Sully’s WHL Mock Draft (Playoffs)

Sully’s WHL Mock Draft

• Three Rounds

*Standings as of Feb 16^th 2017

 

With the playoffs in most leagues just starting, Head scout Brayden Sullivan (@SullyDraftGeek) decided to make a three round mock draft with the time given between games and round. You can follow DraftGeek hockey on twitter @DraftGeekHockey and Brennen York (@york_dg).

Other DraftGeek Scouts:

BC – Jeff McCarthy (@JeffMcCarthyBC)

Southern AB – Grant Gauthier (@HockeyGauthier)

North SK – Michael Roseberry (@MikeRoseberry91)

South SK – Chris Penner (@DraftGeekCP)

MB – Brock Matthews (@bluds89)

 

Round 1

1. Kootenay Ice – Kaiden Guhle (OHA Edmonton) – LD – DG Rank: 1

 

Strong Skating two-way defender. Puck transporter. Good Puck moving side to his game. Lane recognition with the puck. High compete level. Good gap + stick work defensively. Good movement on the blue line. Long smooth stride. Best Player in the Draft.

 

2. Prince Albert Raiders – Justin Sourdif (Delta Prep) – C – DG Rank: 4

 

A complete player. Strong 200 ft game. Sharpshooter. Can be utilized in all areas. High end skill set. Strong skater. Bring physicality + scoring. Top five player. Well-rounded player. Good hockey sense. Consistent shift by shift.

 

3. Vancouver Giants – Ethan Bowen (Yale Prep) – C – DG Rank: 3

 

Big bodied playmaking center. Works well around the net. Protects the puck well along the perimeter. Works hard + good awareness in all three zones. Drives the offense of his line. NOT A POWER FORWARD. Big boost to Vancouver’s offense. Vancouver born.

 

4. Edmonton Oil Kings – Connor McClennon (POE Academy) – C – DG Rank: 2

 

Most pure offensive player. Good offensive intensity. High skilled + good speed. Makes plays at high speeds. Highly skilled. Scoring touch. Good offensive instincts. Unmatched competitive side to his game. Agitator at times. Would be the key piece of EDM offense in the future.

 

5. Calgary Hitmen – Aiden De La Gorgendiere (Yale Prep) – LD/RD – DG Rank: 5

 

Cements the Calgary blue-line for years. Steady two-way puck moving defender. Good poise + first pass. Uses in all aspects of the game. Make good reads. Under rated shot from the point. Strong gap control + awareness. 2^nd best defender in the draft.

 

6. Spokane Chiefs – Jake Neighbours (POE Academy) – F – DG Rank: 10

 

Forward with size + skill. Dangerous threat on the fore check. Controls the puck well. Moves well in and out of traffic. Good vision to recognizes lanes with the puck. Quality O-Zone player.  Adds a lot to a WHL line up.

 

7. Saskatoon Blades – Luke Prokop (POE Academy) – RD – DG Rank: 9

 

Big bodied defender. Plays a smart and simple game. First pass. Uses his stick and body effective to separate man. Steady defensive. Two-way with defensive upside. Reliable in every sense. Good patience with the puck. Going to be a useful + effective WHL defender.

 

8. Swift Current Broncos (Via RD) – Kaden Kohle (Humboldt Broncos) – C – DG Rank: 14

 

Former line-mate of Logan Barlage. Forward with size and skill. Not a lot to pick apart in his game. Under-rated shot. High end hockey sense. Major fit for Swift Current at the spot.

 

9. Brandon Wheat Kings – Seth Jarvis (Rink Prep) – F – DG Rank: 6

 

Dynamic offensive forward. Dangerous speed he uses well on the outside. Good wide drive to the net. Accurate + Heavy wrist shot makes him a threat everywhere in O-Zone. One of the highest ceilings. Moves through the NZ with the puck similar to Marner. Manitoba kid.

 

10. Portland WinterHawks – Kyle Crnkovic (POE Academy) – RW/LW – DG Rank: 8

 

Smaller dynamic winger. Unbelievable foot speed. High skilled with the puck. Consistently creating scoring chance. Works well with better players. Good offensive tool-set. Strong edge work  Portland continues with the skill drafting.

 

11. Saskatoon Blades (Via VIC) – Ozzy Weisblatt (Calgary Bisons) – F – DG Rank: 15

 

Skilled playmaking forward. Works well in tight areas. Very good edge work. Drives the offense of his line. Good vision with the puck on the perimeter. Elusive. Finds a way to make himself a passing option. If you can get a full commitment he fits here.

 

12. Swift Current Broncos – Logan Dowhaniuk (Camrose Red Wings) – LD- DG Rank: 26

 

A complete two-way defender. Big shot from the point. PP Quarterback. Quick decision making with the puck. Good first pass from deep in his own zone. Calm presence. Fine tooling in his game would make him a top defender.

 

13. Tri City Americans – Ryan Watson (Delta Prep) – LD – DG Rank: 17

 

Two-way defender. Good puck distributor. Versatile in every sense. Steady defensively. Moves well on the blue line. Awareness to break up passing lanes. Good poise with the puck. Big defensive addition to TC.

 

14. Prince Albert Raiders (Via KEL) – Payton Mount (Delta Prep) – C/RW – DG Rank: 11

 

Sturdy + skilled forward. Good 200 ft game. High intensity in all three zones. High compete level + Physical side to his game. Control the puck well. Deadly on the rush. Will be a threat on the rush + forecheck.

 

15. Moose Jaw Warriors – Cohner Saleski (Saskatoon Stallions) – C – DG Rank: 22

 

Skill point producing forward. Good hands in traffic. Good speed + deadly on the rush. Quick hands. High intensity + compete. Strong shot off the rush. Focuses on possessed zone entries. Saskatchewan kid.

 

16. Kamloops Blazers – Cole Shepard (Delta Prep) – LW/RW – DG Rank: 12

 

Quick playmaking winger. Outstanding foot work. Makes plays at high speed. Uses his quickness to attack lanes. Constantly moving his feet. Fills lanes well. Under rated shot. Brother drafted in 2015 to Kamloops.

 

17. Lethbridge Hurricanes – Tyson Phare (Yale Prep) – C – DG rank: 18

 

Skilled + Hardworking forward. Shots always through. Rises in big games. Uses his frame well to control the puck. Good 200 ft game – Works hard in all three zones. Loves to attack traffic – utilize his hands. Will be used in all areas for Lethbridge.

 

18. Seattle Thunderbirds – Joel Sexsmith (Rink Prep) – LD – DG Rank: 13

 

Mobile puck moving defender. Good on his edges. Plays with intensity. Good first pass. Works well in transition from D to O. Good lateral movement. Breaks up passing lanes. Help rebuild aging D-Core with Jake Lee.

 

19. Everett Silvertips – Anthony Kehrer (Rink Prep) –RD – DG Rank: 19

 

Strong two-way defender. Contributes offensively. Good mobility up ice. High intensity. Uses skating well to find passing lanes. Crisp tape to tape puck mover. Versatile. Would bring offense to Everett D-core.

 

20. Prince George Cougars – John Little (Shawnigan Lake) – F/D – DG Rank: 24

 

Big versatile + skilled forward. Strong on the puck. Excellent control on the perimeter. Utilized in all areas. Good outside shot. Moves in and out of traffic away from the puck to find ice. Consistently wins 1 on 1 battles. Adds size to a team that loves adding size.

 

21. Medicine Hat Tigers – Anson McMaster (Rocky Mountain Raiders) – RD – DG Rank: 72

 

Lengthy two-way RHD. Under rated him before. Big shot from the point. Strong puck distributor. Closes in quickly. PP Quarterback. Under rated skater. Boxes out in front well. Moves well on the blue line.

 

22. Red Deer (Via REG) – Braden Plaschewsky (Calgary Bison) – C/LW – DG Rank: 23

 

Skilled + Rangy forward. Big shot he gets off well. Accelerates quickly.  Drives a lot of power through his stride. Good edgework. Gritty size to his game. High compete level. Protects the puck well. Sutter would love.

 

 

Round 2

 

23. Kootenay Ice – Ben King (POE Academy) – C – DG Rank: 25

 

Big complete player. Good versatility. Strong skater. Good vision with the puck. Find ice well in the slot. Under rated playmaking abilities. Does a lot on both sides of the puck. Good mix to Kootenay line up + fill a lot of hole.

 

24. Prince Albert Raiders – Trevor Thurston (Delta Prep) – RD – DG Rank: 21

 

Size + Two-way game. Excellent job taking away the stick and boxing out in front. Good first pass. Occasionally jumps up in the rush. Gets his stick in well to break up plays. High potential PA needs to push.

 

25. Vancouver Giants – Kyler Kovich (BWC Bruins) – RW – DG Rank: 34

 

Power forward with skill. Big frame. Physical on the fore check. Powerful stride. Simple and efficient with the puck. Good hockey sense. Good lane recognition. Van City kid.

 

26. Edmonton Oil Kings – Michael Benning (St. Albert Sabres) – RD – DG Rank: 49

 

Two-way defender with good offensive tools. Strong first pass. Good job holding the offensive line. Big – Underutilized shot. Loves to lead the rush. Calm presence on the back end. Uses edges well to find ice under pressure. If you get a full commitment I don’t know how you pass him up.

 

27. Calgary Hitmen – Jordan Borysiuk (POE Academy) – RW – DG Rank: 20

 

Powerful player with a strong outside drive. Uses his strength well to shield the puck. Reads plays well to create turnovers. Makes plays at high speed. Adds size + strong presence on the fore check that Calgary loves.

 

28. Spokane Chiefs – Tanner Brown (POE Academy) – LD – DG Rank: 17

 

Raw two-way defender. Most effective when a part of the rush. Efficient with the puck. Under-rated physical side to his game. Good poise on the backend. Help Spokane’s D-core + could be utilized in all situations.

 

29. Lethbridge Hurricanes (Via SAS)– Ridly Greig (Lethbridge Hawks) – C – DG Rank: 42

 

Dynamic + Shifty forward. Accelerates well.  Good job being decisive with the puck. Strong playmaking abilities. Can make plays at high speed. Moves well through traffic. Strong foot work. Quick hands. Good addition to a skilled team.

 

30. Red Deer Rebels – Ronan Seeley (Red Deer Rebels) – RD – DG Rank: 38

 

Two-way defender with a shutdown side to him. Closes the gap quickly. Good hockey sense. Under rated puck distributor. Jumps up in the rush. Wide + powerful skater. Provorov like. Will be a solid WHL defender.

 

31. Brandon Wheat Kings – Daemon Hunt (Brandon Wheat Kings) – LD –DG Rank: 30

 

Big bodied two-way defender. Calm presence. Good in transition. Closes in quickly and makes a hit. PP Quarterback. Physical side to his game. Under rated skating abilities. Good hockey sense. Brandon kid.

 

32. Brandon Wheat Kings (Via POR) – Ethan Ernst (Notre Dame Hounds) – RW – DG Rank: 33

 

Skilled + Big forward. Good offensive tool set. Works well on the rush. Drives power through his stride. Always looking to attack offensively. Finds lanes well with the puck. Uses his size effectively. Adds size and offense to that line up

 

33. Victoria Royals – Ty Thorpe (Rink Prep) – RW/LW – DG Rank: 27

 

Solid two-way forward who can play a shutdown role. Hockey Sense is there. Playmaking abilities from the perimeter excel. Good lane recognition. Raw prospect. Victoria could turn him into something quality.

 

34. Saskatoon Blades (Via SC) – Kurtis Smythe (Delta Prep) – LD – DG Rank 32

 

Steady two-way defender. Plays a smart and simple game. Good first pass. Holds the blue line well. Good vision from the point. Good lateral movement. Utilizes free ice well. Blades well prepped.

 

35. Tri City Americans – Sebastian Cossa (Fort Saskatchewan Rangers) – G – DG Rank: G 1

 

A 6’3 201lbs goalie. Good job getting low to find the puck. Movement has improved. Smothers the puck well. Anticipates well. Very calm in his crease. Real raw + could be a star goalie one day. TC could use a goalie prospect.

 

36. Kelowna Rockets – Jalen Luypen (OHA Academy) – C/LW – DG Rank: 31

 

Dynamic + skilled playmaking forward. Hardworking player in all three zones. Uses his speed well on the rush. Attacks lanes well. PP Quarterback as a forward. Good hockey sense. Small skilled forward Kelowna usually drafts.

 

37. Vancouver Giants (Via MJ) – Dylan Garand (Delta Prep) – G – DG Rank: G 3

 

Athletic goalie who moves well in his crease. Has been a good last line of defense for Delta. Good job getting out the shots. Tracks well. Stays competitive + never gives up on the puck. Vancouver kid.

 

38. Edmonton Oil Kings (Via KAM) – Brendan Kuny (Sherwood Park) – C – DG Rank: 35

 

Rangy + Skilled two-way forward. Long legs he fully utilizes. Under-rated release on his shot. Consistently makes plays. Recognizes lanes well. Carries his speed well. Good finishing abilities. Edmonton kid who adds offense.

 

39. Lethbridge Hurricanes – Josh Pillar (Sask Valley Vipers) – C – DG Rank: 28

 

Skilled scoring center. Good hockey sense. High intensity in all three zones. Accelerates well and quickly up ice. Scoring touch. Under rated gritty side to him. Moves well through lanes with the puck. Best player available here.

 

40. Seattle Thunderbirds – Noah Boyko (Fort Sask Rangers) – C – DG Rank: 45

 

Crafty shooting forward. Loves to move in and out of traffic. Pushes the puck to the slot to get a hard shot off. Can take over a game. Big kid with a good stride. Loves to have the puck on his stick. Scoring touch. Adds size and skill to Seattle.

 

41. Saskatoon Blades (Via EVE) – Stanley Cooley (Notre Dame Hounds) – F – DG Rank: 29

 

Dynamic + Skilled offensive player. Quick hands + makes plays at high speed. Good speed + Quickness. Excellent release in stride. Elusive with the puck. Best player available here. Sask kid.

 

42. Prince Albert Raiders (Via PG) – Tom Cadieux (Notre Dame Hounds) – RD – DG Rank: 53

 

Two-way RHD. Excellent gap control. Big shot from the point. Good awareness in his own zone. Occassionally jumps in the rush. Good hockey sense. Sask kid who could be similar to Aaron Irving.

 

43. Medicine Hat Tigers – Jack Finley (POE Academy) – C – DG Rank: 39

 

Physical two-way center. Excellent control + vision from the perimeter. Brings size + intensity. Raw player with upside. Good hockey sense. Helps Med Hat immensely if he fills out.

 

44. Everett Silvertips (Via REG) – Peyton McKenzie (OHA Edmonton) – C – DG Rank: 36

 

Dynamic offensive forward. Attacks with speed. Good hands in close. Confident + creative with the puck. Good job getting shots off in traffic. High offensive intensity. Brings scoring + offense to future Everett squad.

 

Round 3

 

45. Kootenay Ice – Noah Danielson (Red Deer Rebels) – C – DG Rank: 48

 

Quick offensive goal scorer. Good offensive instincts. Highly competitive.  Attacks the net with speed. Skilled + Speed. Good release he gets off well in traffic. Finishing abilities. Could compliment Krebs on the wing well.

 

46. Prince Albert Raiders – Owen Pederson (OHA Edmonton) – F – DG Rank: 59

 

Big playmaking forward. Size + Skill. Good hands in tight. Good hockey sense. Uses his range effectively. Attacks the tri-angle well. Adapts well to the change of pace. Going to be a force deep in the O-zone.

 

47. Vancouver Giants – Gabriel Shipley (Delta Prep) – RD – DG Rank: 66

 

Steady stay at home defender. Good gap control. Size + defensively aware. Calm presence on the back end. Under-rated edgework. Simple player with the puck. Clears the front of the net well. Adds strong defensive play + size to back end.

 

48. Edmonton Oil Kings – Raphael Pelletier (Fort Sask Rangers) – C – DG Rank: 51

 

Quick + strong puck handling center. Attacks lanes well. Good job maintaining speed through the NZ. Good hockey sense. Strong edge work. Works hard in all three zones. Good outside vision. Add skill + intensity to future Oil Kings.

 

49. Regina Pats (Via CAL) – Davin Griffin (Regina Monarchs) – C – DG Rank: 43

 

Skilled + Speedy center. Good acceleration. Hockey sense is there. Strong shot in stride. Effective on the rush. Creative with the puck. Breakaway speed. Will be a key piece of what is expect to be a future rebuild in Regina.

 

50. Red Deer Rebels (Via SPO) – Ty Yoder (Camrose Red Wings) – F – DG Rank: 69

 

Sharpshooting forward. Efficient shooter. Uses stick + smarts well to create turnovers. Threat coming down on the rush. Finds soft areas well. Strong vision with the puck. Consistently creates opportunity. Long shot but could be an effective scorer for Red Deer.

 

51. Everett Silvertips (Via SAS) – Nic Porchetta (Delta Prep) – C – DG Rank: 51

 

Hardworking two-way center. Strong defensive awareness in all three zones. Good foot speed. Supports well + deep in his own zone. Good versatility. Reads turnovers well + creates scoring opportunities. Will be an effective WHL forward who can be used in all situations and thrive.

 

52. Tri-City Americans (Via RD) – Jakob Brook (Rink Prep) – RW – DG Rank: 37

 

Lengthy scoring winger. Consistently creates scoring chance. Raw prospect. Works well around the net. Uses his range effectively. High offensive intensity. Adds length and a future net front presence.

 

53. Victoria Royals (Via BDN) – Garin Bjorklund (Calgary Bisons) – G – DG Rank: G 2

 

Big goalie who takes up a lot of the net. Butterfly style. Tracks the puck well. Good movement in his crease. Really takes away the bottom half of the net. Excellent poise in big games. Good goalie prospect that’s hard to pass up.

 

54. Brandon Wheat Kings (Via POR) – Ryan Helliwell (BWC Bruins) – LD – DG Rank: 7

 

Two-way defender who loves to lead the rush. Physically dominant at this age. Drives a lot of power through his stride. Steady + good gap control. Crisp tape to tape passer. Uses his body well to drive through lanes. PP Quarterback. Big shot from the point. Notre Dame committed but worth the risk here.

 

55. Victoria Royals – Cameron McDonald (Yale Prep) – F – DG Rank: 41

 

Small hardworking forward. Creative with the puck + never gives up on the play. Good hands. Uses his intensity + stick to create turnovers. Very quick up ice. Good finishing abilities. Competes hard. Player I personally like + could be solid WHLer along-side a playmaker.

 

56. Swift Current Broncos – Reed Jacobson (Swift Current Kabos) – C – DG Rank: 44

 

Two-way playmaking forward. Good offensive abilities. Works hard in all three zones. Strong on the draws. Quality at both ends of the ice. Utilized in all areas + situations. Puts himself in good position. Good vision. Swift Current kid who can’t see them passing up on here.

 

57. Brandon Wheat Kings (Via TC) – Nolan Ritchie (Brandon Wheat Kings) – F – DG Rank: 58

 

Small playmaking forward. Good speed + hands. Strong patience with the puck. Doesn’t shy away from the gritty side. Fills lanes well. Finds soft areas of the ice well. Good hockey sense. Brandon kid who could be a solid top six playmaker.

 

58. Prince Albert Raiders (Via KEL) – Dallon Melin (Camrose Wings) – RW/LW – DG Rank: 62

 

Big bodied winger with good puck skills. Uses his body well to create space for himself. Strong off the cycle. Works well in tight. Controls the puck well on the perimeters. Opens up well to the ice to make him an option. Passive with possessed zone entries. Brings size + skill to PA. Will be a strong player.

 

59. Moose Jaw Warriors – Jace Isley (OHA Edmonton) – F/D – DG Rank: 78

 

Versatile + skilled player. Personally think he’s better as a D. Offensively minded player. Effective on the rush. Strong on the power-play. Good lane recognition. Mobile on the back end. Bring skill + good offensive abilities to Moose Jaw. Would like to see him be a full time offensive LHD.

 

60. Kamloops Blazers – Krz Plummer (POE Academy) – RW/LW – DG Rank: 63

 

Well-developed forward with good size. Uses his body well to shield the puck. Consistently on the body. Dangerous forecheck presence. Good intensity. Uses his body effectively. Smooth hands. Kamloops will add size + someone who could be a good future bottom six forward.

 

61. Vancouver Giants (Via LET) – Alex Thacker (Fort Sask Rangers) – RW/LW – DG Rank: 57

 

Small playmaking winger. Good visions + recognizes passing lanes. Real strong playmaking abilities. Strong on his inside edges. Competes hard. Dangerous below that goal line with the puck. Takes good angles to create turnovers. Pass first mentality. Good poise defensively. Will be a good complimentary forward to a scorer.

 

62. Prince Albert Raiders (Via SEA) – Jackson Berezowski (Yorkton) – F/D- DG Rank: 104

 

Strong two-way player. Utilized in all areas + situations. Uses his size effectively. Calm player + good poise. Smooth skater. See’s the ice well. Versatile. Consistently creates scoring chances. Sask kid who is under rated.

 

63. Spokane Chiefs (Via EVE) – Ethan Rowland (Calgary North-Stars) – C – DG Rank: 46

 

Speedy hardworking center. Makes plays at high speeds. Find soft areas well. Carries the puck well through the NZ. Quick hands he uses well on the rush. Dynamic. High intensity. Relentless on the forecheck. Makes good reads. Explosive first three strides. Adds speed to Spokane. Will be good if his game translates to WHL well.

 

64. Prince George Cougars – Jacob Gendron (Prince George Cougars) – RD – DG Rank: 61

 

Raw two-way defender. Good size + speed. Under-rated shot. Moves well on the blue line. Uses his feet well to get the puck out. Competes hard + versatile. PG kid. Could see them also going with Connor Wetsch here.

 

65. Medicine Hat Tigers – Kadyn Chabot (Lethbridge Hawks) – C – DG Rank: 60

 

Powerful dynamic center. Moves well through traffic. Physical side to his game. Attacks with speed. Strong on his edges. Under rated shot on the rush. First man in on the forecheck. Good offensive instincts. Adds skill + physicality to Medicine Hat offense.

 

66. Calgary Hitmen (Via REG)- Tyler Horstmann (Delta Prep) – RW – DG Rank: 47

 

Wide two-way winger with offensive upside. Moves well with the puck. Likes to force the puck to the middle of the ice. Rolls off hits well. Good versatility. Good hockey sense. Brings size + versatility to Calgary middle six.

 

 

Could see slipping in right now: James Bohn (POE), Austin Spiridakis (St. Albert), Connor Wetsch (NSWC), Davis Frank (Yale), Jackson Berry (Rocky Mountain), Jack Zayat (Calgary), Ayden Manningway (Rink), Cole Dubinsky (OHA EDM), Braydon Clark (POE),