Simulation Hockey League

Full Version: Exploring the Deep Prospect Pool in the Upcoming SMJHL Draft [Toronto Crier]
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Exploring the Deep Prospect Pool in the Upcoming SMJHL Draft

The upcoming SMJHL draft promises to be an exciting event for hockey enthusiasts, as the prospect pool for this year is exceptionally deep. With a wealth of talented young players eager to make their mark in the league, teams will have an abundance of options to choose from. In this article, we will delve into the depth of the prospect pool and explore the potential impact these upcoming stars could have on the SMJHL.

  1. The Strength of the Prospect Pool: According to NHL prospect expert Tony Ferrari, the prospect pool in the SMJHL draft is filled with immense talent and potential. This bodes well for teams looking to add skilled players to their roster. The depth of the pool means that even later-round picks have the potential to become valuable contributors to their respective teams.

  2. Increased Competition and Excitement: With a deep prospect pool, the competition among teams to secure the best talent becomes fiercer than ever. This heightened competition adds an extra layer of excitement to the draft, as every team strives to find the next budding superstar who can make an immediate impact.

  3. Positional Depth Chart: The deep prospect pool ensures that teams will have a wide range of options at various positions. Whether it's skilled forwards, dynamic defencemen, or reliable goaltenders, the upcoming draft offers a plethora of talent in every position. Teams will have the opportunity to address their specific needs and bolster their roster for the future.

  4. Impact on the SMJHL: The influx of talented prospects from a deep draft pool can significantly impact the SMJHL as a whole. The league's level of competition is expected to rise, as these young players bring their skills, energy, and determination to the ice. Fans can look forward to witnessing the growth and development of these prospects, as they aim to make a name for themselves in the league.The deep prospect pool in the upcoming SMJHL draft is a promising sign for the future of the league. As teams prepare to make their selections, the wealth of talent available ensures that the draft will be an exciting and pivotal event. With the potential for immediate impact players and future stars, the SMJHL is set to witness a new wave of talent that will shape the league for years to come.

1. Emil Karlsson

Emil Karlsson, a Swedish player, possesses exceptional puckhandling skills and impressive stamina. His strong skating ability and expert stickhandling allow him to navigate the ice with ease. However, while he excels in offensive aspects, his defensive game may require improvement. Despite having a large frame, Karlsson has yet to fully utilize it to his advantage. With the right guidance and development, Karlsson has the potential to become a formidable player, utilizing his size and skills to make a significant impact on the ice.

2. John Peanut

John Peanut, a talented defenseman from St. Louis, possesses exceptional defensive skills and impressive stamina. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions in the defensive zone sets him apart. However, there is room for improvement in his offensive skills, especially when it comes to shooting the puck. Additionally, his relatively small frame at 5'11" might present challenges in physical matchups. With proper guidance and development, Peanut has the potential to become a valuable asset on the ice, particularly in his defensive contributions.

3. Dag-Otto Björntjänst

Dag-Otto Björntjänst is a highly skilled Swedish Center with exceptional abilities in winning faceoffs and displaying defensive hustle. His proficiency in these areas makes him a valuable asset to any team, providing stability in the defensive zone and the ability to gain possession of the puck. However, Björntjänst needs improvement in his shooting and offensive zone reads. His lack of offensive awareness occasionally hampers his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Additionally, his inability to stick up for himself may limit his aggressiveness, particularly along the boards. Despite these areas for improvement, Björntjänst's defensive prowess and faceoff skills make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive capabilities.

4. GM's Son

GM's Son, a French Canadian Center, possesses exceptional puckhandling skills, allowing him to navigate through traffic and create scoring opportunities. He excels at finding open spaces on the ice and reading offensive plays, showcasing his offensive instincts. However, his defensive abilities leave room for improvement. At times, he tends to go ghost in the defensive zone, failing to fulfill his responsibilities and leaving his team vulnerable. Additionally, he has a tendency to prioritize personal flair over team play, occasionally showing off unnecessarily. It is worth noting that his connections as the son of a General Manager may have influenced his draft stock.

5.Sergey Ivanov

Sergey Ivanov, a Russian-born defenseman, possesses exceptional speed and impressive puckhandling and passing skills. He excels at moving the puck up the ice and has a keen ability to find his teammates with accurate passes. Ivanov's shot accuracy and power allow him to contribute effectively on the powerplay, making him an ideal candidate for pointman of the Powerplay. Defensively, Ivanov showcases above-average skills, demonstrating good positioning and awareness in his own zone. He understands his responsibilities and is capable of making timely defensive plays. However, coaches have noted that there is room for improvement in terms of his aggressiveness. Encouraging Ivanov to be more assertive in battles and physical play could elevate his game to the next level. Overall, Sergey Ivanov's combination of speed, puckhandling, and passing skills make him an exciting prospect on the blue line. With some fine-tuning to his defensive aggressiveness, he has the potential to become a well-rounded defenseman capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.

6.Rodrigo Banes

Rodrigo Banes, a Latvian Center, possesses an impressive physical profile, standing at 6'4 and weighing 200 lbs. His defensive skills are top-notch, displaying excellent positioning and awareness in the defensive zone. However, scouts have observed that Banes could improve his shot-blocking abilities. Offensively, Banes showcases above-average passing and puckhandling skills, allowing him to make precise plays and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He demonstrates good offensive instincts, reading plays well and making intelligent decisions with the puck. Scouts suggest that Banes should utilize his decent shot more often rather than relying solely on passing. One area of improvement for Banes lies in his utilization of his size advantage. With his large frame, he has the potential to be a formidable presence in front of the net, creating screens and capitalizing on scoring chances. Coaches should encourage him to use his size to his advantage and be more aggressive in high-traffic areas. Overall, Rodrigo Banes has the potential to be a valuable asset to any team. With some fine-tuning, particularly in shot-blocking and utilizing his size effectively, he could become a well-rounded center capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.

7.Mac Griddle

Mac Griddle, a Finnish right winger, is an imposing presence on the ice, standing at an impressive height of 6'4" and weighing 220 lbs. He effectively utilizes his large frame to create space and impose himself physically against opponents. Mac's fearlessness in sacrificing his body for impactful checks has been a standout attribute, igniting his team's momentum. However, his speed and defensive capabilities are only average. Mac shines in his exceptional puckhandling skills, allowing him to navigate through traffic and maintain possession. His powerful and accurate shot adds an offensive threat to his game. However, his decision-making can be inconsistent at times, leading to questionable choices in the offensive zone. With further development in defensive play and consistent offensive decision-making, Mac Griddle has the potential to be a dominant force as a powerful and skilled right winger. His ability to create space and deliver impactful checks, combined with his puckhandling and shooting abilities, make him a valuable asset on the ice.

8.Cracker Pizza

Provel is the king of cheese, and there is no better cheese to put on pizza. Long live Provel.

9.Will Tomlander

Will Tomlander, a Swedish Left winger, is a promising prospect standing at 6'3" and weighing 185 lbs. He possesses above-average puckhandling skills and shooting accuracy, making him a threat in the offensive zone. Tomlander demonstrates excellent offensive zone reading abilities, allowing him to find open spaces effectively. With above-average checking and positioning, Tomlander proves to be an asset in defensive situations. His ability to read the offense in the defensive zone is stellar, contributing to his overall defensive prowess. However, he could benefit from improving his stickchecking and shot-blocking skills. To further enhance his game, Tomlander should focus on improving his passing and finding gaps to get open. Additionally, bulking up a little could help him utilize his size more effectively. Overall, Tomlander shows great potential as a player, especially with his offensive skills and defensive awareness. With some improvements in his passing, defensive skills, and physicality, he has the potential to become a well-rounded and impactful player on the ice.

10.Yerik Akmetzhanov

Yerik Akmetzhanov, standing at an impressive 6'6" and weighing 245 lbs, is a towering presence in the net. However, his size may hinder his speed and agility. Despite this, Yerik compensates with exceptional positioning and recovery skills, allowing him to make up for any potential lack of quickness. His ability to track the puck during rebounds is remarkable, giving him an advantage in making second and third saves. Yerik's blocker and glove hands are slightly slower due to his current weight, but his strong sense of positioning helps him compensate for this weakness. His ability to anticipate and read plays allows him to be in the right place at the right time, reducing the need for lightning-fast reflexes. While Yerik excels in positioning, he needs to work on his puckhandling, poke checking, and skating abilities. Improving these skills will enhance his overall game and make him a more well-rounded goalie. Developing better puckhandling skills will allow him to confidently play the puck and contribute to the team's breakout. Strengthening his poke checking will help him disrupt opponents' scoring opportunities, while improving his skating will enhance his mobility and ability to make lateral movements. In terms of potential, Yerik has a solid foundation to build upon. His exceptional positioning and recovery skills make him a reliable netminder, capable of making key saves. With improvements in his weaker areas, Yerik has the potential to become an even more formidable goalie. Working on his puckhandling, poke checking, and skating abilities will make him a more complete player and increase his effectiveness between the pipes. Overall, Yerik Akmetzhanov shows great potential as a goalie, despite his current limitations. With continued development and improvement in his weaker areas, he has the ability to become a dominant force in the net. Goalies of his size often have a unique advantage, and by refining his skills and enhancing his agility, Yerik can maximize his potential and become a formidable presence in the crease.

11.Shadow Fenix

Offensive Skills: Shadow Fenix possesses above-average to excellent offensive skills, particularly in passing and puckhandling. His ability to make accurate and creative passes allows him to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, his puckhandling skills enable him to navigate through tight spaces and maintain possession of the puck. Wicked Wrister: Shadow Fenix has a lethal wrist shot that can be deceptive to goaltenders. His quick release and accuracy make him a threat in the offensive zone. He has the ability to find the small gaps in the net to score goals. Faceoff Ability: Shadow Fenix excels in winning faceoffs, which provides his team with a significant advantage in the offensive zone. His ability to consistently gain possession of the puck off the draw helps generate scoring chances. Defensive Skills: Fenix's defensive skills are average to below average. He struggles with getting in front of pucks to block shots, which can be detrimental to his team's defensive efforts. Improving his positioning and willingness to sacrifice his body to block shots would greatly enhance his defensive effectiveness. Lack of Strength: Fenix's physical strength is not up to par, which can be a disadvantage in battles along the boards and in front of the net. Adding muscle to his frame would increase his ability to win those battles and hold his ground against stronger opponents. Shadow Fenix has the potential to be a valuable offensive asset for his team. His exceptional passing and puckhandling skills, combined with his deceptive wrist shot, make him a scoring threat. With improvements in his defensive skills, particularly shot blocking, and an increase in his physical strength, he could become a more well-rounded player. By working on these aspects of his game, Fenix has the potential to contribute significantly to his team's success.

12.Dontavius Sturdy

Dontavius Sturdy possesses exceptional shooting accuracy, allowing him to find the back of the net consistently. Sturdy demonstrates a keen understanding of the offensive zone, making smart plays and creating scoring opportunities for his team. Sturdy has above-average passing skills, enabling him to distribute the puck effectively and set up his teammates for scoring chances. Sturdy displays above-average defensive abilities, using his size and positioning to disrupt opposing players and break up plays effectively. Despite his large frame, Sturdy does not utilize it effectively in front of the net, limiting his ability to screen goaltenders and create traffic. Sturdy struggles in the faceoff circle and should work on improving his ability to win crucial puck battles and gain possession for his team. While Sturdy has no problem dropping the gloves, his overall physicality and use of his size could be improved, particularly in winning board battles. Dontavius Sturdy has the potential to be a valuable offensive asset with his shooting accuracy and offensive awareness. With improvements in his net-front presence, faceoff skills, and physicality, Sturdy can become a more well-rounded player. His defensive skills are above average, providing additional value to his team. With dedication and development in these areas, Sturdy has the potential to become a formidable force as a Texan Center.


13. Newton "Lizard" Campbell

Newton Campbell's imposing physicality is a significant asset to his game. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 208 lbs, he effectively uses his large frame to push opponents off the puck. His fearlessness is evident as he consistently puts his body on the line and excels at shot blocking. Defensive Skills: Newton is a defensive-minded skater who leads by example. His ability to block shots is impressive, showcasing his dedication to protecting his team's net. However, he could improve his reading of the offensive play when in his own zone and work on his positioning. Offensive Capabilities: While Newton possesses above-average puckhandling skills, his ability to read the offensive play when in the opposing team's zone could use improvement. Passing is another area where he has room to grow. Leadership Qualities: Newton's experience as a high school team captain, leading them to State, demonstrates his leadership qualities. He leads by example, both on and off the ice, and his dedication to the defensive side of the game sets a strong example for his teammates. Overall Potential: Newton "Lizard" Campbell has the potential to be a valuable asset to any team due to his physicality, defensive skills, and leadership qualities. With improvements in reading the offensive play and refining his offensive capabilities, he can further enhance his overall impact on the game.

14.Teal'c

Teal'c is a 6'1" and 190 lbs defenseman hailing from France. Known for his "Kronwallian" body checks, Teal'c possesses a physical presence on the ice that intimidates opponents and helps create turnovers. His defensive skills are above average, displaying solid positioning, good gap control, and a strong ability to break up plays. Teal'c excels in one-on-one battles, using his size and strength to his advantage. Offensively, Teal'c is considered average. While he showcases great passing skills, allowing him to make accurate outlet passes and contribute to the team's transition game, his shooting ability could use improvement. Working on his shooting technique and accuracy would enhance his offensive contributions and make him a more well-rounded player. One area where Teal'c could benefit from improvement is his aggression. While he is physical and delivers punishing hits, becoming more assertive in his play could elevate his overall impact in games. By engaging in battles more frequently and asserting himself physically, he can create more scoring opportunities for his team and disrupt the opposition's rhythm. In terms of leadership qualities, Teal'c shows promise. He possesses a strong work ethic and leads by example on and off the ice. His commitment to the game and willingness to put in the extra effort is evident, making him a positive influence in the locker room. With further development, Teal'c has the potential to become a leader and role model for his teammates. Overall, Teal'c is a promising defenseman with several notable strengths. His physicality, defensive skills, and passing ability make him a valuable asset to any team. However, to reach his full potential, he should work on improving his shooting and become more aggressive in his play. With continued development and honing of his skills, Teal'c has the potential to become a reliable and impactful player at the professional level.
Love the read! and yup, I felt the same when I joined... about the forum comment
Awesome read! Makes me even more hype for the draft  Yay