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+---- Thread: SHL's Future - Draft Eligible Players Ranking (/showthread.php?tid=52955)
- Joker5123 - 07-11-2015
Early on in the days of the league, around season 6 and 7 to be exact, I had begun a series of articles based upon the Hockey's Future (HF) prospect rankings system. While browsing the old website this morning I stumbled upon these articles, by chance, and decided to revive them here! It's going to be going under a different name though, it will now be called SHL's Future!
Most people are familiar with HF's ranking system. I will also include it at the bottom of the article as well just so that you may get a refresher on what it is as well as provide SHL comparisons.
For this article I will be going through each SMJHL team and ranking every single draft eligible prospect they have. However, for the sake of keeping the article from dragging on and on with me writing the same thing, only worded differently, for all the inactives I will not include any players who have not logged in within the past week. So, to be eligible for this list they user's last log in date must be July 4th or sooner. If anyone feels that a player has been missed due to not fitting in that criteria but should be considered active and be put on this list please let me know.
One last thing to mention, by clicking the players name you will be directed to their player page! Here we go!<div align="center">
Detroit FalconsTim Tebow - D - 6'2" 220lbs - 155 TPE --- 5.0D
An offensive defenseman by trade, Tebow has shown flashes of brilliance but also has moments that make you doubt if he'll ever make it out of the SMJHL. If drafted, he is very unlikely to ever make an SHL roster.
31GP, 2G, 8A, 10P, +12, 25 PIM (1 fight), 41 hits, 37 shots, 19 shots blocked.
Austin Lemieux - G - 6'2" 205lbs - 221 TPE --- 8.0C
First year goalies in the SMJHL never really show what they are truly capable of, Lemieux has been true to that. He has split starting duties with his goalie partner as neither has been able to pull away yet. He will need more time in the SMJHL, as most young goalies do, but there is more to come from this young goaltender should he remain dedicated.
24GP, 12-6-4, 0.878%, 2.91GAA, 0 shutouts, 1 assists.
Ross Burke - LW - 6'4" 210lbs - 202TPE --- 5.5D
Burke has struggled since coming into the league to find his footing and continues to struggle both on and off the ice. Another example of a player that if he gets drafted, it is very unlikely he will ever make an SHL roster.
45GP, 2G, 2A, 4P, +/-0, 8 PIM (0 fights), 12 hits, 33 shots, 0 shots blocked.
Jasper Clayton - D - 6'0" 198lbs - 233 TPE --- 8.0B
Clayton has shown flashes of absolute brilliance the last half of the season and has progressed along very nicely. He's had a great season and has shown that he belongs in the league. His one issue comes on the defensive side of the puck but that can easily be fixed. Expect him in the SHL sooner rather than later should he keep this pace up.
45GP, 5G, 19A, 24P, -2, 6 PIM (0 fights), 15 hits, 57 shots, 31 shots blocked.
Bastien Salabanzi - D - 6'2" 215lbs - 222TPE --- 7.5C
Somewhat the opposite case of Clayton here, Salabanzi had shown flashes of brilliance in the first half and the season but has slowed down slightly. He too is also having a great rookies season while showing he belongs in the league, the only know on Salabanzi is his dedication to the game and only time will tell on that.
45GP, 7G, 14A, 21P, +14, 31 PIM (1 fights), 42 hits, 62 shots, 45 shots blocked.
Michael Burch - RW - 6'2" 184lbs - 235 TPE --- 8.0B
Detroit's highest rated player is also having the best rookie season out of all of his fellow rookie team mates. A playmaker by trade, he's shown that he can already compete with the big boy send downs night in and night out. Should he keep up this pace we will see him in the SHL after another season or two of development.
45GP, 10G, 18A, 28P, +6, 6 PIM (0 fights), 17 hits, 79 shots, 2 shots blocked.
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Andris Bukšs - D - 6'5" 200lbs - 155 TPE --- 2.0B
Nothing much to be said here as Bukšs has only played five games this entire season. He has managed to record four assists in those games but something just isn't clicking. Don't expect him to be drafted.
5GP, 0G, 4A, 2P, +1, 2 PIM (0 fights), 0 hits, 0 shots, 3 shots blocked.
Jack Reacher - LW - 6'5" 235lbs - 155 TPE --- 5.0D
Another unfortunate case here, Reacher has only played in a few games this season, not getting to truly showcase himself but he has a legacy behind him helping so that may push him into the draft however don't be surprised if he's not selected.
18GP, 0G, 1A, 1P, +/-0, 2 PIM, 13 hits, 2 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Devon Mack - C - 6'4" 200lbs - 190 TPE --- 7.0C
A supposed sniper by trade, but he has shown more of his playmaking ability so far this season. While not excelling where he's supposed to he's shown his ability in other areas, this should go a long way for him if he wishes to become a regular in the SHL in the future. He will be drafted, but will need some time to develop in the SMJHL.
46GP, 4G, 10A, 14P, +/-0, 4 PIM (0 fights), 18 hits, 34 shots, 6 shots blocked.
Alexander Wolff - D - 5'10" 195lbs - 196 TPE --- 9.0B
One of the more highly touted defense prospects in this draft class, Wolff has had an excellent rookie season in the league and often times looks like a man playing amongst boys. Years beyond his actual age. He seems like the prototypical offensive defeseman which leaves him in trouble on the defensive side sometimes, something easily fixed though. He also has a bit of a mean edge to his game, he tends to lay out the body a lot which gets him in turn send him to the sin bin often. He still has a little bit of work to do, but he will make an impact at the SHL level in a few seasons without a doubt.
46GP, 3G, 18A, 21P, -3, 70 PIM (1 fight), 102 hits, 36 shots, 28 shots blocked.
Roman Morenov - D - 6'4" 220lbs - 205 TPE --- 8.0C
A prototypical stay at home defenseman, you will rarely, if ever, see Morenov anywhere other than the opponent's blue line and his own zone. He's not going to put up massive numbers but he is going to provide a solid presence on the back end and help out your goalie. He is the absolute best defensive player in this draft. The only issue is he does not do well in any other aspects of the game. Lots of raw talent, interesting prospect for sure.
46GP, 5G, 3A, 8P, -1, 62 PIM (2 fights), 72 hits, 16 shots, 43 shots blocked.
Lord Pretty Falcko - LW - 6'2" 210lbs - 240 TPE --- 8.5B
Sniper by trade, a very interesting player especially when comparing to Detroit's Michael Burch who is rated exactly the same as Pretty Falcko and has put up similar numbers. The only difference is that Pretty Falcko has not been relied on as much in Montreal as Burch has been in Detroit. Pretty Falcko will put up even bigger numbers in a bigger role, his only struggle has been the defensive side of the game as shown by his plus minus. He'll see the SHL after a few seasons of development.
46GP, 11G, 9A, 20P, -14, 14 PIM (0 fights), 22 hits, 93 shots, 4 shots blocked.
Chris Welch - RW - 5'11" 165lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.0B
A very similar prospect when compared to team mate Pretty Falcko, however they're very different players from all aspects. Welch is a undersized a bit, but he more than makes up for it with his skill, Pretty Falcko is a shoot first kind of player, while Welch primarily likes to dish the puck off to his team mates. Welch has a much better defensive instict than Pretty Falcko though. Same as Pretty Falcko, with a few seasons of development in the SMJHL we will see Welch contributing at the SHL level soon.
46GP, 11G, 14A, 25P, -7, 20 PIM (0 fights), 56 hits, 98 shots, 4 shots blocked.
Adam Fälk - LW - 6'0" 195lbs - 224 TPE --- 9.0C
A bit of a good surprise here for the Impact, they didn't expect Fälk to be able to contribute the way he has so far this season but it has been a good thing for him, his team and his draft stock. Being third in rookie scoring behind the two generational talent players has done Fälk a world of good. He is a fantastic two-way forward and should be able to carry his abilities to the SHL very soon. The only knock on Fälk is that he has been playing with amazing line mates, however, that could very well be proven to be a non factor as Fälk will likely be back for another season while his linemates may not.
46GP, 16G, 20A, 36P, -3, 20 PIM (0 fights), 34 hits, 90 shots, 6 shots blocked.
Michael Gerrard - RW - 6'3" 240lbs - 198 TPE --- 7.0C
An all around offensive forward with a nose for the net. Gerrard hasn't really blown people away this season with his skills on or off the ice, but he has done enough to earn the right to most likely be drafted. He'll have to develop his game in the SMJHL for a few season but could see SHL action. All depends on how dedicated he chooses to be.
46GP, 5G, 3A, 8P, -4, 12 PIM (0 fights), 11 hits, 37 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Evandrus Jesster - C - 6'2" 208lbs - 324 TPE --- 10.0B
One of the two generational talents available in this incredibly deep, yet top end heavy draft this season. Jesster has turned heads everywhere he goes and plays, he's excelling in his rookie season, leading his team in points and second in rookie scoring by only a single point. Jesster is going to becoming the franchise player for whichever team drafts him, generational first line centers like Jesster don't come around often, and when they do they don't have the pedigree that Jesster has. He is the son of SHL great and Hall of Fame goalie Ryan Jesster. Needless to say Evandrus has big skates to fill, but he's shown that he is more than capable.
46GP, 17G, 21A, 38P, +3, 18 PIM (0 fights), 30 hits, 148 shots, 5 shots blocked.
St. Louis ScarecrowsJohn Matthews - D - 6'2" 205lbs - 208 TPE --- 8.5D
Considered to be one of the more elite two-way defensemen eligible for the upcoming draft, Matthews has had a tremendous regular season and has managed to blow everyone's expectations of his away. He is second in rookie defensemen scoring but fourth on his team amongst all defensemen. While we hope that Matthews play continues many are saying that he might not be able to put it all together at the next level, some are disagreeing saying that he will after another season in the SMJHL. This one will be all up to Matthews.
45GP, 5G, 22A, 27P, +10, 8 PIM (0 fights), 12 hits, 41 shots, 38 shots blocked.
Nikita Nevzorov - G - 6'4" 203lbs - 213 TPE --- 8.0C
Nevzorov has spent the season splitting the back up duties in St. Louis with fellow team mate Jenkins Sanchez, while Sergei Kozar was the starter for much of the season. As previously said, most SMJHL goalies don't really show you what they can do until their second season and as such you can't put much stock into their first season of play. Nevzorov still has an abundance of raw talent, and he has the ability to put it all together. We expect he will go back for a few season in the SMJHL until he puts it all together.
13GP, 7-6-0, 0.865%, 3.57GAA, 0 shutouts, 1 assists.
John Wick - LW - 6'2" 198lbs - 214 TPE --- 7.0C
A two-way forward that has struggled throughout his first season, Wick hasn't blown anyone away with his skills but has shown that he can play in the SMJHL. His biggest struggle has been on the defensive side of the game, posting an abysmal -11 rating. The next question is if he will be able to show that he can play at the SHL level.
45GP, 9G, 3A, 12P, -11, 8 PIM (0 fights), 19 hits, 61 shots, 4 shots blocked.
Ryan King - RW - 6'2" 225lbs - 225 TPE --- 7.0C
King has had an awful season and there is no denying it. But he has stuck around the league, and he continues to work to better himself on and off the ice. Despite his struggles he will get drafted even if only as a test by a team to see if he is able to progress further and put this terrible season behind him.
45GP, 1G, 3A, 4P, -11, 2 PIM (0 fights), 4 hits, 26 shots, 1 shot blocked.
William Hendrickson - RW - 6'0" 185lbs - 215 TPE --- 7.0C
Another poor season being had by one of St. Louis' prospects, this may very well be due to the fact that they've all played together on a line but it's not something that can be looked past. Hendrickson, King and Wick have all struggled but will all be drafted based upon their dedication and will to be better. The only difference between Hendrickson and the rest is that he is not expected to put up the big numbers and is more of a power forward, still not an excuse for his numbers though.
45GP, 2G, 7A, 9P, -9, 53 PIM (1 fight), 71 hits, 26 shots, 8 shots blocked.
McLaren Nasher - RW - 6'1" 185lbs - 197 TPE --- 7.5C
Took a little while, but we finally got our second St. Louis prospect not having an awful year. Nasher has done what has been expected of him this season, and while he has not scored as many goals as was expected he has more than made up for it with his new found talent for passing and play making. He is likely to play one more SMJHL season that make the jump to the SHL.
45GP, 8G, 15A, 23P, +3, 20 PIM (0 fights), 46 hits, 55 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Johnny Cahill - D - 6'2" 225lbs - 192 TPE --- 7.0C
Immediatley looking at Cahill's stats you would think to peg him in with Wick, King and Hendrickson, but then you notice that while he has been scoring and doing just as poorly as they have he is actually a defenseman! As such, while his stats still remain poor he is a bit more forgiven as his position is a much tougher one for prospects to grasp but also given the fact that he has done relatively well defensively. Cahill will still need considerable time in the SMJHL but could make the SHL one day.
45GP, 1G, 7A, 8P, -3, 54 PIMS (0 fights), 55 hits, 15 shots, 32 shots blocked.
Robb Wind - RW - 6'3" 220lbs - 321 TPE --- 10.0B
Our second generational talent of this draft that continues to amaze. Wind and Jesster are without a doubt going to go #1 and #2 in the draft in an interchangeable order. Wind is currently second on his team in points, first in rookie points by one and dominating as expected. Don't misunderstand us though as Wind and Jesster are different players, Jesster is a play making centre while Wind is a right wing sniper. While Wind has slightly struggled, even though that is not the right word to describe it, to find the back of the net he has made up for it, as elite players do, by scoring and helping in other ways. Either way whichever SHL team lands either of these two highly touted prospects will have a franchise player for seasons to come.
45GP, 16G, 23A, 39P, +6, 8 PIM (0 fights), 16 hits, 133 shots, 3 shots blocked.
Kelowna KnightsJonathan Lundberg - C - 6'0" 196lbs - 203 TPE --- 6.0B
Here we see a great example of the power forward of days gone by, and we also see why power forwards are no longer as popular as they once were, they are pretty much a dying breed. Lundberg's stats line shows us why most players no longer define themselves as power forwards as they will likely be placed in the bottom 6 with little to no chance to earn points. However, a good power forward, such as Lundberg will see past that and focus on his role.
45GP, 1G, 3A, 4P, -2, 26 PIM (0 fights), 53 hits, 25 shots, 1 shot blocked.
Fredrik Zavstrom - C - 6'2" 190lbs - 182 TPE --- 8.0D
Zavstrom has surprised a lot of people, but unfortunately in a bad way. He was expected to be a much bigger part of Kelowna's offense but has shown flashes of brilliance on the defensive end. Zavstrom has the pedigree to show that he will be able to one day put it all together and become a great SHL player, he is closely related to Hall of Fame goaltender Tom Corcoran and defenseman Ondrej Ravchitikov. However, a lot of people are beginning to question if he got the short end of the stick when it came to talent. If he is able to put it all together he will be a great SHL player, if he is not he will most likely never see regular SHL time. We will only know in due time.
45GP, 1G, 5A, 6P, -6, 12PIM (2 fights), 11 hits, 32 shots, 7 shots blocked.
Ivan Koroviev - RW - 6'1" 194lbs - 230 TPE --- 8.0B
A pass first type winger, that has shown he is not afraid of shooting the puck as well when he has to. He's had a relatively good season, especially when considering he has not seen any power play time to this point of the season. His dedication on and off the ice is what earns him a slightly higher rating than expected. If he continues on this path he will see the SHL sooner rather than later.
45GP, 8G, 10A, 18P, +2, 12 PIM (0 fights), 26 hits, 53 shots, 6 shots blocked.
Tony Flow - RW - 5'9" 175lbs - 178 TPE --- 6.0C
A rather poor showing this season by the young player, many expected a bit better from him but when you're a power forward with such a small frame even with all the hits that he has managed to throw there just isn't much to truly expect. He will likely be picked up in the later rounds by an SHL team willing to wait a few season and hopefully add him into their bottom 6 in a checking/penalty killing role.
45GP, 2G, 3A, 5P, -10, 30 PIM (0 fights), 51 hits, 21 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Jukka-Emil Vanaja - D - 6'0" 202lbs - 196 TPE --- 7.0D
Vanaja has not blown anyone away with his skill set this season, but at the same time he has not been disappointing either. He's done what's been asked of him and has performed admirably on the ice, sometimes his desire to play in the league leaves a little bit of a question mark around him but should he remain committed he could see SHL playing time in a few seasons.
45GP, 3G, 3A, 6P, +4, 16 PIM (0 fights), 20 hits, 12 shots, 19 shots blocked.
Nikolaus Scholz - C - 6'4" 218lbs - 227 TPE --- 7.5C
Unfortunately another case of a player that has not blown anyway away, however, Scholz has been focusing on improving his game like a mad man from the very moment he was drafted. While he hasn't impressed with his on ice play he has impressed with his off-ice dedication and willingness to get better. As such he will need some more time in the SMJHL to improve but could be a useful SHL player in the future.
45GP, 4G, 9A, 13P, +5, 2 PIM (0 fights), 7 hits, 43 shots, 1 shot blocked.
Matt Veenstra - D - 6'3" 218lbs - 214 TPE --- 7.5C
A very similar case to team mates Scholz and Vanaja, but slightly different as Veenstra is a defenseman with Scholz's work ethic and dedication. He too has been focusing on getting better each and every day, and same as Scholz should he continue to work away at it and be willing to spend some more time in the SMJHL he will see regular SHL time in the future.
45GP, 1G, 11A, 12P, -6, 29 PIM (1 fight), 14 hits, 46 shots, 21 shots blocked.
Kristján Vilhjalmsson - C - 6'3" 225lbs - 235 TPE - 8.5D
A pure play maker if there ever was one, his skills do extend a little further in order to allow him to be a useable player all over the ice but his bread and butter is his passing ability and ability to see his team mates all over the ice in order to make the pass. Vilhjalmsson also has a bit of pedigree as a few of his relatives have played in the SHL but none have really made an impact in the league, it remains to be seen if Vilhjalmsson will be the first.
45GP, 6G, 28A, 34P, +11, 26 PIM (0 fights), 44 hits, 86 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Maria Maximova - D - 5'9" 150lbs - 238 TPE --- 8.5C
The incredibly small, undersized and under appreciated engine that could! Maximova has proven the doubters and the haters wrong so far that were saying that she would never make it to the big leagues because she was too small. Well here she is and she is having an incredible rookie season! She is the leading rookie point getter amongst defensemen and is showing even the older players how's it's done. She will likely head back for one more SMJHL season to fine tune her game and then make the jump to the SHL the following season.
45GP, 8G, 21A, 29P, +5, 29 PIM (1 fight), 26 hits, 62 shots, 27 shots blocked.
Prince George FirebirdsHunter Bob - LW - 6'0" 195lbs - 193 TPE --- 5.0D
Bob was brought in to be a bottom 6 scoring presence for the Firebirds, he was highly touted as a pure sniper and unfortunately he has not lived up to expectations. His poor defensive abilities have not helped either. Bob may one day see an SHL roster if he were to focus more on improving, but at his current pace I would not be surprised if he were to go undrafted.
45GP, 4G, 4A, 8P, -7, 16 PIM (0 fights), 22 hits, 26 shots, 1 shot blocked.
Cynthia Taylor - D - 6'1" 200lbs - 215 TPE --- 8.0C
An unfortunately poor showing by a highly publicized young prospect. While Taylor has yet to wow the crowds she has managed to hold her own at times but has also shown that there is still lots of room for improvement left and lots of improvement that needs to be made should she play in the SHL one day. A self defined two-way defenseman, Taylor has struggled especially on the defensive side of the game. Taylor's much publicized relationship with Patrikov Bure may have impacted her throughout this season. Lots of raw talent and willingness to work here, just have to be able to put the puzzle together. A very interesting prospect.
45GP, 3G, 11A, 14P, -15, 34 PIM (0 fights), 70 hits, 26 shots, 48 shots blocked.
Mario Nyquist - C - 6'1" 190lbs - 212 TPE --- 8.5D
A very highly talented player here, but his work ethic and desire to play in the league leaves a few questions surrounding him. Nyquist has excelled in his rookie season and has stayed true to his abilities as a playmaker recording twice the number of assists as goals but many wonder if his heart is really in the game any more. He participates in every team function, always trains as he should but nothing to show more than an average work ethic. Nyquist has a very high ceiling, and if he works hard he will reach it, if he doesn't he could never see regular SHL time.
45GP, 11G, 22A, 33P, -1, 10 PIM (0 fights), 44 hits, 84 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Leon Webb - LW - 6'2" 205lbs - 216 TPE --- 8.0B
The son of SHL Hall of Fame member Kain Webb, Leon has a lot to do if he wants to live up to the legacy his father left behind. So far he hasn't consistently wowed scouts with his on ice play but he has occasional flashes of his father's brilliance. The same can be said off ice though, as he has only occasionally wowed scouts while showing flashes of his father's brilliance. Webb has shown that he is a very similar player to his father, being an all around offensive forward and contributing wherever he can. With another season in a bigger role in the SMJHL we should be able to see what Webb can really do.
45GP, 10G, 13A, 23P, +5, 24 PIM (0 fights), 40 hits, 85 shots, 1 shot blocked.
DJ Stanley - C - 5'11" 205lbs - 189 TPE --- 7.0C
A pass first centerman, there doesn't appear to be many glaringly obvious holes in Stanley's game besides his endurance levels. He's had a good first rookie season, having lived up to expectations but hasn't had it do much for him in terms of his draft stock. Stanley's off ice training regime has been doubted a few times, however it's nothing that a little bit of patience and resolve can't solve. Stanley will likely need more time in the SMJHL in order to improve his overall game, but could see SHL time if he focuses on training.
45GP, 9G, 14A, 23P, -5, 6 PIM (0 fights), 22 hits, 80 shots, 1 shot blocked.
Luke Flemming - C - 6'4" 221lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
A prototypical future first line center in the SHL. Flemming did not exceed expectations this season but managed to meet them and at the same time continue to improve his overall game. With a strong off-season training regime and a continued willingness to get better Flemming will be one of the dominant players in the SMJHL next season and will be looking to make the jump to the SHL the following season.
45GP, 11G, 12A, 23P, -2, 35 PIM (1 fight), 55 hits, 89 shots, 7 shots blocked.
Thong Bonerstorm - LW - 6'2" 211lbs - 204 TPE --- 7.0D
We have to be honest, we all immediately thought that he has to be a goon just based upon his name but he has gone to prove us wrong! Now, he hasn't excelled as the self proclaimed offensive forward, but he has shown that he can stick around the SMJHL. His next task will be to prove that he can make it to the SHL and eventually stick around there too. He'll need to spend more time in the training room as right now he's been known to neglect that a little bit but if he manages to do so he will likely find himself in a solid bottom 6 role with an SHL team sooner than later.
45GP, 6G, 9A, 15P, -1, 10 PIM (0 fights), 27 hits, 52 shots, 2 shots blocked.
Kyle Cobb - G - 5'10" 145lbs - 184 TPE --- 6.0C
Dramatically undersized, Cobb has served as Prince's backup for the Firebirds this season and it remains to be seen if he will be back next season at all, let alone as a back up. Cobb has not impressed both on or off the ice, but there still remains that spark that you look for in a goalie, that wish to make it to the SHL one day. Albeit, Cobb's wishes and dreams seem to be quickly slipping away there's still a chance for this young goalie to prove that he belongs in the SMJHL and work towards his goal of making the SHL one day.
8GP, 1-4-1, 0.848%, 3.84GAA, 0 shutouts, 1 assist.
Travis Kudleychuk - C - 6'0" 190lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
An almost identical prospect when being compared to team mate Luke Flemming, both players look like prototypical future first line centers in the SHL and both players will likely come back and be a dominant player in the SMJHL for one more season before making the jump to the SHL. Kudleychuk has had an ever so slightly better season in terms of offense compared to Flemming, however it is almost negligible as they are on separated by 4 points. The similarities stop there though as Kudleychuk has been used in both the power play and penalty kill but has not been able to score nearly as much as Flemming has. Both prospects will likely become first line centers in the SHL one day with only slight differences between them.
45GP, 5G, 22A, 27P, +7, 29 PIM (1 fight), 44 hits, 77 shots, 10 shots blocked.
Vancouver WhalersSergei Volchenkov - D - 6'6" 245lbs - 192 TPE --- 7.0D
When you look for a defensive defenseman, a guy who literally lives in your zone and will get in front of any shot just to save his goalie from making the save you look for a guy like Volchenkov. A poor start to his season has slowed him down but he has picked up the pace as of late. He excels in the defensive zone as we said, but also knows how to get the puck the heck away from him so as to not do anything bad with it. Look for him to be a late round steal, if he continues to improve.
46GP, 1G, 4A, 5P, -1, 28 PIM (0 fights), 46 hits, 11 shots, 24 shots blocked.
Stefan Nussbaumer - LW - 6'4" 185lbs - 183 TPE --- 6.0D
Nussbaumer has had a very disappointing rookie campaign. He's currently last on the team in +/- and it doesn't get any better looking at Nussbaumer other stats. There is still a sliver of hope for the rookie if he so chooses to take the route of becoming a sniper, as he has clearly done well shooting the puck but even then he will need to put in a lot of work to ever make it out of the SMJHL at this point.
46GP, 5G, 1A, 6P, -21, 22 PIM (2 fights), 24 hits, 54 shots, 6 shots blocked.
Matthew Hebscher - RW - 5'10" 140lbs - 183 TPE --- 6.0D
A similar case with Hebscher here as was with Nussbaumer, both have had lackluster rookie campaigns and both will need to put in a lot of work if they ever want to make it out of the SMJHL at this point. However, Hebscher has not had such a poor showing when it comes to his +/- rating but he has also played considerably less minutes a game than Nussbaumer. Hebscher is also drastically undersized. Both prospects have that sliver of hope of making it, but it is fading quickly.
46GP, 0G, 3A, 3P, -7, 12 PIM (0 fights), 14 hits, 12 shots, 1 shot blocked.
Jack Durden - C - 6'2" 217lbs - 226 TPE --- 8.0C
Durden has served the Whalers very well as their second line center behind Beau Ballard and Durden has also taken the opportunity to learn lots from Ballard. While Durden hasn't blown anyone away this season he has remained a solid player on a rather weak team and continues to improve himself on and off the ice in hopes of improving both the Whalers and himself while working towards making the SHL. His work ethic, on such a weak team, alone should get him drafted in the upper rounds. Don't put too much stock into his defensive on ice performance this season.
46GP, 9G, 13A, 22P, -17, 41 PIM (1 fight), 65 hits, 52 shots, 5 shots blocked.
Geoffrey Allen - RW - 6'2" 200lbs - 223 TPE --- 8.5C
Named the steal of last season's SMJHL Entry Draft by most, Allen has improved his draft stock so greatly that he is now attempting to coin his own hashtag. #Fallin4Allen. Even if it doesn't take off, that deserves top marks. Allen leads the Whalers in rookie points, but only by 1 as he is being closely trailed by linemate Zack Hoover. Allen has had a terrific rookie season, especially considering the circumstances of his team. Watch for Allen to become one of the SMJHL's dominant players come next season.
46GP, 10G, 21A, 31P, -7, 16 PIM (0 fights), 51 hits, 93 shots, 3 shots blocked.
Toman Jandl - C - 6'1" 185lbs - 201 TPE --- 6.5D
Originally pegged by many to be one of the Whaler's top draft selections and most likely highest producing forwards Jandl has unfortunately disappointed in both regards. Rumors began to circle almost immediately about Jandl and why he wasn't producing, eventually being forced out of the top 6 by other rookies, and it seems that he has never been able to recover from that. Similar to teammates Hebscher and Nussbaumer, there is still a sliver of hope for Jandl, but he's going to need to work incredibly hard to seize it.
46GP, 4G, 2A, 6P, -8, 6 PIM (0 fights), 23 hits, 56 shots, 7 shots blocked.
Zack Hoover - LW - 5'11" 183lbs - 231 TPE --- 8.5C
Vancouver's other top prospect alongside Allen. Hoover has also shown to be an amazing player both on and off the ice and has continued to improve despite Vancouver's struggles. There is virtually no difference between Hoover and Allen, as they both look to become the more dominant SMJHL players next season and will look to carry the Whalers through their rebuild. Hoover trails Allen by a single point in Vancouver's rookie scoring race. Same as Allen, his work ethic alone should get him drafted in the upper rounds.
46GP, 15G, 15A, 30P, +6, 16 PIM (0 fights), 48 hits, 98 shots, 5 shots blocked.
Rostislav Pirozhkov - D - 6'1" 200 lbs - 176 TPE --- 7.5D
A late addition to Vancouver's team, Pirozhkov has proven to be a very useful two-way defenseman. Due to having been a late addition, he has a long road ahead of him to the SHL, should he stay determined on his path he will become an SHL regular. Pirozhkov has close family members that have seen SHL ice before, but have not made a name for themselves, it remains to be seen if he will continue that tradition or forge his own.
46GP, 5G, 7A, 12P, -2, 33 PIM (0 fights), 31 hits, 18 shots, 25 shots blocked.*
Julie-Anne Marshall - C - 5'11" 190lbs - 176 TPE --- 8.0C
Another late addition to the Vancouver Whalers roster, but this time in the form of a two way centerman. Marshall has not wowed yet, but has managed to prove that he can play in the league so far. Due to being a late addition he is slightly behind all other players, same as Pirozhkov, in terms of development and although it looks like he has the ability to play in the SHL it will take some time for him to make it there.
46GP, 6G, 6A, 12P, -10, 71 PIM (4 fights), 75 hits, 65 shots, 2 shots blocked.*
*Stats pro-rated to 46 games played.</div>
With that complete we can now turn our focus to ranking the players by position followed by a top 10 overall ranking. Please keep in mind that when listing the available number it's referring to players considered active for this article, not all draft eligible players. For the rankings we went by number grade and used letter grade as our first tie breaker followed by TPE as the final tie breaker. If players were equal in all those regards then they simply tied for the spot. Here we go!<div align="center">
Goaltenders
(3 ranked, 3 available)
1. Austin Lemieux - G - 6'2" 205lbs - 221 TPE --- 8.0C
2. Nikita Nevzorov - G - 6'4" 203lbs - 213 TPE --- 8.0C
3. Kyle Cobb - G - 5'10" 145lbs - 184 TPE --- 6.0C
Defensemen
(10 ranked, 14 available)
1. Alexander Wolff - D - 5'10" 195lbs - 196 TPE --- 9.0B
2. Maria Maximova - D - 5'9" 150lbs - 238 TPE --- 8.5C
3. John Matthews - D - 6'2" 205lbs - 208 TPE --- 8.5D
4. Jasper Clayton - D - 6'0" 198lbs - 233 TPE --- 8.0B
5. Cynthia Taylor - D - 6'1" 200lbs - 215 TPE --- 8.0C
6. Roman Morenov - D - 6'4" 220lbs - 205 TPE --- 8.0C
7. Bastien Salabanzi - D - 6'2" 215lbs - 222TPE --- 7.5C
8. Matt Veenstra - D - 6'3" 218lbs - 214 TPE --- 7.5C
9. Rostislav Pirozhkov - D - 6'1" 200 lbs - 176 TPE --- 7.5D
10. Johnny Cahill - D - 6'2" 225lbs - 192 TPE --- 7.0C
Centers
(7 ranked, 13 available)
1. Evandrus Jesster - C - 6'2" 208lbs - 324 TPE --- 10.0B
T2. Luke Flemming - C - 6'4" 221lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
T2. Travis Kudleychuk - C - 6'0" 190lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
4. Kristján Vilhjalmsson - C - 6'3" 225lbs - 235 TPE - 8.5D
5. Mario Nyquist - C - 6'1" 190lbs - 212 TPE --- 8.5D
6. Jack Durden - C - 6'2" 217lbs - 226 TPE --- 8.0C
7. Julie-Anne Marshall - C - 5'11" 190lbs - 176 TPE --- 8.0C
Left Wingers
(7 ranked, 10 available)
1. Adam Fälk - LW - 6'0" 195lbs - 224 TPE --- 9.0C
2. Lord Pretty Falcko - LW - 6'2" 210lbs - 240 TPE --- 8.5B
3. Zack Hoover - LW - 5'11" 183lbs - 231 TPE --- 8.5C
4. Leon Webb - LW - 6'2" 205lbs - 216 TPE --- 8.0B
5. John Wick - LW - 6'2" 198lbs - 214 TPE --- 7.0C
6. Thong Bonerstorm - LW - 6'2" 211lbs - 204 TPE --- 7.0D
7. Stefan Nussbaumer - LW - 6'4" 185lbs - 183 TPE --- 6.0D
Right Wingers
(7 ranked, 11 available)
1. Robb Wind - RW - 6'3" 220lbs - 321 TPE --- 10.0B
2. Geoffrey Allen - RW - 6'2" 200lbs - 223 TPE --- 8.5C
3. Michael Burch - RW - 6'2" 184lbs - 235 TPE --- 8.0B
4. Ivan Koroviev - RW - 6'1" 194lbs - 230 TPE --- 8.0B
5. Chris Welch - RW - 5'11" 165lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.0B
6. McLaren Nasher - RW - 6'1" 185lbs - 197 TPE --- 7.5C
7. Ryan King - RW - 6'2" 225lbs - 225 TPE --- 7.0C</div>
We've finally reached the top 10 rankings. We'll be using the same tie breaking procedure. Here we go!<div align="center">
Top 10
1. Evandrus Jesster - C - 6'2" 208lbs - 324 TPE --- 10.0B
2. Robb Wind - RW - 6'3" 220lbs - 321 TPE --- 10.0B
3. Alexander Wolff - D - 5'10" 195lbs - 196 TPE --- 9.0B
4. Adam Fälk - LW - 6'0" 195lbs - 224 TPE --- 9.0C
5. Lord Pretty Falcko - LW - 6'2" 210lbs - 240 TPE --- 8.5B
6. Maria Maximova - D - 5'9" 150lbs - 238 TPE --- 8.5C
7. Zack Hoover - LW - 5'11" 183lbs - 231 TPE --- 8.5C
T8. Luke Flemming - C - 6'4" 221lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
T8. Travis Kudleychuk - C - 6'0" 190lbs - 228 TPE --- 8.5C
10. Geoffrey Allen - RW - 6'2" 200lbs - 223 TPE --- 8.5C</div>
There you have it folks, I hope you enjoyed reading this. Please also feel free to give yourself a pat on the back if you actually read the entire article!
I wish the best of luck to all the upcoming draftees. Just one thing to keep in mind, these are simply a letter and a number with a period thrown in there. They do not define you and they are simply my opinion. What matters is what you do. Enjoy the draft!
---Please see below for SHL's Future Ranking System---
Traditional Realistic Potential Rating (1-10)
(a player's realistic potential ability)
10. Generational Talent - a player for the ages, one who can do things with a puck that no other player would even contemplate doing. Very, very few players will be deserving of this rating, probably one per couple of seasons.
Defense: Aidan Richan
Forward: Chris McZehrl
Goaltender: Ryan Jesster
9. Elite Talent – possesses the potential for greatness, a perennial All-Star throughout his career.
Defense: Kevin LeBacon, Zach Myers, Niclas Wastlund
Forward: Robert Spezza, Benjamin Wong, Brian Morley
Goaltender: Jackson Weeks, Jordin Fourfour, Lauris Prikulis
8. First-Line Forward / No. 2 Defenseman / No. 1 Goaltender – players with definite skill that might be just a cut below elite status, but still possessing All-Star potential.
Defense: Fredrik Wastlund, Kaspars Tsizling, Mike Ochocinco
Forward: Jaime Hill, Nicholas Pedersen, Daniel Merica
Goaltender: C.J. James, Hunter Wong, Jakob Tanner
7. Second-Line Forward / No. 3-4 Defenseman / Journeyman No. 1 Goaltender – players not quite good enough to play on the top line or pairing on a regular basis, but still possessing enough talent to contribute offensively, defend with some authority, or competently play the goaltender's position for long stretches.
Defense: Michael J. Caboose, Jigsaw McGraw, Viktor Svensson
Forward: Audun Wissink, Tom Sawyer, Adam Kylrad
Goaltender: Sven Andersson, Dymo Ranjan, Jonas Gustavo
6. Third-Line Forward / No. 5-6 Defenseman / Backup Goaltender – generally speaking, players whose game is defensively-oriented, or whose abilities aren't quite good enough to land full-time duty on the 2nd line, top two defensive pairings, or the No. 1 goaltending position.
Defense: Waldo Cezar Jr., Turd Ferguson Jr., Big Manius
Forward: Jorma Ruutu, Brendan Gibbon, Slappy McDoodle
Goaltender: Jamie Shetler, Cyan Winters, Mika Aalto
5. Fourth line forward / No. 7 defenseman / depth goaltender – players that populate the 4th line, will fill in for injured defensemen, or have some ability to play goal in the SHL but are mostly very good minor league goaltenders. Think of any enforcer you care to name, or any energy player you care to name, or any unlucky defensemen or goaltenders that don't quite have enough talent to crack an SHL lineup full time.
4. Top minor league forward / defenseman / goaltender – players unlikely to have long careers in the SHL, but they'll be played when needed or other circumstances arise.
3. Average minor league forward / defenseman / goaltender – players who will in all likelihood spend their entire careers in the SMJHL. May get lucky and get drafted.
2. Minor league role-player – players who populate minor league rosters for the purpose of populating minor league rosters. Mostly SMJHL players, highly unlikely to be drafted.
1. Borderline minor league player – players one step away from the beer leagues. Kinda like Garbanzo.
Realistic Probability Rating (A-F)
(the player's realistic chances of achieving their potential)
A – All but guaranteed to reach potential - 100 percent metaphysical certitude that the player will play up to his abilities as noted by his potential rating.
B – Should reach potential, could drop 1 rating - likely to reach potential, but may have a hole or two in his game that will keep him from reaching his full potential.
C – May reach potential, could drop 2 ratings – has shown some flashes, but may ultimately not have what it takes to reach his potential.
D – Unlikely to reach potential, could drop 3 ratings – a player who has a chance to reach his potential but is unlikely to do so.
F – A player possessing little potential who has a mountain to climb just to reach the outermost boundary of that potential.
Code:
7,226 words- Ferdy - 07-11-2015
This is insane.
Congratulations, Joker. You've just done massive scouting work for several teams. =D>
- Joker5123 - 07-11-2015
Quote:Originally posted by Ferdy@Jul 11 2015, 04:14 PM:lol: That's why I'm here :lol:
This is insane.
Congratulations, Joker. You've just done massive scouting work for several teams. =D>
- JumpierPegasus - 07-11-2015
Detroit has killed my record :lol:
If I take the games against them away I'm 7-2 with a .902SV%. It's crazy how I'm such a sieve against them
- vbottas17 - 07-11-2015
Your awesome man, just made GM'S jobs a lot easier.
- deknegt - 07-11-2015
You gave Kris a C, huh... Lol
- Jesster - 07-11-2015
Good shit my man.
- Winter is Coming - 07-11-2015
Holy crap, this is one of the best articles I have seen on here in awhile.
- Hoovuh - 07-11-2015
Joker is the real MVP. Thats my Goalie!
- Joker5123 - 07-11-2015
Quote:Originally posted by deknegt@Jul 11 2015, 04:29 PMIt was either 8.0D or 7.0C
You gave Kris a C, huh... Lol
- enigmatic - 07-11-2015
Quote:Originally posted by deknegt@Jul 11 2015, 04:29 PMI see a D :ph34r: .
You gave Kris a C, huh... Lol
- ArGarBarGar - 07-11-2015
Boo Wastlund is a comparable but I'm not.
This list is automatically bad.
- NJBadApple - 07-11-2015
Thanks for the kind words!
- BeanSnoodie - 07-11-2015
This is awesome, a tremendous amount of work went into it. But I can't help but wonder about giving someone with sub 200 TPE an 8.0B
- ORIGINSZ - 07-11-2015
Zach Myers beside Elite <3 ha-ha good article
