Top three prospects bring plenty of star power to table
You’re not quite seeing the “Tank for Matthews” signs dotted around NHL rinks. Yet. If the 2016 NHL draft were to be held today, Auston Matthews would be the first overall choice. Born and raised in Phoenix, the 18-year-old chose this year to eschew both major junior and the NCAA and instead play for the Zurich Lions of the Swiss Elite league.
In fact, if the 2015 NHL draft had an 18th-birthday cutoff date of Sept. 17 (his birthday) instead of Sept. 15, Matthews would have been in the conversation with Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. He might not have been quite at their level, but he would have been drafted no later than third.
So why aren’t teams tanking for Matthews, or “Lostin’ for Auston” the way they appeared to have so embarrassingly last year for McDavid?
Because the rules of the draft have changed.
There will still be a weighted draft lottery featuring all the teams that missed the playoffs. But the top three spots in the draft are up for grabs, not just first overall.
Last year, Edmonton jumped from No. 3 to No. 1, bumping Buffalo and Arizona down a notch. Last year, Buffalo had a 20 per cent shot at the No. 1 overall pick, or an 80 per cent chance of dropping down. They dropped down. This year — with three lotteries — there should be more movement than that. A team could finish last overall and still get only the fourth overall pick. So all the losing — the empty seats, the jokes about the team, the embarrassed fans — aren’t worth it.
At least that’s the logic. By the time the trade deadline comes around, some teams may be singing a different tune.
Here’s a look at the top three prospects for the 2016 NHL draft, to be held in Buffalo, according to Mark Seidel, chief scout of North American Central Scouting:
AUSTON MATTHEWS
Forward, Zurich Lions Born: Scottsdale, Ariz. Vitals: Six-foot-two, 194 pounds The skinny: American, big and strong but has the skills of a small player. Excellent vision and passing ability. Showing in Switzerland he can compete and dominate against men. Lightning quick release and very accurate. Uses his size effectively. Understands the game and his defensive game is continuing to improve.
Jonathan Toews, Anze
Kopitar
JAKOB CHYCHRUN
Defence, Sarnia Sting (OHL) Born: Boca Raton, Fla. Vitals: Six-foot-two, 198 pounds. The skinny: Dual citizen (Canada- U.S.). Has the poise of a 20-year-old out on the ice. Physically very strong. Loves to jump into the rush. Great decisions on the power play. Can make the home run, three-quarter length breakaway pass as effectively as a 15-foot outlet pass. Has a presence on the ice like the Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad. Son of former NHLer Jeff Chychrun.
Aaron Ekblad
JESSE PULJUJARVI
Alvkarleby, Sweden Six-foot-three, 196 pounds.
Finnish though born in Sweden. Played in world juniors at 16. Great frame that he uses to shield puck from defenders. Very good stick and puck skills.
Teemu Selanne