Atlantic Notes: Maple Leafs, Murray, DeKeyser
National Post writer Steve Simmons spoke with Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello about the slew of choices facing the Maple Leafs. Simmons expects the Leafs, along with everyone else in the hockey world, to select Arizona native Auston Matthews with the first overall pick. Simmons compares Matthews to former Leafs icon Mats Sundin. Lamoriello also told Simmons that the acquisition of goalie Frederik Andersen from Anaheim secures the Leafs’ goaltending for at least the next five years. After that, the decisions are murky. Simmons writes that the $25MM in contractual obligations to players who may never wear the jersey is just one of several problems Lamoriello must solve.
Other news around the Atlantic Division:
- As Buffalo prepares to host the NHL Draft tomorrow evening, Sabres general manager Tim Murray ponders what moves he has to make next. Buffalo News reporter Mike Harrington writes that Murray has “reeled in” a number of big names to construct a powerful young core, but that his work is far from over. Harrington reports that Murray may be targeting Anaheim defenseman Cam Fowler, and that the Sabres might be willing to part with their eighth overall pick in the draft to do so. Additionally, Harrington lists St. Louis Blues d-man Kevin Shattenkirk and even New York Rangers forward Rick Nash as potential targets.
- Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent Danny DeKeyser told MLive’s Brendan Savage that he doesn’t anticipate any issues signing a new deal with Detroit. Speaking to Savage after throwing out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game, DeKeyser indicated that while negotiations have yet to get serious, the 26-year-old defenseman expects to be suiting up for the Winged Wheel once training camp begins. DeKeyser is one of four restricted free agents that the Wings have yet to lock up.
Top Draft Prospects: Mikhail Sergachev
With the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft just two days away, we look at the top prospects available Friday night. Previously we took a look at Auston Matthews,Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, Matthew Tkachuk and Pierre-Luc Dubois; next we’ll examine our first defenceman, Mikhail Sergachev.
Bio
Position: Defence
Birthdate: June 25, 1998
Hometown: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220 lbs
2015-16
After coming over from his native Russia to play in the OHL, Sergachev actually struggled in the first half, having trouble adjusting to his new surroundings. When he found that comfort level however, his play took off. Racking up 57 points in 67 games, Sergachev won the OHL’s award for top defenceman, only the second rookie in league history to do so (Bryan Berard in 1995).
The Spitfires ran into a strong Kitchener Rangers team in the playoffs and went down in five games, while Sergachev tallied five points. He was held scoreless in the Under-18s, as Russia went down to the eventual champion Finnish team in the first elimination round.
Statistics
Windsor Spitfires: 67 GP, 17 goals, 40 assists, 57 points, 56 PIM, +15 rating
OHL Playoffs: 5 GP, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, 8 PIM, -4 rating
U-18 WJC: 5 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 8 PIM, 0 rating
Scouting Report
A beautiful skater, Sergachev glides around the ice with ease and transitions well from the offensive and defensive zones. He doesn’t get rattled with the puck on his stick in his own end, calmly moving it out of the zone and avoiding danger. With a well developed body, he uses it to it’s full advantage leveraging players off the puck or pinning them against the boards.
While his even-strength game is effective, it’s his point play when a man up that leaves scouts drooling. Sergachev is the prototypical quarterback, with slick passing skills and a booming slapshot from the blue line. He seems unbelievably calm out there despite his young age.
Sergachev normally looks like one of the best players on the ice, however some scouts have found that every now and again he seems a bit disinterested in the game and has been known to take a shift off. Now, this might be a problem going forward or it might just be that the OHL level isn’t providing a big enough challenge for him currently. If he’s to unlock what seems like endless potential in both ends of the ice, he has to improve his consistency and continue to play with his physical edge. As players get bigger, better and more experienced, he won’t be able to coast on his natural talent.
Projected Future Role
Top-pairing defenceman/Powerplay threat.
NHL Timeline
Sergachev is another young draftee, not turning 18 until Saturday, and isn’t eligible for the AHL next season (or the one after that). With the choice of the NHL or OHL, he’ll probably be headed back to the Spitfires next year, however there is a possibility with the right team and a strong summer he could break camp as an 18-year old rookie in 2016-17. Some clubs may fear he’ll take a step back even in just his second OHL season, if they believe he was already throwing away shifts because of disinterest this year.
Top Draft Prospects: Pierre-Luc Dubois
With the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft just two days away, we look at the top prospects available Friday night. Previously we took a look at Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi and Matthew Tkachuk; today we’ll look a little closer at Cape Breton Screaming Eagle Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Bio
Position: Center
Birthdate: June 24, 1998
Hometown: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 205 lbs
2015-16
After scoring 45 points in 56 games as a 16-year old in his first season in the QMJHL, Dubois turned up the offense this year as he continued to grow into his large frame. His 99 points in 2015-16 placed him third in the league, trailing only 20-year old over-agers in Conor Garland and Francis Perron (128 and 108 points respectively) and easily topped Red Wings’ first-round pick Evgeny Svechnikov and the rest of the Screaming Eagles.
The Eagles would go down in the second round of the playoffs, but it wasn’t because of Dubois, as the big center put up 12 points in 12 games despite being suspended for the first round opener after a illegal check late in the season.
Dubois didn’t see any international competition this season, as he was cut from World Junior Championship roster along with fellow top prospect Jakob Chychrun. Perhaps he used it as motivation for the massive season he put up thereafter.
Statistics
Cape Breton: 62 GP, 42 goals, 57 assists, 99 points, 112 PIM, +40 rating
Playoffs: 12 GP, 7 goals, 5 assists, 12 points, 14 PIM, +3 rating
Scouting Report
Seen by many as the second best center available this year (behind Matthews), Dubois provides an excellent power option down the middle. With a combination of strength and skill, he’s an exceptional scoring threat with the puck on his stick as he heads into the zone, or along the boards down low. While his shot isn’t as highly regarded as Laine’s, he gets it off very quickly and with a lot of accuracy, especially in tight.
His skating, while not as developed as Matthews’, is actually a strength as he uses his long stride and powerful lower half to move quickly around the ice. He often catches defenders off-guard with his top gear, despite lacking an elite first few steps.
In the defensive end, Dubois isn’t afraid to use his size to remove attackers from the puck, laying thunderous checks that sometimes toe the line of legality. After the whistle, he’s often involved in scrums because of his style of play, though he has recognized his value to the team and learned to keep his cool. A smart player, he’s usually in a good position defensively, and should be able to handle that part of the game at the next level.
While his offense is driven by a power game similar to Stars’ forward Jamie Benn (who, incidentally, he models his play after), he lacks elite-level creativity and may be limited by it at the NHL level. If he can continue to grow into his frame, and improve his acceleration and defensive game he may eventually become a number 1 center in the NHL, but there is some doubt he’ll stay in the middle long-term. At the very worst, he becomes a big winger with some finishing ability and a lot of nastiness.
Projected Future Role
Top-six power center/front line power winger.
NHL Timeline
Dubois isn’t set to turn 18 until the day of the draft, and because of it isn’t eligible for the AHL until 2018-19. Even with his advanced size and strength, he’s almost a lock to head back to the Screaming Eagles for at least one more season. Look for him to challenge for the CHL scoring title before entering the NHL as a 19-year old in 2017-18.
Top Draft Prospects: Jesse Puljujärvi
The NHL draft is now less than a week away with the first round set for this Friday. Over the next several days, we will be taking a closer look at the prospects who will hear their name called early on Friday night.
We’ve already published the profiles on Auston Matthews (link) and Patrik Laine (link), so let’s take a look at the expected #3 pick, Jesse Puljujärvi.
Bio
Position: Right Wing
Birthdate: May 7, 1998
Hometown: Älvkarleby, Sweden
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200 lbs
2015-16
Puljujärvi suited up for his second season in the Finnish Elite league, and showed he belonged, helping Karpat to a second place finish and putting up 28 points as a 17-year old. As Karpat hit the playoffs, Puljujärvi was actually still recovering from an injury but upon his return he seemed to hit his stride, putting up 9 points (4-5) in just 10 games before eventually losing to Laine’s Tappara Tampere squad in seven games.
Puljujärvi led all players at the World Junior Championships with 17 points in just 7 games on the winning Finnish squad. Not only did he take home the tournament’s top forward award (beating out Laine and Matthews in the vote) he was crowed the tournament MVP as well.
Statistics
Karpat: 50 GP, 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, 22 PIMS, +5 rating
Playoffs: 10 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 10 points, 2 PIM
WJC: 7 GP, 5 goals, 12 assists, 0 PIM, +8 rating
Scouting Report
Puljujärvi has been reported as one of the best skaters in the draft, despite his 6’3″ frame. His long stride and efficient motion lets him get around with ease, and allows him to get into prime offensive positions. While he’s known as a scoring winger, his two-way game is advanced for such a young player and is ahead of Laine on the defensive end.
His offensive game comes not only from an above average shot, but his playmaking abilities with the puck on his stick. Many scouts think this is the attribute most likely to set Puljujärvi apart in the NHL, allowing him to ride shotgun with an elite goal scoring talent, while covering up some defensive liabilities. His elite skating ability allows him to get back quickly and he almost never coasts when chasing an opponent, using his long wingspan to take pucks away.
If there is one complaint about Puljujärvi it’s that he doesn’t use his large frame to throw enough body checks. While using it as a leverage tool down low, he sometimes shies away from the physical side of the game. If he continues to learn how to use his size he may eventually develop that edge, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a dominant physical presence.
Projected Future Role
Top six, two-way winger with elite playmaking ability.
NHL Timeline
After establishing himself against Men in the Finnish Elite League the past two years, Puljujärvi will be heading directly into the NHL next season. He may start on a lower line, due to his ability to contribute defensively but will crack the top six before long. Knee surgery has limited his ability to take part in camps this summer, but he should be ready for the start of the regular season.
Top Draft Prospects: Auston Matthews
The NHL draft is now less than a week away with the first round set for this Friday. Over the next several days, we will be taking a closer look at the prospects who will hear their name called early on Friday night.
We start with the consensus #1 pick, Auston Matthews.
Bio
Position: Center
Birthdate: September 17, 1997
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Height: 6’2.25”
Weight: 216 lbs
2015-16
Matthews shocked the hockey world by opting to spurn offers from both the junior and collegiate levels, deciding to turn pro and sign with the Zurich Lions of the Swiss NLA instead. It’s hard to argue he made the wrong decision as he finished in the top-10 in league scoring (and second in team scoring) despite missing time due to injury.
He was also busy internationally, representing the US in a pair of tournaments. Matthews was an alternate captain at the World Junior Championships and tied for the team lead in scoring while being named to the tournament All-Star Team. He also suited up at the World Championships last month where he once again tied for the team lead in points.
Statistics
Zurich: 36 GP, 24 goals, 22 assists, 46 points, 6 PIMS, +16 rating
WJC’s: 7 GP, 7 goals, 4 assists, 11 points, 2 PIMS, +6 rating
Worlds: 10 GP, 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, 2 PIMS, even rating
Scouting Report
Very few players are the ‘complete package’ coming into the draft but Matthews is one of those exceptions, especially after really improving his defensive game playing under Marc Crawford (now the Associate Coach with Ottawa) with Zurich. He has the speed to outrace his opponents plus the size and strength to muscle himself away in tight corners.
Offensively, Matthews can do it all. He’s a gifted passer and sees the ice well, he can play well in transition or cycling along the boards, and he has an elite, powerful shot that he needs very little time to get off. One area that he will need to improve on is a tendency to be too creative. That’s not unique to high-level teenage talents though and is something that will be refined and improved on in the NHL.
In his own end, Matthews doesn’t cheat and look to fly the zone early; instead, he’s one of the first ones back and doesn’t leave until his team is in possession of the puck. He also has made strides defending one-on-one and is now more than capable of handling himself against most opposing forwards. He may struggle a bit early on against some of the bigger power forwards in the NHL but that shouldn’t hinder him for too long.
Projected Future Role
Franchise center capable of playing in any situation.
NHL Timeline
Not many players from this draft will make the jump to the NHL right away but Matthews will be one who steps in and makes an impact right away. He may not start out as a #1 center day one (starting on the second line seems more likely as he’s eased into playing at a new level) but it shouldn’t be long before he ascends into that role. He’ll be heard from quickly in the NHL.