Well, former Winnipeg Jets’ head coach Paul Maurice has now lifted the Stanley Cup in back to back seasons…how many of us saw that in the coach’s future when he walked away from our franchise in the middle of a season? He wasn’t the only former True Norther to get some new bling, as defensemen Dmitri Kulikov & Nate Schmidt also were there to take part in the Florida Panthers’ celebrations.
With that little piece of work accomplished, the National Hockey League’s schedule switches to its off-season mode. Fortunately for the rabid hockey fans out there, it doesn’t really take much of a break as the focus immediately jumps to the upcoming Entry Draft, which kicks off in less than a week. This year, the event will take place in Los Angeles, as the leagues’ General Managers will converge on the Peacock Theater with the hopes of improving their rosters via trades or making selections to improve their prospect pool depth. Keep in mind, most of the players drafted this upcoming weekend will wait 3 or 4 seasons before they get a legit look at the NHL. So any team or fanbase picking outside of the top 10 better temper the excitement with a good dose of patience.
Young men that were born between January 1, 2005 and September 15, 2007 are eligible to be drafted, as are non-North American players born in 2004 who were not selected at the last NHL Entry Draft and those born in 2003 that were drafted but never signed (like the Jets’ Connor Levis). The 2025 prospect pool has been judged by the scouts & media as being fairly shallow, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be any top end level talent available, especially in the early rounds. The Presidents’ Trophy winning Winnipeg Jets will only have 5 of their 7 draft picks when the action gets underway in LA, but at least they have retained their first rounder so that will give GM Kevin Cheveldayoff something to do on Friday, June 27th’s opening day (1st rd only). The remaining six rounds will occur on Saturday, allowing the True North franchise to make their 3rd round, 5th round, 6th round, & 7th round selections before things wrap up.
Despite finishing with the league’s 10th worst record in the regular season, the New York Islanders got a huge break when their lottery ball popped out to give them the #1 selection in the upcoming draft. Here is a list of what NHL clubs will have a top 10 pick this year:
Unfortunately, barring some huge trade, our club won’t be adding a player anywhere near there, as their franchise-record setting season has them banished to the late 1st round range. Because of that, I won’t bother reviewing the players who are clearly expected to be drafted before Winnipeg finally gets to make the 28th overall selection, but rather spend some time looking at 12 young men who have been drafted by the Jets in the many mock drafts online. That sounds like a lot and it is….mainly because who will be drafted where varies vastly from mock to mock, so I have no idea if it is likely that all of these players will be available for Chevy & his scouts to pick from. Admittedly, some of them do seem unlikely, but lets run through them anyways….
CAMERON REID: 18 yrs old, 6’ 174 lbs, LD – Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Rankings: 10th BUT, 15th THW, 20th EP, 21st ESPN, & 31st DFO
Based on the rankings above, it would seem that Reid will be off the board before the 28th selection rolls around. Should he be there by some miracle, then Winnipeg will have to consider the benefit of adding a smooth skating left handed defenseman that has tons of offensive upside. According to the scouts, his ability to read the flow of play allows him to be in the right position to break up plays, yet it is Cameron’s agility that draws the most comments. The Canadian defender applies his speed to fly through the neutral zone, uses his edges so well that he often catches his opponent off balance with a quick change of direction, and puts the same strengths to use in the defensive end when he goes back to pick up dump ins & can shake off forecheckers before carrying the puck out of danger.
Reid is coming off a strong campaign with Kitchener (.806 pts/gm) and has a bit of a Josh Morrissey feel to how the scouts describe his game. Not sure if he can reach that level, but the Ontario born defenseman certainly has top 4 potential in the big league. Dobber Prospects’ NHL Certainty rating of 5.5 out of 10 doesn’t seem to scream future NHL lock, yet he is often predicted to go earlier than some of the other defenders we look at with higher ratings.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Despite his relatively small frame, this especially applies to his defensive game. Reid is remarkably effective with his stick, is very fluid with his motions and reads play spectacularly. Sprinkle in some really impressive offensive IQ and some remarkable mobility, and Reid being outside the top 32 may be laughable in hindsight. David Saad
*****
CULLEN POTTER: 18 yrs old, 5’10” 172 lbs, LW – Arizona State (NCAA)
Rankings: 17th DFO, 20th TSN, 20th HP, 20th THW, 22nd ESPN, 23rd EP, & 56th BUT
Other than TSN’s Craig Button, most rankings suggest that Potter won’t be an option for the Jets either. Mobility, agility, fantastic edge work, deep skating stance that allows quick crossovers & great balance…these are the types of things often noticed when watching the American winger play. “His speed and acceleration are ridiculous” is a direct Elite Prospects’ quote to help drive home that Cullen may be the “most singularly skilled player in the draft“. Of course, his size is the main concern and would be the only reason the Wisconsin-born forward would drop to the late 1st round. Fighting that, an NHL level shot, immense creativity, great hands & vision, and a high compete level gives him a shot to overcome those physical limitations.
Potter put up good stats in his NCAA rookie season, scoring at a 0.682 points per game pace with Arizona State and the US National team. Never having watched the kid play, I really have no opinion on his future NHL chances, though his Dobber Prospects’ NHL Certainty rating is the 2nd lowest (4.0) of our little list. Hard to say exactly what Winnipeg will need on their roster 4 seasons from now, but another small scoring winger probably won’t be that high on the list.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
From a purely individual skill standpoint, Potter is easily a top-ten talent in this draft. His ability to gather speed with the puck on his stick is unmatched. What gives many scouts pause, however, is his lack of size and the question of his hockey sense. Potter occasionally forces plays and doesn’t always see the best option. It’s safe to say Potter is the biggest boom-or-bust player in this class, and the team that calls his name on draft day could be hitting a home run with the pick. Anni Karvinen
*****
MILTON GASTRIN: 18 yrs old, 6’1” 185 lbs, C/LW – MoDo (SHL & U20)
Rankings: 24th DFO, 27th TSN, 28th BUT, 29th EP, 32nd HP, 32nd THW, 34th ESPN
The above rankings suggest the Gästrin will be selected between the 24th and 34th overall picks, opening the door for the Jets to possibly pick up the Swedish forward. From all the things I read about Milton, I generally got the feeling that he was one of those players who was good at everything….but great at nothing. The 18 yr old has the ability to play center or wing and can be used up and down the lineup. A number of scouts mentioned that the young man was a great teammate on the ice, always in the right position to receive or make a pass to assist in puck control & zone transitions. With a frame able to carry more muscle, the upcoming years will likely see him fill out more to add size to his asset list.
The Swede started last season off strong, scoring at a point per game pace in the J20 league before an injury derailed his year. When he returned to full health, the forward had the chance to make an appearance in his country’s top league (SHL) but failed to get on the scoresheet in 8 contests. Gästrin does own the second highest NHL Certainty rating (7.0) of the 12 players in our article, so he looks like a sure hit…though maybe just a bloop single or sliding double rather than a base clearing triple or homer.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Gastrin started his draft season off on fire. He was captain of Sweden’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup team and produced 10 points in five games, and that same success bled into his club play with MoDo’s J20 squad. A mid-season injury held him out of the World Junior A Challenge, and his production has tailed off since the injury, but Gastrin remains a promising prospect. Gastrin can play His tools are solid across the board, even if none of them are considered high-end or elite. He has a good frame which he’ll likely be able to add weight to as he matures. The upside for Gastrin is a 2nd line point producing forward, but he’ll most likely end up as a middle-six player. Jordan Harris
*****
BLAKE FIDDLER: 17 yrs old, 6’4” 209 lbs, RD – Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Rankings: 21st TSN, 26th DFO, 26th ESPN, 28th EP, 28th THW, & 37th BUT
Based on the rankings, it seems that Fiddler should at least reach the 20’s of the upcoming draft and might just give GM Cheveldayoff the chance to draft a big defenseman with the 28th overall selection. The Nashville-born defender has a lot of things going for him….a 6’4″ 200 lb plus frame at the young age of 17 while also sporting a right handed shot that is so coveted nowadays in the NHL when it comes to defensemen. On the defensive side of things, young Blake has the talent to develop into a Dylan Samberg-type shutdown top 4 player at the NHL level, but there are some concerns with his game. A lack of offense with Edmonton in the WHL (.516 pts/gm) isn’t that concerning, but the consistency of his play with the Ice Kings is a bit more worrisome.
Like Samberg, the American plays a physical game without taking loads of penalties, mainly thanks to strong body positioning in his own zone. Despite his size, Fiddler has the skating ability to pick up dump ins before the forecheckers and has shown the ability to make the smart play after that to start a zone exit for his club. A Dobber Prospects’ NHL Certainty rating of 6.0 suggests he wouldn’t be a bad selection.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Fiddler got a lot of attention early thanks his size, his smooth skating, and his solid play at the Hlinka tournament over the summer. While still likely a first rounder, Fiddler’s inconsistent play in the WHL has cost him some fans. He uses his reach and skating to close gaps on the rush and demonstrate some physicality, though it is his play with the puck that is less assuring. Fiddler makes some questionable decisions offensively and causes some frustrating turnovers through poor handling. Nevertheless, there is still room for Fiddler to iron out these details and progress into a solid NHLer. Luke Sweeney
*****
JACK NESBITT: 18 yrs old, 6’4” 183 lbs, C – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Rankings: 17th BUT, 23rd TSN, 29th ESPN, 32nd DFO, & 34th THW
The fifth player on my list brings us another big young man, but this time in the form of forward Nesbitt. While TSN seems to believe that the Canadian center will go before Winnipeg gets the chance, there is still hope that Jack could be available. At 6’4″, the Sarnia-born forward has yet to fill up that big frame but still shows the promise of being a physical specimen as he matures. Coined as a smart hockey player with great defensive abilities, the scouts seemingly question whether he will be an Adam Lowry-type shutdown bottom sixer or whether there is more to offer. A good forechecker that uses precise stick work to break up zone exit passes, he is just as adept at using the body to knock the defensemen off the puck.
Well, I haven’t seen Nesbitt play other than his World Junior’s performance (5 pts in 6 gms), but his .985 points per game rate with Windsor in the OHL last season was quite a bit better than Lowry’s pre-draft campaign (.680 pts/gm) in the WHL. So that suggests the center could drift into that 2nd line pivot range for his development ceiling, so it will be interesting to see how the “can’t miss” NHL prospect will do in the upcoming seasons. Might be worth it for Winnipeg to take a shot if they get a chance.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Nesbitt is a big 6-4 center with the maturity and faceoff ability to stick at center. Nesbitt has enough of a toolkit to be a reliable two-way center at the NHL. Solid playmaker with good overall skating who works hard on defense, but a lack of a standout trait makes it questionable how high his upside is. Nesbitt looks safe to play NHL games at the very least, but it may take a year or two to see if the projection can grow, as many bigger players like him can take a bit longer to hit, Nesbitt very well may be one of those guys as he gets older and stronger. Austin Kelly
*****
CAMERON SCHMIDT: 18 yrs old, 5’7” 157 lbs, RW – Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Rankings: 14th EP, 19th ESPN, 30th DFO, 30th THW, & 30th TSN
The Edmonton-born winger definitely has one glaring weakness…that 5’7″ frame!! He certainly has his strengths as well, otherwise we wouldn’t be talking about Schmidt. The biggest plus for Cameron is his shot (40 goals last yr), which he can release with ease & accuracy off the rush, pick corners at will even from bad angles, or getting his feet in place for the perfect 1 timer.
When I looked at Winnipeg’s prospects in the CHL recently, I mapped out how many of the Jets did during their pre-draft seasons. Using that to compare the tiny Canadian winger (who ironically plays for the Giants), his 1.279 points per game last year with Vancouver would only put him behind Cole Perfetti (1.81 pts/gm), Nikolaj Ehlers (1.65), & Colby Barlow (1.34). I won’t go on because the scout below was very talkative about the 18 yr old forward, but I am sure many scouting rooms have devolved into arguments with things like “you can’t teach talent” and “he’ll disappear in the playoffs” flying around the room.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Cameron has pretty much everything you’d want out of a smaller player. He’s got blazing speed, lightning-quick acceleration, and tight edges, making Schmidt already one of the best skaters in the CHL. Schmidt’s early’ offensive dominance has been thanks in large part to that skating. Either receiving a stretch pass or leading the rush himself, Schmidt’s able to create a lot of clean looks for himself in the WHL. His shot is also undeniably dangerous. He’s got a quick snapper with a deceptive release that he loves to flash in transition. Schmidt’s wrister and one-timer are both powerful—potential NHL-level—weapons, making him a threat from either flank. With his hands and vision, Schmidt also has legitimate playmaking skill. He stretches the ice, pushes the pace and plays with a chip on his shoulder. What’s not to like?
Admittedly, Schmidt’s approach hasn’t translated as well to stages where he’s playing a smaller, often secondary role. Against steeper competition and playing with more talented peers, Schmidt hasn’t had as much space to work with, as many lapses to capitalize on, and, maybe most importantly, as many puck touches. That certainly poses a problem, not just at the NHL, but at any pro level. Going purely off tools, there’s a strong argument for taking Schmidt over all but a few players. The only worry is about his fit in an NHL top six. Luke Sweeney
*****
WILLIAM MOORE: 18 yrs old, 6’2” 174 lbs, C – USNTDP
Rankings: 19th EP, 27th BUT, 31st ESPN, 44th DFO, & 45th THW
The Canadian-born Moore eventually moved to the US and became a member of the National Team Development Program, scoring at a .922 points per game rate in that system. While Dobber Prospects’ NHL Certainty rating of 3.0 shows they don’t think highly of that level of competition, some of the scouting reports seem to paint a brighter picture. The rankings above indicate that the Mississauga-born player could go anywhere from mid-1st to mid-2nd.
William is tall and should eventually fill out that frame, so most of the negatives mentioned were to do with consistency and his willingness to put in the work at both ends of the ice. At his best, the Canuck-Yank forward can play like the ultimate power forward, making high end plays down low, crashing the net, and using his body to contribute to long cycle shifts in the offensive zone. Committed to Boston College in the NCAA next season, it will be very interesting to see how Moore does against stiffer competition.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
With some fresh linemates, Moore played some of his best hockey of the year next to Cullen Potter and Will Horcoff at the U18’s. While he didn’t look like he was dominating (or necessarily the main driver on his line) his abilities to absorb contact and make plays, both along the wall and at the net front, looked improved. While his hands and playmaking ability remain strengths, I’m still not sold on his skating, his strength, or his athleticism. More importantly, I don’t know that he’s done enough to alleviate the concerns about his work ethic, his defensive abilities, or his physical play. With a mindset-shift and a greater focus on defense and detail, Moore could make many scouts look very foolish.—Luke Sweeney
*****
BILL ZONNON: 18 yrs old, 6’2” 190 lbs, LW – Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
Rankings: 21st THW, 25th BUT, 30th ESPN, & 31st DFO
Dobber Prospects’ NHL Certainty rating really likes Zonnon, giving him the highest ranking of all 12 skaters we will look at today (8.0). When you consider they say someone with a rating of 9.0 should be playing in the NHL, it seems like Bill is a sure bet. The Montreal-born winger has the ability to switch to center, but his skating may limit him to the outside at the NHL level. It is not a lack of speed though, as the big Canadian is good on the forecheck, effective at removing the puck from any hesitant defenders he comes upon. A good teammate, the 18 yr old supports them in all three zones, even going as far to assist his defensemen with back board battles. A high motor and the ability to get involved offensively with clever passes are some more admirable attributes.
Zonnon piled up the points in the “Q” this past year, putting up 1.297 points per game, which happens to be a slightly higher rate than the diminutive Cameron Schmidt put up in the WHL. I have not seen the young man play at all, but it is nice to see that his production stayed pretty much the same in the playoffs. Especially since the winger seemed to be one of the most common selections for Winnipeg in the mock drafts I reviewed.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Bill Zonnon is a big and versatile forward who can play the wing or center. What stands out the most about Bill is his compete level. He’s relentless every shift on puck carriers and uses his size well to win board battles. Zonnon possesses a long and powerful skating stride, which allows him to be dominant in transition. Paired with a good skill level and a strong understanding of the game, it gives him a safe floor as a prospect. The only knock on Zonnon’s game would be his explosiveness and agility on his skates. Improvements would give him upside as a complementary top 9 forward in the NHL. Éloi Biondo
*****
JACK MURTAGH: 17 yrs old, 6’1” 198 lbs, LW – USNTDP
Rankings: 26th TSN, 27th THW, 28th DFO, 28th ESPN, 30th EP, & 32nd BUT
Murtagh has been rated very similarly from most of the sites and firmly in the late 1st category. Born in New York state, the left winger is coming off an impressive season with the US National system (.937 pts/gm) and was equally good representing his country at the World Juniors (.857 pts/gm). Making the leap to the NCAA in the upcoming season with Boston College, the 17 yr old will get to find out if his power forward style of play will work against bigger & stronger competition.
The American winger is great at using his body to power past or through defenders and has a never give up attitude that makes him an annoyance to everyone wearing the opposing jersey. While Murtagh has a quick wrister that he can get off on a rush, the majority of his 22 goals last year came from closer to the crease. Willing to take and throw bodychecks, working hard every shift no matter if the puck is in the defensive or offensive zone, and great at creating chances off board battle victories, the young man seems like a prime NHL bottom sixer. While his size is intriguing, I think (hope) Winnipeg can add a more impactful player with their pick.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Murtagh plays an uncomplicated game and—in an especially weak year for the NTDP—that was enough to make him a first rounder in our last ranking. Murtagh is a straight-lines puck carrier and shooter who plays with a lot of pace and intensity. With his profile, Murtagh could likely find his way into an NHL bottom six. .—Luke Sweeney
*****
HENRY BRZUSTEWICZ: 18 yrs old, 6’1” 195 lbs, RD – London Knights (OHL)
Rankings: 27th HP, 37th THW, 38th DFO, 38th ESPN, & 43rd BUT
The rankings for Brzustewicz jump around quite a bit, mainly because he provides very little offensive upside despite scoring .70 points per game with the juggernaut London Knights. Henry really is the defensive “yin” to his partner’s offensive “yang” on the OHL’s best team’s top pairing, but he did find his playing time drop in the playoffs & Memorial Cup.
Elite Prospects explains the 18 yr old’s style of play well…”In most shifts, Brzustewicz plays a quiet and supportive style of game. Rotating ahead of plays, denying the middle, pushing opponents wide, and walling off the front of the net, he contains the opposition. He retrieves it and moves it to his partner, prioritizing safety over creativity“.
He sounds a bit like a Dylan DeMelo to me, though Brzustewicz did easily outscore the current Jets’ defender in their pre-draft seasons (0.700 to 0.403). More than one of the mocks had Winnipeg’s GM selecting the Michigan-born defenseman, so he might be a guy that we all get to know a bit better after the draft.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
With size, puck-moving ability, and strong defensive instincts, Brzustewicz was a strong companion for Sam Dickinson on a competitive London blueline all season long. While he got pushed down the lineup as the games got more important, he still managed to contribute a critical stretch-pass assist in the Memorial Cup Finals. A larger role next season will be both a test and an opportunity.—Luke Sweeney
*****
HAOXI (SIMON) WANG: 17 yrs old, 6’6” 209 lbs, LD – (OJHL)
Rankings: 31st TSN, 42nd THW, 50th DFO, 58th BUT, & 59th ESPN
Born in Beijing, the 17 yr old defenseman got a late start at competitive hockey despite starting to actually skate at an early age. That quick beginning has apparently paid off, as scouts indicate that Wang has excellent mobility for a player his size. So young Simon has all the physical needs to become a future NHLer, but it was only moving to Canada at the age of 12 that makes him a long-term project for any franchise that decides to select the Chinese defender.
Wang was impressive at the OJHL level last season (.579 pts/gm), but his impact was much less when he was promoted to Oshawa in the OHL (.063 pts/gm in regular/.143 pts/gm in playoffs). The young defenseman has the tools (skating/size/defensive positioning) to eventually be a great hockey player, but he is far from skilled at using them all at the moment.
The rankings at the start of this blurb seem to indicate that it would be a bit of a reach to select Wang when the Jets get called up at #28. With limited picks in the recent past & near future, does Cheveldayoff really want to gamble with this year’s 1st rounder? Guess we will find out on Friday. A NHL Certainty rating of 6.5 at the age of 17 is pretty promising though, so it might be more about patience instead of risk.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
Starting the year in the OJHL, Wang had scouts salivating as a 6-5 D-man with standout skating ability. To be fair, the expectations placed on Wang were ridiculously lofty. However, I also think it’s fair to say that his arrival in the OHL was disappointing. Wang picked up only 2 assists in 32 regular season games and was mostly glued to the bench throughout the Generals’ playoff run. More than that, Wang’s pressure-tolerance, breakout passing, and ability to make plays in the OZ were big points of struggle. He has a physical, athletic and technical profile that puts him a step ahead of many, but Wang will likely have a long development curve as he learns to think the game at a higher level.—Luke Sweeney
*****
WILLIAM HORCOFF: 18 yrs old, 6’4” 181 lbs, C – USNTDP
Rankings: 45th DFO, 49th THW, & 53rd ESPN
Despite the rankings above being well into the 2nd round, I have seen the son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff selected often in the 1st round of mock drafts. Unsurprisingly, William’s game seems very much like his old man’s, with the defensive dimension standing out mostly. Standing at 6’4″, he is already physically gifted and that will only increase as he matures, assisting his strong forechecking and backchecking skills.
Horcoff scored at a pace of .556 in his rookie NCAA season with the University of Michigan, so does have some offensive upside as well. The scouting report below outlines the things the 18 yr old has to work on, but to me it sounds like the American might be one of those bottom six prospects that you had hoped would develop beyond that. Probably another project, but with William you might be able to do some of that work at the NHL level playing on a checking line.
Dobber’s Scouting Report:
A big kid with flashes of higher-level skill who has made a name for himself with University of Michigan. Flush with fresh energy following his flight from the floundering USNTDP, Horcoff has worked his way into the hearts of many scouts, some of whom see him as a first rounder. That said, even noting his long runway, Horcoff still has a ways to go, with even his strengths possibly requiring some tweaks. His skating is OK, but his stride needs work. His shot has some pop, but he needs to work on creating deception in his release and improving his accuracy. His hands are good downhill, but he needs to improve his handling posture and quick-thinking. All-in-all, at 6-5 Horcoff is another interesting project with clear developmental steps.—Luke Sweeney
*****
I love to follow along with the Winnipeg Jets’ prospects, but I can’t find the time to watch much non-professional hockey so all my opinions on what Chevy does with the first round pick are pure speculation. Having said that, most people nowadays seem to have no problem voicing their thoughts regardless of their actual knowledge on the subject, so why not me?
BOJA’s Top 3
- Blake Fiddler – RD: A big right handed version of Dylan Samberg? Sign me up.
- Jack Nesbitt – C: The potential for an Adam Lowry with better hands? That would be lovely.
- Bill Zonnon – LW: A big hard working potential top six forward that put up almost 1.3 pts/gm in his pre-draft campaign? A fine selection, sir.
Really, none of the players in this article will have much of an impact on the NHL over the next 3 seasons, so it might be just me that is excited for the True North franchise to add more players to its prospect pool. If anyone has any insights on these or other potential draft picks, would love to hear them. Perhaps you feel the value isn’t there and #28 should be used in a trade to bolster the Jets’ NHL roster? Lets hear your suggestions below. Since Free Agency kicks off on July 1st, it shouldn’t be too long before Arctic Ice Hockey has an article looking at the Jets’ situation before the chaos kicks off.
