In a draft that varies immensely in opinion, this portion of the ranking was likely the hardest one to get settled on. There are major drop candidates in this section, and this could affect picks all the way down to Montreal’s selection at 28.
This year’s crop of young players is thin up the middle, and while the last two portions of the ranking featured seven of them, this section covers only one and he’s at the very top of the list. It is very likely that other teams throw caution to the wind, go off board a bit to draft a positionally more attractive player in a centremen, which would mean an awful lot of movement from this ranking.
So, while it is unlikely that a player from this group finds himself available at 28, the opinion and positional discrepancies around this draft does make it possible. Even if that possibility is in the realm of Lloyd Christmas hooking up with Mary Swanson.
#9 – Tynan Lawrence
Boston University (NCAA) – C
Start of season rank: 4 Midseason rank: 5
Lawrence sees his stock drop after a questionable decision to move to the NCAA in the middle of the season coming off an injury. The move didn’t go great as he scored only seven points in 18 games, but he was also on a very short list of 17-year-olds in the NCAA. That type of production should have seen him drop more, but the lack of centres has his selection rank as an early divisive point amongst many scouts, though he may have cemented a top 10 selection with a strong U18 tournament where he put up six points in five games. The name of the game for Lawrence is speed and offensive IQ. Like many young players, he needs to round out his game. Not even a consideration for the Habs, unfortunately.
#10 – Daxon Rudolph
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) – RHD
Start of season rank: 12 Midseason rank: 14
The 6’2 defender put up a 78-point season and did not stop in the playoffs with 27 points in 19 games. He is headed to Denver of the NCAA next season where he’ll be coached by David Carle. While those numbers aren’t expected to follow him to the pros, his mobility and ability to get the puck up the ice while still maintaining a mean streak makes him a valuable commodity in a position of scarcity around the league. I compared him to Dobson in the Midseason rankings, and I stand by that comparison. And much like Dobson, don’t be surprised if the “unsexy” to his game ends up costing him a few ranks. But his steady play should mean he won’t slip too far.
#11 – Ethan Belchetz
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – LW
Start of season rank: 5 Midseason rank: 7
The 6’5 winger has the mentality to accompany his power forward frame which is why he finds himself in many top-10 rankings. Seeing the instant contributions of Porter Martone likely encourages the thinking on Belchetz too, though I would caution that the puck skill is not as high as Martone. Still, if the Canadiens were to trade for a 7-12 pick, this would be the player I would covet the most. He scored 59 points in 59 OHL games but was injured before the playoffs started and was still out for the U18. He’s excellent down low, but he also has good hands which allows him to attack the net while protecting the puck.
#12 – Wyatt Cullen
USNTDP (USHL) – LW
Start of season rank: NA Midseason rank: 37
A year ago, Cullen was 5’8 but his recent measurements at the combine saw him come in at 6’1. Funny what a growth spurt can do for the perception of a player. His feet are his main weapon as he skates like the wind, but the rest of the offensive tools are good too. He scored a combined 61 points in 55 games within the program this season and then was the only point-per-game player for the USA’s U18 team with his nine points in five games. This goes well in displaying his ability with the puck. This pick is a complete wild card so where he ends up will be very interesting. I’m guessing one of the teams with multiple picks is likely to take a chance on a high-ceiling kid that’s had a little less runway.
#13 – Ryan Lin
Vancouver Giants (WHL) – RHD
Start of season rank: 8 Midseason rank: 11
Lin is joining Rudolph in Denver next season, but this much smaller defender (5’11) needs to show that his willingness to use physicality despite his frame is an attribute that will remain at the next level. Lin scored 57 points in 50 games this season with the Vancouver Giants before posting six points in five games with Canada at the U18. Lin is defined by his excellent skating, fancy edgework, and blazing straight-line speed. To this, he adds excellent defensive positioning and great decision-making both offensively and defensively. There is no doubt that offensive capabilities in walking the line and quarterbacking the power play will be his calling card while the size remains his biggest barrier.
#14 – Malte Gustafsson
HV71 (SHL) – LHD
Start of season rank: 17 Midseason rank: 18
The 6’4 Gustafsson might not project to be more than a second-pairing defender as he might be limited offensively, but his maturity and ability to already adapt seamlessly to a men’s game in the SHL makes him a high-floor pick. He scored 12 points in 19 U20 games, but wasn’t as productive in the SHL. His ability with and around the puck remains an asset, it’s the physical nature of the young defender that really sets him apart as he remains unafraid to take away time and space while crunching opponents whenever he can, even in the pro league. A team with an old-school approach will end up loving his frame and high floor, although the lack of offence could see him slip a bit considering recent players of this profile. Not enough to be a consideration for the Habs though.
#15 – Oscar Hemming
Boston College (NCAA) – LW
Start of season rank: 31 Midseason rank: 22
The 6’4 winger plays his size, has a strong shot and solid skating mechanics. He had a melodramatic start to his season that saw him bounce around before finally being able to play for Boston College in the NCAA. There, he scored only eight points in 19 games, so the offensive ability is hard to evaluate which is why Hemming found himself near the 20 rank a month ago. A solid U18 where he scored seven points (five goals) in six games have a few more scouts who already love the player profile frothing at the mouth. He’s one of those players that would end up at 12 to the Devils, or still available at 28 for the Habs. It all depends how teams view the transferability of the offensive ability.
#16 – Adam Novotny
Peterborough Petes (OHL) – LW
Start of season rank: 13 Midseason rank: 13
The 6’1 winger produced 65 points in 58 games after a slow start to his season in the O. He sets himself apart with intelligence and compete as the raw tools aren’t as appealing as many above him on this list. The intelligence also means that his defensive reads and efforts are oftentimes better than that of those above him on this list. This would be an excellent first selection for the Habs should scouts from other teams fall in love with other players and Novotny slips.