Hawks draft recap

2014-07-23

Round 1, 7th Overall, William Nylander, 5'11 170lbs, RW/C, MODO (SEL)

Assets:	Like his father, Michael Nylander, he has excellent playmaking skills. However, he's also a better skater than his dad and should score more goals, too. Can play either wing position, as well as center.
Flaws:	Is undersized for the National Hockey League game, so he must continue to get stronger in order to maximize his scoring output at the highest level. Also, he must work on his play without the puck.
Career Potential:	Dynamic, versatile playmaker with big upside.

An elite offensive talent, likely the most skilled player in the entire draft Nylander has top line upside and the potential to become a 90+ point producer. Also having 2 years of pro hockey under his belt he is more NHL ready than most prospects. Ranked the 2nd best player overall by the Hawks and acquired on draft day for Brandon Gormley. NHL Comparable: Patrick Kane

Round 1, 28th Overall, Roland Mckeown, 6'1 195lbs, D, Kingston (OHL)

Assets:	Does a little bit of everything reasonably well, including puck movement, physical play and point production. He doesn't really have any glaring weaknesses in his game.
Flaws:	His best assets are also his biggest flaws, since he doesn't have any one quality that truly stands out. Also, he doesn't own ideal size for a big-league defenseman.
Career Potential:	Solid all-round defenseman with some upside.

An extremely well rounded player with top notch skating ability, Mckeown was one of only 3 96 born players to be invited to Canada's world junior final camp. Considered by management to be the 2nd best defenceman in the '14 draft. NHL Comparable: Dan Hamhuis

Round 2, 44th Overall, Jayce Hawyrluk, 5'10 190lbs, W, Brandon (WHL)

Assets:	Is considered an agitator who can be a true shift disturber, but he is also capable of producing offense at lower levels. Does a lot of the little things to help his team win.
Flaws:	The jury is still out on his ability to play an offensive role at the highest level, so he may be reduced to a bottom-six forward role in the NHL. Also needs to limit the bad penalties.
Career Potential:	Quality agitating forward with some upside.

A player who always finds away to be involved in the game, very noticeable every time you watch him play. Good progression and became much more explosive as the season went on, rose to the occasion in big games. Hawks were shocked he was available at 44 and were thrilled to land him. NHL Comparable: Brad Marchand

Round 3, 74th Overall, Andreas Athansiou, LW, 6'2 200lbs, Barrie (OHL)

Assets:	Has blazing speed and a plus shot, possesses a good sized frame and excellent goal scoring ability. His size and skating prowess grant him the opportunity to contribute in a number of roles on a hockey team.
Flaws:	Not a physical player, and needs work away from the puck. At this point is a pure sniper who will live and die by his offensive contributions.
Career Potential:	Speedy goal scoring winger with upside.

Undrafted last season Athansiou enjoyed a breakout campaign in the OHL using his dynamic speed to be a dominant force. Players who combine his size with elite skating ability are few and far between, may be the steal of the draft. NHL Comparable: James Van Riemsdyk

Round 3, 81st Overall, Brayden Point, 5'10 160 lbs, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Assets:	Generates solid offensive numbers, due to good offensive skills and loads of drive and determination. Is fairly feisty and unafraid of getting his nose dirty to win battles.
Flaws:	Is small by National Hockey League standards, so he must get stronger and prove he can continue to play with plenty of grit at the highest level. Also, he's only an average skater.
Career Potential:	Diminutive but talented point producer with upside.

A player who has done nothing but produce at every level. A first round talent if he was 6 feet tall, he plays bigger than his size and produced at an elite level in the WHL. Chicago was thrilled to add a player with his upside in the 3rd round. NHL Comparable: Tyler Johnson

Round 4, 104th Overall, Patrik Bartosak, 6'1 187lbs, G, Red Deer (WHL)

Assets:	Didn't take very long to get acclimated to the North American game, so his development is advanced and has been smooth. Boasts a projectable (6-1) frame for a goaltender.
Flaws:	Needs to add more strength to be better able to become a 60-plus game netminder in the pro ranks (and also to avoid injury) in order to maximize his puck-stopping potential.
Career Potential:	Talented goaltender with upside.

In a soft draft for Goalies the Hawks plucked this gem late. All he has done since coming to North America is stop pucks, taking Canadian Major Junior Goalie of the year honours in 2012-13. He has the upside to be a high end NHL starter. NHL Comparable: Cam Ward

Round 4, 108th Overall, Tomas Nosek, 6'1 180lbs, LW, Pardubice (CZE)

Assets:	Owns projectable NHL size and excellent playmaking ability. Is fairly responsible in his own end, as well. Can be an asset on special teams. Is also a capable goal-scorer.
Flaws:	Must add more bulk and become significantly stronger in order to maximize his scoring output at the highest level. Also, he needs to prove he can withstand the NHL's more physical style.
Career Potential:	Talented playmaker with upside.

A late bloomer who dominated a league of men last season, Nosek is an all around performer who projects to be a top 6 forward, but would also be valuable in a checking role. NHL Comparable: Loui Eriksson

Round 4, 112th Overall, Andrew Copp, 6'1 188lbs, C, Michigan (NCAA)

Assets:	Already polished in both ends, projectable frame and strong on the boards. Has a bit of upside in the goal scorng department
Flaws:	Not an elite skater, may be limited to a bottom six role in the NHL.
Career Potential:	Checking center with a bit of upside

Copp had a coming out part of sorts at the world junior where he was one of the best players for the Americans centering their most effective line. A 200 foot player, he can develop into an invaluable piece for a winning team. NHL Comparable: Chris Kelly

Round 5, 122nd Overall, Henri Ikonen, 6'0 198lbs LW/C, Kingston (OHL)

Assets:	An excellent playmaker who already has a sturdy frame. Also a very good two way player who is responsible in his own end. Willing to go to the dirty areas.
Flaws:	Not a physical player, and not an elite skater. It remains to be seen whether he will produce offensively at the highest level
Career Potential:	Two-way forward with upside.

Another potential late round gem, Ikonen was a big part of Finland's world junior gold. He projects as a versatile two-way forward who can play a variety of roles for a hockey club. NHL Comparable: Lauri Korpikoski

Round 5, 134th Overall, Will Butcher, 5'11 201lbs, D, U. Denver (NCAA)

Assets:	An excellent skater and puck mover, makes a crisp first pass. Can contribute on the power play, and also generally makes the simple play in his own end. Though short is strongly built.
Flaws:	Undersized for the defense position at the highest level. May struggle with big forwards down low. Capable of greater offensive numbers given his skill set.
Career Potential:	Puck moving defenceman with upside.

Striking again late the Hawks added the talented Butcher to an already deep stable of defenceman. A great puck mover who could develop into a 40+ point defenceman. NHL Comparable: Kevin Shattenkirk

Round 5, 142nd Overall, Aaron Haydon, 6'3 197lbs, D, Niagara (OHL)

Assets:	A big-framed blueliner, he has a physical dimension and nasty streak that tough NHL teams like. Is also a good skater, which bodes well for his shutdown potential.
Flaws:	Won't be a factor on the power play moving forward (as a penalty-killer, yes). Needs to continue to add mass to maximize his shutdown upside. Must limit the bad penalties.
Career Potential:	Physical shutdown defenseman with a little upside.

Players at this position who have size and can skate don't typically find their way into the 5th round. A project, but certainly worth a late round flyer. NHL Comparable: Adam Mcquaid.

Round 5, 148th Overall, Jaccob Slavin, 6'3 175lbs, D, Colorado College (NCAA)

Assets:	A good skater who plays a reliable, poised game in his own end. Keeps things simple and avoids mistakes, has a projectable frame and shutdown upside.
Flaws:	Despite strong puck moving ability he is not a huge offensive threat. Could stand to play a bit more physical game to keep forwards honest.
Career Potential:	Smooth shut down defenceman with upside

Smooth and reliable are the best words to describe Slavin's game. Size and skating ability are trademarks of the Chicago blueline, and Slavin should fit right in. NHL Comparable: Nick Schultz

Darren Males

Love the scouting reports, your additional info AND the comparables. Excellent

Hawks draft recap
Nylander, Mckeown headline 2014 class

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Nico Gruner very nice todd.

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