 5'11 instead of 5'8.
Malte Stromwall - Good two-way forward for Tri-City with
good speed and skill. A point per game player.
Left the WHL for Europe after signing a pro contract after the season.
Others To Watch
Brandon Baddock - Big body for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Raw tools and will likely get more serious consideration in the future as an
overage draftable player.
Edgars Kulda - Good versatile player for the Oil
Kings. Continued to climb up in their
lineup all season, filling many different roles. Was very good in the playoffs for Edmonton.
Ashton Sautner - Pretty solid two-way defender for
Edmonton. Really improved his play with
and without the puck this year, but remains a darkhorse to be drafted in 2013.
Tyler Lewington - Rugged defender for Medicine Hat. Plays a shutdown and agitator role.
Brandon Potomak - Speed to burn for this Warriors
forward. Likes to agitate and has room
to round out his offensive skillset. Should be a top 9 winger with lots of
special teams minutes in Moose Jaw next year.
Sawyer Lange - Underrated two-way defenceman for Prince
Albert. Another guy that does many
things well, but doesn't wow you in any one particular area. Could eventually carve out a role as a future
pro with hard work and development.
Brett Stovin - An offensive guy that blossomed as a
defensive role player this season for Saskatoon. Works hard and will need to
continue to add strength. Will likely
need to be a scorer for the Blades next season due to roster turnover.
Andrew Johnson - Speedy and gritty member of the
Thunderbirds. Can fill a number of different roles, but didn't expand his
offensive contributions this season like many out there thought he might be
capable of.
Jay Merkley - Merkley is a somewhat undersized forward
with good hands from the Broncos. Many people had high expectations for him
coming into his draft year, many of which didn't come to fruition. Needs to "want" to be a
difference-maker every night.
Brian Williams - Williams is a small, but extremely
dynamic offensive forward for the Tri-City Americans. Size is the only concern
with him, he's a hell of a player and some teams might consider picking him.
Brandon Magee - Magee is a small offensive forward for
the Royals. Has a ton of heart and has a great motor. Had him ranked 39th on this list for the 2012
NHL Draft.
Austin Carroll - Carroll is a big bodied forward for the
Royals. Listed him as an honourable
mention in 2012, and maintains that status now. Could be a pro player in the
future, still.
Dylan Wruck - Extremely small, but extremely
dynamic. Could go undrafted again, but
will definitely draw pro interest looking into the future. I know some teams in Sweden have already shown
minor interest in him.
Carter Hansen - Moose Jaw forward who never quite
elevated his game after being impressive as a 16 year old. Needs a big summer, but could have value in
the 2014 draft in his second time around.
Levi Bews - Had a good bounce-back season for the Swift
Current Broncos. Does a lot of things well,
can hit, score and skates pretty well.
Had him listed as an honourable mention last season on this list.
Not Enough
Views To Comfortably Gauge
Chase Souto - Kamloops Blazers
Cole Ully - Kamloops Blazers
Parker Bowles - Tri-City Americans
Austin Adam - Everett Silvertips
Ben Betker - Everett Silvertips
Aspen Sterzer - Kamloops Blazers
Mitch Wheaton - Kelowna Rockets
Adam Henry - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Ty Stanton - Medicine Hat Tigers
Chase Witala - Prince George Cougars
Zach Pochiro - Prince George Cougars
Taylor Green - Seattle Thunderbirds
Jerret Smith - Seattle Thunderbirds
Jared Hauf - Seattle Thunderbirds
Keegan Kanzig - Victoria Royals
Dalton Sward -
Vancouver Giants
