[The Recap] Draft Class Hierarchy: Final Cuts and Favourites
The scouting process is instrumental for NHL teams looking to remain competitive and it can be extremely stressful. Scouts spend the majority of the hockey season on the road, travelling from rink to rink, looking to discover the next big thing. The hours, miles and stress all pile up as the NHL Entry Draft nears and it is critical for teams to make the correct pick.
The 2011 Draft Class Hierarchy series€™ mission was to identify the top rated talent available in the first round. The consequences of any mistakes on my part were miniscule compared to actual NHL scouting staffs but, nonetheless, the decisions-making process was extremely difficult. As a result, the final release of this series will identify some prospects that fell just outside of the Top 30 and were the "Final Cuts". On top of all this glorious information, you will read about a few players who have the potential to be "steals" or "sleepers" of the draft class.
The Final Cuts - 10 First Round Talents
Brett Ritchie (Sarnia, OHL, RW)
The large power forward is coming off a disappointing season after battling some injuries and a bout with mononucleosis but will be flying under-the-radar because of it. Ritchie was once pegged to be a first round selection and he almost made my list. At 6-foot 3-inches and 210-pounds, Ritchie is a large forward who possesses soft hands and a good shot. The Orangeville native has represented Canada several times and is coming off a strong Under-18 Tournament last month.
Stefan Noesen (Plymouth, OHL, C)
Born and raised in Texas, Noesen came to Plymouth looking to chase his NHL dream. Noesen competes extremely hard and his foot speed is likely his best attribute. In this past season, Noesen proved to everyone that he can play after his minutes were limited in his first OHL season due to the Whalers' tremendous depth (Seguin, McRae). Stefan Noesen is one of my favourite sleepers in the draft.
Tyler Biggs (US NTDP, USHL, RW)
Biggs is an interesting prospect and I will admit that I passed on him in the Top 30 because I could not accurately project his NHL value. Biggs plays an aggressive power forward game similar to players like Evander Kane and Jerome Iginla but with less offensive upside. NHL scouts really like his physical skills as he combines his size (6'2", 210 lbs) well with the offensive skills that he owns a great shot, good passing skills and strong hockey sense. There is little doubt that Tyler Biggs will become an NHLer but his role has yet to be determined. Biggs can play anywhere from the first to fourth line.
Oscar Klefbom (Farjestad, SEL, D)
Klefbom was the final cut from the Top 30 list and the decision may come back to haunt me. Scouts are not always looking for flash and dash and that Klefdom is a perfect example. Klefdom is a shutdown defenseman who will be extremely valuable to an NHL club with his ability to play a simple mistake free game. Klefbom has experience playing at the professional level for the Swedish Elite Leagues€™ Farjestad and his responsibilities have increased as the season progressed. The 6-foot 4-inch defender has limited offensive abilities but is an absolute rock defensively.
Victor Rask (Leksand, SEL, C)
Rask is another player who was once considered a lock to be drafted in the first round but expectations placed on him were so high that he failed to meet them. Last season, Rask competed for Leksand in the Swedish Elite League and struggled to find enough playing time to produce offensively. It is extremely likely that Rask ends up being selected within the first 30 picks but he could fall into a GM's lap in the second. Rask already owns an NHL shot that is deadly accurate and can also feather passes with the best of players. Victor Rask had a very strong Under-18 World Championship Tournament last month and that should help eliminate any sourness remaining in a lot of scouts' mouths after his poor season.