NHL Draft 2013’s Early Prospects
Regardless of whether we have an NHL season this year, the 2013 Draft will be held late June in Newark, New Jersey, and seeing as there’s not too much else to talk about right now this is a quick run down on guys earmarked to hear their name in and around the top 5, even at this early stage in the scouting cycle.
Should there be no season, to determine the draft order we would endure a repeat of the lottery protocol used in 2005 that ended up being dubbed the “Crosby Sweepstake”. This time around it will probably receive a title based around our first potential draftee, who’s story bares a stark resemblance to No. 87…
Nathan MacKinnon – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) – Center
Born in the same town, attended the same school, MacKinnon has had the burden of being banded around as the new Sid for many years now but has still torn his way up through the age groups. Dynamic skating ability sets him apart from his peers though he has added grittier parts to his game as well to become an extremely effective player in all aspects. So far this year for Halifax he’s put up 16 goals and 25 points in 14 games, if he continues in that vain he will go number one.
Seth Jones – Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – Defenseman
Stand out defenseman, probably the best American junior since Patrick Kane and certainly a threat to go first if a team with defensive needs is on the clock. The son of former NBA player Popeye Jones, he’s physically imposing and a great athlete but possesses the complete skill set too. Put simply, Jones seems to have every upside in the book which is why scouts are raving about him. After spending a couple of years with the US development program this is his first season in juniors but he’s had a typically strong start.
Alexander Barkov – Tampala (Fin) – Center/Wing
Barkov is Finnish born but his Russian father has hockey playing pedigree which has had a massive impact on his development. A potent combination of flair and size, he was fast tracked in to the SM-liiga at the age of 16 and managed the step up comfortably by virtue of that large frame. More recent prospect rankings show Barkov rising to prominence and I think he could emerge as a clear third choice by the season’s conclusion.
Sean Monahan – Ottawa 67’s (OHL) – Center/Wing
Monahan looks like he’ll just be a really solid, reliable pick at the top of the order by virtue of his work ethic and two-way play style. A classic well round center is always going to be an asset and that is why teams won’t have to think twice about selecting him. The 67’s are having a rough season so far in the OHL, but Monahan is still producing with 16 points in 12 games.
Elias Lindholm – Brynas (Swe) – Center
Noticeably, more so than each of the 3 other forwards I’ve mentioned, Lindholm’s effectiveness is founded in his playmaking abilities rather than finding the net. An intelligent, unselfish player that can both see the pass and provide it, a classic “makes others around him better” if you will. He also had a hockey playing parent with pro credentials, sensing a pattern?
A lot could change over the course of the coming season for these players that could seem them drop down draft boards. Scouts from all 30 teams will be following them and many other juniors religiously to completely analyse their game and decide whether they will fit their franchise.
Should Nate MacKinnon justify the media hype the pressure will be on from fans and sponsors alike to take him with the first pick and at this point that looks the likely outcome. Let’s just hope the draft order is determined by hockey rather than luck.
