NHL draft: The best of B.C.
Here’s a look at top B.C.-born or bred prospects for the NHL draft, which starts Friday in Sunrise, Fla. Rankings are provided by TSN (The Sports Network via Bob McKenzie/ Craig Button), ISS (International Scouting Services) and CS (Central Scouting).
1. Mathew Barzal (C, Seattle, WHL).
Vitals: Born Coquitlam; 5-foot11, 181 lbs.; GP: 44, G: 12, A: 45, Pts: 57; Rank: 8th (ISS), 9th (BM, TSN).
Scouting: Strong puck-possession skills with ability to frustrate defenders because his head is always up, looking for passing options, and he completes them at speed. Holding on to pucks for extra second allows him to buy time and create scoring. Third in first-assists in WHL.
2. Jansen Harkins (C, Prince George, WHL).
Vitals: Born Cleveland, raised North Vancouver; 6-foot-1, 181 lbs.; GP: 70, G: 20, A: 59, Pts: 79; Rank: 25th (ISS), 30th (BM, TSN).
Scouting: Son of former NHL centre Todd Harkins, has the ability to develop into a power forward once he matures physically. His game already features smart awareness away from the puck, a strong 200-foot game and high hockey IQ. Always out in crucial situations.
3. Noah Juulsen (D, Everett, WHL).
Vitals: Born Abbotsford; 6-foot2, 174 lbs.; GP: 68, G:9, A: 43, Pts: 52; Rank: 22nd (ISS), 37th (BM, TSN).
Scouting: Isn’t spectacular but makes good reads and is going to benefit from improved quickness, strength and better footwork in corners. Grad of Yale Hockey Academy that also schooled NHL draftees Shea Theodore (Ducks) and Jake Virtanen (Canucks).
4. Parker Wotherspoon (D TriCity, WHL).
Vitals: Born Surrey; 6-foot, 171 lbs.; GP: 72, G:9, A: 33, Pts: 42;
Rank: 59th (CB, TSN), 43rd North American (CS).
Scouting: Younger brother of Calgary Flames defenceman Tyler Wotherspoon has improved his skating and jumps up into the play more regularly. Was making better first passes this season and likes to pattern his game after Canucks blueliner Dan Hamhuis.
5. Adam Musil (C, Red Deer, WHL).
Vitals: Born Delta; 6-foot-3, 208 lbs.; GP: 66, G: 15, A: 24, Pts: 39.
Rank: 61st North American (CS), 65th (BM, TSN).
Scouting: Son of former NHL
defenceman Frank Musil and brother to Oilers blueliner David Musil, he’s also a nephew of former NHL centre Bobby Holik. Has big, powerful strides like his uncle, and brings a physical element into graduating to a top-six role.
6. Ryan Gropp (LW, Seattle, WHL).
Vitals: Born Kamloops; 6-foot-3, 187 pounds; GP: 67, G: 30, A: 28, Pts: 58; Rank: 56th (BM, TSN), 71st North American (CS).
Scouting: Not only does he have the size, he has the playmaking, finish and physical presence as a linemate for elite centre Mathew Barzal. Creates space with a willingness to dig for pucks and gets to the net to cause havoc. Has NHL power forward potential.
7. Deven Sideroff (RW, Kamloops, WHL).
Vitals: Born Summerland ;5-foot11, 176 lbs.; GP: 64, G: 17, A: 25, Pts: 42. Rank: 72nd (CB, TSN), 134th North American (CS).
Scouting: Wide range of rankings. When working consistently, work ethic and finish are there and has caught scouts’ eyes because he skates well enough and has a pretty good set of hands. A knack for coming up with big plays in key moments of a game.
8. Glenn Gawdin (C, Swift Current, WHL).
Vitals: Born Richmond; 6-foot-1, 191 lbs.; GP: 72, G: 15, A: 39, Pts: 54; Rank: 59th North American (CS).
Scouting: Plays a sound two-way game and can play in all situations, but his first three strides need to get better for explosiveness. Has a decent shot but needs to develop better hands to both finish and find his linemates. A work in progress.
9. Tyler Soy (C, Victoria, WHL).
Vitals: Born Cloverdale; 6-foot, 172 lbs.; GP: 69, G: 28, A: 35, Pts: 63; Rank: 78th North American (CS).
Scouting: More development to handle the physical demands of the game is the challenge. Has a compact stride but can get there and reads the game well. Smart positioning has allowed good playmaking, but needs more strength to not get knocked off pucks.
10. Brad Morrison (C, Prince George, WHL).
Vitals: Born Westside; 6-foot, 154 lbs.; GP: 67, G: 23, A: 27, Pts:
50. Rank: 66th (TSN, CB), 124th North American (CS).
Scouting: You either love the jump and jam or are concerned that the slight centre can get physically wiped out by bigger players. Hence the wide range of rankings. Has the speed and smarts and can dangle with playmaking skills, but needs to add muscle.