Portland Winterhawks
By far the most intriguing class of players drafted, Portland drafted basically a bunch of high risk, high reward type of players. They drafted five Americans and two highly rumored college commits. With the guys who we do believe will show for Portland, they added speed and skill over size this year. I really like what they did with their picks even if none of the players come. In total they have 13 picks, in which if all the players commit, they could have the best class out of all the teams this year.
1st Round Selection
Seth Jarvis (11th Overall) – One of the most raw players in the draft, Jarvis is a dynamic under-sized forward with a strong outside drive and good lower body strength. He has been compared by DraftGeek to a stronger Mitch Marner in the way he attacks through the neutral zone. He has a cannon of a shot and lacks no skill. Highest ceiling in the draft if everything pans out.
Notable Picks
Ryan Helliwell (55th Overall) – The most physically dominant player in this draft class, Helliwell is a commit to Notre Dame but could come to the WHL. Helliwell is a well-rounded two-way defender who can be mobile and run a PP. He has a load of strength and quickness. Helliwell is a top 15 pick in this year’s class if he committed to the WHL and someone to really watch in the coming years if you’re a fan of hockey.
Ethan Edwards (165th Overall) – A real Jake Bean comparable, Edwards is a versatile under sized mobile player who has really come on this past season. Edwards won’t need to grow a lot to be an effective WHL player, we believe if he can reach 5’7-5’8 he will be in a good position to play at a higher level. Edwards is just such a smart player and the angles he takes really stand out. Love the pick for the reward aspect of it.
Ethan Leyer (204th Overall) – At a point last season, Leyer was the most efficient scorer in the AMBHL with his offensive instincts and ability to find soft areas. Leyer has breakaway speed and is someone we felt should have gone higher in the draft. He has the potential to be a real solid complimentary scorer to a good playmaker at the WHL level.
Chase Yoder (231st Overall) – Our second highest ranked American ’02, Yoder is a strong skating playmaker who shows quickness. He was a point per game player at the U16 level and showed dominance at times. Rumor is he wants to play for USNDTP someday and will likely go there, but don’t count out Johnson to try to bring this stud in.
Conclusion
Portland really went for the long ball in this draft. We didn’t mention names like Dante Giannuzzi or Tyson Kozak who are real solid Canadians who will need to improve minor things to become WHL players. Guys like Cross Hanas, Robbie Fromm-Delorme, Jackson Nieuwendyk or Chase Yoder are solid players coming out of American teams who may not commit but have high ceilings. Definitely a class to watch for in future years and could turn around a potential WHL Championship someday.
