2019 NHL Draft Mailbag – V2

We’ve solicited questions on Twitter to help you get a better understanding of the 2019 NHL Draft class and it’s eligibles. We’ve compiled those questions into our second mailbag.

Enjoy.

Tons of talk about who they take at #1, but who the Devils take at #34 could also be hugely important to their future. Is there anybody who sticks out in your mind that they should be keying in on to pick at #34?

— John Dawkins (@JDsays2much) June 10, 2019

Justin Froese, head Western scout – Although unlikely, Spencer Knight did fall to the Devils in our mock draft and he would be a huge win for this pick. From my region there’s no real slam dunk players who I would take but if for some reason a Matthew Robertson slid down, he would be a strong addition at this point. I could also see this pick being dealt to move up in the draft or as part of a bigger deal to add an impact player.

Dennis Schellenberg, head European scout – I’d go for goaltender Spencer Knight or defenseman Tobias Bjornfot if still available. Otherwise, Pavel Dorofeyev would be a win for their wingers department.

Derek Neumeier, Western-based scout – If Nathan Legare or Nick Robertson are still available for the Devils at 34th overall, selecting one of those two would make a lot of sense. If New Jersey takes Jack Hughes first overall, as they are expected to do, they’ll be adding an incredible playmaker to their organization. Few players in this draft can shoot a puck as well as Legare and Robertson can, so a duo of Hughes and one of those two on the same line could have a lot of potential.

Noteable late round picks in your mind?

— CoyotesFansGermany (@st_b83) June 10, 2019

Froese – Keep an eye on Nolan Maier, a small goaltender who has been a go-to on the international stage for Canada but has positional deficiencies that needs refinement. One of the most dynamic goalies in the draft. Ethan Leyh is also an ultra competitive gem who has some skill, smarts and high end motor. He could be an effective player after he rounds his game in the NCAA.

Zack Thompson, Ontario-based scout – For a late-round pick out of the OHL I like Cole Schwindt. He’s a big kid whose skating needs to be better but he’s a bit kid who plays with great intensity and has the smarts to get get to those dirty areas at the right times to be able to chip in enough to be a bottom-six forward at some point in his career.

Andy Lehoux, Quebec-based scout – Xavier Simoneau would be an interesting options in the later rounds. A skilled and dynamic playmaker, Simoneau is an offensive dynamo. He displayed some incredible playmaking abilities throughout the season and he was constantly able to find teammates on the ice thanks to his excellent vision. He has a high-end hockey IQ and he processes the game at high speed. His quick hands and dynamic puck skills make him a threat in traffic and tight areas. He doesn’t have blistering speed, but his outstanding agility and quickness have helped him survive at the junior level and will be key aspects to his transition to the next level.

Schellenberg – Ondrej Psenicka could be an interesting late pickup. If Nikita Okhotyuk and Radek Muzik fall too far they could be nice pickups as well. Both play a very reliable game and showed good work ethic. They can both make teams better, although not on a high-end note. Janis Moser shouldn’t drop too far either. Very solid and reliable stay-at-home defenseman, who makes smart decisions and keeps a cool head in nearly any situation.

Which round would you project Janis Moser? And Valentin Nussbauer ?

— Daniel Bourqui (@swissdan) June 10, 2019

Schellenberg – I’d go for Moser from mid Round 4 on, maybe 5th. I’d still see Nussbaumer as a potential mid/late 3rd rounder to latest 5th. Think he’s a bit underrated still.

Who are the fastest players available in the draft?

— Mark MacRae (@mark_macrae_) June 11, 2019

Miika Arponen, Finnish-based scout – Leevi Aaltonen is one of the fastest players in the draft, maybe even the fastest. The guy’s ridiculously quick.

Lassi Alanen, Finnish-based scout – Miika is correct, Aaltonen is definitely one of the fastest players. His first steps and top speed are both elite.

Konstantin Glazov, Russian-based scout – Kirill Slepets is a speedster.

Donesh Mazloum, Western-based scout – If looking at pure speed, Alex Newhook would be up there. He doesn’t edge as nicely as a Jack Hughes does, but his ‘Point A’ to ‘Point B’ is right up there with anyone in the class.

Which of the top prospects drops the furthest?

— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Todd🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@toddsondrini) June 10, 2019

Froese – Peyton Krebs seems to not get the respect he deserves in my opinion. He could make teams look silly if he falls out of the top-10.

Schellenberg – My feeling is saying that Simon Holmstrom could drop quite a bit. Had a difficult season with injuries and missed many games.