Some NHL draft-eligible players have established themselves as top-flight prospects.
Others have some work to do if they want to be drafted as highly as they expect.
The second half of the season will be incredibly important for the latter group of players.
Some youngsters hoping to hear their names called early in June’s NHL draft in Buffalo exceeded expectations to start the year. Those players must prove the impact they’ve made wasn’t a fluke and that they belong among the top players. On the flip side, some players lacked production, which raised a red flag, so a big second half will go a long way.
10 NHL draft prospects needing a red-hot second half
Vancouver (WHL) left wing Mathis Preston
Preston’s skill and speed have been evident all year long, but his production has fallen off a bit this year. Scouts seem to be concerned with that, understandably. That said, Preston placing 27th on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term North American ranking seems harsh. Recently traded to the Vancouver Giants, Preston can reset and get back to his high-octane offensive production. If he can, maybe he can climb back into the top-10 discussion across the board.
Boston University (NCAA) center Tynan Lawrence
After an injury-filled start to the season in the USHL, Lawrence returned to action and instantly showed he is one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and a two-way presence. But this month, Lawrence moved to the NCAA mid-season, as Boston University had a spot open on the roster. Now Lawrence must prove again he can be a dangerous scorer and reliable center against bigger, stronger and faster competition.
Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits
Smits is arguably the highest-rising player from the start of the season. He’s been a beast defensively while showcasing his puck skill, skating and willingness to get involved offensively. His raw physical tools are as good or better than any other defender in this class. After a wicked world juniors, Smits is set to play for Latvia’s Olympic squad. If he has a solid tournament, he could be the top blueliner in the draft.
Miami (Ohio) University (NCAA) center Ilia Morozov
The youngest player in college hockey has been a surprise this season. He’s become a top-line center who plays on the top power play and penalty kill. There are plenty of doubters about his game, though, as he’s done most of his scoring against lower-end schools and struggled against the top teams in the nation. Morozov must show teams he’s not just a projectable bottom-six player and his offensive game has a bit more juice.
Boston College (NCAA) left wing Oscar Hemming
Oscar Hemming’s season just started. Off-ice drama around his release from the Liiga team that held his rights prevented him from joining the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers and the BCHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders. Hemming finally landed in the NCAA at Boston College. The sniper has found the back of the net at every level he’s played at. NHL scouts will be happy just to see him on the ice.
Michigan (NCAA) left wing Adam Valentini
NHL Central Scouting has ranked Valentini woefully low all year. Public analysts have him all over their boards. The uber-intelligent, highly skilled winger has averaged nearly a point per game in college as a 17-year-old. His defensive game is better than most give him credit for as well. At 5-foot-9, according to Central Scouting, most teams are concerned with his size, but the off-ice decision to go to college instead of the OHL may have irked scouts.
Geneva (Swiss) right wing Simas Ignatavicius
A Lithuanian playing in Switzerland, Ignatavicius, has become a more notable name as of late. Central Scouting has him as a top-10 player from Europe. Only three players from Lithuania have ever been drafted: Darius Kasparaitis (1992), Dainius Zubrus (1996) and Andrey Pedan (2011), who has played for Russia internationally. A big second half could help ensure Ignatavicius ends up a first-round pick like Kasparaitis and Zubrus.
Kamloops (WHL) left wing J.P. Hurlbert
Hurlbert’s offensive prowess has been there all season long. He led the WHL in scoring for most of the season, just recently being passed in total points but still holding a slim lead in points per game. Hurlbert is a highly skilled offensive tactician who can pick apart teams, especially on the power play. He needs to show that his game is rounding out and he’s not just a power-play specialist.
Vancouver (WHL) defenseman Ryan Lin
With a recent injury set to keep him out of the lineup for a month or more, Lin’s second half will be a bit abbreviated, making it all the more important. Lin is averaging well over a point per game, but as a 5-foot-11 defenseman, teams are concerned about his ability to defend bigger, stronger players. When he returns, he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to remain a top-15 prospect.
Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels
After surprisingly making Canada’s world junior squad, Carels’ stock has skyrocketed. The question now is whether he can maintain this momentum and hold down a spot around the top 10. He’s produced quite nicely at the WHL level, but there are some concerns about his play in his own end at times, and he can make some questionable decisions. How the second half goes could determine if he’s a top-10 pick or fringe first-rounder.