Jun 15 Rick Springhetti's 2011 NHL Entry Draft Top 60 picks Part 3 (16-31)

In the third of a series of articles focusing on the NHL draft, Mckeen’s scout and reporter Rick Springhetti continues his rankings of the top 60 prospects for this year’s draft. Today’s focus is on players he has ranked from 16 to 31.

30- Tomas Jurco (RW) Saint John

A little more was expected offensively of Jurco but with Saint John having such a stacked lineup, he didn’t get the same offensive opportunities that other draft eligible forwards may have gotten. Nonetheless, Jurco has great hands, he’s hard to knock off the puck when he’s moving his feet and he’s a lot more powerful than some think. His defensive play needs improvement as does his intensity and hockey sense, especially in the neutral zone.

29- Stefan Noesen (RW) Plymouth

Like a lot of todays NHL players, Noesen is not from a traditional hockey market. Born in Texas, he has a great work ethic both offensively and defensively, uses his size well and his shot while not very hard, usually hits the net. He brings a physical element to his game but doesn’t take himself out of position to do so. The main thing for him is to work on his skating ability, which is not too bad although his first few steps could be better.

28- Nikita Kucherov (RW) Russia

For a lot of people, Kucherov made a name for himself at the world under 18 championships where he managed to pick-up 11 goals and 10 assists in only 7 games for team Russia but in fact, he has also produced an impressive 53 points in only 35 games in the Russian Junior league. Kucherov is a very shifty skater with good speed, his hands are quick and he can release his shot without warning.

27- Ty Rattie (RW) Portland

A big-time point producer, Rattie has the uncanny ability to always be near scoring opportunities. He has soft hands that he can use to shoot and pass, he’s very smart in the offensive zone in terms of making himself open and he is not afraid to go towards the crease but he has to get bigger and a little quicker on his feet to help compensate for his size.

26- Victor Rask (Centre) Leksand Swe-1-

Seen as a possible top 5 pick at the start of the season, Rask has had a somewhat difficult season and was called out by his coach a few times during the season. A skilled centre, Rask has the ability to pass the puck efficiently on either side of him, shows good peripheral vision and handles the puck smoothly. His skating speed is average but he does have good balance. He tends to play too much in the perimeters though and has to show more of a willingness to commit defensively at times.

25- Connor Murphy (Defense) USNTDP

Murphy is one of the hardest players to project and to some, a risk as he’s played very little hockey in the last few seasons due to a rash of injuries, most notably two serious back injuries that have really hurt his development. What is really impressive in his case is that although he’s played so little, his hockey sense is very developed. He can make a good breakout pass and his shot is hard and to the net. His skating is still suspect especially his pivots and backwards. Positionally, he is sound and is effective at cutting the passing lanes.

24- Nicklas Jensen (RW) Oshawa

Born in Denmark, Jensen started the season slowly but really took off during the second half of the season. He’s an average skater who can pass the puck well and has a solid wrist shot that he is using more often as he gains experience. Does fine defensively but still have to work on position and anticipation.

23- Mark Scheifele (Centre) Barrie

Scheifele has faced a lot of challenges this year playing on a very bad Barrie team but has still managed to rack-up 75 points in 66 games even if he was matched-up against opponents best players. A very smart player, Scheifele sees the ice well and has superior passing ability. His defensive game and commitment is very good and he has a strong work ethic. Biggest issue with him is his skating, which is not very quick and his turns are especially wide.

22-Joel Armia (RW) Finland

If a team is willing to be patient, they may have something special in Joel Armia. At 6’3”, 190 lbs, he has some filling out to do but he’s a decent skater with a nasty shot on net. His puck skills are very good and he knows exactly how to get open in the offensive zone. He still has to improve his defensive game but that will come with time.

21- Joe Morrow (Defense) Seattle

Flying a little under the radar in my opinion, Morrow is a defenseman who does a lot of things well. He is good skater, makes a solid first pass has a real hard slap shot from the point and doesn’t mind the physical aspect of the game. He doesn’t have the vision to move the puck up the ice on his own, but he understands his limits well and plays within them.

20- Vladislav Namestnikov (Centre) London

As one of the more cerebral draft eligible players, Namestnikov has an acute understanding of both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. He’s a good passer who shows flashes of real creativity with the puck and can see options all over the ice. His skating is average right now but should really improve has he gets stronger, something that he needs to do to be able to fully take advantage of all his skills.

19- Rocco Grimaldi (Centre) USNTDP

Obviously undersized at 5’6”, 163 lbs, Grimaldi is a dynamic offensive talent. He’s a good skater with very good first-step quickness and his wrist shot is hard with a lot of movement. Strong on the puck and a blessed with quick hands, he gives opponents fits especially when carrying the puck in the offensive zone. Defensively, he’s no slouch either as he always seems to get to the puck quickly. Due to his size, has trouble winning battles in the corners and has a hard time establishing body position around the crease but his the rest of his game has a lot to offer.

18- Matt Puempel (LW) Peterborough

Near the opposing net is where Puempel really displays his abilities. Blessed with a great slap shot and wrist shot, he is able to get both off very quickly and with practically no warning. He also has a strong backhand that he uses often with good results. His peripheral vision is solid and he can dish the puck to a teammate effectively. Defensively, his effort level is very inconsistent and there are worries that he’s not shown much improvement this year compared to last.

17- Oscar Klefbom (Defense) Farjstad Swe-1

Klefbom won’t wow anyone with flashy but he is effective. At 6’4”, 200 lbs, he has good size but he’s not an overly aggressive player although he does have the strength needed to clear the crease.  His straight-ahead skating is very good for a big man as he’s able to gain speed fairly quickly. He’s usually able to keep his shot low creating rebound or deflections.  A tireless worker, he’s regularly a team leader and go-to guy for his coaching staff. His on-ice vision still has to improve as well as his pivots and backwards skating.

16- J.T Miller (Centre/RW) USNDTP

Not one to play finesse game, Miller is one of the more aggressive players available at this year’s draft. Constantly in opponent’s faces, he is not hesitant to go in traffic areas and loves to initiate contact. His passing skills are underrated as well as his shot. While not an especially fast skater, he is hard to knock off the puck. On top of it all, he is reliable defensively and willing to come back to support his defensemen. May not produce as much offense at the next level but he could be the kind of player that can make the difference in tight games.

Rick Springhetti has been QJMHL scout for Mckeen’s hockey for the last 3 seasons and has also contributed scouting reports for prospects all over the world. For more information on Mckeen’s hockey visit http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/. Rick can be reached at rick1042@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter : @rick1042