Not surprisingly, Jonathan Huberdeau is the highest ranked Saint John Sea Dogs skater, coming in at No. 3.
“Huberdeau is the rising star of this year's draft,” writes TSN’s Bob McKenzie. “He didn't get a single vote (at any number) in our poll to determine a pre-season Top 10. In fact, Huberdeau is the only one of TSN's Top 5 prospects who didn't get a No. 1 vote at some point of the season. He was ranked No. 9 on the mid-season list in January, moved up to No. 4 on the draft-lottery edition in April and settled at No. 3 on the final list. Huberdeau is the scouts' consensus choice as the ‘smartest player’ available this year. He was MVP of both the Quebec League playoffs and Memorial Cup and was instrumental in the Saint John Seas Dogs' Memorial Cup win.”
His incredible rise up the rankings has been amazing to follow. Many publications had him has a borderline first round pick last fall. But after a 105-point regular season, a 30-point playoff run, and a solid showing at the Memorial Cup, Huberdeau is considered one of the top-five players available in this year’s draft by most.
Nathan Beaulieu is the second highest Sea Dog ranked, coming in at No. 11. TSN calls him “an elite puck carrying defenceman, soft hands, smart puck distributor. Creates lanes with strong lateral movement, intelligent shooter, transition is excellent, has some jam to his game.”
Zack Phillips is TSN’s 28th best prospect. “Elite hands and playmaking abilities,really sees the ice well,” writes TSN scout Grant McCagg. “Difficult to stop on power play when he has room, a consistent point producer, drives hard to the net and has a goal scorer's touch. Not overly gritty but likes to have the puck, can saucer a pass with ease.”
Tomas Jurco has been getting mixed reviews from scouts but managed to make the top 30, coming in at No. 29. The super-skilled-Slovak is called a “risky pick in the first round who may be a top-two winger, or could struggle for ice time due to inconsistencies.”
Scott Oke and Ryan Tesink were both honourable mentions.
TSN will be airing their mock draft tomorrow night at 8:30 pm AST. Their preview show is Thursday at 8:00 pm and the first round of the draft will be shown live on Friday.
Photo Credits: Marc Henwood/Station Nation
Okay folks, it doesn't get any more legit than Bob McKenzie. These guys are really that good!
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