Greetings all! I’m back one more time with a pre-draft Q & A. This time, we’ll be speaking with Associate Senior Writer and Prospect Expert at The Hockey News, Ryan Kennedy.
Read on to learn Ryan’s thoughts on the Blue Jackets, the draft, and other higher profile prospects.
The CBJ seemingly need to restock their depth at defense. Of the top two dmen that they could choose at 8, (Provorov/Werenski) who would you choose if you were the GM? Regardless of position who would you take at 8
Based on what scouts are telling me, Provorov has a slight edge because of his physical game and his hockey mind. Some even like him up there with Hanifin.
Lake Erie fans will get a full season of Sonny Milano next year. After picking up five assists in 10 games in Springfield, what kind of impact do you see him having in Lake Erie?
I think he could be a great offensive driver for that team. Keep in mind, he played against older competition when he was with the NTDP, so he should be good for a plum scoring role.
The Jackets hold the 34th pick in the draft, if a player rated in the first round were to slip that far, who might it be?
I could see Daniel Sprong falling out of the first round, even though he has a boatload of skill. Another player in the first-round conversation is Brandon Carlo. I have him as an early second-rounder, so depending on who you ask, he might “slip.”
Who do you see being the steal of this draft or is there a prospect that no one is talking about that could go higher than expected?
Erik Foley from Cedar Rapids is a personal favorite. He’s headed to Providence College and plays the game with speed and grit. I think he has opened a lot of eyes recently, so it will interesting to see how high he goes and how he ends up doing as a pro.
Is there one of those “hate to play against him love to play with him” type players in this years draft?
Not in the true agitator mould, like a Brendan Lemieux, but D-man Nicolas Meloche is nasty to play against.
William “Wild Bill” Karlsson picked up 2 points in 3 games with Columbus but had 0 in 15 with Springfield. Is that cause for concern in your mind? Any thoughts why his production dried up?
Some players do better when their line mates are better. The AHL may be a great league, but the passes aren’t as crisp and the defense isn’t always as heads-up as in the NHL.
There seems to be little buzz regarding European players this draft. Is McEichel overshadowing them or is it a down year for players from across the pond?
It is a down year for Europe, especially since Oliver Kylington didn’t have the season any of us (including himself) expected. Which is not to say that he won’t turn things around next year, but in terms of high picks, we’re looking at Mikko Rantanen as the first from a Euro club to go off the board.
Mitch Vande Sompel played both forward and defense for the Memorial Cup champs. Where does he line up in the NHL? Will it depend on the team that drafts him?
It may depend on the team, yeah. He played more defense for the Gens than forward this year, so I consider him a d-man right now, but obviously he has that capability.
Jack Roslovic is a local Columbus boy who has seen his draft stock rise quite quickly. Where do you think he ends up in the draft and would the Jackets be wise to take him if he is available at 34?
If the Jackets could get Roslovic at 34, that would be great for them. Local talent is always a nice bonus for teams and with him going to Miami next year, fans can keep tabs on him. Plus, he’s a really good player.
After a pretty bad rookie pro season, Oscar Dansk has gone back to Sweden to play for Rogle. how do you think this will affect his development? Is Dansk showing he may not be an NHL player short or long term?
It’s not looking good right now, that’s for sure. Dansk needs to rediscover his game and if going home helps the process, then good on him. Luckily the Jackets have some other options in the pipeline, but it has been quite the fall from grace for Dansk.
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