Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Top 5 goalie prospects

- — Harvey Fialkov

Here are the top five goalie prospects in the NHL draft:

Mackenzie Blackwood, 6 feet 4, Barrie (OHL): Late bloomer shook off ankle injury to post a 33-14-2 record with a 3.09 goals-against average and .906 save percentage for the Colts, where he played with Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad the year before. The NHL Central Scouting Service ranked him first among North American netminders after he dominated the various agility and strength tests at the Scouting Combine in Buffalo earlier this month. Has the size and mobility to fit NHL prototype and is known for his poise under pressure.

Daniel Vladar, 6-5, Kladno (Czech Republic-2 league): Another athletic big body that can fill a net. He’s drawing comparison­s to fellow Czech goalie Dominik Hasek for his catlike reflexes and rebound control. He’s succeeded at every internatio­nal junior level and this year played with men in the elite Czech league. He will play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League to adapt to the smaller North American rinks.

Ilya Samsonov, 6-3, Magitogors­k 2 (Russian juniors): He was 11-4-1 with a .918 save percentage in Russian juniors this season and is signed to play three more years in the KHL, so he’s indeed a long-term project. The scouts say he covers the net well, reads plays and can make the acrobatic save while never giving up on a play. Consistenc­y can be an issue.

Callum Booth, 6-3, Quebec (QMJHL): He earned 23 wins with a 3.05 GAA and .900 save percentage for the Ramparts, but scouts are raving about his net coverage, ability to cut down angles and quick reaction to plays that earned him the CSS No. 2 ranking among North American goalies. Samuel Montembeau­lt, 6-2, Blainville-Boisbriand

(QMJHL): He is known for his calm demeanor under pressure while posting a 33-win season with a 2.59 GAA and three shutouts. A butterfly-style proponent whose save percentage was under .900 the past two seasons, has super reflexes but is most likely a multi-year project.

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