It’s that time again, when early rankings of the 2019 draft prospects begin to release and fans everywhere argue over the merit of certain players. Today, Craig Button of TSN published his early Top 40 list for next year’s draft, and to no one’s surprise Jack Hughes sits on top. The 17-year old center has shown he can compete with players several years older than him and should break just about every record imaginable for the US National Team Development Program this season.
Behind Hughes though is a much less consensus ranking with Button putting Dylan Cozens in second place and Kaapo Kakko down at four. Both forwards should be in contention for the second-overall selection by the June draft but could be overtaken by any number of other first round talents. Philip Broberg, another Swedish defenseman occupies Button’s third spot, and brings just about every measurable you’d want on the blue line.
- Paul Byron is expected to be ready for the start of Montreal Canadiens training camp according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, as he continues to rehab his injured shoulder. That is a good sign for Montreal, given that Byron is now the team’s top trade chip after they sent Max Pacioretty packing early this morning. Getting off to a healthy and productive start could make Byron one of the most sought after players at this year’s trade deadline, if the Canadiens decide they aren’t going to be able to extend him into the future. The 29-year old is coming off shoulder surgery, but has missed just one game over the past two seasons and tallied 42 goals over that span.
- William Nylander is still without a contract despite Toronto Maple Leafs camp opening in just a few days, but newcomer John Tavares isn’t worried. The former New York Islanders captain told reporters including Kristen Shilton of TSN that the players believe Nylander will in fact be in camp. For that to happen the Maple Leafs would need to get a contract finished in the very near future, as players rarely show up without some sort of deal already in place.