Tkachuk Could Be forward HABs need
Boston University prospect expected to be taken early at NHL Entry Draft
During the weeks leading up to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, we’re taking a look at players who might be selected by the Montreal Canadiens.
The team has five selections in the first two rounds, including the No. 3 overall pick.
BRADY TKACHUK, LEFT WING
Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 192 pounds
NHL Central Scouting Rank: No. 2 among North American skaters What the scouts are saying: Many people have been jumping on the Tkachuk bandwagon lately. NHL Central Scouting has moved him ahead of Andrei Svechnikov and Filip Zadina and TSN scout Craig Button has Tkachuk rated No. 2 overall behind Rasmus Dahlin.
The Boston University winger has excellent size and he uses it to advantage, winning battles in corners, pummelling opponents in front of the net and using his size to fend off defenders while setting up plays.
“Tkachuk brings both a skill game and a power forward game,” Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. “He can dictate and control the play with his speed and physical attributes while creating and finishing scoring chances. Both he and Zadina have the skills and assets to be difference-makers.”
Tkachuk, whose father Keith had 538 goals and 1,065 points during an 18-year NHL career, helped the U.S. win a bronze medal at the world juniors and U.S. national team coach Bob Motzko predicted Tkachuk will grow into “a player that’s not very fun to play against.”
The question mark is whether Tkachuk can also put up points as a top-six forward. In his first season at Boston University, he had eight goals and 23 assists in 40 games along with a plus-15 rating. Good numbers until you compare them with Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel’s only year at B.U. Eichel had 26 goals and 45 assists and was a plus-51 before going No. 2 overall behind Oilers star Connor McDavid in the 2015 draft.
Why the Canadiens would be interested: Montreal is woefully undersized and Tkachuk would provide them with a power forward. However, there would be question marks about his offensive upside and he might not provide immediate help if he decides to spend another year in school. But that might be a less attractive option for Tkachuk with Boston University coach Dave Quinn moving to the New York Rangers.