Totally And Completely Not Professional Central Scouting Service has revealed their top 16 prospects for the upcoming SMJHL draft. With not much time left before the draft, we may yet see a few players declare after this is released, however it would be hard to push into this list as such a late declaration. There’s enough spots to cover the likely 16 players to go in the first 2 rounds of the draft, and without further ado, the prospects:
A big winger out of Whitby, Ontario, he’s a physical force. He’s got the tools to be a lethal power forward, an underappreciated position in the SMJHL, but nonetheless a key piece for any contending team. He’s got a scoring touch, and though he struggles to make a good pass, he has a nose for the net and there’s always room to work on his puck control. Early indications are that he’ll be committed, though that can always change. As long as he keeps it up he’ll become a force for the lucky team drafting him.
A rare player out of Antarctica, we’ve got a guy who can put the puck in the back of the net. He lacks a physical game, but he’s got real good hockey IQ and is there to make the defensive plays. He’s not the best skater, but he can turn on the jets and he might surprise you. He’s got ties to the SHL already, and through those he’s set up for getting the best training can offer. A fairly safe pick , especially in the second round.
The lone playmaking specialist and the lone Finn in the top 16, Heikennin is a really balanced player. Though not especially proficient in anything, he may be the most well-rounded player in this draft. His physical game may get left behind as he grows in the SMJHL, but he can still make the hits, and even without it he’ll still be a quiet soldier for any team. Might be a slightly risky pick, but if can show up with effort, he’s already in a great spot as a prospect.
One of the many Canadians scattered throughout this ranking, Odjick is another big winger. In a strong class for power forwards, he stands out as probably one of the more lethal combos. He can skate, and that means he’s got the ability to deliver some bone crushing hits. Not to be forgotten is his ability to put the puck in the net, the first man to go get the garbage goals right in front of the net. Another potential risk, but if he works at it, he may very well be a dominant player.
The first defenseman in the top 16, it’s the British defender Chupp. He’s got the size required to play the tough defensive assignments asked of him, and he uses it well. Not afraid to be physical, he’s everything you ask of a shutdown defenseman. He’s sound positionally and a force physically, and though not the greatest, he can still make a decent first pass. Struggles to put the puck in the net, but he doesn’t shoot often, and that’s not expected of him. Promising signs, but still somewhat of a risk as we’ve heard no talk about him.
The undersized winger out of Manitoba has the talent to make an impact offensively, and despite her small size, still does a surprisingly good job of protecting the puck. Not physical at all, but at 150 lbs, it’s tough to be regardless. Makes up for that with smart defensive plays, and her ability to escape coverage. Still a potentially risky pick, though she’s made some inroads with current SHL people and that’s a good sign to hopefully keep her driven to improve.
The first member of the top 10 and the first centerman, it’s another Canadian. Another player with a miniscule physical game, he’s focused on rounding out his offensive game, and it’s shown in his skating and scoring abilities. It’s overshadowed by his other tools, but he can make a really good pass too. We’ve seen good press coverage about him already, so hopefully he uses that as motivation to continue improving. At this point I’d consider him a pretty safe pick.
Another power forward, and the lone Japanese player in the draft, Slaughter is the best power forward, by quite a margin. He’s outstanding physically, strong on the puck, and smart positionally. He can put the puck in the net too, not afraid to go to the dirty areas to get things done. Holding outside connections to the SHL, he’s set up for a long time on his training, and should be a lock to continue improving. Could very well slide his way up to the 1st round.
The Russian turned German defenseman has a solid game on both sides of the puck. He’s well rounded, and though scoring is his notable weakness, he’s been putting the effort in to try and improve himself. His positioning is sound, though for a defenseman focused on both ends of the ice you’d like to see a bit more physicality, it’s coming along. He should be a really good player as early as this season. Consider him one of the safest picks in this draft, along with most of the players in the top 10.
Another defender, and our first American on this list, it’s Chuck Goody Jr, son of Hall of Fame nominee Chuck Goody. He’s a defensive defenseman focused on shutting down the best opposing players. Not only that, he’s got a great first pass, and will surprise many with his ability to move his feet. For a big guy focused on his own end, he’s really got some jets. Through his father he’s already set up for at least one season of hard work, and signed a contract with Halifax after the trade deadline, meaning he’s already got some playoff experience. He should remain a solid pick for any team.
The first and only legitimate two way forward on this list, Garret is the full package offensively, and extremely smart in his own end. He lacks a physical game, but he’s got everything else, so what more could you ask? Realistically because he’s such a well rounded player, he’s a guy that GM’s might approach about switching to center. He’s already shown his commitment to becoming an impact player, and if he’s asked, may very well learn his trade on the faceoff dot. Regardless, will be a great pickup for the team lucky enough to grab him.
Another German defender, Toothsome is the one and only pure offensive defenseman in this class. He can skate, he can score, he can pass. He’s smart in his own zone, a rarity for a young defender focused on the attacking zone. He’s even shown that he can play with a physical edge. Possibly one of the best picks in this draft, hence why he sits as the first member of the top 5. He’ll be an outstanding player no doubt.
The lone Austrian on this list, St. Croix is a stout defender, though he doesn’t have the size of the typical shutdown defenseman. Despite that, he’ll surprise any forward that challenges him with his physicality and just plain brute strength. You’ll never catch this guy out of position, he’s always ready to break up the play and take it the other way, as he uses his exceptional skating ability to turn the rush quickly the other way. He’s used his connections to the SHL to already establish himself as a hard worker in the gym. If he keeps it up, he’ll become a premier defenseman. If not, he’ll still be a good player.
The Russian winger is the second player here that’s tasted the SMJHL. He played for the Militia and took home the 4 Star Cup, and now comes into the draft with a head start and a good rep behind him. One of, if not the, most lethal scorers in this draft. He’s hard to knock off the puck, and he uses that puck protection ability to make space for himself to let off that wicked shot. Unappreciated in his game is his solid work away from the puck, not making mistakes coming back into the defensive zone. He’s set himself up with some sponsors to get him through his first full SMJHL season, and he’s in good shape to be a great player for a team in the top 3.
The only goaltender in the top 16, the American comes in as no surprise, already hoisting the 4 Star Cup with the Militia, and showing that he’s going to put the work in. He’s lacking in size, but he makes up for that with his great athletic ability and reflexes. Not only that, but he’s shown great poise in the crease, and despite at times having to show off his athleticism, never really looks out of control. Handles his rebounds well, and can keep himself in control of his movements. A lock to be a top pick in this draft and undoubtedly a candidate to lead a strong SMJHL team next season.
Not only is this kid good, but he came into the league like he was shot out of a cannon. Immediately made himself known, and has since shown his willingness to put in the work, showing up at the gym everyday to work himself into top spot on this list. Extremely well rounded as a player, he’s got the physical game, he’s got the defensive game, he can make passes, he can skate, AND he’s got the size. Even if he’s not the greatest at putting the puck in the net, he makes the effort to improve it. He’s everything you want to see from a dominant center in the league. He’s shown great dedication and it can only be seen as continuing from here. He’s a fantastic pickup, and will quite frankly be shocked if he’s not wearing a Whalers jersey next season.
That does it for the top 16. There are plenty of other potentially good players coming up in this class, and the only question left is can they make it? They’ll have to put in the work, which for most of the players will only be seen as the season progresses. There’s a good stock of potentially strong players, and every team should have the opportunity to grab a future star. This class features a diverse group of both skills and nationality, as there are 8 nations represented in the top 16 prospects, as well as 8 different models of player. Lots of power forwards coming in which should be a great injection as that kind of player has become less prominent in the SMJHL. It will surely be an interesting draft, as always.
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