NHL Draft: Post Combine Thoughts

So, the NHL Combine was very fruitful. The prospects were as anxious to talk to the media as we were with them. As a result, they were very relaxed, and it made for some great content all around. Throughout the day, you learn things about who was interviewed by a particular team, and here were some of my key findings.

The Philadelphia Flyers could pick Matt Savoie with the fifth overall selection. If one of Simon Nemec or David Jiricek is there, they could go that route too. Neither were at the combine. They and many other teams spoke to Savoie. He is fast, has a great hockey I.Q. can play center or wing, and he’s strong for his size. He talks like a coach. He didn’t work out because of a shoulder injury. He’s been able to score around 20 goals at even strength this season, and the Flyers need more of those players. At the CHL testing before the Top Prospects Game, Savoie was first in every category that involved skating with the puck beating Shane Wright.

Ryan Chesley is a fast-skating two-way defenseman who shined at the NTDP. Chesley is a right-handed defenseman, and he models his game after Ryan McDonagh and Jacob Slavin. Could Tampa draft him? Sure, but they have a lot of needs. If Chesley slips too late in the first round or early in the second round, then he will be in their range. They have a second, and they may trade Vincent Trocheck’s rights, and that’s where the draft positioning could begin to try and land this player who is an obvious fit.

Isaac Howard is a “hungry” goal scorer. His words. He’s fast and can break open a game with a rush play to the net. Plus, he has a deadly wrist shot. This NTDP star said his Winnipeg meeting went well and then covered with they all were good. Kevin Cheveldayoff has always drafted American players so that’s why I asked. The Jets need goal-scoring too, so Howard would be a natural fit and a great selection at 14.

Around Full Press Hockey

NHL: Barry Trotz Could Be The Perfect Solution To What Ails The Flyers

NHL Rumors: NHL Rumors: Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks

NHL: Patrice Bergeron Not Ready To Discuss Future Following Game Seven Loss

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers Defense Starting to Look Formidable

MLB: Feast or Famine: Tigers Seek Offensive Consistency

PODCAST: Full Press Hockey Weekly: Ep 28: NHL Draft Lottery; Stanley Cup; Islanders Coaching Situation

Digging a Bit Deeper Into The 2022 NHL Draft

Ty Nelson is a 5-10 defenseman who once broke a puck. He tried to keep the fragments, but a referee did instead. His legs are like tree trunks and he’s smart as a whip. He will go in the 19-25 range and that means teams like the Los Angeles Kings, who he spoke with by phone had interest along with the Leafs.

Marek Hejduk plays right wing and left wing for the NTDP, and he’s been getting better and better the last two seasons that I’ve viewed him live. Hejduk is the son of Milan but doesn’t have the seriously high-end talent his dad did. However, the speed and strength are there, and he’s committed to Harvard. The prospect said his best interview was with the Avalanche. I can see Joe Sakic announcing his name in the middle of the draft.

Filip Mesar is a talented Slovak forward who can play wing or center. I can see him as a winger because he’s skilled with the puck. He’s a creative player who can score or set up a play. He flat out said the Coyotes were his best interview, and I can envision them drafting him with one of their second-round picks and then bringing him in to play in the AHL with the roadrunners.

The draft is still weeks away, and there is a lot to sift through between now and then.